Bridges That Built London

Chiswick Pier Trust Spring Lecture Series 'Talks By The Thames'

The next talk in the Chiswick Pier Trust Spring Lecture seriess 'Talks by the Thames' takes place on Tuesday 27 February at 7.30pm.

It is entitled Bridges that Built London: the folklore and ecology of Thames bridges – including worship, murder and magic by Chris Roberts, writer, librarian and London Tour Guide.

The talk will look at how London developed and is shaped by its bridges; the folklore and ecology of the Thames as well as its literary associations and, finally, worship, murder and magic around the Thames and, more specifically, Chiswick Pier. This is particularly timely for Chiswick with the recent approval for a pedestrian walkway under nearby Barnes Bridge which is part of the Dukes Meadows regeneration plan.

Chris is the author of books about London bridges as well as one on the history of nursery rhymes, "lost" English words and football and superstition.

The Chiswick Pier Trust spring lecture series is in full swing and the following is a list of planned lectures and events to make a note in your diaries.

Tuesday 27 March at 7.30pm
A Virtual Visit to Chiswick’s Foreshore by zoologist Brenna Boyle, Wild Capital

Sit back and enjoy a virtual tour of your local stretch of Thames foreshore. Glimpse numerous species of invertebrate and fish which hide out under rocks or in shallow water. Discover how birds use this tidal habitat, and learn t to better identify them from both appearance and sound. This engaging talk will equip you with knowledge and skills to get more enjoyment from a visit to the Thames at low tide in the future.

Tuesday 24 April at 7.30pm

Emery Walker and the Arts and Crafts Movement in Hammersmith by Julie Ashdown, OBE
English engraver, photographer and printer, Emery Walker was a friend of William Morris and a key player in the Arts and Crafts movement. His house in Hammersmith Terrace was opened last year to huge acclaim, with sell-out number of visitors. The talk will cover Emery Walker’s life, the house and highlights of the contents, as well as the artistic community that lived along the Thames in that area.

Events, Parties and Cruises
11 March at 3pm Mothering Sunday ‘Tea on the Thames’ Cruise

Celebrate Mothering Sunday by joining Chiswick Pier Trust on a river cruise. Treat the family to full afternoon tea served at tables whilst cruising towards Tower Bridge. The boat will depart from Chiswick Pier at 15.00. Ticket prices: Adults £20/Children under 8: £15.
Call 020 8742 2713 or 07594 596729 or book online at chiswickpier.org.uk

24 March The Boat Race Party starts 2pm

Watch the Boat Race from one of the best vantage points on the river, with a big screen showing the start and finish. Chiswick Pier Trust hosts a Boat Race party including live music from Shenanigans, barbeque, hot drinks, cakes, ice cream and a Fuller’s bar .

For the third year all four races take place on the same day:
4.31 pm Cancer Research UK Women’s Race
5.31 pm Cancer Research UK Boat Race.

Between these two races will be the women’s reserve crews followed by the men’s reserve crews. We expect the boats to pass Chiswick Pier approximately 11 minutes after the start times. The Pier House opens at 2.00pm and will be serving food and drink all afternoon.

For further information on the Pier and how to get there, contact the Chiswick Pier Trust 020 8742 2713, or check their web site.

February 24, 2018