Hounslow council gave Thames Tradesmen's Rowing club just 4 weeks notice of eviction (with no prior discussion or advanced warning). This is because they plan to knock down the building and put a new one up.

However, the council have no funds to do so and so this will not happen for another 2-3 years. Yesterday, they locked the doors on Chiswick Boathouse, stopping Thames Tradesmen's from rowing for the first time in its proud 121 year history.

The council are challenging the club's lease that runs until 2033, wanting the club to instead capitulate and sign a rolling 6 month licence. In effect they are saying, 'Unless you sign this license, you cannot row'.

The club believes it is only fair and right in a democratic, legal based society that we are allowed to protect the long term survival of the club by holding onto our claim for a longer term lease that had been agreed by the council (and never before contested over the past 33 years).

The club has now been forced to spend a past President's hard-earned legacy to seek legal clarification from the High court over the lease. Our legal bills so far in seeking advice has cost us £12,600 - enough money to buy to training boats to help new people into the sport (or 32 new members!). A great shame the council is making us 'waste such money that could have been put to much better causes.

George Hooper joined the club when he was 14 in 1923. He was a continuous presence until his death. He was a pattern maker for large ships’ propellers. He earned less than £5 a week. But careful saving, meant he accumulated a little 'nest egg' that he kindly bequeathed to the club. We are now having to use that to help keep the club alive, after its illustrious 121 year history.

Whilst I am sure George would approve of the reason we are spending his hard earned savings, at the same time he would be bitterly disappointed that the council have pushed us into this situation.

So please help us protect one of Britain's oldest and most successful rowing clubs. Even a modern day £5 helps go a long way!