When we lived in Berkshire the Loddon and Thames Rivers were close by and sometimes it was pleasanter walking along by the river bank, through the meadows and playing fields from village to village and into town than using the main roads especially when I was a child. Sitting by the lock is relaxing and fascinating as the various boats wait to go in and out and navigate the waters there. The tea garden on the island between the river channels and the weir where the lock keeper lives is an added attraction before a walk back into the village.
(images taken from the information board in Sonning).
Here are some more images of Sonning Lock and village. Next time I'll be writing about another beautiful area on the west side of Reading in Berkshire - (Pangbourne, Goring and Streatley).
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| The lock keeper taking a short rest in between manning the lock gates. |
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Sonning village held the annual scarecrow trail event earlier in the year and this is one of the remaining models on the island.
We saw wild crab apples as we strolled back along the river bank to the village.
We went along the path from the river passed St. Andrew's Church.
The local primary school was having an end of term concert inside so
it was only possible to take a quick look inside.
We sat and had a drink at The Bull Inn which is next to the church. I always enjoy seeing the wisteria.
Nearby Reading town was well-known for the three Bs - brick making, bulbs and biscuits. In fact, Sutton's Seed Company trial grounds (the flower bulb aspect) used to be near where we lived when I was a child. and The Huntley and Palmer biscuit factory was famous all over the world. Both the Sutton and Palmer families have been benefactors of public facilities in the area so it's not surprising to see that one of the Palmer family gifted a water pump to the village.
