Thames Walk for Water

Day 15:The Final Day Tower Bridge to Thames Barrier

2009-04-04T09:36:00.000-07:00

This was the day, the very last day of this momentous walk, the very end was in sight, or was it? After a great evening meal and an even better bed to sleep in the whole team gathered for a hearty breakfast to get set for the day. The Highbury centre is a really good place to stop, with really friendly staff.

We gathered at the Tower Hotel, in the shadow of Tower Bridge. Boy did we gather, there were people coming out of the wood work to join us for this final walk, this was to complete the whole 184 miles. There were cheery smiles and happy faces as we had a slightly delayed start due to difficulties with the transport system.

The day warmed up and a nice cool glass of water would be good.

In the cool of the day we marched off along the side of the river, onward to the Thames Barrier. Now we thought that it was about five miles away and that there was a pub at the end. We might as well tell you now that someone moved the Thames barrier and the pub, or maybe it was the confusing signs add to that the signs later disappeared. But we knew we were going to be okay because someone sent a sign for us.
Now this was the smallest person, look haw big her Kaftan is on her.
After a small stop at what we thought was the halfway point (the barrier was being moved at this time, we they must have moved it) we all set off again safe in the knowledge that we were on the last stretch. And stretch it did, but we made it. For the very little ones this was a bit of an ordeal so they, having done really well went to see Ronald MacDonald for a well earned lunch.

So was it worth doing the walk, the answer is yes, both John and Martyn have done a great job, they did the full length. It was great to see a good turn out at the start for the ‘stroll in the garden’. So is you want to do something really positive, organise your own walk for Turn On the Tap, details at www.turnonthetap.org.uk You’ll have great fun and you will help make a difference to the lives of people in the developing world. You could come to one of the conferences in May and find out how you can make a difference in other way.

One burning question remains, why can’t you get black puddings anywhere along the Thames path route? And why do people wrinkle their noses at the thought, when some consume jellied eels?

Thank you to all who came and supported the team or who sent messages of support and encouragement. Remember this was done for Him whom we serve.

Day 14 Putney to Tower Bridge

2009-04-03T15:53:00.000-07:00

This is the penultimate day, the two heroes are still marching on for Turn On The Tap. It’s almost over one more day to go, just a short one of five miles. There is an air of anticipation at this draws near, as the team can envisage their own bed for the night. Much better than the seven to a room accommodation at the YHA last night. We were treated to a truly international chorus of snoring from round the world. No nation appeared to have mastered this fully, even our friend from Seattle or the chap from Argentina or closer to home from Heyrod.

Thanks to Carol and Sandra for joining us today and giving us new topics on conversation. Much of the morning was spent darting up and down side roads trying to follow the path signs as they dealt with building sites suddenly blocking our route.

Much of the route took us past famous buildings i.e. MI6, Battersea Power Station, Tower Bridge, St Paul's Cathedral, The Globe Theatre etc etc.

Some folk are still not taking it seriously though.
‘Who’s eaten all the pies’? Was the cry outside the Tower of London. The visit to No 10 Downing Street nearly didn’t happen as the security was pretty adamant that our large symbolic post-card was not being allowed in. They did allow us to take in plenty of the small cards to pose with in front of the cameras (and the BBC) and the famous black door did open for us to hand one in.
After much picture taking we had lunch in a park facing the Houses of Parliament along with all the protesters of the Iraq war. Of course John and Martyn, plus others had the easy bit, they didn’t have to battle through the London traffic. With a 17 mile journey taking over two hours and even worse almost back together and two miles took even longer. That’s why this is a bit on the late side today.
Tonight being the final meal together we had an enjoyable time at a local Italian restaurant, sharing our thoughts and funny bits about the experience. Thanks to Barbara and the team, we had some great and very interesting places to stay. See that Des P Rado is still close by.Important thing is we have done this to raise awareness about the need for access to safe water.

Day 13:Teddington to Putney

2009-04-02T09:39:00.000-07:00

Today John and Martyn have reached a time when they really do know that they have walked almost the full length of the Thames. Despite the now noticeable ache in the leg muscles they are determined to carry on, just the two of them, along the long and winding river. What has been really appreciated are those messages of support, which have come in daily. Today, the thirteenth day of this trek has started in the same way, a short time of prayer give this up for God, this is without doubt His project.

Even though we are now walking in busy parts of London and seeing lots of people they don’t seem to want to talk or acknowledge you.
The miles roll by and little changes in the scenery bar the increasing background noise of traffic, oh joy! Now and again something strange appears like the cow on a balcony, an individual sense of humour by the owners. Now after all that parking of vehicles, one deserves a proper rest and a coffee, the scone and bits are just a mirage. Honest! Tonight we are staying in the YHA and it’s different than the one in Oxford in that we are in a dormitory with 5 others and I’m sure Ian will keep everybody awake tonight (pot calling Kettle again!!), even my ear plugs are worn out.

Tomorrow (Friday) the penultimate day, is an early start (09:00 SHARP) from Putney Bridge to Tower Bridge. You’re most welcome to walk with us any or all of the day, you’ll see the team and recognise them from their Turn On The Tap tee shirts.

Day 12:Shepperton to Teddington

2009-04-01T08:38:00.000-07:00

Well the last few days are now approaching and today the sun has got its hat on. This has been a shorter walk, passing some of our rather historical palaces, or should that be places? There is one thing for certain; it’s a quieter day with us than it will be in London.
The team was joined by Sylvia Gatt in the afternoon, it was good for the guys to have company.

Walking is probably the easier of the roles on this event, parking the minibus at the meeting is becoming a Krypton Factor effort and is getting more difficult by the day, likely to be even worse as we get into the capital.

Since it was only 10 miles today we could afford some time to look round Hampton Court and the gardens. All the plants are about 1 month ahead of the north so we will be able to see all the flowers blooming for a second time.

We spotted some green parakeet's nesting in the trees with a young bird in a hole in the trunk.
Even time for a relaxing drink and soak up the sunshine. It’s a hard life but John and I are built for it!

Tomorrow the set off time is again 10.00 from the foot bridge over the Thames at Teddington Lock, and walking to Putney Bridge. If you want to join us on Friday then you’ll need to get out of bed early as the day starts 9 a.m., making its way to Tower Bridge. If you don’t want to do the full day that’s fine, join us at any point, you’ll see who we are, those ruffians with the TOTT tee shirts…

Day 11:Windsor to Shepperton

2009-03-31T13:34:00.000-07:00

Here we are on day 11, starting near to a large council house, waiting for the occupier to bring the tea and scones. Ah well dream on boys. Today like every other day we have been on this trek, we have dedicated to the Lord, this is after all His project and not ours.

Most of the morning it was difficult to have a conversation as the take-off rate from Heathrow airport was about one a minute and flying overhead.
An American was overheard to say “Fancy the Queen building her castle so close to Heathrow airport”
We came across a European owl called Dobbie, we understand he’s not an economic migrant.
Again someone is making light of this walk, no wonder it’s taking 15 days to complete. (please note some of us are waiting for our evening, meal)
Two crabs on the beach and one says to the other “Want an ice-cream?”
“Why not.” Says his friend. So off he goes. With both claws full he sidles back to his friend but the ice-creams start to melt. He takes a lick from one cornet and than the other until both cornets have been eaten.
When he meets his friend he’s asked “Where are the ice-creams?”
“I’ve eaten them” was the reply.
“That’s a bit shellfish!” (A typical Ruth Jones joke)

The end is getting nigh, the walk is tough, of course today took a lot longer than others. Please keep the guys in your prayers. Just remember that this is about those who need access to safe water and you could be part of that solution.

Burning question on the minds of the crew, just when will we find civilisation and above all black pudding on the breakfast plate?

Find out more as to why Turn on the Tap is so important by coming to our conference at Leeds on 9th May or Swindon 16th May. We are really looking forward to being there with you, be a swan and not an ugly ducking….

Day 10:Marlow to Windsor

2009-03-30T09:33:00.000-07:00

Day ten and the guys are really doing well, its probably tougher now than a few days ago, almost like the walk will never end. So please pray for John and Martyn, so that they may gain strength and finish the walk almost as fresh as they started. London is within reach, we hope its still in one piece by the time we get there.
Hey we mustn’t forget to say a big thank you to Riverside Church for the use of their fantastic mini bus,

WOW! It’s so hot it’s been cracking the flags! What a ‘bazzin’ day (apparently a Manchester term) for walking. And the size of some of those houses, we couldn’t even afford to look at them.
Richard Branson sent one of his balloons to see us off this morning which was very considerate of him.

I don’t think one of us is taking this walk seriously enough. But can you spot the difference. You can tell we are getting close to London, not only are the streets paved in gold but the swans lay golden eggs and look at the size of it. Things are tight at SP, so we are having to slum it tonight with our B & B. (move over HRH)

Ian returned from his engagement back in Liverpool, leaving Gordon to return and prepare for Spring Harvest. Now we are a full contingent of Northerners again.
At the start of the walk John said that he was driven to do this walk after meeting Milou, who lives in Kenya and looks after 8 Aids orphans and her elderly mother. It takes her two hours to get 20 litres of water for the ten of them and the water isn’t good. He wants to make a difference for her and the others just like her. Don’t you?

See you tomorrow morning, 10.00 at Windsor?

Day 9: Henley-on-Thames to Marlow

2009-03-29T12:20:00.000-07:00

Day 9: Henley-on-Thames to Marlow
Well no-one forgot about the clocks and the forecast was good. Joining our intrepid duo today Sandra and Alistair Bullen for a leisurely walk of 9 miles.

After a prayer to commit the day to the Lord and to thank him for the sights, sounds and the company the four set off. Sylvia and the ‘minder’ set off to Hurley to park up and find somewhere for lunch. Once parked they walked back towards the start to join the four as they completed the last ¾ hour before lunch.
Llama is the animal for the day but it was very shy and Martyn couldn’t get it to pose for his camera so you will have to use your imagination!

Lunch was had at Hurley Lock in the company of many river users. The afternoon was a very short stroll to Marlow. Now Alistair what was that story about the Steve Redgrave statue standing in the park at today’s finish! Today many people about but no-one signing postcards they were all busy using their own power or that of an engine to navigate the water.
The generosity of those we meet or RVs continues with Doreen and Richard Lisney inviting the two walkers + Sylvia and the ‘minder’ for a very enjoyable evening meal. Thank you.
Monday we start from Marlow the bridge over the Thames near the railway station, Tuesday Windsor Riverside Station, Wednesday is Shepperton, Thursday Teddington, Friday Putney with the grand final Saturday 4th April from the north side of Tower Bridge to the Thames Barrier and that’s only 5 miles! So come on and join at least one of the days.

Day 8: Tilehurst to Henley-onThames

2009-03-28T11:05:00.000-07:00

Day 8: Tilehurst to Henley-on-Thames
DON’T FORGET IF YOU ARE JOINING US ON SUNDAY TO PUT YOUR CLOCKS FORWARD, WE WOULDN’T WANT YOU TO MISS OUT.
One eye on the weather again as the reports show wind from the North West and showers later on. The intrepid duo was joined today by John’s friends Howard and Sean, and then there was the Burlington crew of William Millar, David and Johnny Abbott and Stuart and Simon Barrington.

Guess who ‘complained’ that it was 12 miles today and those joining tomorrow had only 9 miles to complete? Oh and of course there was the ‘mad man’ Dave Vann who decided that he would carry 15kg of water ‘just to see what it is like’
Before we start John and Martyn receive press attention in the form of a photographer from the Evening Echo. Before he joined us at the start Dave had been on a local radio programme explaining what the walk was about.
Most men have an interest in miniature train sets and may have one in the loft. This house has taken that hobby one stage further and has had a train line plus station built into the grounds. Whilst we didn’t see the train the lines and the station building are evident.
Dinner today was in an interesting location and very quiet, a church graveyard!
The weather forecasters were wrong again, a good day was had by all. A short shower saw Dave trying to get his waterproofs on but it had stopped before he managed to get them out of his rucksack.

Don’t forget we start each day at 10am. Sunday’s starting point is Henley-on-Thames railway station; it is one of the shorter walks at only 9 miles so why not join us. Monday we start from Marlow Railway station, Tuesday Windsor Riverside Station Wednesday is Shepperton, Thursday Teddington, Friday Putney with the grand final Saturday 4th April from the north side of Tower Bridge to the Thames Barrier and that’s only 5 miles! So come on and join at least one of the days.

2009-03-27T13:57:00.000-07:00

Day 7 Wallingford to Tilehurst

Another grey and windy day was predicted by the Met office and I’m glad to say they got it wrong, it was beautiful! It was a day of contrasts as far as the scenery was concerned with rolling fields and wooded hill climbs.

At one point we thought we had strayed onto the River Nile when we came across this house of Grand Designs, very Egyptian!

Keeping the animal theme going we saw an elephant and a very fine beast it was.

Towards the end of the walk we met Francis who had been talking to our new ‘minder’ Gordon McCann because of the t-shirt he had been wearing. He invited us back to his place for a drink of tea. He told us he had down sized to this house and what a beautiful place it was! He gave us a huge print depicting the nativity in a bus shelter that he had had specially commissioned and we could auction this signed copy for our charity.

Tomorrow we start at 10am depart from platform W at Tilehurst Railway Station. You still have time to join us. Then on Sunday we depart from Henley-on-Thames.

Day 6:Abingdon to Wallingford

2009-03-26T10:24:00.000-07:00

Day six, the wind (rain later on in the day) is the only company that John and Martyn will have along this next stretch of the Thames. Really great to have a send off with some small but important young people from Abingdon, captured in a photo that some how has disappeared. This part of the walk is in the region of 13 miles long, following the river and is about five miles as the crow flies. If you are in need of a good nights rest with early to bed, then come and get some fresh air with the boys, you’ll enjoy it.

The forecast for the next few days is a little grim, but if you wanted the good weather you should have been there last Saturday. Be really good if you could pray for the core walkers during this time, 184 miles is a long way and will probably seem never ending as the days go by.

Come on then, dig out the comfy walking shoes and join us, even if you can only manage a half day, we’ll look after you. The first blister appeared today, but with the application of Mr Listers broken Blister Plaster the problem was eased, now can we make a tongue twister out of those words.

The south of the country is much more heavily populated than the North, but seeking people to walk with us is like finding hens teeth, where are you, we’d long for you to spend the day with us or just part of a day.

Tomorrow starting at Wallingford (the bridge over the Thames at 10.00 a.m.) to Tilehurst station. Then on Saturday (also at 10.00) it’s starting from Tilehurst Station and going to the station at Henley on Thames. Simon Barrington (CEO) will be joining the team on this day, so you can have a chance to meet and talk to him, if you don’t you’ll miss a great opportunity.

If you don’t know much about Samaritans Purse, then have a look at your diaries, we have two day conference, Leeds on May 9th and Swindon on May 16th. Further details can be obtained from 020 8559 2044, the guest speaker at both venues is Joel Edwards, and the cost is £10 for the day, including lunch. It would be really good to meet you at either of these venues.

Day 5:Oxford to Abingdon

2009-03-25T10:59:00.001-07:00

Day five, Oxford YHA, the world came and met with us, managing to fit in yet another character, this time from ‘Allo Allo’, plus many other nationalities. Much to Martyn’s delight a cooked breakfast set him up for the day and the fact that Ian had bought him a pair of ear plugs gave him a good night’s sleep (pot and kettle spring to mind). The YHA has changed a lot over the years and the thought of being an old wrinkly with all the youth disappeared when we saw many people our own age. Today the team swelled by four people, Mike, Carolyn, Gerard and Marianne from the Guildford warehouse, adding a new excitement to the conversation of the day. Added to this a series of encouraging and amusing text messages lifted the heart of the team.
They seem to have strange rituals in this part of the world, I thought they were going to play conkers with boats, but it was the Environment Agency at work.
Can you believe we saw our first sailing barge since we started our walk but we hoping for more activity in the next few days.
Tomorrow it’s from Abingdon (car park by the A415 road bridge, to Wallingford. Planning ahead Friday it will be from Wallingford to Tilehurst station. The people taking part in this are in need of support, prayer, company, and sponsorship. You can donate at www.turnonthetap.org.uk. just remember every little bit that you can give makes a difference and give the hope of life to many.

2009-03-24T10:35:00.000-07:00

Day four, the sun was shining and the wind had dropped to a gentle breeze, at the start of the day an encouraging sign. Despite the lack of a cooked breakfast, just a pleasure to see that it was a continental substitute without the croissants.
The river has notably widened out, as the two intrepid heroes set their best foot forwards toward Oxford. The longing for a quick look at the Beano Bumper Joke book has probably at this stage drifted away. The peace and quiet of the country side, shattered only by the constant circling of a rather large RAF aeroplane. People are few and far between, none of the swans have signed the post cards as of yet.
We have come across several interesting sites along the way (crocodiles and frogs) and now it was a dragon! Whether its name was Puff and it was magical we don’t know.
Later on we came upon a film crew from the One Show doing a piece with the Environment Agency highlighting the cleanliness of the river Thames and being able to show the diversity and size of fish in the river.

We indicated that we were walking the length of the Thames for clean water in the Third World but whilst they filled in one of our postcards, they didn’t want to film us. Their loss!

We remember daily the reason for this walk, it’s about giving a precious gift, but greater and longer lasting than a shoe box, its access to safe water. You can make a difference to the lives of these children, give them hope. Just £40 will provide a biosand water filter for a family, it will be the best £40 you ever spent, honest.
Tomorrow, Wednesday we will be setting off at 10.00 a.m. from by Oxford Railway Station and walking to Abingdon, a shorter days walk. On Thursday it’s from Abingdon (car park by the A415 road bridge, to Wallingford. The guys look forward to seeing some of you tomorrow and on any of the other days.

Day 3:Lechlade to Newbridge

2009-03-23T12:36:00.000-07:00

Day three, is the strain starting to tell, 24ish miles in good weather with the sun beating down already completed? Who really knows, but the guys are doing really well, despite the detection of a slight limp as the muscles start up for a days worth of walking. The difference is today the sun is absent and there is a breeze in the air, they are already prepared; don’t forget these are wise and hardy men from the north.
What a difference a day makes, 24 little hours: We’ve had March weather with sun, wind and rain and at the end, weather beaten faces.

Today is the big one, a 16 mile walk, which is isolated from roads, although the two stopping points have pubs! Split into three sections, with Ian joined them for the middle section; yes he could still walk after Saturday, notably without the need for talcum powder.
Springs to mind that the average distance walked for water in Africa is four miles, that the average, some walk much less and some walk many more miles. Just imagine having to walk maybe twelve miles for your water, just how long would that take you then?

After bidding Old Father Thames goodbye we set off and only saw 2 people and a dog all day! We saw plenty of river and green fields with Canada geese and swans but no signs of life.

Tomorrow, Tuesday we will be setting off at 10.00 a.m. from Newbridge and walking to Oxford Station. Then on Wednesday we will be setting off from Oxford and walking to Abingdon, finishing at the road bridge on the A415. Please come and join us and boost John and Martyn on this quest. If you want to know more about water issues or Samaritans Purse, come to our conference, Saturday May 9th at Leeds and Saturday 16th May at Swindon (the home of the magic roundabout).

God bless sat navs, but not ours, wrong side of river - no bridge, mmmm.

Day 2: Cricklade to Lechlade Photos

2009-03-22T10:15:00.000-07:00

Day two starts with another wonderful day and yes those who walked yesterday know that they had walked a few miles. So after a good breakfast it was off to the meeting point, in Cricklade.
Just where are those ardent walkers to join the merry throng, it’s Sunday and they must have been in their beds or on their way to church. So we’ll forgive them as today is mothering Sunday.
Might be good to remember that for the want of safe water many mothers will not have their precious child greet them with a smile and the words ‘Love you Mum’. We hope you all remembered your mums today, maybe even took them out for a treat.

A quiet start to the day with not many people encountered. We did meet up with a couple of canoeists who are attempting to canoe the Thames. They are doing this over several weekends and started yesterday at the source. We expected them to be making better progress than us, however we came across them a short while later when the river was completely blocked by a fallen tree and they were finding somewhere to get out. Of course we stopped to help, one nearly lost his shoe in the mud! Yes it cost them the signing of one our postcards, it was either that or get pushed in!

Later in the day we met a couple who are walking upstream having completed five days last September and will finish at the source tomorrow. Oh and they completed a postcard and gave us a donation.
The day was quiet until late in the day we had to walk a mile section along the A361. Oh the noise hurt your ears we were glad to return to the peace and quiet of the river bank.
Today was a day of bridges and churches. First church was 12th century the second 11th yes we were going back in time.

Tomorrow, the team set off from Halfpenny Bridge in Lechlade, they’ll be leaving at 10.00 a.m. and walking to Newbridge. So what’s stopping you from being with us? You don’t need to do the whole route, you can do a bit of it and we’ll look after. Don’t forget the team need your support in person or if not why not sponsor them, or you can make a donation via www.turnonthtap.org.uk. Don’t forget there is always Tuesdays as well leaving Newbridge at 10.00 a.m. and walking to Oxford. We would really like to see you join us and chat along the way.

Day 1:Kemble to Cricklade

2009-03-21T10:34:00.000-07:00

This is the day it all started, after a comfortable night in a rather old farmhouse, complete with low beams, which regularly came into contact with heads. Looking out of the window we can see that the ground is white with frost.
This is the day that we start a walk along the river Thames, no, not just a short stroll passing the London Eye or the Houses of Parliament. This is a 184 mile walk along the river Thames from Kemble to the Thames Barrier, and will finish on Saturday 4th April 2009.
Today we met outside the Tavern Public House in Kemble, a fine establishment which serves up the strange dish for a sweet known as fruited Richard? The Lord had provided for us, a clear day with the sun shining upon the gathered group. Good to know that we had some support from Stewart, Beverley, Graham, Sylvia, with Gordon McCann as back up driver, and three stalwarts from north of the Watford Gap Martyn Catterall, John Gatt and backed up by Ian Taylor.
The walk was commenced by the firing of a gun, well, a water pistol because this is about water. The leader of the Gloucestershire County Council, Barry Dare, was the man with his finger on the trigger, great news was that no one was injured during volley of water ejected from the said weapon. Barry was supported by his wife Wendy as they set the purpose of this walk into place, this is about changing the lives of people by just allowing them access to safe water.
Off the team went, the only danger was at first being run over by passing motor vehicles, but safe in the thought that if the worst happened, at least it would be a vehicle of quality that would be involved. This was an adventure as the walk left the road and walked making our way along the river Thames. With the sun beating down on us we weaved our way along the river, through gates, over stiles, passing amazing trees which have stood the test of time and showed it in their gnarled appearance. We were seeing the wonderful works of God’s hand up close and personal.
The team of walkers mixed and matched as they made their way along the river bank, good job they had consumed a hearty breakfast to fuel them in their task. They shared their personal experiences as they made their way along the path, meeting strangers along the way and getting a few of our postcards signed. At one point they encountered a rat and a crocodile, yes a crocodile, and they survived. No toads observed.
The team stopped for a well earned lunch break at Ashton Keynes, still with the sun beating down. Suitably refreshed with food and water, we set off again. There was a temptation to throw our TOTT water bottles on the road, but this was resisted. But any publicity is good publicity, or maybe not.
The day ended at Cricklade, with all people on the walk accounted for. Ah the Red Lion...mmmm