Thanks to Peter for sending me pictures on July 19th of the swan uppers toasting the Queen under Abingdon Bridge at the end of the Swan Upping (the annual census of swans on the River Thames between Sunbury and Abingdon).

In 2012 Swan Upping was cancelled because the river was running too fast. In 2013, swan fledglings hatched later than usual, after a cold start to the year. However, Swan Upping took place during a heat wave.

Due to that same heatwave, a report on the Friends of the Abingdon Outdoor Pool Website says opening hours were extended on Thursdays and Fridays from 6-8pm to cope with demand. The extension continues through the summer holidays so long as weather allows.

I was passing the Town Council offices when I noticed a group of Town Criers auditioning a young man who wanted to join their number.

Abingdon has more than one Town Crier.

The Guild of Town Criers has the advantage that collectively they are able to do more events, and be seen in more places. The disadvantage of a guild is that no Abingdon Town Crier will ever win any regional or national competition. They are not allowed to enter because they are not a named individual.

One of the guild members told me that the way round this problem was simple. Every other town should follow Abingdon and have a guild. Then all towns could compete on equal terms and have the benefits.