Ideal day to enjoy the spectacle of Swan Upping. Boarded the Caversham Princess built by a Hull ship/boat yard in 1982 (Built specifically for river cruising) at 9.30am from Caversham Bridge. The Swan Uppers had rowed up from Sonning and joined us at 10am for coffee and biscuits while giving a talk on the history of swan upping. Very interesting, these days I feel it is just keeping up with tradition.
We followed the Uppers to Scours Lane for the first catch and a toast for this catch of pair of adults and 5 cygnets. These were checked over, weighed/measured and tagged before being placed back in the Thames.
The Uppers then rowed to Mapledurham Lock where they came on board once again for a further talk and a good lunch.
Leaving at 2pm we followed to Pangbourne where we parted company as we turned and headed back to Reading arriving at 3.30pm after a most enjoyable trip on a stunning day with wonderful scenery and learning the history of Swan Upping.
Picture 1 - Uppers arriving.
" 2 - Chief Upper giving his talk over a coffee.
" 3 - Flotilla heading up-river to Scours Lane.
" 4 - Arriving at SL and surrounding a swan family for the first catch.
" 5 - Being checked over.
" 6 - Being placed back into the Thames.
" 7 - Off they go.
" 8 - Arriving back at Caversham.
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