Aug 26 2004

Sam Lyon

SIR Ian McKellen worked his wizarding magic on the Wharf's docks this week.

The Narrow Street resident, who played Gandalf in the Lord Of The Rings Trilogy, turned Great Uncle Bulgaria for the day as he joined scores of Wharfers cleaning Limekiln Dock, by Canary Riverside.

"It's kind of selfish really, because I'm just making my river view better by clearing up the dock," Sir Ian told The Wharf.

"But it's an important thing to do. Many of my neighbours help keep this dock clean more than I do, and keep the area looking as good as it does.

"There is a lot of rubbish that has been chucked in the river - like bricks and old nails - and for the habitat of the area it's important to keep the place as clean as possible."

The event last Saturday (August 21) was organised by Limehouse estate agent London Link, in Three Colt Street, as part of the Thames 21 adopt- a-river iniative - a scheme to improve the cleanliness of the Thames.

Wharf helpers - who later enjoyed a BBQ provided by Narrow Street Pub & Dining Room - will also install a raft in the Limekiln Dock to provide nesting sites for birds such as Canada Geese and Coots.

Lesley Balding, London Link's managing director, will call on Wharf businesses as she looks to further improve the dock.

"It's been my mission for five years to get it as beautiful as possible and a perfect haven for wildlife," she told The Wharf.

Lesley is looking to raise £20,000 for further initiatives for the Limekiln dock.

If you want to get involved call her on 020 7987 7778.

sam.lyon@...