PASSENGERS of Wallingford Accessible Boat Club had a surprise viewing of the annual Swan Upping last week.

The guests, who were riding on the charity’s Wheelyboat WOW, were delighted to encounter the annual event not once, but twice, on Friday (22) last week.

A family of four, including two youngsters, were “absolutely thrilled” to see the tradition which is the annual census of the swan population on a particular stretch of the River Thames.

Herald Series: The Swan Upping crew passing the Wallingford Accessible Boat Club The Swan Upping crew passing the Wallingford Accessible Boat Club

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John Jenkins MBE, the chair of the charity’s trustees, said: “You never know what you are going to see on the river and a special treat was in store for our Friday cruise – our passengers were thrilled to bits.

“The annual Swan Upping is a special, highly colourful sight, a wonderful tradition and witnessing it is a privilege. 

“But every voyage we make on our Wheelyboat WOW-one is special, a privilege in itself, just ask our passengers the pleasure young and old alike demonstrate is a joy to behold.”

Herald Series: The Swan Upping crew passing the Wallingford Accessible Boat Club The Swan Upping crew passing the Wallingford Accessible Boat Club

Mr Jenkins added that the 2022 season is in “full swing” and there are boat trips every day.

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He said: “But we still have additional capacity so I urge all disabled or generally immobile people in South Oxfordshire and beyond to take full advantage of the lovely weather and the perfect river conditions to get out there and book a voyage with WOW-one.”

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Read more from this author

This story was written by Gee Harland, she joined the team in 2022 as a senior multimedia reporter.

Gee covers Wallingford, Wantage and Didcot.

Get in touch with her by emailing: Gee.harland@newsquest.co.uk

Follow her on Twitter @Geeharland

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