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 is 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 main THT Annual Award is aimed to encourage volunteer youth activities which significantly benefit the Thames community and environment, stimulating use and interest in the river.
the most outstanding scheme or group receives £2,500 and there are five further awards of £250 for schemes/projects in the five RTS branch areas.
The John Coleman Trophy, named after the founder of the THT, is presented along with a cheque for £250 to an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to the Thames by promoting or protecting the river by working with disadvantaged, young or otherwise needy groups or educating others about the Thames.
Nominations for the THT Awards, which are presented at the RTS AGM in April, are welcome throughout the year and are considered by a judging panel composed of Trust and Society officers with some outside representatives.
To nominate an organisation or individual, please complete this nomination form and send to the RTS Administrator.
THT Awards 2021
THT Annual Award
The main THAMES HERITAGE TRUST AWARD, for volunteer youth activities of benefit to the river community and environment , went to Thames Sailability which provides accessible boating for wheelchair users, people with reduced mobility and those with learning challenges. Based at Walton-on-Thames and Shepperton their specially-adapted motorboat Impossible Dream runs trips throughout the year, mainly for organised groups such as schools. Participation is encouraged and the relative peace and relaxation that comes from cruising along the river is greatly appreciated by teachers and carers.
Two THAMES HERITAGE TRUST BRANCH AREA AWARDS were presented.
The first went to Team Keane Watersports School , based in Brentford, who provide opportunities in often-inaccessible river activities : sculling, rowing, kayaking and canoeing through schools programmes and community groups, together with regular scheduled sessions for individuals. Ken Creighton, Chairman of Team Keane Watersports School , together with young people taking part in activities , received the THT Branch Award at the Brentford base from RTS Upper Tideway Branch Chairman, Hilary Pereira.
The second went to 1st Cuddington ( Warspite) Sea Scouts, based at Thames Ditton and Stoneleigh, who provide adventure, challenge, personal development, fun and friendship for young people from 6 to 18 years of age through a range of river activities, including rowing, canoeing and power-boating. Roy Miller RTS Bargemaster and TOW Branch Chairman presented the award.
The John Coleman Trophy
The Thames Heritage Trust John Coleman Trophy for an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to the Thames, was awarded to John Watson who has resurrected the old boatyard on Lots Ait, Brentford, a derelict brownfield site, into a haven for traditional crafts with slipways and open space for boat repairs and maintenance. He has brought river – related activity back to the area in the face of constant pressures for more lucrative but potentially destructive residential development. The award was presented to John by Lady Borwick, RTS Vice-President.
Download a list of previous winners of THT Awards.
