Phoenix PM Tallow Chandler Nicholas Bull had organised a Phoenix rowing boat to join the flotilla accompanying the QRB Gloriana from Chelsea Harbour finishing up mooring by HMS President by Tower Bridge. The Lord Mayor and his entourage would have travelled on the Gloriana.

With less than 24 hours’ notice the event was cancelled owing to forecast adverse weather conditions. Sympathy to Nicholas and his crew of Phoenixes: Isobel Pollock-Hulf, Martyn Chase, William Knocker Edward Middleton and Mark Snelling as they had all trained hard to take part, or so they tell me. Some sympathy too for those of us who had trained hard to watch the progress from HMS President.

David Pearson