Ceremonial Vessel

In addition to the funeral of Sir Winston Churchill, Havengore has taken part in many other ceremonial events. Some of these are listed below:

Rememberance Day Services

For many years, Havengore took part in Remembrance Day services where she carried members of the ‘Goldfish Club’; men of the Royal Air Force who had been rescued from the sea after ejecting from their aircraft. Havengore would travel to the City the previous day and with most of the crew staying aboard would lay overnight at Westminster Pier. The following morning the crew in best uniforms would board the guests at Westminster Pier. By 10:40am "Havengore", with PLA ensign at half mast and the Goldfish Club pennant flying, would drop away from the pier, taking up position in mid-channel. The members of the Goldfish Club would assemble on the afterdeck and the crew would muster by the Chart Room, as Big Ben struck 11:00am they would stand to attention for the minutes silence. As the final notes of the Last Post were heard from Whitehall a wreath was dropped over the side, slowly sinking below the surface. A RAF padre would conduct a short service. The impact of this simple act of remembrance remains stong today, one member recalls the service 35 years ago.

Queen Elizabeth II 1952-1977 Silver Jubilee

For London’s Silver Jubilee celebrations 'Havengore' joined a pageant of more than 100 boats and five simultaneous firework displays on the River Thames. The craft taking part represented London riverside and British industry and commerce as well as many other organisations. The pageant moved from Greenwich, proceeded up the Thames to Vauxhall turned and passed the Queen at County Hall.

The Tall Ships Race

On July 8th, 1989 on the River Thames. Although not involved in an official capacity, Havengore carried friends and family of the crew for a memorable day on the River as the ships, some under sail, passed. The King and Queen of Sweden were on one of the many battleships detailed for escort duties that day.

The Lord Mayor's Show

In celebration of the appointment of a new Lord Mayor of London various festivities occur in the city.

One particular Show is recalled from the late 1960's, a pageant with lots of flags and lights, Havengore with all the trimmings and a local band on board. Guests on board were mainly senior PLA officers and wives, a jolly time was had by all as "Havengore" cruised off Westminster and up the River Thames.