By Monica Jones
With a community focus on the Shepperton Village Fair only one week later, and a royal knees up on offer for locals at Laleham Park over the Jubilee weekend, Shepperton might be feeling a little left out in terms of commu-nity Jubilee celebrations.
But fear not! Vivienne Leighton and her band of trusty helpers have decided to do something different, but most definitely fit for a queen. You will remember Councillor Leighton’s river pag-eant when she was Mayor of Spelthorne in 2016. It was the mayoral year that focused on the river running through the borough. With the ‘Gloriana’ gracing our stretch of the river, and local skiffing teams taking part in rowing her, it was an event not to be forgotten.
So, this is how it is looking so far.
Thursday June 2nd. Boats will muster at Shepperton Lock at 4pm, then head down to Sunbury weir and back to the Weybridge Mariners. The call is out for pageant boats to take part. Let’s get as many cruisers, small boats and dinghies, skiffs, sailing boats as possible from this reach of the Thames. The more the merrier. Boat owning Shepperton residents from Hamhaugh and Pharaohs islands and Shepperton Towpath are very much encouraged to join in. The idea is for boats to be decked out in bunting and crews to dress for the occasion.
The plan is also for one of the French Broth-ers passenger boats to join the flotilla so that non-boat owners can join in. Do email to get your name on the list; info@jgfboats.com
It is hoped that Riparian owners along this stretch of the river will join in by decorating their frontages and wave boats by with lots of noise and jollity!
On returning to Weybridge Mariners, enter-tainment and food will be put on, with DJ Dave Mac pumping out some tunes.
The evening party is by ticket only in advance and costs £10. Drinks from the bar.
To organise this event it is vital that organisers know details of craft planning to take part so please get in touch. Also your advance booking for the party for catering numbers and special diet requirements. The venue has limited numbers so get in there fast!
For more information please email platinumpageant@leightons.me.uk or call Vivienne on 07914 413396 or Colin on 07999 516199