Thame Women’s Institute to Organise “Clean Rivers” Protest on the Old Long Crendon Road Bridge

11th September 2025

The Thame Women’s Institute (WI) is calling on residents to join their “Clean Rivers Campaign” protest against pollution in the River Thame. The event will take place on Thursday, 18 September 2025 at 2:00 pm on the Old Long Crendon Road bridge.

Hazel Coey, spokesperson for Thame WI, said:

“I, like most of Thame’s population, learned to swim in the River Thame—there was no swimming pool in the town until much later. Today, our once-loved river is in crisis, polluted and lifeless. We are taking a stand to make sure future generations can enjoy a healthy, living river.”

Bronwen Sweet, President of Thame WI, added:

“The Clean Rivers Campaign is about demanding accountability and action. The WI has campaigned for clean rivers since the 1930s, and we will not stop until our River Thame is restored.”

Political & Community Support

The protest will be supported by local MP Freddie van Mierlo and Thame Town Councillors, reflecting the strong community backing for urgent improvements in water quality and environmental stewardship.

Why It Matters

The River Thame continues to suffer from:
• Untreated sewage discharges from local wastewater treatment plants.
• Nutrient overloads that harm fish and wildlife.
• Poor ecological health, with none of its sub-catchments meeting the government’s “good ecological status.”

Community-led monitoring shows these issues are ongoing and worsening, making immediate action essential.

Event Details