Thursday 12 March 2015
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Wednesday 12 December 2012
Tuesday 14 July 2009
EXHIBITION DATES
Finally we have the dates organised for Sue's exhibition:
Friday 11th September 12.00 noon - 9.00pm
Saturday 12th September 11.00am - 6.00pm
and due to public demand
Sunday 13th September 11.00am - 3.00pm
The venue is:
Roehampton University
Froebel College
School of Education (Lulham Building, Room 050)
Roehampton Lane, SW15 5PJ.
There is plenty of parking at the venue.
To plan your journey by public transport please click on the Transport for London link below.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Friday 11th September 12.00 noon - 9.00pm
Saturday 12th September 11.00am - 6.00pm
and due to public demand
Sunday 13th September 11.00am - 3.00pm
The venue is:
Roehampton University
Froebel College
School of Education (Lulham Building, Room 050)
Roehampton Lane, SW15 5PJ.
There is plenty of parking at the venue.
To plan your journey by public transport please click on the Transport for London link below.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Saturday 23 May 2009
WE DID IT!
Delighted to say we arrived at the Barrier this afternoon. Fabulous weather, lovely company on the walk from Greenwich and a welcome party on arrival. What more could we ask.Thank you to everyone who has supported us.
We now have to work on getting our memories written down, Sue has to frame her paintings and catch up on some commissions and I have to sort all the photographs into something!
Sue's exhibition date is next to set and we shall let you know as soon as possible.
See you there.
Sue and Pamela
Friday 22 May 2009
Instant Update!
The cafe at the Thames Barrier will be open and they are expecting us! Sue's niece, Elizabeth, sorted it out for us. We can go inside the cafe if we buy tea, coffee etc but they do not have a licence so any alcohol brought will have to be consumed outside. And, as I said below somewhere, there is always the pub............
Thursday 22nd May
If any of you want to join us tomorrow, we shall be at Greenwich at 10.30 and will meet on the riverfront where Gypsy Moth used to be. Think it is easy to find. And we shall be arriving at the Barrier around 1pm. The signs say it is a four and a half mile walk (although I measured it a slightly less from the maps!! )
Cannot believe it will be over tomorrow. What on earth shall we do then!!
Pamela and Sue
Wednesday 20 May 2009
Wed 20 May
Albert Bridge was looking slightly duller this morning with the grey clouds around, but still beautiful. And the wind finally dropped to a brisk breeze.
First part of the walk was through Battersea Park, around Battersea Power Station and along varying parts of the river path, ranging from newish blocks of apartments to industrial sites. Amongst them we found gems with houseboats and the lovely St. Mary's Church.
We had lunch on a barge restaurant moored just below Lambeth Bridge, with a wonderful view of the Houses of Parliament.
It was almost a shock to go under Westminster Bridge to be faced with hords of people, the wheel, ice cream vans, street entertainment - you name it! But it was fabulous. Everyone having such a lovely time. We meandered along the South Bank taking it all in - even did a bit of "beach" walking. And now the sun was shining by way of a bonus. Sue managed several sketches and pen and ink drawings, having found a medium to work with in this big city!!
We finished at London Bridge, an easy point for me to get home and for Sue to go to her "digs" for the night.
As ever, we are looking forward to what tomorrow brings.
Pamela and Sue
PS We have been doing some research about facilities at the Barrier. We have no idea if the cafe will be open as it seems impossible to get in touch with anyone there. My brother even paid a personal visit. It was all shut. So, if the sun is shining, we can use their cafe tables which are outside. If the weather is poor, we can go to the Anchor and Hope public house (2 Riverside Walk, Anchor and Hope Lane, SE7 7SS) which looks a possible place to scurry to if need be. Just ten minutes walk from the barrier, back towards Greenwich. Indeed this may be a better option and we will check it out on the way.
First part of the walk was through Battersea Park, around Battersea Power Station and along varying parts of the river path, ranging from newish blocks of apartments to industrial sites. Amongst them we found gems with houseboats and the lovely St. Mary's Church.
We had lunch on a barge restaurant moored just below Lambeth Bridge, with a wonderful view of the Houses of Parliament.
It was almost a shock to go under Westminster Bridge to be faced with hords of people, the wheel, ice cream vans, street entertainment - you name it! But it was fabulous. Everyone having such a lovely time. We meandered along the South Bank taking it all in - even did a bit of "beach" walking. And now the sun was shining by way of a bonus. Sue managed several sketches and pen and ink drawings, having found a medium to work with in this big city!!
We finished at London Bridge, an easy point for me to get home and for Sue to go to her "digs" for the night.
As ever, we are looking forward to what tomorrow brings.
Pamela and Sue
PS We have been doing some research about facilities at the Barrier. We have no idea if the cafe will be open as it seems impossible to get in touch with anyone there. My brother even paid a personal visit. It was all shut. So, if the sun is shining, we can use their cafe tables which are outside. If the weather is poor, we can go to the Anchor and Hope public house (2 Riverside Walk, Anchor and Hope Lane, SE7 7SS) which looks a possible place to scurry to if need be. Just ten minutes walk from the barrier, back towards Greenwich. Indeed this may be a better option and we will check it out on the way.
Tuesday 19 May 2009
Tuesday 19th May
We woke to rain but fortunately, we missed the worst, with just a shower around Putney. Still the wind is there. For how long do these winds normally blow, we wonder?
Ali and Mike from Humber Keel Reliance of York came with us from Mortlake, peeling off at Hammersmith where Sue did a drawing of the bridge - a daunting task for someone like me who does not attempt to draw. Reliance is moored at Chiswick Pier and we had fine views of her across the river. (Reliance is for sale if any of you fancy living in Chiswick on a fine boat!).
The path and approach to Putney is very lovely and Wandsworth Park which followed, has the most glorious trees. The Path actually took us across a quick corner of the big roundabout at Wandsworth, which was a bit of a shock, but we were quickly back to the river. Many of the new buildings are sympathetically designed and the walk ways were empty when we passed through. Strangely, in spite of being in meadows just a few days ago and dreading coming into London, it is all still rather beautiful.
By the time we reached the fabulous Albert Bridge, the sun was shining and the sky clear blue. This is where I left Sue today, with friends in their flat overlooking the bridge. I shall be back to meet up with her tomorrow and we are not quite sure where we shall get to tomorrow - there is so much to see!
Ali and Mike from Humber Keel Reliance of York came with us from Mortlake, peeling off at Hammersmith where Sue did a drawing of the bridge - a daunting task for someone like me who does not attempt to draw. Reliance is moored at Chiswick Pier and we had fine views of her across the river. (Reliance is for sale if any of you fancy living in Chiswick on a fine boat!).
The path and approach to Putney is very lovely and Wandsworth Park which followed, has the most glorious trees. The Path actually took us across a quick corner of the big roundabout at Wandsworth, which was a bit of a shock, but we were quickly back to the river. Many of the new buildings are sympathetically designed and the walk ways were empty when we passed through. Strangely, in spite of being in meadows just a few days ago and dreading coming into London, it is all still rather beautiful.
By the time we reached the fabulous Albert Bridge, the sun was shining and the sky clear blue. This is where I left Sue today, with friends in their flat overlooking the bridge. I shall be back to meet up with her tomorrow and we are not quite sure where we shall get to tomorrow - there is so much to see!
Monday 18 May 2009
Monday 18th May
Thank you, Miranda, for posting some pictures. It was lovely to meet the Mayor Elect today and we wish her well tomorrow and for the wedding.
The walk today from Teddington to Mortlake was really lovely and we were once more in the welcome company of Andree. We voted to take the south bank route which was tow path all the way. The tide was low so the river offered very different views from above Teddington. The wind is still with us, which is helping to colour our faces and hands, but still makes us feel rather battered by the end of the day.
And the end of our day was at The Ship on the river at Mortlake where a gathering of friends and supporters was there to greet us. Thanks for coming, everyone!
From Teddington to Greenwich there is a Thames Path on each side of the river. My thought is that once we have made the trip to the Barrier, we turn, take the tunnel under the river at Greenwich and go back to Teddington on the opposite bank. Then we won't miss anything. And then there is the matter of which is the REAL source............. Might have to go back and walk to the beginning of the Isis. And then.....................
Pamela and Sue
The walk today from Teddington to Mortlake was really lovely and we were once more in the welcome company of Andree. We voted to take the south bank route which was tow path all the way. The tide was low so the river offered very different views from above Teddington. The wind is still with us, which is helping to colour our faces and hands, but still makes us feel rather battered by the end of the day.
And the end of our day was at The Ship on the river at Mortlake where a gathering of friends and supporters was there to greet us. Thanks for coming, everyone!
From Teddington to Greenwich there is a Thames Path on each side of the river. My thought is that once we have made the trip to the Barrier, we turn, take the tunnel under the river at Greenwich and go back to Teddington on the opposite bank. Then we won't miss anything. And then there is the matter of which is the REAL source............. Might have to go back and walk to the beginning of the Isis. And then.....................
Pamela and Sue
Monday 18 May
And here they are at Richmond with Mayor Elect Cllr Celia Hodges - I think she would have joined them had it not been for the Mayor Making tomorrow and her daughter's wedding next weekend!Good luck with the rest of the walk.
Mirandaxx
Saturday 16 May
Here's Sue at the Half Mile Tree at Ham.I had a lovely walk with Sue and Pamela from Hampton Court to Teddington on Saturday. Though this part of the river is Venturer's local patch and I know it well, it was interesting to see (what is for me) the less familiar view from the towpath. At Teddington the fresh water Thames and tidal river meet, it's a magical place especially at high water, when the weir is quietened by the high tide. I envy Sue and Pamela's journey, seeing the young river grow and develop. From here down stream they'll see the Thames mature into a more muscular river as it makes its way through the City and reaches out to sea. I can't wait to see all Sue's paintings and Pamela's photographs. What a treat that will be!
Now I know why they're covering the ground so quickly - they've got longer legs than me!
Mirandaxx
Sunday 17 May 2009
Sunday 17th May
A good choice for a day off. It has rained all morning! Sue is actually at her cousin's place in Richmond working on a commission of the river from their window. And I am trying to catch up with various things.
On Friday, Ali and brother Willy joined us for a second day from Staines. The wind was blowing straight at them for most of the way and they left us from the Anglers in Walton. We stoically continued, hoping to get to Hampton Court but the weather and tiredness overtook us and we called Edward to come and get us in the dinghy when we were adjacent with our mooring in Sunbury.
Yesterday we were up again, bright and breezy, and across the river in the dinghy to continue to Hampton Court where we were met by Miranda at the lock office. After a welcome cup of coffee, we set off for Teddington. Unfortunately the wind made it virtually impossible for Sue to stop to paint so we soldiered on and had a lovely late lunch in Kingston. We made a quick visit to Venturer where Sue managed a pen and ink drawing. On the walk to Teddington, we were met by long time friends, Karen and Richard, looking tanned and relaxed having just returned from Italy, dumped their things and raced out to meet us!! What dedication. And, of course, this provided a lift home where we were delighted to provide a meal, prepared by Edwardl.
What a fun time we are having!
Tomorrow, Monday 13th, we have arranged a rendezvous at the Ship in Mortlake. We expect to arrive around 5/6pm so if any of you would like to join us, we would love to see you.
Tuesday 14th we shall be going from Mortlake to the Battersea area. Wednesday, Thursday, Friday will be from Battersea to Greenwich. It is difficult for us to say now exactly where we shall be so please check in on this blog.
What we do know is that we shall leave Greenwich at around 10.30/11am on Saturday 23rd and walk the short distance to the Barrier, arriving around a late lunch sort of time! Anyone there with a paper cup and a drink will make us a party! Do come.
xx Sue and Pamela
On Friday, Ali and brother Willy joined us for a second day from Staines. The wind was blowing straight at them for most of the way and they left us from the Anglers in Walton. We stoically continued, hoping to get to Hampton Court but the weather and tiredness overtook us and we called Edward to come and get us in the dinghy when we were adjacent with our mooring in Sunbury.
Yesterday we were up again, bright and breezy, and across the river in the dinghy to continue to Hampton Court where we were met by Miranda at the lock office. After a welcome cup of coffee, we set off for Teddington. Unfortunately the wind made it virtually impossible for Sue to stop to paint so we soldiered on and had a lovely late lunch in Kingston. We made a quick visit to Venturer where Sue managed a pen and ink drawing. On the walk to Teddington, we were met by long time friends, Karen and Richard, looking tanned and relaxed having just returned from Italy, dumped their things and raced out to meet us!! What dedication. And, of course, this provided a lift home where we were delighted to provide a meal, prepared by Edwardl.
What a fun time we are having!
Tomorrow, Monday 13th, we have arranged a rendezvous at the Ship in Mortlake. We expect to arrive around 5/6pm so if any of you would like to join us, we would love to see you.
Tuesday 14th we shall be going from Mortlake to the Battersea area. Wednesday, Thursday, Friday will be from Battersea to Greenwich. It is difficult for us to say now exactly where we shall be so please check in on this blog.
What we do know is that we shall leave Greenwich at around 10.30/11am on Saturday 23rd and walk the short distance to the Barrier, arriving around a late lunch sort of time! Anyone there with a paper cup and a drink will make us a party! Do come.
xx Sue and Pamela
Thursday 14 May 2009
Thursday 14th May
We have reached Staines and Angelus is snug against Daybreak on Church Island.
On Monday 11th, we were at Marlow and Sue was to do a painting of Baglady but the weather was awful, mainly because of the high wind. We had a wonderful walk, though, to Cookham and then up to the house at Clivedon. This is not on the official Path but we didn't want to miss an opportunity and, by the afternoon, the sun was shining in a bright blue sky. We were not disappointed, reaching the house through a stunning beech wood. Diana Grant was with us that day and her husband, Chris, kindly picked us up from Cookham to drive us back to their mooring and to Angelus, alongside. The Grants also provided a splendid evening meal.
Also, Angelus will not be following us any more. She will return to our mooring in Sunbury and from then on, we shall be commuting or staying with friends. On Saturday we shall walk from Hampton Court to Teddington and Miranda (from the Boat Project) is joining us. Sunday we are snatching a day of rest, a reward for getting along so well! Which puts us back on the schedule for Teddington to Kew on Monday 18th.
From Teddington the Path could be either side of the river so we have some swatting to do - and, no, we will not be taking a side each!
And, as we walk, we do remember that Miranda and her team are taking kids out on the Venturer and trying to give them a small taste of this wonderful river. We have met some lovely people along the route. When we stop along the way we always prop up our sign explaining what we are doing and it often attracts interest - and cash into the tin!
And now that we are back in the land of electricity, you may get to see a photo on this blog at last! But not tonight.
Pamela, Sue and Edward
On Monday 11th, we were at Marlow and Sue was to do a painting of Baglady but the weather was awful, mainly because of the high wind. We had a wonderful walk, though, to Cookham and then up to the house at Clivedon. This is not on the official Path but we didn't want to miss an opportunity and, by the afternoon, the sun was shining in a bright blue sky. We were not disappointed, reaching the house through a stunning beech wood. Diana Grant was with us that day and her husband, Chris, kindly picked us up from Cookham to drive us back to their mooring and to Angelus, alongside. The Grants also provided a splendid evening meal.
After a lift back to Cookham the following morning, Sue and I visited the Stanley Spencer gallery and then made that wonderful walk to Clivedon Deep and ultimately Boulter's lock, where we explored Ray Mill island. Edward then picked us up on Angelus and we went back to "our" island in Clivedon reach and had a sparkling sunny afternoon there with a bit of a sunset to top it all off.
On Wednesday 13th, it was a grey, misty, damp day - made sunny by having Sally Woodward's company. Sally works as a volunteer on the Venturer (as well as being a long time friend) and bravely did the walk from Boulter's to Windsor having recently had a knee operation. Unfortunately for her, we did not have any painting pauses because the weather was horrible!
We walked today from Windsor in the company of Ali Taylor and her brother Willy. They brought along their inflatable double canoe and Ali even had an intentional swim at one point! They also brought a wonderful lunch, including wine, which we enjoyed at Runnymeade. So, back to Staines where Sue is painting as I type, her fourth one today! We arrived back at around 4.30pm and Edward had made scones for a cream tea. This is the life!
The walk today was lovely, as ever, but we are very aware that we are about to embark on "stage three" of the Thames Path. Our book tells us that tomorrow, we shall see the last of our buttercup meadows. And the places we now pass are much more familiar to us.Also, Angelus will not be following us any more. She will return to our mooring in Sunbury and from then on, we shall be commuting or staying with friends. On Saturday we shall walk from Hampton Court to Teddington and Miranda (from the Boat Project) is joining us. Sunday we are snatching a day of rest, a reward for getting along so well! Which puts us back on the schedule for Teddington to Kew on Monday 18th.
From Teddington the Path could be either side of the river so we have some swatting to do - and, no, we will not be taking a side each!
And, as we walk, we do remember that Miranda and her team are taking kids out on the Venturer and trying to give them a small taste of this wonderful river. We have met some lovely people along the route. When we stop along the way we always prop up our sign explaining what we are doing and it often attracts interest - and cash into the tin!
And now that we are back in the land of electricity, you may get to see a photo on this blog at last! But not tonight.
Pamela, Sue and Edward
Monday 11 May 2009
Monday 11th May
Finally on line! We have been trying every day so this will be quick before I lose the signal again!
We are in Marlow. We arrived yesterday late afternoon after a splendid walk from Henley. It was a lovely sunny day and the wind had dropped, at last. The walk was made in the fine company of Sue's cousin Ian and his wife Marjorie, themselves keen ramblers.
Before they arrived at Angelus yesterday, Sue's lovely friend Elaine had turned up with her daughter Jess and friend Paulette, and they brought a wonderful breakfast, including champagne - to celebrate being just over half way on the Walk!
Some people are asking if there will be a celebration when we get to the Barrier on Saturday 23rd May. We hope so! A group of people with paper cups and champagne will make a party, so even if there isn't a suitable venue, we shall do something.
Last night we had dinner on board Angelus with Sue and Roy Farman. They are the couple who lent us their house in Lechlade way back at the beginning of this marathon. They run a four star hotel boat and four day guests left from here yesterday. Today a couple are joining them for a three day trip. If any of you fancy some time in a barge on this wonderful river, we can highly recommend them. Do look them up on www.hotelboatbaglady.co.uk.
This evening we shall be staying on the Cookham reach, which is not far away. However, we shall be straying from the path for a bit to go up to Clivedon House which gives such fine views of the river. Also a visit to Stanley Spencer's gallery would be good. Tomorrow we want to spend on the islands in the Clivedon Reach. I know it's not far from here, but it is a favourite spot for many boaters and walkers alike and we hope it will offer inspiration for Sue to paint there.
Pamela, Sue and Edward
We are in Marlow. We arrived yesterday late afternoon after a splendid walk from Henley. It was a lovely sunny day and the wind had dropped, at last. The walk was made in the fine company of Sue's cousin Ian and his wife Marjorie, themselves keen ramblers.
Before they arrived at Angelus yesterday, Sue's lovely friend Elaine had turned up with her daughter Jess and friend Paulette, and they brought a wonderful breakfast, including champagne - to celebrate being just over half way on the Walk!
Some people are asking if there will be a celebration when we get to the Barrier on Saturday 23rd May. We hope so! A group of people with paper cups and champagne will make a party, so even if there isn't a suitable venue, we shall do something.
Last night we had dinner on board Angelus with Sue and Roy Farman. They are the couple who lent us their house in Lechlade way back at the beginning of this marathon. They run a four star hotel boat and four day guests left from here yesterday. Today a couple are joining them for a three day trip. If any of you fancy some time in a barge on this wonderful river, we can highly recommend them. Do look them up on www.hotelboatbaglady.co.uk.
This evening we shall be staying on the Cookham reach, which is not far away. However, we shall be straying from the path for a bit to go up to Clivedon House which gives such fine views of the river. Also a visit to Stanley Spencer's gallery would be good. Tomorrow we want to spend on the islands in the Clivedon Reach. I know it's not far from here, but it is a favourite spot for many boaters and walkers alike and we hope it will offer inspiration for Sue to paint there.
Pamela, Sue and Edward
Thursday 7 May 2009
Thursday 7th May
The grey, windy weather is not assisting Sue with her painting but, you will be glad to know, she is still creating some wonderful work. The Walk continues at our pace and we are currently at Medmenham Lock and so thankful that we have our home, Angelus, with us. Thank you Edward for being there for us. How Sue would have fulfilled this dream without our trusty captain is a question to ponder!!!
Tomorrow we shall be in Reading and have heaps of things to catch up on so shall not continue the walk proper until Saturday. We shall get to Henley for Saturday evening. All our timings depend on the artist, Sue, and where she picks to stop to paint. When we do stop, we create interest with passers by and often collect a pound or two! We continue to meet real characters along our way. We realise what a rather insular experience we are having. No radio or television. Admittedly we had noise from a railway today but otherwise, all is quiet and peace. By the time we get to London we shall need ear defenders!
We hear daily of the wonderful things the Boat Project is doing for various groups of people. It is good to be reminded of why Sue thought to do this walk.
If you can't join us to walk, it would be lovely to hear from you along our way. Please feel free to get in touch or to visit Angelus if you see her moored up along our journey. We have some of Sue's current art work on board should you want to have a look!
Pamela, Sue and Edward
Tomorrow we shall be in Reading and have heaps of things to catch up on so shall not continue the walk proper until Saturday. We shall get to Henley for Saturday evening. All our timings depend on the artist, Sue, and where she picks to stop to paint. When we do stop, we create interest with passers by and often collect a pound or two! We continue to meet real characters along our way. We realise what a rather insular experience we are having. No radio or television. Admittedly we had noise from a railway today but otherwise, all is quiet and peace. By the time we get to London we shall need ear defenders!
We hear daily of the wonderful things the Boat Project is doing for various groups of people. It is good to be reminded of why Sue thought to do this walk.
If you can't join us to walk, it would be lovely to hear from you along our way. Please feel free to get in touch or to visit Angelus if you see her moored up along our journey. We have some of Sue's current art work on board should you want to have a look!
Pamela, Sue and Edward
Tuesday 5 May 2009
Tuesday 5th May
Last night we were at Days Lock near Dorchester on Thames and unable to get on to the internet with our "dongle". Yesterday we walked from Abingdon, when we were joined by friends, Andree and Chris, for part of the walk. It was a dreary day and the wind was cold but we learned a lot from Chris about trees, birds and computers! He has painstakingly written out how to get photographs on to this blog so I shall have a go - tomorrow!!
We have made it to Wallingford today in Angelus, having walked to Benson where Sue has stayed for the evening with friends. Tomorrow I shall take the bus back to Benson so as to cross the weir there with Sue. She has a fear of weirs and I don't much like walking through fields of cows (well, bulls, really) so we look after each other. Tomorrow we shall make it to Goring.
Perhaps I should take this opportunity to give you a rough schedule. So far we have managed to stick to it so this should be correct.
Thursday 7th we should be in the Beale Park/Mapledurham area.
Friday 8th, Reading.
Saturday 9th, ending up in Henley.
Sunday 10th, staying in Marlow
Monday 11th, alongside friends in Cookham
Tuesday 12th, loafing about in the Clivedon Reach, hopefully staying on the islands
Wednesday 13th heading for Windsor
Thursday 14th, alongside pals in Wraysbury
Friday 15th, at our mooring in Sunbury.
At this point, Angelus may decide to stay at home!
Sat 16th to Kingston
Sun 17th Richmond
Mon 18th Kew
Tues 19th Wandsworth
Wed 20th Westminster
Thurs 21st Tower Bridge
Fri 22nd Greenwich
and Saturday 23rd the final walk ending up at the Barrier.
Now you know so do contact us and join in if you want.
Pamela, Sue and Edward
We have made it to Wallingford today in Angelus, having walked to Benson where Sue has stayed for the evening with friends. Tomorrow I shall take the bus back to Benson so as to cross the weir there with Sue. She has a fear of weirs and I don't much like walking through fields of cows (well, bulls, really) so we look after each other. Tomorrow we shall make it to Goring.
Perhaps I should take this opportunity to give you a rough schedule. So far we have managed to stick to it so this should be correct.
Thursday 7th we should be in the Beale Park/Mapledurham area.
Friday 8th, Reading.
Saturday 9th, ending up in Henley.
Sunday 10th, staying in Marlow
Monday 11th, alongside friends in Cookham
Tuesday 12th, loafing about in the Clivedon Reach, hopefully staying on the islands
Wednesday 13th heading for Windsor
Thursday 14th, alongside pals in Wraysbury
Friday 15th, at our mooring in Sunbury.
At this point, Angelus may decide to stay at home!
Sat 16th to Kingston
Sun 17th Richmond
Mon 18th Kew
Tues 19th Wandsworth
Wed 20th Westminster
Thurs 21st Tower Bridge
Fri 22nd Greenwich
and Saturday 23rd the final walk ending up at the Barrier.
Now you know so do contact us and join in if you want.
Pamela, Sue and Edward
Sunday 3 May 2009
Sunday 3rd May
And we are in Abingdon, as planned! Another wonderful day with kindly weather. Our crew who enabled Angelus to be with us, left this morning. They were sad to go, having had a wonderful journey up to Oxford. Janet, Steve and Ruby the dog - we thank you!
Now preparing our evening meal, moored opposite the imposing church, which has entertained us with bell ringing for the last half an hour!
Tomorrow we shall explore Abingdon before setting off again - our destination being a mooring near to Dorchester which we know to be a very pretty town.
We had a donation en route from the lock-keeper's wife at Sandford and gave out leaflets to some lovely people on our way. There are a lot of interested people who simply love the river and will give to anything which encourages it's use. Very pleasing.
Now preparing our evening meal, moored opposite the imposing church, which has entertained us with bell ringing for the last half an hour!
Tomorrow we shall explore Abingdon before setting off again - our destination being a mooring near to Dorchester which we know to be a very pretty town.
We had a donation en route from the lock-keeper's wife at Sandford and gave out leaflets to some lovely people on our way. There are a lot of interested people who simply love the river and will give to anything which encourages it's use. Very pleasing.
Thursday 30 April 2009
Tuesday 28 April 2009
Back on the Path
Thank goodness we shall soon be back on the walk. We are really looking forward to starting again. Edward Burrell is leaving on Angelus tomorrow to get up to Oxford by the weekend and Sue and I will join him on Friday evening, providing he has arrived in time. Boating can be unpredictable!
To celebrate the new beginning we have booked a meal at The Perch at Binsey which we discovered on the last leg of the walk before Easter and we can highly recommend it.
Saturday will be painting in and around Oxford and we shall be back on the Path on Sunday 3rd with the intention of getting to Abingdon.
We would like you to know, by the way, that Winsor and Newton have supplied Sue with all the paint and paper she needs for this project, which is wonderful of them and really helps with the cost of it all!
So, watch this space. Let's hope the weather stays good and we look forward to seeing you all on the Path!
Pamela and Sue
To celebrate the new beginning we have booked a meal at The Perch at Binsey which we discovered on the last leg of the walk before Easter and we can highly recommend it.
Saturday will be painting in and around Oxford and we shall be back on the Path on Sunday 3rd with the intention of getting to Abingdon.
We would like you to know, by the way, that Winsor and Newton have supplied Sue with all the paint and paper she needs for this project, which is wonderful of them and really helps with the cost of it all!
So, watch this space. Let's hope the weather stays good and we look forward to seeing you all on the Path!
Pamela and Sue
Wednesday 8 April 2009
This morning we drove to Bablock Hythe but on the south side of the river, forsaking the Thames Path proper which does not follow the river at this point. And we are very glad we did. Our journey was so beautiful and, in spite of rainfall last night, we had another sunny day. The wind is chill, however, which is hard for Sue when she pauses to paint.
An easy walk today, we finished with tea at David Robson's house in Eynsham!
Tomorrow Julie Fritz is driving to Lechlade to collect all our belongings and then we shall take up the path again from Swinford Bridge into Oxford. There is a bus to take us back to the car and then we return home for Easter and a bit of work!
If you have found the blog, hope you enjoy our journey. We certainly are loving it. And we had a message today from Miranda to say that she was out on Venturer with a boat load of carers, average age just ten years., and that is what this is all about. Many thanks.
An easy walk today, we finished with tea at David Robson's house in Eynsham!
Tomorrow Julie Fritz is driving to Lechlade to collect all our belongings and then we shall take up the path again from Swinford Bridge into Oxford. There is a bus to take us back to the car and then we return home for Easter and a bit of work!
If you have found the blog, hope you enjoy our journey. We certainly are loving it. And we had a message today from Miranda to say that she was out on Venturer with a boat load of carers, average age just ten years., and that is what this is all about. Many thanks.
Tuesday 7 April 2009
We are galloping along! And never want this adventure to end. The Thames is so special - and we can already tell you the bits to miss out along the way, not that there are many. By the end of Thursday 9th we expect to have reached Oxford. Currently, we are up to Bablock Hythe where there has been a river crossing/ford/ferry since 904. Until now. The old ferry is forlon on the bankside - the pub was closed. However, the approach was wonderful. And so far, the weather has been very kind to us.
We have to send thanks to Wayne for getting us here; Sue and Roy Farman for their house in Lechlade and the use of their car. Also their son, James, for helping with the computer and David Robson (DBA nb Nile) who has come out to taxi us from place to place.
The paintings are coming on well. It is all rather exciting! We are looking forward to the next stage when we return to Oxford at the end of April to continue the journey with Angelus.
Thank you for all your support.
Sue and Pamela
We have to send thanks to Wayne for getting us here; Sue and Roy Farman for their house in Lechlade and the use of their car. Also their son, James, for helping with the computer and David Robson (DBA nb Nile) who has come out to taxi us from place to place.
The paintings are coming on well. It is all rather exciting! We are looking forward to the next stage when we return to Oxford at the end of April to continue the journey with Angelus.
Thank you for all your support.
Sue and Pamela
Drawn by the River
Hi I'm Sue (the one on the right) I thought I'd say something about why we're doing the walk. For a long time I've wanted to walk the Thames path and when I discovered it was the River Thames Boat Project's 21st Anniversary this year I thought that now was the time to do it and raise money for the Boat Project. It's a fantastic charity that runs all kinds of activities on the river for children, young people and people with disabilites on board Richmond Venturer, its specially equipped Dutch barge. We're walking the length of the Thames path from the source to the Thames Barrier, a distance of 184 miles, and I'm stopping to sketch and paint along the way to record the journey. This painting is one of the very early ones - it's difficult to believe this young stream will become the strong, muscular river that flows through the heart of London!To find out more about the River Thames Boat Project please go to: http://www.thamesboatproject.org/ or you can donate online at www.justgiving.com/suebaileyriversidewalk
Thursday 2 April 2009
Drawn by the River
You will know that Sue Bailey (the one on the right) is starting the Thames Path Walk this month. In fact, we are setting off tomorrow, 3rd April. I am Pamela (the one on the left), long time friend, and I shall be with Sue for most of the walk, probably to Teddington, although by then I shall probably want to go the full distance! We have a place to stay in Lechlade and will do the upper part of the Thames from there. A friend will take us from Lechlade each morning to the place we left the night before. We shall keep going until Easter when we both have to take an unscheduled break, both for work and personal reasons.On 29th April, we shall resume from Oxford. Edward Burrell (my husband) is taking Dutch Barge Angelus (our home) up to Oxford and will be coming down the river with us, providing B&B and a place to show some of Sue's current paintings. If you see Angelus, do come and take a look! Once the walk is finished, Sue will be organising an exhibition of the work done during the Thames walk and you will all be welcome.
Hopefully we can keep this blog going so that you all know where we are. Things do keep changing a bit and we are expecting weather conditions to interfere along the way. But, if it's a sunny day, and you fancy a day out by the river, come join us!
Thursday 22 January 2009
Welcome
This is the blog of the Richmond Venturer: the journeys and adventures of all who sail on her and support the varied work she does on the Thames. Please add your comments - we'd love to see your postings.
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