Not really art or music, but I couldn't resist writing about a recent event at which my friend Alice launched a large ship on the Thames. Technically I think this makes her the ship's "godmother". She's godmother to my son too. I wonder if that makes him related to a ship?
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| MS Adeline waiting to be launched, berthed next to HMS Belfast |
On a rather grey day the ship's bunting really stood out. Rather incongrously hanging from the side of the ship was a ball of flowers, with a bottle of champagne suspended underneath it.
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| The bottle of champagne is just below the flowery ball. |
Reverend Warren led a prayer; and then Alice blessed the ship by doing something (perhaps a radio control button) that let the champagne bottle swing free and hit the side of the ship. It broke on the first attempt.
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| Alice launching the ship. To her right is Revd. Gordon Warren. |
MS Adeline then sailed out under Tower Bridge and down the Thames to the sea.
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| Adeline just fitted. Shard visible in background |
We got as far as the Thames barrier in our pursuing boat, at which point we left her to continue the journey without us. Bon Voyage, MS Adeline!
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| Through the Thames barrier and out to the sea. |
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