The Home Farm Trust from Milton Heights were selling plants, and things. They have the red banner which says:HFT Supporting People with Learning Disabilities www.hft.org.uk

Their website says “We have a great respect for the individual and we work hard to provide services which not only offer quality care and support but which strive to bring out the best in each person because everyone has something special and unique to offer.”

This shows people browsing their bric-a-brac stall. In the background is a Tombola.

At the same time the Abingdon Concert Band were performing an outdoor concert. The Abingdon Concert Band has been active in the Abingdon area for over 20 years. It was originally called the Abingdon Military Band, and was founded by a number of ex-service bandsmen. Their membership is open to players of a suitable standard, and they play varied music, not just marches, which is why they got renamed.

And here and there came visitors to Abingdon – people passing through on this Saturday – the first great migration of the school holidays. These teenagers with Ruck-sacks are outside Glendales on West St Helen Street.

The traditional annual census of the swan population, The Swan Upping, took place during this sunny week. It finished this evening at about 6:30 at Abingdon Bridge. Here the boatmen brought all their boats together, and raised a glass “To the Queen.” They then went on to the Broad Face for a few beers, and the odd few songs.

Earlier, people had been waiting along the river for their arrival, wandering why they were taking so long. The flotilla had been expected at about 5:30, but 6:00 passed and there was not a sign. This is a good sign as it means a good year for swans.

Somebody said there were two swans and three cygnets near St Helens Wharf, and people were giving them food to keep them there.Anyway the flotilla eventually arrived, and zoomed in on these swans. The six boats created a circle round the swan family. The circle got smaller and smaller until all the swans could be caught, and brought on board.

They were all weighed, and their beaks and feathers checked. Rings were put on the birds that had not been previously ringed. The Royal swan counters then let the mother and cygnets go. The mother had a quick count 1..2..3, and then sailed off. The male swan who had put up the biggest struggle was then freed, a few feathers ruffled and looking agrieved.

The boats then rowed through Abingdon. This is the Queens own boat with the ER motif.Fellows Court and St Helens Church can be seen in the background. For the first time in months St Helens is seen without scaffolding. The bells are installed, and the dedication service for the new bells will be led by the Bishop of Reading on Tuesday.

And a group of lucky young people – with six or seven weeks holidays in front of them – near Abingdon Bridge dipping in the river and enjoying the seasonal sun.

The remains of the pontoon, decking, and roofing that had been built alongside one house at the marina have been pulled down, and this is all that is left. It did not have planning permission, neither did a redesign convince the planners to grant it retrospective planning permission.