It had been three weeks previous that we had received notification that we had won a place on one of the passenger boats taking part in the Thames flotilla, part of the Diamond Jubilee Celebrations. Having passed the required Security clearance and with tickets in hand we prepared to take part in an event that would go down in history just as the last flotilla pageant had in 1662.
On Sunday 3rd June, following an early departure from the Midlands, we finally arrived at our boarding point in Wandsworth with time to spare, witnessing the gradual build up of people making their way to the various vantage points along the Thames route. Despite the grey cold weather the crowds were building, an array of Red, White and Blue, smiles on their faces, a feel good factor was evident. This was a celebration that all walks of life would be taking part in, demonstrated by our boarding party decked in Union Jack dresses, silly hats, blowing horns. This was in sharp constant to the occupants boarding the boat moored by our side, looking like they were on a day excursion to Royal Ascot, it was designer hats and dresses for the ladies, gents in their Suits and ties together with their well educated accents. Although no sign of the Union colours their passion for celebrating the Queens jubilee was obvious.
Our boat, "The Golden Sunrise" was to enter the parade towards the end with the other Passenger boats, this meant we had quite a wait before making our entrance. However it gave us a marvellous vantage point to see the Flotilla come past before we joined on. The weather was being kind, yes it was dark and dreary but dry conflicting with the forecast which had predicted a very wet day.
Then suddenly in the distance coming towards us from Putney Bridge it started, the first of the 1000 vessels taking part in the pageant. The slow process being made was explained as they got closer, a large range of Man Powered Vessels continuing Kayaks, Rowing boats through to the drum beating Dragon boats. The atmosphere was amazing, cheering, shouting and everyone waving at each other has if they were long lost friends.
It was at this time that we realised we would not be seeing the Queens Barge which was entering the flotilla further ahead to lead the procession. This was disappointing but we knew we would have the honour of passing the Royals at Her Majesty's viewing point near Tower Bridge.
The next group appeared from a distance to be a "Smurf landing party", a group of small boats containing blue people with white hats. However, on closer examination it was sea cadets in a number of boats each displaying a flag of each of the commonwealth countries. The party atmosphere continued as other groups followed, the Dunkirk ships, Historic and Service vessels, Working Boats all different sizes and colours but each housing a group of beaming occupants waving crazily as if their lives depended on it.
After a massive grouping of Narrow boats passed us, our engines roared and we started to move to take our place in the line, this was greeted by a few drops of rain. As we made our way down the Thames it was evident the crowds were out in their masses, every available space was taken whether that be on the banks, Bridges or Balconies of the flats overseeing the River. The rain was getting stronger and stronger but it wasn't deterring anyone from enjoying the occasion whether on board the vessels or watching from the sides.
The Union flag was everywhere to be seen, particularly on the ever growing army of umbrellas being raised as the torrent of rain started to really lash down. Music, horns and cheers mingled and drifted into earshot from the shore as large gatherings of people could be seen celebrating and acknowledging every single vessel that passed by. Strains of "God Save the Queen" could be heard as our trip progressed, passing under packed bridges, many closed to vehicles for the day to accommodate the large number of spectators.
As we approached Tower Bridge we were all soaked to the skin, the rain was now torrential and visibility was poor in the grim conditions but spirits were not dampened as the cheers and waving continued. The time then came for our boat to pass the Royal Family on their platform overseeing the Thames. Luckily her Majesty had come prepared in a white coloured dress allowing her to stand out prominently through the rain filled view enabling us a chance to see her clearly standing beside the other members of the Royals. An opportunity to show our feelings towards her, resulting in our mad cheering and flag waving being greeted by a wave of her hand.
A fantastic ending to a fantastic day!!
I felt privileged to be part of the flotilla, the whole day was a wonderful experience, a true show of patriotism rarely seen on our shores. It highlighted that the monarchy still has a major role to play in the nations interests and the occasion certainly brought the country together in a way not seen for a long time. The weather wasn't the golden sunshine we wished for but the crowds endurance through the pouring rain spoke volumes of what the occasion meant to the Queens loyal subjects.
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