I was on one of the passenger boats in the Diamond Jubilee Flotilla on Sunday… a fun and exhilarating experience. The crowds lining the riverbanks were waving and cheering and we joined in as we moved along. We were all dressed in red, white and blue and waving our Union Jack flags.

Once we had turned into the last straight past the Houses of Parliament, the rain drove down upon us and the wind was bitingly cold. The Queen was there to wave us by even though we were among the last of the boat procession and we whooped with joy although by then we were soaked to the skin!

The highlight for me was sailing under the raised Tower Bridge – such an iconic sight – and admiring the Royal Barge close-up. Then we turned around and went full speed along the Thames with all the other boats in our group. It was choppy with spray flying, the light dimmed to grey closing in to obscure famous landmarks including the top of the Shard lost in the clouds.

An extra special celebration to remember, thanks to Jane for excellent organisation and the Clifton Castle for allowing us to join her merry crew.