Barnstaple Pilot Gig Club members mourn the passing of Queen Elizabeth the second
The club members were greatly saddened to learn on Thursday 8th September that our Monarch had passed away that afternoon. The sad news arrived during a normal rowing training session in the evening, and immediately a conversation began about how club members could demonstrate their respect for her late Majesty and honour her remarkable life.
It was agreed that the training session scheduled for the following day (Friday) would proceed, and the rowers would observe a minute’s silence with oars raised in the air, which is a traditional rowing fraternity way to show respect and honour to those that most deserve it. For those that took part it was an emotional and poignant action that affected all present, and all will remember that moment for a long time to come.
The Club had planned an official opening ceremony for the newly refurbished Boathouse on Saturday 10th September, and an open day then and on Sunday 11th for members of the public to see the new facilities provided. This has now been postponed to a later date to be determined once the funeral arrangements have been made public.
The photos below show the crews saluting her late Majesty.
David Dixon
Vice chair, Barnstaple Pilot Gig Club
