Battle on Thames?

No, I'm not suggesting we change the name of the ward to sound fancy, but it's easy to forget how close we are to the Thames in Battle ward.  The boys and I walked to feed the ducks during a brief dry day a week or so ago and it only took 20 minutes (at the pace of a 3 year old).  We had a lovely time, saw fishermen (and boys), ducks, swans, tiny fish and the preparations for the Reading Festival.

There will be a clean-up of the tow-path happening in October and they are looking for volunteers.  Here is the press release with information on how to get involved:



'05/09/2011
Reading Borough Council Press Release

A new environmental clear-up of Reading's waterways is being launched next month.

The clear-up events take place on October 14th and 15th and complement the RESCUE (Rivers and Environmental Spaces Clean Up Event) events which take place every March.

Reading Borough Council and sponsors Thames Water – who are supporting this new event - are keen to hear from businesses, charities, community groups and residents who would like to get involved.

They would also like to hear from groups with an interest in Reading's rivers and canals, or perhaps diving and rowing clubs who use the rivers, to see if they would like to lend a hand. The clear-up initiative is supported by Connect Reading and Oxford Road Community Garden.

During the two days, Thames Water will be concentrating on keeping the towpaths tidy and is looking for support from local businesses.

Paul Gittings, Reading's Lead Councillor for Environment and Climate Change, said: 'After a busy summer on the river the areas can gather litter which is all the more obvious as the leaves die back and this can be a hazard to wildlife. We're keen to hear from people who can spare a bit of time to help us with this vital clean up. We get such a fantastic response to our annual RESCUE event so I'm hoping this new clean up will prove to be just as popular and successful.'

Tracy Sacks, Community Investment and Education Manager for Thames Water, said: "We often take for granted that we live and work beside such a beautiful river. We rely on the Thames and its tributaries for our core business and are very pleased to sponsor RESCUE - our staff will be rolling their sleeves up to help."

To take part or find out more, call 0118 937 2100, contact through the website on www.readingrescue.org.uk, find more on facebook 'Rescue 2011' or email rescue@reading.gov.uk or tweet '@ReadingRESCUE'. Anyone interested in joining in, needs to contact Rescue by September 30th.'