I had long desire that we celebrate the Thames’ connection with the City forcibly each year as part of the Totally Thames Festival each September. We lit upon World Rivers Day, the fourth Sunday of every September as most appropriate, keeping our tradition yet celebrating with all the other cities of the world.
How did it go? Swimmingly (sic) well, i.e. we didn’t swim!
We have hope that this will continue in future years. Though hopefully other people will be doing the video:
One particular highlight was having a trip on Sailing Barge Blue Mermaid with the Sea Change Sailing Trust, one of the charities I particularly like to support. We went through Tower Bridge and it felt like our old days on Sailing Barge Lady Daphne.
Richard shared this photo, with a comment, “You might like the picture of Elizabeth making herself very useful going through the bridge”. As you can see, I’m doing even more important things like holding her mobile phone.
Thames Day, which coincided with World Rivers Day on 22 September, was held on the riverside in the City of London in front of the Church of St Magnus the Martyr, London Bridge, and attended by Lord Mayor of the City of London Michael Mainelli. The event is supported by the City of London Corporation’s Destination City programme, the organisation’s growth strategy for the Square Mile. The day featured a programme of free activities for the whole family to enjoy, including live music and entertainment, food stalls, a Thames photography exhibition, river-themed children’s artwork to view and ticketed boat trips on a historic wooden Thames Sailing Barge. The RNLI, Ahoy Centre, and the Port of London Authority are among the organisations who took part.
Michael Mainelli, Lord Mayor of the City of London, commented, “The City of London Corporation is proud to be supporting Thames Day. As the London Port Health Authority, covering 95 miles of the tidal Thames, we are a key player in looking after the life and health of the river. Every day, many thousands of us connect with the Thames – either, by crossing over it or travelling on it – and while doing so, we recognise its magnificent history and importance to London. It’s why celebrating its immense value through events like Thames Day is so important.”
Chris Hayward, City of London Corporation Policy Chairman, commented, “Winding its way from Gloucestershire right through several counties, the City, and out into the Thames Estuary near Southend-on-Sea, the Thames – punctuated by many iconic bridges – has carried, inspired, and fascinated people since Roman times. With so many engaging activities on offer on Thames Day, including free live entertainment, a photographic exhibition, and boat trips on a sailing barge, it will be an ideal day out for anyone who wants to learn more about this historic river.”
My sincere thanks to the many people who helped pull this off, but perhaps a special mention to Omkar Chana and the team at the City of London Corporation’s Destination City who rose (with the tide) to the occasion.
