The Company of Watermen and Lightermen of the River Thames

22/05/2026

At the end of April, the Thames TTRA - Thames Traditional Rowing Association held the Tudor Pull.

King’s Bargemaster Chris Livett, together with the Royal Watermen rowing Jubliant, brought the Stela from Hampton Court to Tower Bridge along the River Thames.

Master Sean Collins was aboard Jubliant, whilst Company Bargemaster Robbie Coleman coxed The Lady Mayoress with a crew of Freemen and apprentices.

You will be able to catch our Company boats at more upcoming events later this year, including the Admiral of the Port and the Port of London Challenge.

18/05/2026

Past Masters’ Lunch today and lovely to see so many familiar faces, along with a few we haven’t seen for a while.

12 Past Masters joined Master Sean Collins for this annual get together. Pictured left to right are:

Past Master Richard Goddard, Past Master Ted Gradosielski, Past Master Emeritus Brian Wheeler, Past Master Emeritus Andrew Howard, Past Master Richard Springford, Master Sean Collins, Past Master Iain Reid, Past Master Emeritus Bob Crouch, Past Master Rass Randall, Past Master David Gordon, Past Master Derek Mann, Past Master Emeritus Dave Allen and Past Master Emeritus Ken Dwan.

A room full of knowledge, experience and memories.

15/05/2026

As I sit writing this post, our annual Senior Lightermen’s Lunch is taking place upstairs in the Freemen’s Room.

While the numbers around the table may grow smaller with time, the stories shared and the photo albums laid out remain as colourful, engaging, and important as ever. Absent friends have been fondly remembered, and from my office below I can still hear the laughter and conversation that have long been such a valued part of this event.

These afternoons remind us why preserving our history and traditions matters so much. It’s more than memories; it’s a legacy built on friendship, family, and life on the River that must continue to be cherished and passed on to future generations.

Above all, they reflect the enduring spirit of the river family for which this Company stands.

15/05/2026

Yesterday afternoon, the Master, Sean Collins, joined by Junior Warden, David Beard and led by Bargemaster, Robbie Coleman, and Doggett’s winners Riess Ballard and Coran Cherry, took part in Beating the Bounds.

This annual Ascension Day celebration, held with All Hallows by the Tower, is a long-standing tradition marking the historic parish boundaries along the River Thames. The ceremony included the customary procession on the river, prayers, and the symbolic “beating” of the boundaries, helping to preserve the memory of the parish limits for future generations.

An afternoon celebrating heritage, tradition, and our enduring connection with the River.

15/05/2026

Yesterday, the Dolphin Committee (formerly known as the Ladies’ Committee) hosted their Annual Floral Lunch.

Guest speaker was Pippa Greenwood, the English plant pathologist and well-known television and radio presenter. Pippa regularly appears on the BBC’s long-running programme Gardeners’ World and has been a familiar voice on BBC Radio 4’s Gardeners’ Question Time since 1994.

Thank you to the committee for all their fundraising efforts to support Watermen's Hall Preservation Trust. We hope you had a lovely afternoon and well done to those who won raffle prizes!

15/05/2026

It’s been a busy week at Watermen's Hall.

We began with the Court of Binding, where four new apprentices were admitted to the Company. Charlie Wilson, Frank Wilson, Malindi Carson and Jervell Stephenson-Cadette.

This was followed by the Court of Admissions, at which three new Freemen were admitted. Dean Smith by Servitude, Paul Hicks and Claire Talbot (née Pettitt) both by Patrimony.

A warm welcome to you all, and congratulations on this important milestone, as you begin your future connections with our Company and of course the river Thames.

06/05/2026

DOGGETT'S COAT AND BADGE WAGER 2026 - ENTRIES NOW OPEN
Sign up now for the toughest rowing race in the World!

We are delighted to announce that entries are now open for the Doggett's Coat and Badge Wager 2026 which will take place on 2nd September. The Doggett's Coat and Badge is the oldest continuously running rowing race in the world, with a proud history dating back to 1715. We warmly encourage eligible Freemen and apprentices of the Company to put themselves forward and be part of this historic tradition.

The race is in single sculls and approximately 7½ km long race through the City of London from London Bridge to Cadogan Pier, Chelsea. It is one of the toughest rowing challenges in the world: competitors have to deal with difficult water conditions – fast stream and potentially rough water – whilst handling the physical intensity of racing. With the support of Masters, employers, and coaches, competitors will need to undertake extensive training both physically to endure the race and technically to manage their boat.

Who Can Enter?
Entries are open to the following members of the Company who wish to compete and are under 31 years of age at the time of the race:

• Apprentices who hold a Boatmasters’ Licence (BML) Tier 1 Level 2
• Journeyman Freemen of the Company
• Freemen by Patrimony who have obtained their Freedom by Patrimony after completing a time served apprenticeship

Key Dates
• Race Draw: Weds 8th July 2026 - Fishmongers' Hall. All competitors must attend
• Race Day: Weds 2nd September 2026 - The course runs on the
Thames from London Bridge to Cadogan Pier

How to Enter & Further Information
If you would like to enter, wish to discuss the entry process, eligibility criteria, training or any other aspect of the race, please contact our Rowing Manager Jon Williamson who will be happy to answer any questions you may have [email protected]

We look forward to hearing from those wishing to take part in this great historic tradition of the Thames.

23/04/2026

Happy St George’s Day from all of us at Watermen’s Hall

Today we’re hosting our annual Master & Clerks Lunch, and tomorrow we’ll be welcoming guests for our Freemen’s St George’s Day Lunch. Both are long-standing events that celebrate the history of our Company and bring everyone together.

We look forward to welcoming you all.

17/04/2026

Not long now until we move into May, with more events for Freemen to look forward to.

Two of those being our last Pub & Pint until after the summer, again at Dickens Inn, St Katharine Dock on 6th May between 18:00–21:00hrs. Do drop by if you can.

Following on from that will be our Freemen’s Drinks Reception at the Hall on 21st May from 18:30–20:30hrs. It would be great to see as many of you as possible. You do have to book you place for this one either via the online member database or [email protected]

As we move into peak season for those on the river, we know it’s a busy time, but if you get the chance to come by to either of these events, we’d love to see you.

15/04/2026

As we look ahead to the 250th anniversary of Watermen’s Hall in 2030, we’ve begun important restoration works to ensure the building is ready for the next chapter of its history. These include essential repairs such as replacing ageing boilers and cleaning the stonework.

To help support this work, we’re excited to launch a new monthly raffle, offering anyone (not just our members) the chance to contribute in a meaningful (and enjoyable) way.

April Prize: A Luxury Thames River Cruise for Six
Enjoy a memorable afternoon on the River Thames aboard a luxury motor cruiser for up to six guests, complete with champagne on board. Whether shared with family, friends, or fellow Freemen, it’s a unique experience on the very river at the heart of the Company of Watermen & Lightermen heritage.

How to Enter
10 tickets for £10
Enter here: https://go.rallyup.com/watermenshall250/Campaign/Details

The April draw takes place on 30th April.

Why it matters
Every ticket purchased goes directly towards supporting Watermen’s Hall and the ongoing work of the Company. It’s a simple way to support a place we all value, with the added chance of winning a special prize.

A new prize will be drawn each month, so there will be more opportunities to take part and win in the future.

And do share any requests for future raffle prizes!!

Join me in supporting Royal Benevolent & Educational Fund for Watermen & Lightermen: https://go.rallyup.com/watermenshall250