Swan Upping at Moulsford - Thursday 23rd and Friday 24th July 2010
This year the annual Swan Upping activities will arrive at the Beetle & Wedge river frontage at approximately 6pm on Thursday 22nd July and then continue with departure at 9am on Friday 23rd July. Swan Upping is the annual census of the swan population on the River Thames.
If you are new to the village or never heard of or seen Swan Upping then it is worth a look at a very colourful and traditional river activity dating back from medieval times when the Crown claimed ownership of all mute swans for banquets and feasts!
Nowadays the Queen only exercises her right to ownership of all unmarked mute swans on certain stretches of the River Thames and this ownership is shared with the Vintners' and Dyers' Companies, who were both granted rights of ownership by the Crown in the fifteenth century. The swans are counted but are no longer eaten.
The Queen's Swan Marker and Swan Uppers, accompanied by the Swan Uppers of the Vinters' and Dyers' livery companies use six traditional Thames rowing skiffs in their five day journey upstream which starts from Sunbury Lock on the Monday in the third week of July and ends at Abingdon Bridge on the Friday afternoon.
Scarlet uniforms are worn by The Queen's Swan Marker and Swan Uppers, and each boat flies their appropriate flags and pennants so all very coulourful. The swans are rounded up, counted and marked and then released back on to the water – fortunately swan isn’t often on the menu for Crown banquets nowadays!
Friday Night Socials at the Pavilion!
Had a tiring week? Looking forward to the weekend? Come along and relax at your village local! Free entry!! Hugely popular!!
2010 schedule to be confirmed but will start at 6.30pm on Friday 7th May 2010 with Bangers & Bubbles.
Looking back, 2009 season kicked off on Friday 1st May - 6.30pm to 10pm - full details below!
1st May - Bangers & Bubbles + May King & Queen
8th May - Friday Social
15th May - Treasure hunt for the children
22nd May - Friday Social
29th May - Chilli night
5th June - Wheelbarrow sale
12th June - Real ale, wildlife BBQ, band
19th June - Rounders
26th June - Strawberries & Pimms
3rd July - Pony rides & bran tub
10th July - Bring a picnic night with Teddy Bears
17th July - Boules & baguettes night
24th July - Friday social
31st July - Sangria & tapas
7th August - Friday social
14th August - Friday social
21st August - Church - wheat bashing for children
28th August - Free nibbles and farewell to pavilion (and maybe music!!)
Schedule for 2008 was as follows:
6th June - Social Club - Karaoke
13th June - Social Club - Strawberries & Pimms Night
20th June - Social Club - Church event - hot dogs and refreshments
27th June - Social Club - Fun Dog Show
4th July - Spanish Night - Paella & Spanish Wines
11th July - Social Club
18th July - Social Club -Rounders Night
25th July - Social Club - Italian Night - Pasta
1st August - Social Club
8th August - Social Club - Moulsford Motor Show
15th August - Social Club - Barbecue & Real Ale
22nd August - Social Club
29th August - Social Club - Free Nibbles
Themed and special nights we had in 2007 were as follows:
4th May - Bangers & Bubbles
18th May - Kite making
8th June - Paella & Sangria
22nd June - Wildlife BBQ
29th June - Rounders Night
13th July - Dog Show
20th July - Wheelbarrow sale
3rd August - Karaoke Night
17th August - Real Ale Night
24th August - Dads v Lads Football
31st August - Salsa Night
Events ran in 2006 included Bangers & Bubbles, Magic Man, Skittles, Strawberries & Pimms, mini-olympics, Scrufts Dog Show, Cliff Holton and his band and Lads v Dads football!
In order to make the whole thing possible we do rely on volunteers other than the committee to help with the Bar Rota. So don't be shy please either volunteer at the Social Club or contact Rosemary Garner on 01491 651500 or by email at rosemary.garner@tiscali.co.uk - "many hands make light work!"
Moulsford Village Summer Party 2005 has been and gone!
Date was Saturday 2nd July 2005, venue was the recreation ground and attractions included pig roast, fantastic disco and children's entertainer.
2004 & 2005 Moulsford Village Autumn Bash have been and gone!
A great night of jump-jive, rock'n'roll, blues and boogie was had by all with music from The Cadillac Kings in October 2004; another great night with Pete Lincoln in October 2005!
2004 Moulsford Village Summer Party has been and gone!
Saturday 3rd July on the village recreation ground from 6pm - all were welcome!
Attractions included:
- Childrens entertainer from 6.30pm - story telling, face painting, crazy bike
- Fabulous live music from Pete Lincoln
- Bar with Real Ale!
- Pig Roast
- The run of the recreation ground - try out the new soccer goal!
- Fun and friendship!
Advance tickets £5 adult, £2.50 child (£6 adult/£3 child on the day). No charge for village pensioners! - and all squash drinks for kids free! Ticket price included a roast pork bap!
## SEE THE PHOTO GALLERY ON THIS PAGE FOR EVENT PHOTOS ##
Moulsford News
 Moulsford News is the Village Newsletter and it is distributed 10 times a year and circulated to more than 250 households in and around the village of Moulsford. Latest issue at www.moulsfordnews.com
For news submissions please send information and any photographs to the editor, Dave Reynolds, at 1 Offlands Farm Cottages, Reading Road, Moulsford, call him on 01491 651793 or email to moulsfordnews@btinternet.com. Please include a day/evening telephone number or email address.
To advertise in Moulsford News please contact Lesley Chapman on 01491 651306 or email chap100@btinternet.com. Very reasonable rates as summarised below!
MOULSFORD VILLAGE PARTY 2004 - PHOTO GALLERY
A great night was had by all bopping away from 6pm to the late hours so a big well done to Rosemary Garner and all the Moulsford Entertainments Committee for organising a top notch event!!
Rocking entertainment from Pete Lincoln
Fine Food & Drink
Face Painting - For Kids & Parents!
Fun & Friendship
Dancing The Night Away!
Moulsford Paparazzi (aka Geoff of Moulsford News!)
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