A WEST Dorset club will be involved in an illuminated flotilla on the River Thames in memory of Queen Elizabeth II and to honour the accession of King Charles III.
The event will feature 150 vessels and, representing Dorset, will be Bridport Gig Rowing Club (BGRC).
The club has received the honour of being the only Dorset club invited to take part in the unique event called 'Reflections Flotilla'.
The flotilla will take place on Saturday, September 24 and was originally planned as part of the Queen's extended Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
It has been decided, after discussion, that the event will continue as a tribute to Her late Majesty the Queen and to honour King Charles III.
Each of the 150 vessels, both man-powered and motorised, will be illuminated with white lights will glide peacefully down the Thames.
Spectators will be able to reflect on the reign of Her Majesty as the Queen's row barge 'Gloriana' heads the procession.
Gloriana, commissioned as a tribute to the Queen for her Diamond Jubilee in 2012, will be rowed by oarsmen including Ben Fogle.
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The fleet will start at Albert Bridge, float down the river, through central London and pass under seven river bridges all of which will be beautifully lit by a special display created by the lighting artist Leo Villareal.
The Reflections Flotilla will complete its journey in splendid fashion with the raising of Tower Bridge, which will itself be bathed in purple light.
Eight members of the BGRC will be taking part in Bathsheba; one of BGRC’s gigs based at West Bay. It will be coxed by Peter Slimon and rowed by Tom Jones, Cat Macphee, Robbie McElhinney, Heather Coley, Lesley Tidballs, Simon Crafter, Michelle Sage and Andrew Crawford.
London’s River Thames has played an important role in many Royal and State occasions over the centuries, and this memorable event will continue this age-old tradition.
Reflections is thought to be the first illuminated flotilla seen on the Thames for over three hundred years.
The event will help to raise thousands of pounds for the RNLI, to support the construction of a new lifeboat station at Waterloo Bridge.
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