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.
but the question is, did anyone end up with a broken arm? – they can do that with their wings you know 🙂
Apparently, in our stretch of the Thames, there were no swans to up! so everyone’s arms were safe.
Peter Del
From article yesterday, Oxford Mail
http://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/10595296.Pool_management_branded__shambles__after_extended_summer_hours_are_scrapped/
Apparently there was such a low turnout that it was declared as scrapped. Forgetting the Season ticket holders…