The recent flooding along the Thames was highlighted in the Oxford and Reading areas.
However, the effect of the rain was felt very near the source where the path has been damaged by flooding.
As a result Kemble and Ewen Parish Council is seeking the temporary closure of the Thames Path just south of Ewen hamlet. This stretch is after the walker has passed Upper Mill Farm and is about to reach the lane at Ewen.
It is difficult to keep up to date with flood news but it is important to remember that this is not a good time to walk the Thames Path.
True it can be fascinating to see a familiar meadow or town under water but it is not always safe to be walking.
Flooded towpaths and meadows are dangerous places.
Now, Tuesday morning 27 November 2012, there are flood warnings from at least Shifford upstream to beyond Lechlade. However there are flood alerts in many other places and water is expected to rise.
London and the source do not appear to be affected.
The latest news can be found on the Environment Agency website.
After setting off upstream from Caversham Bridge there is a chance that walkers will see a helicopter take off from a garden on the far bank.
Former water ski champion Jeremy Paxton has won the right to have a working helipad at the bottom of his riverside garden.
The helicopter has taken off from the garden from time to time over the last few years but following a long planning procedure it is now a permanent feature.
Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, was at King’s Stairs Gardens in Rotherhithe today.
He was making a return visit to the Golden Jubilee stone which he had unveiled with his wife in 2002. He unveiled it again today to reveal the added Diamond Jubilee inscription. The stone is important to the ‘village’ community since the Silver Jubilee stone unveiled by the Queen was lost by the Council during landscaping work.
Today was also the occasion for unveiling a plaque naming the green space as an Elizabeth II Field.
Afterwards his Royal Highness walked upstream along the Thames Path past The Angel to look at the remains of Edward III’s manor house -or palace. The visit was arranged for today, 13 November, as it was King Edward’s birthday.
Many of those present are involved in replacing the stolen statue of Dr Alfred Salter.
See SE16 website for pictures.
Monday 15 June is the 800th anniversary of the sealing of Magna Carta on Runnymede.
The barons are thought to have forded the Thames before agreement with King John was formally made in the water meadow.
Surrey County Council is now backing a plan for a visitor centre on the site having recognised that there could be a huge increase in the number of tourists visiting in subsequent years.
National celebrations are being planned and there are moves to have 15 June declared a bank holiday in 2015.
The Thames Path links Runnymede to Lambeth Palace where Archbishop Stephen Langton masterminded the agreement which has become the basis of the UK’s evolved constitution.
Projects to improve the riverside between Maidenhead and Cookham and place the Thames Path alongside the water have won approval from Maidenhead residents during a consultation.
A £10,000 contribution towards ‘completing the Thames Path’ should mean an end to walkers having to face oncoming traffic just upstream of Maidenhead Bridge.
The Nag’s Head on Abingdon Bridge reopened at the weekend.
Good reports on the Abingdon Blog.
Today The Ramblers marked the opening of the riverside route at Shiplake.
This moment has come after years of negotiation so the event was a very special occasion.
Now, having left Shiplake Station and turned into Mill Road, you can go left opposite the junction with New Road. The way is down a lane by Virginia Cottage. A path leads round two corners and under the railway. Just two fields away is the towpath where a plaque has been placed next to a seat.
Just today there was also a table laden with cake and champagne
Walkers should leave the towpath at Wargrave Ferry to turn inland across a field and along a lane by former mill cottages to reach Shiplake Lock.
The addition to the Thames Path is not just a great improvement but a delightful walk.
Burgers wonderful teashop in Marlow has won the Best cup of Tea Award.
This is part of Marlow FM’s Hidden Gems Awards “voted by people of Marlow”.
Burgers is now open every day. Once if you arrived in Marlow on a Sunday wanting tea you had to go to the church hall next door.
The approach to Benson Lock from Wallingford has often proved muddy.
Recent surfacing will both make walking easier and result end the mud being trodden across the lock.