People of the Thames: Working on the River

This episode marks the launch of a new panel discussion series People of the Thames on Talk of the Thames, where we explore how different communities work, create, and engage with the river. Hosted by Chloe Russell, this series brings together experts, storytellers, and practitioners whose lives and work are directly tied to the Thames.

Episode 1: People of the Thames: Working on the River
In this first panel, we dive into the working life of the Thames—what it means to make a living on the river, preserve its heritage, and create opportunities for future generations. Recorded aboard the Theatreship, a beautifully restored vessel moored in Canary Wharf, this discussion captures the stories of those shaping the river’s future.

💡 What’s in this episode?

• The hidden world of river work—from marine restoration to skills training
• How the Thames connects people, past and present, through heritage and conservation
• The importance of creating opportunities for the next generation of river workers
• Challenges and hopes for the future of the Thames as a working and living river

Featuring:
🔹 Katherine Riggs (Thames Skills Academy) – on training and inspiring the next generation of river workers
🔹 Laura Nee (Thames Landscape Strategy) – on preserving and enhancing the river’s cultural and natural heritage
🔹 Inigo Lapwood (Theatreship) – on restoring historic vessels and keeping maritime history alive

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Talk of the Thames has been brought to you by the Thames Estuary Partnership https://www.thamesestuarypartnership.org/

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Produced & Presented by Chloe Russell