Forum Topic

Calling Chiswick - Chertsey needs your help

So sad that this man lost his home when his boat sank in the recent floods. He can't even afford to get it raised. I live just across the road and his submerged home is a terrible sight. Any donations to help get his boat lifted would be most gratefully received by his family:https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-my-uncle-recover-his-home-from-river-thames?utm_campaign=p_lico+share-sheet&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=customer

Michael Brown ● 947d10 Comments

Come on, Chiswick, we've got a boat to recover here, and no-one's got any money in Chertsey, home of the poor.Read the article in the link provided, nicely written by the neice of the boat owner, trying to help her uncle. You'll see a picture of the boat too. It's a tiny and old narrowboat, but still someone's home..

Michael Brown ● 947d

Hi Michael - could Chertsey council help with this by way of grant or loan from them to raise the boat ?

Anna Kirkpatrick ● 946d

Anna, I would've thought an authority of some sort would have a duty to recover the boat, but I really don't know anything about these things. Such a shame - I used to see the guy most days, either on the boat or beside it. Strange thing is, it didn't sink until the river level subsided, so it may have moved half onto the bank during flood; then with no water below on the river side as the level dropped, it tipped over. The river is high again now, so it's barely visible..

Michael Brown ● 946d

I'm saddened to hear of that tradegy Michael.But isn't's Chertsey in one of the richest Boroughs (Spelthorne)?On Facebook there is  Chertsey Young Businessmen's Group ... who might additionally help.

Jim Lawes ● 946d

There are some nice properties in Chertsey, Jim - some nice farmhouse types, but they tend to be tucked away; but it's largely cheapish properties housing people on lowish incomes. There are enough wooden bench drinkers too; but it's still a nice town and has a beautiful stretch of river and surrounding meadows. I can throw a stone in the river from my flat and that's why I'm here!

Michael Brown ● 946d

Somewhat irresponsible to purchase a flat based on the proximity of a target don't you think.

Mark Frost ● 946d

Frosty boy, there's more to it than proximity to the Thames, like height of the land for example. Chertsey Bridge is the closest structure to the river Thames here but never floods - it goes over the river if you didn't know. Having said that, houses on the opposite bank did flood recently despite remaining well above the river level and pouring water into the Thames. Work that one out and get back to me and I'll tell you if you're right or not. Many properties in Chertsey away from the Thames are more prone to flooding than many of the Thames Riverside properties due to flooding from tributaries and land level; so the way Chertsey can flood is not immediately obvious. I did research flood history and risk before purchasing and concluded that the risk wasn't overly high and was outweighed by the benefits - to me, anyway..

Michael Brown ● 945d

Just a bit of fun Browny.

Mark Frost ● 945d

Ok, Frosty, you've had your fun - now put your hand in your pocket and let's get this boat up. If you live in Chiswick, you'll have pots of cash, and we only want a tenner off you; you'll just have to forgo a Martini & Lemonade this evening, that's all..

Michael Brown ● 945d

What's happened to my stalkers, Brigadier Greenbean Gintrough and Miss England? Could it be the Gofundme link that's worrying them?! 🤣 Maybe I should make Gofundme links a regular thing.. 🤔

Michael Brown ● 944d