Home News Columnists Riverwatch - Mort Smith

Riverwatch: Des's painful memories

Des Davidson from Shepperton has contacted me about my description of the activities of the Upper Thames Patrol, a branch of the Home Guard during the Second World War that was given the responsibility of defending the locks, weirs and bridges on the river. Read

Riverwatch: How we defended the Thames from Hitler

Des Davidson from Shepperton has contacted me about my column describing the activities of the Upper Thames Patrol. Read

Riverwatch: Arch rivals on the river

Hundreds of thousands of people cross them every year in cars, on cycles and on foot and they are a vital part of our day-today lives. Read

Riverwatch: A bridge to your heart

Hundreds of thousands of people cross them every year in cars, on cycles and on foot and they are a vital part of our day-to-day lives. Read

Riverwatch: Out-of-season delights

I love this time of year on the river. It doesn't really matter whether it's a bright, crisp autumn day or a dull, misty morning, the Thames has its own very special moods. Read

Riverwatch: Moods of the Thames

I love this time of year on the river. It doesn't really matter whether it's a bright, crisp autumn day or a dull, misty morning, the Thames has its own very special moods. Read

Riverwatch: Dunkirk reunion

If you happen to be wandering along beside the river this weekend, you may see a wonderful collection of classic boats chugging past as the Association of Dunkirk Little Ships (ADLS) veterans' cruise winds its stately way from Kingston to Shepperton. Read

Riverwatch: Get behind the club that's risen from the ashes

There are lots of good causes looking for your support throughout the year but one I believe deserves special mention is the third annual River Festival staged by the Weybridge Mariners' Club (WMC) - a cruiser club based on the lock island at Shepperton. Read

Riverwatch: Gift craft is a run a'wey' success

It's strange how things happen sometimes, isn't it? Read

Riverwatch: The dongola mystery explained!

One of the sporting and social highlights of summer on our reaches of the Thames will shortly be upon us – Sunbury Amateur Regatta. Read

Riverwatch: Islands in the stream

There's always been something very appealing about the idea of living on an island for me. Read

Riverwatch: Actor takes lead in campaign

Further to my recent coverage of the Environment Agency's desire to sell off several of the lock-keeper's cottages in our area, I'm delighted to report that there is potentially some good news. Read

Riverwatch: River's graveyard for boats

I dreamed of having my own boat for years before I could finally afford one. Read

Riverwatch: Jenny's happy to be at the helm

Being a woman in a man's world is never easy - but when the 'world' is that of boats and things nautical, it presents an even bigger difficulty. Read

Riverwatch: Time To Clean Up Our Act

It's quite astounding how much junk there is in the River Thames. Read

Riverwatch: Keeping an eagle eye out for birds

Three cheers for the River Thames Guide, the website that provides a comprehensive information service about all things to do with the Thames, which is launching a project aimed at encouraging youngsters to get involved with bird-watching along the length of the river. Read

Riverwatch: Rainbow chasing

When Sam Dawson 's father, Ronald, died in 2003 at the age of 74 from a stroke it changed his son's life completely. Read

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