After a "life-changing" 2022, which saw him complete a 2,000-mile charity row around Britain’s coastline, London Youth Rowing’s (LYR) Andrew Triggs Hodge has another busy 12 months ahead, working to engage more young people in the sport that bought him triple Olympic glory.

Source of inspiration

“Rivers have always been a part of my life.

“Watching how they change, from calm to excited, fascinates me.

“I love the way water moves, how things interact with it and what it can do.

“I was born in Buckinghamshire, but grew up in the Yorkshire Dales, by the River Wharf.

“We moved there when I was one. The area will always have a special place in my heart."

School report

“I have to say I was pretty rubbish at school – including at sport.

“I was always in the back three for cross country running and last to be picked for rugby.

“I can’t honestly say I had a childhood hero or role model.

“It would only have served to highlight my many failures as a youngster.

“I never really felt like I could aspire to anything.  

“I did though from an early age enjoy geography and science – subjects at the heart of my degree later in life."

A social rower

“My introduction to rowing only came when I was a student at Staffordshire University.

“A friend suggested I should try it, because it was fun and a good social sport.

“I thought ‘why not?’, little knowing how it would ultimately change my life."

Olympic memories

“My medal-winning performances will stick with me for ever, obviously.

“But my time competing on the international stage had other really special moments – like just being part of a random crew, with differing abilities, and things going better than anyone thought possible and learning from each other.

“That's a really cool feeling!

“Looking back now, I think I actually learned more from the low points.

“And coming last in the Athens eights final was a low!"

Tideway tales

“My first encounter with the Thames came in 1999, racing the eights Head of the River Race.

“Somehow, it seems to have been part of my life ever since.

“Training on the Tideway was memorable to say the least!

“It could be the most exciting, challenging and dangerous bit of water we used, or the most calm and serine.

“It made us adaptable and tough, great skills to develop for Olympic ambitions.

“When I retired from rowing, my life-long fascination with the marine environment led me to work for both Thames Water and Tideway, during the early stages of the development of London’s long-awaited ‘super sewer.’

“As a rower, my first-hand experience of poo and condoms discharged into the Thames had a bearing too, of course.

”Sewage should never be allowed to overwhelm a natural environment.

”The Thames through central London is no exception.

“Happily, there is not too long to go now before the ‘super sewer’ is in action, adding to the improvements resulting from the Lee Tunnel and Thames Water’s upgrades to its sewage treatment works on the Tideway.

“It’s going to have a transformational effect on the health of the tidal Thames – and, I hope, see many more people engage with and enjoy the river.”

GB Row

“Scientific research was also a key motivator behind my participation in GB Row last summer.

“It wasn’t just about the physical challenge, epic though that was, circumnavigating the nation in a rowing boat.

“We were treated to exceptional views that few get to see.  

”Images of our majestic coastline that stand out in my mind include the inner Hebrides, the imposing Scottish highlands and sunlight never truly giving in to the night.

”But nothing prepared me for the emotional charge of rowing back under Tower Bridge and seeing my family again.

”It was an intense moment, which I will never forget. I missed them massively.

“GB Row was all the idea of Will De Laszlo, combining his passion for rowing, environmental protections and connecting young people with sport.

“In crews of six, three resting, three rowing, rotating every two hours, the round trip from Tower Bridge was a fundraiser for LYR’s Active Row programme, which helps young people from disadvantaged backgrounds nurture their life skills.

“En route, with the help of University of Portsmouth researchers on board, we collected environmental data to help build our understanding of the oceans that surround these islands.  

“It was a huge undertaking, much tougher than I had expected, in a whole range of ways

“Food was army ration packs, and the toilet a pee bottle or 'the bucket'!

”The low point, of course, was the storm that hit us in the Irish Sea, two weeks after setting off, forcing two of our fellow crews to withdraw.

”For hours we had to battle strong side winds and the accompanying waves, exhausted, but with no option but to carry on.  

“The RNLI crew who came to our rescue from Cushendall, Northern Ireland, the volunteers from Red Bay RNLI station said they hadn't seen June weather like it for 38 years.

”The human body’s ability to adapt to this sort of physical challenge is incredible.

”The whole thing was an emotional surge like no other I have ever experienced.”

London Youth Rowing

“In 2023, our focus at LYR is diversifying our income stream. That might sound mundane, but it’s a really significant step for us as a charity.

“The money we raise through events is the blood in our veins. We would struggle without it.

“The support of sponsors is also vital. The PLA, for example, is helping us train coaches to develop stand up paddling opportunities.

“The Oarsome Challenge is the big one. It involves people who have been trained up, but never really immersed themselves in rowing before. Their whole perspective of the Thames, of rowing and of teamwork changes in just a few hours. It’s magical to see.

“On 3 March, there’s also the National Junior Indoor Rowing Championships (NJIRC).

“This year, for the first time, it will be a simultaneous event in London and Leeds. It’s such an important event for us and rowing as a sport. Volunteers can help by participating in Race the Thames Live, or supporting the Life Skills Festival.

“Normally I’m not a fan of indoor rowing events, but at this one we raise the roof. I love it!

"In total, we are now working with over 100 schools, in London, Leeds and Nottingham.

“Given all the challenges Covid-19 presented, that’s a phenomenal achievement.”

Quick fire:

• Will rowing always be a sport for wealthy, white men? The sport needs to evolve enormously before we can move the dial on this, but right now we're doing some amazing things, with a lot more to come!
• What is your Thames Vision? All stakeholders working together, to support each other to produce a harmonious and proactive river society.
• How do you relax and unwind? I have kids, I don't relax or unwind!

The return of the New Year’s Eve fireworks to the river in central London this year has kept Charmaine Boswarva, events and operations planner and her team at the Met’s Marine Policing Unit, busy since August.

Ending the year with a bang

“Having the New Year fireworks back on the river in central London, after a three-year break caused by Covid 19, will be a real tonic.

“Following the Boat Race’s return at Easter, it’s another big step forward in getting people back out on the river post the pandemic.

“My role is to ensure that all spectators have a safe and enjoyable night.

“That means putting in place measures to prevent any potential incidents.

“On the big night, I will be on the command vessel, updating the inspector in charge of anything that happens.

“It’s a long but enjoyable shift, starting at 7am on 31 December and running right through to 3am on New Year’s Day.

“It’s a real team effort, of course, involving scores of highly-professional fellow officers, including dog handlers, as well as colleagues from partner organizations, such as the PLA, London Fire Brigade and RNLI.

“The whole of December is usually a very busy time of year.

“It’s normally January before I can take some time off.”

A police calling  

“I joined the Met in 2007.

“It’s a job I had always wanted to do, since I was a kid.

“I was actually quite a late joiner, but my previous jobs have really been helpful in my police work.

“After working in the tourism industry in my early twenties, I had a complete career change, joining my parents’ glazing and window tinting business.

“Like police work, tourism and sales are a service, involving dealing with people and managing expectations.

“Communication, being able to talk to people, is key to them all.

“But it was illegal to be gay in South Africa when I wanted to join the police there, so I didn’t apply.

“Instead, I came to London with my partner, who I had met in South Africa.

“I always said that I never wanted to move to the UK, because of the weather and dark winter days.

“But, I am so happy we made the move.”

Water roots

“I grew up on the east coast of South Africa.

“The beach and water were a huge part of my life as a kid.

“My family back home are all boat people.

“My brother is a skipper out on the oceans - completely different from the Thames.

“When I go back to South Africa, he can’t wait for me to go out on the boat with him.

“Like him, my father was very proud of my work in London.

“Unfortunately, Dad passed away before he could see me out on the River Thames.

“I used to send him photos though.

“He would show them to his friends with great pride.”

Diversity and inclusion

“Covering all waterways within the M25, not just the Thames, my role involves working with a wide range of stakeholders and partners to disrupt and minimise violence against women.

“I feel strongly about getting more women to realise they can work on the river and be accepted.

“Things are changing.

“Recently, we hosted a tour of Wapping Police Station for the Thames Skills Academy’s Women on the Water group, one initiative helping to make a difference.

“I also want to see more young people involved with the river.”

An unforgettable year

“The passing of HM Queen Elizabeth II will be the defining moment of 2022 for many of us.

“After years of reviewing our role in Operation London Bridge, I was humbled by the way everyone came together to make it work.

“It involved long hours for ten days, but no-one complained.

“The whole river community came together, as always.

“I felt incredibly proud to be part of it.”

Quick fire

• The river in three words? Historical. Magical. Diverse.
• Best view of the Thames? Sunrise over the river, viewed from the top of Wapping Police Station. It is so quiet and peaceful.
• Other interests: Virtual reality gaming, dog agility and general outdoors.

With family links to the river dating back over a century, Dave Watson of tug operator Svitzer is looking forward to a cleaner, greener, and busier Thames.

In the family way

“I was born and bred in Cliffe Woods on the Hoo peninsula and still live there today.

“The river has always been a part of my life.

“I guess it’s sort of in my blood.

“When I was growing up, my dad, Ray, worked on the river for the Alexandra towing company.

“His dad and three brothers were also employed on Thames tugs.

“It was perhaps inevitable that I would follow them into a life working on the river.

“Today my cousin works with me at Svitzer as chief engineer.

“I must have been around five years old when I first went afloat as part of a family day.

“Everyone looked forward to the family days.

“They provided a fantastic insight into how tugs operated, moving vast cargoes up and down the river."

A career afloat

“I have been working on the river for 36 years now.

“After leaving school, I started out as a trainee manger with Tesco.

“I joined Alexandra Tugs in 1986. It was taken over first by Howard Smith and then Adsteam, before Svitzer acquired the business in 2007.

“My first job afloat was as a cook.

“Gradually I rose my way up through the ranks to become chief engineer.

“In July 2017, I was asked to help out the Svitzer shoreside technical team.

“The following year, I took up the position of London technical superintendent."

Life-long learning

“At the age of 49, to get the qualifications I needed to further my career, I started a course with the Isle of Man University.  

“Passing my Competence of Ships Superintendents course, within the time frame Svitzer had set, was the most memorable day of my working life.

“It is never too late to learn.

“I am pleased to say that Svitzer runs an apprenticeship scheme.

“Trade on the river is expanding, so it’s a fantastic opportunity.”

Environmental progress

“In recent years, alongside the welcome expansion of Tilbury and Gateway, there has been a much-needed shift in public and business environmental attitudes.

“In 2018, I attended the PLA’s annual environment conference.

“It was following a presentation on the Thames Green Scheme, that I made it my mission to get Svitzer accredited.  

“I started running a fuel-efficiency programme, which Svitzer now operates globally.

“We are continuously looking at new designs and fuel types.

“Our switch to hydro-treated vegetable oil is part of our EcoTow offering, which enables our customers to reduce their carbon footprint.

“I felt very proud when we received the silver award earlier this year.”

A safer working river

“In 1976, Dad was on board the tug Vanquisher, when she sank at the entrance to Tilbury Dock. Fortunately, there were no fatalities.

“Dad was awarded a medal by Princess Alexandra for swimming round the vessel to rescue a colleague, trapped in the engine room.

“Incredibly, years ago personal protective equipment (PPE) wasn’t even considered.

“Now it’s rightly a requirement.

“The safety culture has improved so much during my time on the river, so happily there are fewer serious incidents.”

Working philosophy

“At Svitzer, we put safety first and our customers at the heart of everything we do.

“Based at Denton Wharf, Gravesend, there are three of us in the tech team.

“We are on call 24/7 for emergencies.

“I am responsible for the successful running of the Svitzer fleet, including dealing with breakdowns, arranging for vessels to go into dry dock, and liaising with the Maritime Coastguard Agency.

“Our services are essential to the smooth operation of the port.

“Solving needs and pain points for customer, ports and marine communities is our core passion.”

Quick fire

• The river in three words? Ever-changing, unique and fascinating.
• Favourite time of day and year on the river? Evenings, when the sun is setting. I do enjoy the different colours autumn brings too.
• Best view of the Thames? Passing through Tower Bridge, in either direction.

As Black History Month gets underway, Remiiya Badru, an artist and keen walker from South East London, describes how the capital’s river has shaped her life.

Lifelong learning

“Launched in the UK in the 1980s, as a counterbalance to the traditional, Euro-centric approach to the past, Black History Month is an important celebration of our heritage, our ancestors and the contribution black people have made to this country, from before the Windrush era right up to the present day.

“There’s a huge range of events taking place this year.

“I’ll kick off by going to the Black Cultural Market in Brixton and I’ll most likely go on some of the special Black History walks around London.

“Learning is lifelong in my book.”

Capital connection

“I am a born and bred Londoner.

“I’m a bit of an urban nomad, I have lived in lots of different places in the capital.

“My relationship to the Thames is intrinsic to my life on many levels.

“I have had a growing connection to the river over the last twenty years.

“My ‘eureka’ moment with the river occurred on a trip to Docklands in the 1980s when the Docklands Light Railway was under construction and nearing completion.

“I was totally immersed in this juxtaposition of old and newly-emerging industrial and post-industrial environments.

“I just felt this immediate connection and a shift in my being, which was sublime.

“I felt home.”

Creative inspiration

“I didn’t think much about it until many years later, when I began to deepen my relationship with the river through my art, walking as meditation and discovering a range of narratives.

“All things art and design are my core passions, my oeuvre, my being, my life!

“When I first started to explore the river, I took my film camera to take photographs of places that caught my eye along the riverfront.

“I have also made drawings and written poetry in response to my sojourns.

“I am inspired by the history of the old docks, the people, the changes, the scent, colours, sounds and the spirit of the water.

"I found the PLA’s London: Port City exhibition at the Museum of London Docklands really fascinating.

“It was beautifully designed and laid out, fun and informative.

“I really loved discovering the meanings or the interpretations behind the names of places around the docks. I also liked the pea shooter lady – what a great job! I noticed everyone who stopped to read about her were in fits of laughter."

A wider audience

“I think that growing numbers of my fellow Londoners rightly feel a sense of ownership of the Thames.

“With wellbeing and mental health high on the agenda, I am pleased the importance of the river is coming more prominent.

“There is so much to enjoy on the river and its tributaries.

“I for one adore Totally Thames, which really opens up the river to more people.

“I am already looking forward to next year’s festival.

“It’s great too that more transport routes on and over the river are being made available."

An evolving landscape

“More and more of us are now captivated by the river’s history and beauty.

“Some of the river’s heritage, such as jetties and old buildings, integral to the city’s development for centuries, are either being swamped by skyscrapers, or in some cases being demolished, to make way for the new developments, such as apartment blocks.

“In some locations, with their ‘clinical’ appearance, they have irrevocably changed the spirit and face of river walkways.

“The energy feels different, once all of the old has been ‘swept’ away.

“My personal feelings are mixed on this matter.

“It’s not a simple issue.

“Development is occurring at different rates, in different ways up and down the river.

“We need to develop our urban infrastructures and preserve our infrastructural heritage at the same time."

Pathfinder

“The river allows me to connect with my inner self, nature and to embark on adventures of discovery and exploration.

“Whilst I have always been a walker, connecting to the river at various locations more intensely has totally transformed and enriched my creativity and walking experiences. “My friends have come to share my passion for the river through joining me on long walks.

“Like me, they are intrigued, rejuvenated and inspired by discovering all kinds of nooks and crannies, plus the untold stories.

“If you are interested in walking with me, especially within and around the London Docklands, please get in touch.

“My Instagram handle is ‘remiiyariverambler’.

“On my walks, I have met a diverse range of people, from retired dockers to developers.

“I always enjoy hearing people’s stories, about how they relate to the river, and sharing mine with them."

Caught on camera

“One sunny afternoon, I was returning from a walk to Trinity Buoy Wharf, heading towards Island Gardens.

“At Millennium Wharf, I noticed a guy with a fancy camera, so I stopped to find out what he was doing - I often chat to random strangers along the path, if my curiosity is aroused.

“Anyway, we started talking and sharing our interests and passion about the river and new developments.

“My newly-found river friend turned out to be filmmaker, Paul Wyatt.

“After a full two hours chatting, we also spotted the ‘Mud God’ (aka Steve Brooker) down on the foreshore, larking about with a few people in tow, and exchanged ‘hellos.

“It was a magical moment.

“Paul went on to ask request that I appear in Time and Tide, a documentary he has been working on for some time now, about people's relationship with the Greenwich shoreline.

“I didn’t hesitate to say ‘yes!’.

“The 90-minute film has quite a cast; I feel honoured to be part of it.

“It’s due to be formally released this autumn, but a preview trailer is available online.

“My interview was an amazing, serendipitous moment, which I embraced fully.

“I thoroughly enjoyed the experience."

Beyond the river

“I am a lover of all things related to fashion design, cloth and yarn!

“I am a keen recycler, up-cycler and customiser too, with a passion for re-purposing clothing no longer wanted or worn, into bags, for example.

“I also knit large, chunky scarves, love books, cooking and visiting exhibitions in museums and galleries."

Quick fire

• Sum up the river in three words: Narrative. Sublime. Sanctuary.
• Best river view? Only one? There are many to choose from! My top three would be: the outlook from the Royal Victoria Bridge in Royal Docks, with the planes flying overhead in readiness to land; the panorama from Longplayer in Trinity Buoy Wharf, with Tibetan sound bowls algorhythmically resonating; and the Thames Barrier, from north or south. Beautiful!
• Favourite Thames eatery? I really love the Mayflower in Rotherhithe and the Prospect of Whitby in Wapping. They both sell really delicious food!