The swan that got away

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The swan uppers returned to Abingdon for the first time since 2019.

In 2020, there was no swan upping because of Covid restrictions.

In 2021, the five-day census of the River Thames’ swans was reduced to three days and did not reach Abingdon.

In 2022, the five-day census is back with a change. Record temperatures meant cygnets were examined in the boats with a lighter touch – to reduce the stress.

On Friday morning, the convoy of rowing boats and motorboats set off from Caversham for their final day, ending in Abingdon.

Some people at Abingdon Sailing Club kept an Abingdon family of two adults and eight cygnets feeding at the bank until the swan uppers were in sight.

The man steering the first skiff shouted ‘Swan Up!’ to indicate swans ahead. The uppers surrounded the swan family.

Seven of the cygnets were caught for examination. The adult swans were kept in a reasonably good mood.

But one cygnet got away. She/he was pursued by the Royal Swan motorboat downstream and across the river. Having escaped that chase, the cygnet returned to be near her/his parents, and the Royal Swan motorboat made another attempt. The cygnet made another dash through a flotilla of boats.

The examination of the seven other cygnets continued. Only after they were released did the chase for the final cygnet cease.

The swan uppers then rowed through Abingdon to Abingdon Bridge.

The swan uppers stood and turned to face the crowd on the bridge and toast the Queen.

The swan uppers then disembarked at Nags Head Island.

The family of swans went to one of their stops to forget their encounter with the Royal swan uppers.

Seven of the cygnets have a ring on their legs.

The one with no ring is the swan that got away.

Pink and pink and pink

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The postbox is wearing a tea-cosy bra. That can only mean that Against Breast Cancer (a charity based in Abingdon) is returning with their annual Splash of Pink on Abingdon Market Place on Saturday. There will be an assortment of stalls, together with supporting characters like the Star Wars stormtroopers.

For the last fortnight, shops have displayed pink ribbons, balloons and bunting. Their displays will be considered for the best-dressed shop window competition.

Throwing Buns have pink balloons, ribbons, bunting, bras and cakes.

The Finishing Touch has pink flowers, ponchos, bunting, umbrellas and balloons.

Chic It Up have pink flamingoes, flowers, bunting and balloons.

National chains like Starbucks and Holland & Barrett have pinked up.

The cutting bar focused on the pink ribbon – the international symbol of breast cancer awareness.

Announcing St Helens Street closures (22nd and 28th) and NSPCC charity quiz (cancelled)

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West St Helen Street will be closed for highway repairs on 22nd July (08:00 – 17:00). The flow at the Iron Bridge from St Helen’s Wharf will be reversed. The diversion is via Drayton Road and Ock Street. There will be no access to West St Helen Street car park

East St Helen Street will be closed for highway repairs on 28th July. The diversion is via Ock Street and Drayton Road.

The Charity Quiz Night for the NSPCC on 31st July. (cancelled = see comments)

Albert Park on the hottest day

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The Met Office recorded a temperature of 38.0°C at nearby Benson. Other parts of the country had record temperatures of over 40°C.

Walking around Albert Park, some of the trees had brown and falling leaves.

There were few people in the park: a half dozen people resting under trees, and me and somebody else walking, but no dogs. The grass has turned the same colour as the path.

Conduit House has scaffolding, probably for repairs on the roof. Plants have been seen trying to grow through the tiles.

The hottest part of the walk felt like waiting to cross Stratton Way when the sun concentrated its rays on my neck for two minutes. Does anybody know if this was the hottest ever Abingdon temperature? You cannot measure it near the BBQ.