Volunteers fill 25 bags with rubbish

VOLUNTEERS carried out a clean-up in and around the Thames between Shiplake and Sonning during Sunday’s heatwave.

Twenty people including pupils from Shiplake College, Gillotts School in Henley and members of the Shiplake Outloars went up and down the river in canoes, collecting rubbish from both banks and the water using fishing nets.

The team collected a total of 25 bags of rubbish plus an old deck chair.

Shiplake College rowing coach Hugh Mackworth-Praed and director of rowing David Currie were among the volunteers together with several pupils.

Mr Currie said: “The pupils were very keen to clear up the rubbish.

“Our proximity to the river is absolutely brilliant and it’s such a shame that people drop litter in and around the water.

“Training on this stretch of the Thames is thoroughly enjoyable and we are more than happy to get involved with maintaining it.”

The clean-up was organised by Guy Fisher, of the Outloars, a fixed seat rowing club who practise on the river.

Mr Fisher said he was impressed with the commitment of the volunteers and was touched that so many came to help.

He said: “I row regularly on this stretch of the River Thames and always notice the amount of litter on the banks, which is not only unsightly but also must be affecting the wildlife. We managed to clear more than half of the stretch, filling 25 bags of rubbish with mainly plastic, and we hope that we can finish the stretch this summer.

“It was fantastic to have the support of Shiplake College, some of their staff and local volunteers who gave up their time to help.

“A big thank-you to all who helped and to Henley Canoe Hire for donating some boats.