Formations, Fireworks and Photography!

  Last Saturday 11th November 2017 was a busy day for Thames Rockets on the river! We began our day taking part in the Armistice Day Remembrance Service on the Thames. Gathering at St Katharine Pier we lined up in formation with the Glorianna, the Havengore, the RNLI and the Wapping River Police amongst others to proceed through the open Tower Bridge at 10:20 towards Parliament. The Glorianna was rowed all the way (against the tide!). At 10:50 we gathered outside Parliament before Big Ben awoke from her recent silence to chime 11:00, commencing the two minute silence. The ceremony took place on the Havengore to mark this annual Service of Remembrance, including a religious service and ending with a biodegradable poppy wreath being placed on the water from Havengore. If you would like to see the pass under Tower Bridge to the service outside Parliament you can see our broadcasts on Facebook Live. That evening it was time for something completely different! The Lord Mayor's Firework Display takes place on the river every year following the famous parade in the city. This year, we sold out for a very special experience. Our longest trip ever at 100 minutes saw passengers fly from the London Eye all the way to the Thames Barrier and back, arriving at Blackfriars Bridge just in time to watch the spectacular display from front row seats. Again, we were there on Facebook Live for anyone who wants to watch some of the display. Another recent announcement fresh from the Totally Thames team are the winners of the Thames Lens Photography Competition! Entrants were asked to submit photographs that captured the vibrancy and community spirit of the river Thames and were judged by a panel from the Thames Festival Trust and the Port of London Authority. The Port of London Authority chose Iggy Tavares whose image "Another Time's view across the Thames" was selected as part of the Thames Lens Competition. Iggy says: "On a cloudy, dreary day, Gormley's sculpture "Another Time" in the Thames at Limehouse admires the new homes across the Thames, while in the fore ground cranes on barges are ready to partake in new developments. Delighted with the win." Congratulations to Iggy, and thank you to everyone who came out with us over the weekend to take part in the wonderful events and activities the river offers each of us.