ONE man died and dozens more were taken to nearby hospitals after they were discovered in a shipping container last weekend. The container had come across the English Channel from Zeebrugge on board the roro ferry Norstream, arriving at Tilbury at about 6 am. Norstream and her sister vessel Norsky are owned by P&O and make regular crossings between the …
WWI centenary commemorated on the Thames
VESSELS moored along the Thames yesterday commemorated the first shots of World War One a hundred years earlier. As part of a UNESCO initiative, all ships at sea were requested to fly their flags and ensigns at half mast on 28th June and ships moored in harbours were encouraged to blast their horns at 6pm (BST). In Gravesend, the PLA …
New permanent home for Gloriana proposed at Twickenham
A NEW permanent home on the river for the Queen’s Row Barge GLORIANA has been proposed. The vessel was commissioned by former P&O boss and former National Maritime Museum Chairman, Lord Sterling, and launched in 2012 in time for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. Following her starring role in the Thames River Pageant of 2012, she has proven to be a …
Bugsby saved: historic river name to stay
THE PORT of London Authority has announced it will not be proceeding with plans to rename a stretch of the river. It had planned to change the name Bugsby’s Reach – the stretch down the eastern side of the Greenwich Peninsula – to Watermen’s Reach, in honour of the 500th anniversary of an Act of Parliament regulating watermen, wherrymen and …
Iconic cupola returned to Tilbury’s cruise terminal
THE HISTORIC cupola from Tilbury’s cruise terminal has been returned to the top of the local landmark building. The ornate dome structure was taken down towards the end of 2013 as part of a £250,000 restoration project. The cupola has been in place since 1929 and its restoration is being funded by the Port of Tilbury. Jonathan Catton, Thurrock’s Heritage and …
PLA begins consulting on Bugsby’s Reach name change
THE PORT of London Authority has begun consulting on its plans to change the name of Bugsby’s Reach. Bugsby’s Reach is the stretch of the Thames from the tip of the Greenwich Peninsula down its eastern side to Charlton. In recognition of the 500th anniversary of the Waterman’s Company, the PLA proposes to change the name of Bugsby’s Reach to …
Free sailing taster sessions ahead of Greenwich Tall Ships Regatta
THE AHOY Centre in Deptford and the Royal Borough of Greenwich are offering free sailing taster session for young people this April. The sailing sessions will give anyone from the Royal Borough of Greenwich aged between 15-25 the chance to get out on the Thames in a sailing boat. The initiative, delivered by Charlton Athletic Community Trust, comes ahead of …
31 tall ships signed up for Tall Ships Regatta, more expected
OVER thirty tall ships have so far signed up for the Falmouth to Greenwich Tall Ships Regatta that is due to take place next Summer. Some of the vessels that have committed to be on the Thames include: Tenacious Mercedes Ebbtide Merrilyn The Pelican of London Rupel Tecla The Helen Mary R John Laing Councillor Chris Roberts, Leader of the …