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.
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The River Thames Society was pleased to administer the Thames Heritage Trust Awards, given annually to groups and organisations involving young people under that age of 25 which stimulate use of and interest in the river, as well as bringing benefit to the Thames.
The Thames Heritage Trust was formed in 1979 by John Coleman to provide
grants and loans for volunteer-led projects helping to develop or improve leisure, cultural or educational facilities along the non-tidal Thames.
Tangible reminders of the Trust ‘s work can be seen along the river, with improvements to areas and seats donated marked by plaques. Many organisations and individuals benefitted financially.
Following a period of inactivity the Trust was re-established in 2007 by John’s son Paul and Michael Willey, whose father Vernon had managed many of the original projects.
A new annual award, linked to a generous financial donation was introduced aimed at groups and organisations involving young people, with eligibility extended to the whole river, with lesser awards for runners-up within each of the five RTS branch areas. There was also the John Coleman Cup to be awarded to an individual making a substantial contribution to the well-being of the Thames.
These awards were administered by RTS ,aided by a judging panel of individuals from various organisations and they continued until 2021 when they were halted following the death of Paul Coleman.
In 2023 the decision was taken to wind up the Thames Heritage Trust with the balance of the funds transferred to RTS, a move greatly appreciated by the RTS Council who will seek to commemorate the Trust in some way in the future.
Between 2007 and 2021 forty one organisations from all parts of the river benefitted from a THT award and fourteen individuals received the Coleman Cup – a significant achievement for which the original and current Trustees should be righty proud.
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Download a list of previous winners of THT Awards.
