Shropshire boats take part in Thames Jubilee Flotilla
Two Shropshire narrow boats are today taking park in the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Pageant following their historic three-week journey along the English canal network.
The Shropshire Lass and Shropshire Lad, owned by the Lyneal Trust, a charity that provides canal holidays for people with disabilities, arrived in London a fortnight ago in time to practise sailing in formation down the Thames with 1000 other boats.
In the pageant, the Shropshire narrow boats will be crewed by charity volunteers and wounded soldiers, including Telford hero, Corporal Ricky Furgusson, of 4th Battalion, the Rifles, awarded the Military Cross for bravery on the battlefield.
The boats will accompany Her Majesty the Queen's Royal Barge, the Spirit of Chartwell, down the Thames, cheered on by thousands of spectators on the riverbanks and watched by a global audience of millions.
“We are delighted to be flying the flag for Shropshire,” said Chris Symes, Chairman of the Lyneal Trust, “and excitement is building now that the pageant itself is only days away.”
The Trust’s engineer had to carry out necessary adjustments to prepare the Lass and Lad for the tidal Thames. “Our boats are now equipped with anchors and navigation lights, the sort of equipment not usually required for their day-to-day existence on the Llangollen canal!” Chris commented.
“Look out for us if you’re watching the pageant on TV or, if you are lucky enough to be in London on the day, give us a wave,” he added.
http://www.londontown.com/London-Maps/Thames-Jubilee-Pageant/EmbedJubilee/?width=800&height=650
Thames Jubilee Pageant Map from LondonTown.com
