River Thames Page

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were cut and installed for the mitre on the lock floor. Thankfully, the work solved the problem and the lock is now back in water. We are keeping our fingers crossed the lock will be used as water levels are low thanks to the very dry winter, spring and summer. Cream tea trips are planned for Fridays along with the usual weekend cruises.

Free Heritage Open Days Walk, Sunday September 18th, 2.30pm

As part of the national scheme to celebrate our fantastic history and culture, the Wey & Arun Canal Trust is holding a guided history walk from its information centre in Shalford, near Bramley. The 5km walk will take you on a journey through the canal’s history, from its very beginnings to where we are now and the next steps in restoration, with some fascinating stories about the characters that created the canal. For more details and to register, please go to www.weyarun.org.uk .

Future Events

Boat trips schedule Boat trips may be suspended due to low water levels. Please contact the Trust for up to date information. Bookings are online at www.weyandarun.co.uk. For general information on the work of the Trust, please telephone our Northern Office on 01483 505566, or visit www.weyandarun.co.uk

River Thames News

As our Region Chair, Verna, has indicated the River Thames is still experiencing problems with overhanging trees, waterpoints, pump outs, etc. along with low water levels. On our recent trip from Walton on Thames to Abingdon, (which included the three very hot days in July!), we talked to many of the Lock Keepers about water levels and were advised that restrictions would be coming in, especially above Abingdon. One boater we spoke to had to be exceedingly careful coming across the meadows at Oxford as he had less than 30 cms to spare We experienced an interesting spectacle going

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through Boulters Lock at Maidenhead. The lower lock gates quite obviously need some work as they don’t open fully. Behind us coming into the lock were two tugs with barges. The barges only just fit in the lock. But to get into the lock they have to use the crane on the first tug to lift one of the gates out of the way so they can get in! They’ve been doing that for over a year…..!

It was interesting to see the number of swimmers, paddleboarders etc. who seemed to have no idea which side of the river they should be on, and in the case of swimmers how difficult it could be for boaters to see them in the water if they weren’t using bright floats. Brown hair on brown water doesn’t mix. We did point it to some of them!

Another bugbear in Himalayan Balsam – Some areas are clear but there are places where is prevalent, like the entrance to Windsor Racecourse Marina. Considering how invasive it is I am surprised landowners, Councils and EA are not working together, perhaps with volunteers, to eradicate it. I think floating pennywort is also starting to appear around Walton on Thames. There seemed to be a huge clump of it behind a moored boat!

On the bright side – as we were waiting to go into Sonning Lock, the Swan Uppers were coming through. A great sight in all their regalia. Swan upping is the traditional way of checking swans and, especially, cygnets. The number and health of the cygnets is checked and they are ringed to show who they belong to – the Queen, Vintners or Dyers. This takes place annually during the third week of July, over five days. The Queen's, Vintners' and the Dyers' respective swan uppers row up the river in skiffs, etc. from Sunbury to Abingdon.

Photo: Weedtec uk