Past Master, Martyn Wheatley, in association with his brother Stephen of the RNLI, organized an interesting and enjoyable visit, for twenty-one SIM members on Saturday 27 June, to the RNLI’s Tower Lifeboat Station.

This dynamic floating workplace is manned, by dedicated and well-trained individuals, who when the call comes in, can be up and away in seconds, aboard their 900bhp E-Class boats to save lives, at speeds of up to 50mph across the water.

The SIM group were welcomed aboard the floating station by Stephen and told all about the remarkable history of the RNLI, plus the amazing statistics regarding lives saved and rescues made along the Thames. We learnt that the station is coming up for 25 years on the Thames, in which time they have responded to over 12,000 ‘Shouts’ and saved nearly 400 lives.

Read More “SIM visit to RNLI Tower Lifeboat Station Saturday 27 June 2026”

Read More “Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition (30 June – 5 July 2026)”

The Admiral of the Port Challenge Race is a historic 2-nautical-mile traditional rowing event on the River Thames. Organized by the Thames Traditional Rowing Association, the competition features traditional four-oared Watermen’s cutters and skerries representing City Livery Companies and other river organizations.  The course of this race is from HQS Wellington to the Westminster Boating Base, Pimlico, a distance of two nautical miles (although somewhat questioned by those rowing). Boats then continue upstream and disembark at Chelsea Harbour Pier.

Those representing the Company took to the water in the Gordon Hall Cutter, with the Livery Flag billowing from the stern the team set off at a cracking pace.  As the race came to its closing moments Gordon Hall was tied neck and neck for second place with Vittoria from the London Port Health Authority.  Alas Vittoria gained a surprising lead, and Gordon Hall was narrowly pipped to the post coming in third which is a fantastic achievement! taking immense endurance, grit, and hours of hard work.

The Master wishes congratulations to those that took part on a great result!

Full results and pictures from the event can be viewed below.

Read More “Admiral of the Port Challenge Race 11 June 2026”

On Saturday 6th June a group of members and guests were delighted to attend the Colonel’s Review of Trooping the Colour on Horse Guards Parade.  Although the weather was slightly wet (think downpour in places) it did nothing to dampen the spirt of those in attendance.  After the parade the group moved to the Royal Horse Guards hotel for a reception and a splendid lunch.

(Picture Credits: John Canning and Rebecca Tanderyd)

Read More “Colonel’s Review of Trooping the Colour Saturday 6th June 2026”