Downstream

opening doors. That’s when I
realise it feels as if we’re on a
boat; even his white uniform
gives him the air of a sea
captain. A long, thin table
runs the length of the narrow
room, like a ship’s mess,
while in the corner is a big
display board ‘Visit Southend
– town, shore and so much
more’.
Richard is from Southend
but doesn’t swim in the
Thames; his swimming