Tower and Town, August 2019 (view the full edition)ST John's Students: Where Are They Now? No. 3:How school and the Kennet shaped my life
When I think of Marlborough, countless fond memories spring to mind. Being lucky enough to have lived there for eighteen years before university, Marlborough has played an important role in shaping my life. It was at St John’s School where I first developed an interest in Environmental Science that I later went on to study at university. Tower and Town is also something that’s been part of my life whilst growing up in Marlborough. I in fact used to deliver a number of magazines on my bicycle for my grandparents for the sizeable sum of one pound (unfortunately, not per copy either)! I’d like to think that if I were still delivering the magazines today there would be some recognition of inflation, I won’t hold my breath on this one however. My time at St John’s will always be centric to growing up in Marlborough; almost all of my close friends now were fellow students and many of our most memorable moments are still from our time in Marlborough. From snow days in Treacle Bolly to catching bullheads in the River Kennet, on reflection I always feel very fortunate to have grown up in these surroundings. The River Kennet itself shaped a key part in my interest of Environmental Science. Whilst studying for my A-Levels the Kennet and its associated flora and fauna formed part of my Environmental Case Study. I spent many hours in a somewhat suspect inflatable boat paddling, and at times sinking, up and down the length of the river recording the wildlife. Kingfisher sightings near the old railway line, hundreds of brown trout and stream water crowfoot by Chiltern Foliat are but a few of the species that can be found within the river’s ecosystem. Throughout my case study I had the privilege to meet some of the members and volunteers for Action for the River Kennet (ARK) whose magnificent work and dedication to the River ensures the continued preservation of its ecosystem.  ARK Volunteers River Restoration at Stonebridge Wild River Reserve May 2019 Heny Maulik |