SWAN UPPING IN MARLOW

The wonderful tradition of Swan Upping came to town in July. The Queen's Swan Marker and Uppers travel in six traditional wooden skiffs, two each for the Crown, the Vintners and the Dyers, locating families of swans from Sunbury to Abingdon. The swans are caught and taken ashore for examination and marking. The Queen's Swan Warden checks the brood for disease or injury. The Swan Marker determines how ownership of the brood should be allocated and rings are placed on the cygnets' legs. Although an age old tradition to protect swans for the King or Queens table for eating - the main aim of Swan Upping today is one of welfare and conservation of the swans on the Thames.

Mayor, Cllr Mrs Jocelyn Towns and Consort, Mr Dave Hooper, joined the Swan Uppers at The Ferry, Cookham and accompanied them in the Launch to Marlow Lock. The Swan Marker and Swan Uppers were given a reception in The Two Brewers in St Peter's Street hosted by The Mayor. The Mayor joined them at the Compleat Angler on the Wednesday morning along with pupils from Foxes Piece School and other members of the public. HM Swan Marker, Mr David Barber, explained to the children the history and purpose of Swan Upping and allowed them to stroke a signet.

For more photos of this spectacular event - please visit the gallery.