Bridport Gig Club will be representing Dorset in an event on the Thames that will pay tribute to Queen Elizabeth ll.

The club will be part of the Reflections Flotilla on Saturday 24th September.

The event which takes place on the River Thames in London was originally organised as part of the Platinum Jubilee Celebrations. It has however been decided to continue with the event as a tribute to our late Sovereign, and, to honour the accession of King Charles lll.

Bridport Gig Club.

The flotilla comprises of 150 vessels, both manpower and motorised, all of which will be illuminated with white lights and will glide peacefully down the Thames. An opportunity for the spectators to reflect on the reign of Her Majesty. The Queen's Row Barge Gloriana, rowed by oarsmen including Ben Fogle, will lead the procession.

The fleet will start at Albert Bridge, float downriver, through Central London, passing 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. She 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 are thought to be the first illuminated flotilla seen on the Thames for over three hundred years.

The event will also raise up to £20,000 for the RNLI, supporting the construction of a new lifeboat station at Waterloo Bridge.

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