Thanks to Steve for sending a text so say the Swan Uppers were leaving Culham Lock. At Abingdon marina some local boat owners told the Swan Uppers there were two swans and seven cygnets nearby.
The Swan Uppers followed their directions, and drew a circle of boats closer and closer round the swans.
They then moved the swans to the nearest garden to ring them, weigh them and give them a health check.
A little later the Swan Uppers arrived at Abingdon Bridge. They did not stop there, but rowed through the bridge in the direction of Abingdon Lock. The crowd, who had been waiting one side of the bridge, moved to the other side to watch them go.
The swan upper returned a few minutes later after this unexpected diversion.
They then brought the boats together and shared out the last of their rum, and raised a glass to ‘The Queen.’
Swan upping is an annual ceremony in England in which mute swans on the River Thames are rounded up, caught, ringed, and then released. It normally finishes at Abingdon Bridge.
I’d like to know if numbers of swans have gone down this year . There doesn’t seem many around.