Riverwatch: Fitting tribute to a lifesaver

Sep 29 2009 With Mort Smith, Surrey Herald

IT'S NOT often you have the opportunity to remember a courageous deed in a practical way, but Staines Boat Club members have managed it by naming their new rescue boat after a former oarsman who died while saving the life of a fellow crewman.

Alan Choules was just 29 when he was a member of a rowing eight involved in an accident close to Penton Hook Weir on Sunday, April 25, 1971.

The boat broke up and the whole crew was thrown into the water. Alan, who was a local policeman, supported the young cox of the boat, holding his head above water as they were swept towards the weir.

Several witnesses reported that Alan shielded the boy's head as they went through the weir.

He continued to support the boy until two men rowed a boat out and were able to pluck him from the water, but by that time Alan himself had disappeared.

Two other Staines rowers, David Firman and Alan Wickens, also lost their lives in the accident.

Alan's bravery was recognised by a posthumous award from the Royal Humane Society and a Carnegie Hero Trust Fund award.

The word tragic is much overused in the media, but this really was a tragic loss of life, underlined by Alan Choules' selfless bravery.

Retiring Staines BC captain Craig Twaddle suggested that the new rescue launch - a sleek catamaran - should be named in Alan's honour and the club committee readily agreed.

So it was that Alan's widow Carol, who now lives in Farnborough, his two daughters, grandchildren and brother Jim, were invited to formally name the boat.

Craig told me: "The family were very pleased to be invited to take part in the ceremony and were very touched that so many past and present members of the boat club came along to watch. It was a fitting tribute to a lovely man."

* * * The Herald & News reported last week that the Environment Agency has announced a public consultation on plans to spend £300million on improving flood defences on our stretch of the Thames.

Measures could include widening Desborough Cut and the creation of three diversion channels to take flood water out of the main river. The channels would run from Datchet to Bell Weir, from Chertsey Road, Staines, to Chertsey Lock and from Chertsey Lock to Shepperton.

A public exhibition of the plans can be seen today (Thursday) at Staines Community Centre and on Tuesday, October 27 in Wraysbury Village Hall. I'd be very interested to hear what you make of them. * If you've got a river-related story, please email me at mortsmith@trinitysouth.co.uk or call 01932 561 111.