News

Clouds failed to dampen the fun on this year’s annual charity Thames River cruise organised by BIFM’s London Region.

A full boat of around 230 guests pushed off dockside at Westminster Pier at 6:30pm to motor up-river immediately under Westminster Bridge and past Parliament. The luxury cruise ship Mercia turned around at the iconic towers of the disused Battersea Power Station and began the slow drift downriver.

But guests had a thirst on so the Mercia made an emergency stop back at Westminster Pier to pick up more beer glasses before continuing as far as the O2 Arena.

People enjoyed the hot and cold buffet including sea-food kebabs and later danced to a Take That tribute band.

Up on deck the low evening sun gave a warm and bright glow to famous Thameside landmark buildings including the Maritime college in Greenwich. The Mercia eventually slid up to her berth again to disembark the fed and watered guests at 9.45pm into the heart of London.

E-mails afterwards showed people enjoyed themselves immensely, said Tracey Roberts, who as a member of the London region organising committee that set up this year’s event. “Best year yet”, “lots of fun”, “well organised” and “a good night out for £20” were some of the comments. Last year was beautifully sunny but the fun was, as usual, in the networking and socialising, said Tracey.
A big thanks goes out to the two generous sponsors for the event who paid for the boat, the band, catering and reception wine. The more than £4,000 in ticket money goes to three designated charities chosen by the sponsors and the BIFM

Workplace UK sponsored Brainwave for children with neuroplasticity and Regular Cleaning Services sponsored Demelza, hospice care for children with life-limiting illnesses. The BIFM sponsored Dogs for the Disabled.

It was the first time live entertainment was on board, said David Sambrook, MD of Regular Cleaning Services who had a party of around 25 employees and their guests on the cruise. “We’ve sponsored it before but this month RCS is celebrating 40 years and so we thought we would make it more of a party atmosphere.”

Next year’s event should be just as good, said Tracey, an account manager for ISS Coflex. The BIFM has organised the event for the past four years, taking over from the sponsors who set it up for six years before that.