Craft-owning Freeman Tim Koch describes the epic encounter of the 2019 race in his article, which originally appeared on the rowing website ‘Hear the Boat Sing!’ I rarely make predictions when it comes to rowing races and generally adopt the noncommittal approach exemplified by misquoting University Boat Race commentator, John Snagge, and his famous
The Master formally opened the refurbished Freemen’s Room after the Court Meeting on the 2nd October. The works were carried out during August and September thanks to the financial support of the PQ’s.
The Master and his Wardens pictured in the Court Room At the meeting of 2nd October 2019 Mr Alexandre Demetriou was admitted as a Craft Owning Freeman. Craft Owning Freeman David Beard was admitted as an Honorary Court Assistant and also appointed as Company Fundraiser. The Revd Katherine Hedderely was appointed as Chaplain to the
Interested in being bound or binding a new apprentice? The next Court of Bindings is on 13 January 2020, please call Kelly Lesurf on 0207 283 2373 or email training@watermenshall.org to receive an application pack. Forthcoming training surgery dates, which prospective apprentices will need to attend to meet with our Training Officer, Alex Hickman ahead
The new Company Christmas Cards are now available for sale. Complete the Order Form for 2019 Christmas Card or by collection from the Hall. The cost is £15.00 for a pack of twenty cards plus p and p. All proceeds go to our Charities.
Past Master Peter David Thatcher Roberts passed away on 22nd September 2019 aged 85 years. Peter was born in Beckenham in 1934. He became a Craft Owning Freeman on 20th October 1971 and was Master of the Company in 1993-1994. There will be a memorial service at St. Giles Church, Shipbourne (near Tonbridge, Kent) on
9th October is the National Service for Seafarers at St Paul’s Cathedral where two apprentices and our Bargemaster carry the Company’s Defaced Red Ensign in the colour parade. Service starts at 1700. And is open to Freemen and the public.
Took place on Sunday 22nd September 2019 A very successful day, enjoyed by all, it is essential to recognise the contribution of so many individuals and organisations in making it possible: the drive organisers and barge owners, the safety boats and their crews, the PLA, Thames Barge Driving Trust, the skippers and rowers of the
Very many congratulations to the eight new Freemen who took their oaths at Watermen’s Hall on 8 July. Our photograph by Alex Hickman show (left to right): James Berry, Jack Finelli, George Gilbert, Joe McCarthy, Max Wilson, Andrew Coppin, Patrick Keech and Christopher Davis.
On Sat 6 July the River Thames Barge Driving Race took place. A unique race run over a gruelling 7-mile course between Greenwich & Westminster. Barges are nearly 100 years old, manned by Freemen and Apprentices of the Watermen’s Company using oars or ‘sweeps’ which are 15ft long. Won by the
Watermen’s Hall is one of the City of London’s finest venues for conferences, banquets, receptions, award ceremonies, business meetings, wedding receptions, private dining and silver service luncheons for up to 80 people.
This 18th century Georgian Hall graces the City with its historical elegance and spaces to suit every occasion.
Please contact Mark Grove at The Cook and The Butler, either by phone or email, for all hiring enquiries:
Telephone: 020 7620 1818
Fax: 020 7620 1820
For more information about our rooms click on the link below
