So much to enjoy

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!