Don't ask me why, but I've been watching the very cringingly cosy and unrealistic crime series 'The Marlow Murder Club' on the 4 Catch up channel or maybe on the U channel- can't remember which. In one programme they mentioned Swan Upping on the Thames which reminded me I had this cutting from last years folklore diary.
The nearest swans to visit from home are at Needham Lake - next to the car-boot sale field, so I went to take a photo- as you do when you have a blog and posts to fill!!
There is a really good page about Swan Upping HERE. It looks like a very colourful occasion.
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I agree with your beautifully succinct description of Marlow Murders! And yet I still watched it through to the end.
ReplyDeleteSwans are so utterly beautiful in the water. Last Monday my train passed by a river where there were loads of swans, and others sitting in the adjacent field. Many other passengers were watching and marvelling at them too. I should love to see the Swan Upping Ceremony 🦢 🦢 🦢 🦢
I'm sure I shall watch more of the Marlow Murders if they make them!
DeleteWe watched the first MM series but none since. Your description is perfect! We occasionally get swans on our local duck pond, all that remains of the farm on which our houses were built.
ReplyDeleteThey are all a bit far-fetched but I've just looked and a 4th series will be made
DeleteWe have an inlet not to far away where we often see the swans, a few years ago a pub was built nearby, sadly the inlet is tidal, so often all you can see is mudbanks. The swans are majestic.
ReplyDeleteThere are always just this pair on the lake here. More geese this year
DeleteI saw Black Swans in NZ. They must be very careful handling the swans for the swan upping as I think they are pretty powerful. When we lived in Dorset we went to see the Swans at Abbotsbury - dozens and dozens of them there.
ReplyDeleteWhen I was looking for more info I saw a film of how it's all done. I remember going to Abbotsbury a very long time ago - it was quite a sight.
DeleteFinding a connection between a television program and a piece of history is a lovely way to fill a blog post. The traditions surrounding Swan Upping on the Thames are remarkably colorful and steeped in heritage, so it is easy to see why that folklore diary cutting caught your attention. A trip to Needham Lake to capture photos of the local swans is something I love to do. I love watching Swans in their natural environment. Those birds always carry such a sense of grace, making them ideal subjects for a post. If you have a free moment, please head over to read the newest update I have shared on my blog.
ReplyDeleteNow I need ideas for next weeks posts
DeleteI always remember the sad story when King Henry 6th killed one of a pair of swans on his lake. He did it deliberately because swans mate for life.
ReplyDeleteHow cruel
DeleteI liked those books and didn't mind the series. Do you have an all-time favorite mystery series of books you like? I've read so many mysteries in my life and don't know if I could pick a favorite. It certainly is my favorite genre.
ReplyDeleteI read so many crime fiction, don't really have a favourite although I loved the Alys Clare Hawkenlye series which finished nearly 10 years ago.
DeleteI agree with you on Marlowe. I enjoy it but it's about as real as my winning the lottery. I do like the actors though. My favorite of the TV adaptations still are the Vera and Shetland stories (though I've a soft spot for Midsomer Murders too, even though the six original novels have long been left behind!)
ReplyDeleteI think suspending belief is the way to go with so many crime series! Good point is that they keep actors employed!
DeleteInteresting! I haven't heard of this. Maybe I can catch the swan-uppers out on the Thames this summer?
ReplyDeleteMake a note for July - good photo opportunity
DeleteI do not know if the US has swan-uppers. I live near the Concord River and have never seen a swan on this river. The Merrimack River and Charles River are a little further away but still no swans.
ReplyDeleteI agree that Marlow Murders was disappointing. The only two series I have enjoyed lately are Unforgotten and Line of Duty. But I did like Foyle's War back in the day and I gather they are bringing it back!
ReplyDeleteWe have two trumpeter swans on the Allegheny River in a town called Starbrick. Every year thay have young. A man hates them and killed the goslings. People were so enraged. Authorities would not press charges.
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