Jubilant 2003 News & Reports
Release date: 28/01/2004

During 2003 the Royal Barge Jubilant has been in operation for the first time since her launching and naming by the Duke of York the previous September. She has been helping some of the people she was deigned to benefit and giving them a lot of pleasure.

A vital part of the experience is the river itself. To be afloat in safety is a great confidence builder and Jubilant helps do just that.

We have held regular sessions for all comers to row the barge on the tidal Thames from her summer moorings at Richmond. We have accommodated complete novices, mixed ability rowers and special outings for parties of scouts and sea scouts.

We have aimed to provide a social aspect to include any disadvantaged people that we can attract to these sessions including adults who have special needs but are living by themselves. Basic instruction is provided and we have been successful in attracting people with disabilities to special sessions to enjoy the river and try their hands at rowing or steering the barge. For example one blind adult student from the learning support unit at Richmond College, experienced great joy when he was able to steer the barge under the skipper’s supervision, with his classmates on board.

Jubilant was honoured to be included in the flotilla at the Royal opening of the Golden Jubilee footbridges in London by HRH Princess Alexandra in July.

She also appeared a Henley Royal Regatta and was rowed on the course during the Sunday tea interval by a crew of Westminster School leavers. Earlier in the week the Royal Watermen rowed her in the navigation with one of the sponsors on board.

The Tudor Pull saw her carry the Stella from Hampton Court Palace rowed by the Royal Watermen. This charity event raised £750 to be divided between the Jubilant Trust and the Philip Henman Trust.

The Jubilant helps the disadvantaged and people with disabilities to participate in the sport of rowing and the Philip Henman Trust helps apprentice Watermen with some of the expenses of their five year training scheme.