re-enactment of the event of 500 years ago.  The Shallop crew rowed the whole way, but two Venetian boats joined

 in after Teddington Lock.  Many other traditional skiffs also escorted the "Royal" procession from Teddington

to Hampton Court.  The gondola "Marisa Christiano" followed the procession from Teddington to Hampton Court

on Saturday and then spent all Sunday giving rides to people at Hampton Court,  which is what a gondola is meant for.

"Regalo" with four rowers aboard also joined the procession and there was much merriment when her crew were

described from the bank as "Henry VIII's washerwomen"!

A shallop salute

The Shallop from Hammersmith bridge

It was indeed a miracle that Regalo - our beautiful Venetial boat -  made it on time to join Henry VIII in his procession.

It was a amazing joint effort:

Richard Bailey took her to Stratford
Nick Birch repainted her
Tim Williams fetched her back to Oxford
Three intending crew dropped out in the last three days, two due to ill health
Richard Bailey got her to Donnington slipway and onto the trailer in the dark
Roger Blackburn towed her home and then to Putney
Janice Thomson, Robin Blandy, Richard Norton and Andrew gave her a preliminary dip in the Thames at Putney!
Robin Rigby and Adrienne arrived at Petersham to help launch
Janice towed her to the Thames at Petersham, encouraged by Juliet
Juliet produced four sashes (some from others)
Regalo was rowed to two miles to Teddington in time to beat Henry VIII
Robin R, Adrienne, Juliet and Janice rowed in the procession
Lots of cheers as it looked fantastic!
Six people rowed seven miles back in Regalo and got her out of the Thames at Petersham.
Janice and Andrew towed her to Putney
Roger and Juliet towed her to Oxford.
The shallop party put her in the barn
What a joint effort!

Regalo and crew

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