Circular Walk

CIRCULAR WALK

Wednesday 15th May 2019

Following the success of the “Guardians” Walk last year we have decided to organise a similar walk, taking in Maidenhead and Taplow Riversides.  The opening of the new Bridge at Boulters – as yet unnamed – has created a very interesting circular walk.  Long-standing members may remember a Civic Society Jazz Evening in a marquee in the grounds of Taplow Paper Mill in 1985.  The Paper Mills put the marquee up for their annual thrash and very kindly allowed charities to use the marque on other evenings.  Ever wondered what is there today?  Now is your opportunity to see the Taplow Riverside development of Berkeley Homes and also learn something of the past history of this part of the river.

It is proposed to meet at the car park near Boulters Lock at 2.00pm, setting off at 2:15pm along the riverside, past Boulters Lock, heading towards Maidenhead Bridge and there to cross over to the Taplow side of the River and proceed up Mill Lane to enter the new Taplow Riverside estate being built by Berkeley Homes and to discover how the area has changed in the last two years.  Then across the new country park, complete with “trim trail”, to the footbridge above the Jubilee River and then alongside it to reach Mill Lane where we will cross back into the estate.

Once back in Mill Lane we will be able to look at the Mill House, once the home of the manager of the Paper Mill and now refurbished to create three homes.  We may possibly see another refurbished property, Glen Island House, used as offices by the paper mill, depending on how much progress has been made by mid-May.  This house is Grade II listed, and a former gentleman’s residence built in 1869, (architect unknown) for Lt. Gen. Sir Roger William Henry Palmer (d.1910) an Irish landowner who participated in the Charge of the Light Brigade during the Crimean War.  It is being converted into luxury flats.

We will then retrace our steps to the new path along the west bank of the Jubilee River to reach the River Crossing Picnic Area and the new bridge over the Thames at Ray Mill Island, the subject of the talk at the Society’s AGM last year by its architect Martin Knight. 

There will be no charge made for this event but for those who wish to partake of refreshments after the walk, Boulters Inn are aware of our plans and will welcome those who choose to call in for afternoon tea.  Other eating places are available nearby, such as Jenner’s Café.

It would be helpful if you could let us know if you wish to participate by contacting Tina Sell on 01628 628675 or email tina.sell@talktalk.net by the end of April.  And bring along any friends you think might join the Society!