Hayling rowing club will crew the Queen's barge GlorianaÂ

A HAYLING Island club has been awarded the prestigious honour of rowing the Queen's Gloriana.
The Queen's row barge Gloriana Picture: Dominic Lipinski/PA WireThe Queen's row barge Gloriana Picture: Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire
The Queen's row barge Gloriana Picture: Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire

The Langstone Cutters will crew the Queen's official royal barge in a ceremonial event taking place on the Thames on September 23.

Club member and representative, Ron Wiiliams, 68, said: '˜It is a huge honour to be invited to row the Gloriana and all the club are really looking forward to it.'

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Constructed in 2012 for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee the Gloriana was the first royal barge to be built for over 250 years. The barge is considerably larger than the the four manned 30 foot Solent Galleys' the team are used to.

Langstone Cutters relaxing after an eventLangstone Cutters relaxing after an event
Langstone Cutters relaxing after an event

'˜With 18 foot oars it is a huge vessel which requires 18 oarsmen,' explained Ron.

The symbolic event takes place annually with different clubs invited each year to row the barge. It is between Putney and Hammersmith.

'˜We were visiting a rowing club on the Thames and were talking about the event. I mentioned that we had never been involved. As it turns out the person I had been talking to is involved in organising the event. Soon after a letter arrived through the post inviting us to take part,' said Ron.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The rowers range in age from teenagers up to members in their 70s.

They will be joined at the event by family and friends.

 When Gloriana is not in use she is on display at St Katharine Docks in the City of London.

 

Related topics: