River Alive With Competitive Endeavor

Crowds flock to Chiswick Pier to enjoy Great River Swim and River Race

The band struck up, families danced and the Thames came alive with competitive endeavor on Saturday at Chiswick Pier.

40 swimmers dived in from a gloriously sunny pier to take part in Pissarro’s Great River Swim. The Mayor of Hounslow started the 1,000m race of gaily-coloured caps powering against the tide to Chiswick Eyot then back to the pier. Sixteen-year-old Lara Nyman beat a record entry, setting a new women’s course record of 12:39, followed by Marc Anley with a time of 13:03.

Then came the most spectacular boat race of the year – nearly 300 boats of all colours, shapes and sizes took part in this year’s Great River Race. Crews of all ages and abilities rowed past the hundreds of spectators who had gathered at Corney Reach to enjoy the food and entertainment laid on by the Chiswick Pier Trust (CPT). Many enjoyed a pint of Fullers, while taking a look at the stunning entries to the CPT’s summer photographic competition displayed in the Pier House.

The Sea Cadets, Canoe Club and RNLI, who are all based at Chiswick pier, were on hand to help ensure a safe and happy day was had by all, and the cadets ran boat trips for land lubbers to experience their very own taste of the river.

If you missed out on this fun, family event and want to keep up to date with local activities on the river, log on to www.chiswickpier.org.uk.

September 15, 2008