With all ‘out and about’ activities suspended because of the Coronavirus Pandemic, here is a wonderful chance for one lucky RTS member to own a unique wooden table 'The Silver River' featuring the River Thames in silver leaf and for all those who buy tickets to help an important River Thames charity.
About the table
Mike Orme has carved the river from source to sea in this beautiful table of Sheesham wood, illuminated in silver leaf, 1400 mm long, 465 mm wide and 455 mm high.
The River Thames Society makes annual awards of a Shield and the Durant Cup, named after our late President.
TThe RTS Shield, awarded to individuals or organisations who have made a significant contribution to the river and its communities. In 2025 it was presented to Peter May, Director of the Bisham Abbey Sailing School.
Presentation by RTS Vice President Lady Borwick
The School is the longest standing commercial RYA training centre on the non-tidal Thames, serving both the commercial and private sectors with marine-based training, operating from a riverside training room within the National Sports Centre and with eight motorboats and thirty two sailing dinghies.
Around ten years ago Peter May developed a relationship with the Rivertime Boat Trust, hosting two successful regattas for disabled children and , when the Trust decided to concentrate on cruising activities , Accessible Boating Thames was formed as a charity based from the outset at Bisham with the School providing their skills, equipment and the centre free of charge. This generosity has enabled over three hundred people of varying ages and abilities to enjoy special time on and around the river each year.
The Durant Cup, awarded in memory of the late Sir Anthony Durant, a former RTS Chair and President, is presented to a member who has made a significant contribution to the life and well-being of the Thames.
In 2025 the recipient was Jackie Lambert, a long-standing member of the Teddington to Old Windsor Branch, who served as Chair for a period , was responsible for organising events and other activities , also serving on the RTS Council from 2016 – 25. Presentation by RTS Vice President Lady Borwick
Grants in 2021 and 2022
During 2021/2, the River Thames Society made grants to:
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Thames Sailability, Walton and Shepperton, £ 1,000 for a new access ramp for their boat.
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RNLI Tower Station, £ 1,000 towards cost of replacement pier.
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Skerries for Schools, £ 2,000 towards cost of a pontoon in Reading.
Photograph shows the result of the funding.
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River Thames Boat Project - £ 1,000 towards expenses for Tidefest trips and
towards a new canopy.
RTS grants in 2022/3 went to :
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River Thames Boat Project, £1,000 towards expenses incurred attending Tidefest and towards a replacement canopy.
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Maritime Volunteer Service, Kingston, £ 5,000 , half the cost of a new boat.
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Wild Marlow Water Vole Project, £ 500 for cost of one raft.
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Dartford Cambria Sea Scouts £595 for new boat covers
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Marlow and District Schools Boathouse £4,500 towards the cost of a new slipway
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Brentford Heritage Harbour Project, £ 2,000 towards start-up funding.
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Thames Path Partnership, £ 300 towards cost of producing a magazine
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Wandsworth, Chelsea & Fulham Sea Cadets - £ 2,500 for new wet weather clothing
Grants made in 2025
Fulham Reach Boat Club - £1,000 tpwards replacement of safety equipment
Thames Path Partnership - £100 towards cost of producing a magazine.
Download a list of previous winners of RTS Awards.