In celebration of the 1100th anniversary of King Athelstan’s coronation, The Jubilant Trust was invited to carry the Mayor of the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames as part of the 100 strong Kingston River Cultures Festival flotilla of rowed, paddled and motor boats in the presence of the Duke of Edinburgh.
The flotilla represented local boating clubs and included a number of historic crafts.
The Duke’s father was present at Jubilant’s presentation to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on her Golden Jubilee celebration at Bushey Park 23 years ago, and it was an honour to row before his successor in the festival organised by Thames Alive.
The Jubilant Trust was saddened by the death of well-known boatbuilder and Swan Upper, Bill Colley in September. Bill was one of the builders who helped with the construction of the Jubilant, assisting the designer, Mark Edwards, taking measurements from the 18th century Shallop in Somerset House barge dock. The Jubilant Trust was honoured to take Bill on his last row to Mortlake Crematorium.