Swan Upping

There were 26 visitors to Abingdon Fitzharrys Open Meeting on 11th February and it was good to see so many husbands, family members and members of other local WIs gathered together with Abingdon Fitzharrys members to listen to the fascinating and informative talk by Mr David Barber, Marker of Swans to His Majesty the King. The talk covered the long history of Swan Upping and what it involves today.  It was accompanied by excellent slides featuring the nattily dressed swan uppers themselves and their beautiful river craft, along with glimpses of royal persons and celebrities.  Most charming of all were photographs of the beautiful adult swans and their adorable cygnets as well as of the many school children who are now welcomed to learn about the important rescue and conservation work of the swan uppers.