Members of the Company had a great morning out on the River Thames to watch the Swan Upping. Our grateful thanks to Georgina Hall for organising the cruise, which started at Caversham Bridge near Reading. We were joined by another boat hosting members of the Vintner’s Company and small boats representing the Crown and the Vintner’s and Dyer’s Companies
The Crown’s swan uppers, who wear distinctive red uniforms, catch the swans, weigh, measure and ring the cygnets, and check them for injuries. Unfortunately, sometimes this requires the removal of fishing tackle from the birds. The rings have replaced nicks on the swans’ bills.
After capturing several family groups the boatmen stopped for refreshment before continuing up river. The BBC reported that just 86 cygnets were counted in 2024, rising to 115 in 2025, and organisers were hopeful of a similar increase this year.
On our return to Caversham Bridge we saw many more swans and geese congregated at the quayside attracted by an enthusiast sharing several loaves of sliced bread with the flocks of birds. The swan uppers could have just waited there but it would have meant missing the refreshments courtesy of the Vintners.
Fortunately, the Water Conservators had a generous lunch available at a nearby hostelry where the convivial conversation continued.
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