The Deputy Mayor of Marlow Joins the Swan Uppers on the River Thames
In the Mayor’s absence, the Deputy Mayor of Marlow, Cllr Olwen Elliott was delighted to join the Royal Swan Marker, David Barber, and the Swan Uppers on Tuesday 14 July, as they completed the Cookham to Marlow stage of the annual five-day Swan Upping census on the River Thames.
Taking part in one of the country’s oldest continuing ceremonial events, the Deputy Mayor travelled on two superb traditional boats in the flotilla: from Cookham to Marlow Lock on White Wing, one of the Dunkirk Little Ships, and then to The Compleat Angler on Delphi.
Speaking after the event, the Deputy Mayor said: “It was a privilege to be part of such a fascinating tradition. Swan Upping is not only a wonderful spectacle but also an important opportunity to monitor our mute swan population, highlight the challenges they face and explain how we can help.’
The Deputy Mayor joined the Swan Uppers at The Compleat Angler the following morning, where local school children heard about the history of Swan Upping and the conservation work that now underpins the annual event.
Each year, the Royal Swan Marker and the Swan Uppers travel from Sunbury to Abingdon in traditional rowing skiffs, wearing their distinctive scarlet ceremonial uniforms. Their role is to allocate cygnets either to the King or to the Vintners’ or Dyers’ Livery Companies, ring the young birds so they can be identified in future, and carry out a detailed census of the breeding success of the local mute swan population. Cygnets are counted, weighed and health-checked, while the condition of adult swans is also assessed. Any injured birds are treated by members of Swan Support who accompany the Swan Uppers on the river. Swan Support is a charity based in Bray, who will help any swan in difficulty, 24/7. They rely entirely on donations to do their valuable work – see www.swansupport.org.uk.
Marlow Town Council would like to extend their sincere thanks to the team at The Two Brewers pub for kindly hosting the reception for the Swan Uppers and councillors. Their warm hospitality, superb refreshments, and welcoming atmosphere were greatly appreciated by all in attendance.
