Here at Teddigton Nub News we like to give a voice to those in the local community.

So here is the first in a regular series from RNLI press officer and crew member, Paul Stallard, based at Teddington Lifeboat Station.

He told us:

"Be Like Water" Bruce Lee once said.

Being by the water - the River Thames or the sea - makes us all feel at one with ourselves.

In a year like no other for many of us being by the river helps restore our sense of calm and invigorates us to overcome challenges.

In recent weeks as more of our family and friends

venture out and take short breaks in the UK or overseas, I've noticed the photos of rivers, waterfalls and the oceans appearing on social media.

Water is therapy and enjoyment.

I had a few days break in the Gower with my wife and family and enjoyed dips in the sea and coastline walks. I spoke with RNLI Lifeguards on the beach at Port Eynon and had a look at Horton and Port Eynon RNLI Lifeboat Station.

It was fascinating to watch how the Lifeguards monitored every single swimmer in the sea, ready to help if required.

The recent River Blessing reminded us how lucky we are to have the River Thames flowing through the heart of our local towns – Teddington, Twickenham, Richmond, Ham, Kingston, Hampton and beyond.

I've noticed increasing numbers of boats on the river over recent weeks.

Being on the water makes us feel young at heart, splashing about and bobbing up and down in a boat.

Indeed, I love the Teddington Nub News online article with old photographs and TV News clips about The Beatles arriving by boat in July 1964 to do a TV

show at Teddington Studios.

George Harrison does a funny Boat Race commentary as the band flow along on the river after their US tour.

The Liverpool fab four knew a thing or two about ships, ports and rivers, The Mersey Beat sound was inspired by records imported by sailors to the UK.

The records and the music ignited a generation to love American Rock 'n' Roll and Rhythm & Blues music. Eel Pie Island in Twickenham became a key part of the

'Sixties music scene too.

Finally, last Saturday was the first time our Volunteer RNLI Lifeboat crew were able to train on the River since before lockdown.

Teddington RNLI helm Andy Bell, myself and Gianna

practised our boat handling on D-743 Olwen and Tom.

We also practised our Teddington Lock operations with the lock keeper as we sometimes need to unlock the gates ourselves when on a night-time shout and the lock keeper is not on duty.

The lock is an amazing piece of engineering. It helps people, boats and the river go with the flow!

If you do see someone in difficulty in the water, you should dial 999 and ask for the coastguard.

Don't assume someone else has called for help!