The Thames river cruiser, The Havengore, took centre stage during the commemorations on 30 January 2015 to mark the 50th anniversary of former Prime Minister, Winston Churchill’s, State Funeral procession, just days before she was due to arrive at Fox’s Marina & Boatyard for her annual refit.
Escorted by a flotilla of boats, including those from Trinity House, The Port of London Authority, The River Police and The RNLI, The Havengore retraced the route taken on 30 January 1965 when the yacht carried the coffin of Sir Winston Churchill on his final journey along The River Thames.
Chris Ryland, owner of Havengore said: “We were honoured to be such an important and visible part of the Churchill 2015 programme to honour Sir Winston Churchill. I feel this is a fitting tribute to a revered Statesman, and I am thrilled to know Havengore will once again be seen by so many people both here and around the world. This event was a tumultuous end to a busy season and I’m delighted we’re back in Ipswich again at Fox’s Boatyard for our annual refit.”
Also taking part in the ceremony were pupils from Suffolk’s Royal Hospital School Band who played ‘Rule Britannia’ as The Havengore departed from HMS President with members of the Churchill family on board. The wreath Honour Guard was provided by The Royal Hospital School Guard, echoing the role the Navy had at the State Funeral of pulling the gun carriage.
Fox’s Marina & Boatyard has a well-deserved reputation for its work on both modern and classic sailing and motor yachts as well as commercial craft and this is the second year that the yard has been entrusted with the refit work on this very special and historic vessel.
Havengore was last seen at Fox’s Marina & Boatyard in February 2014, when the yard carried out significant work to maintain her in tip-top condition. This year, in addition to her annual MCA survey requirements, she will undergo a complete repaint of her topsides, repairs to her teak coachroof joinery and the fitting of a new aluminium signal mast.
Fox’s plan to make Havengore available to view after her refit sometime in early April so that members of the public can see her before she returns to London. Please contact Fox’s Marina & Boatyard for more information. Email: foxs@foxsmarina.com