Camouflage

 

The swan is perfectly adapted for guerilla warfare. Note how these two blend into the background, their distinctive 'swan' outlines lost amongst the reeds. Devious buggers!

International Swan Observance Day - March 03 - 2021

 

A snapshot of one of those idyllic moments when the blue of the sky and the white plumage of a solitary swan are reflected in the still waters of Oulton Marsh. How different from those dark days in the 1940s when all that stood between dear 'Old Blighty' and wave after wave of incoming swans was the RAF's crack Swan Squadron based at 'Biggun Hill'. 

On International Swan Day 2021 we should all observe a moment of reverent silence in respect for those brave boys in blue who stood tall in the face of overwhelming odds with only a case of light ale, six stubby Joe Coral pencils and a bag of stale breadcrumbs with which to defend themselves - The RAFs crack Swan Squadron.

March 03 is, coincidentally, the birthday of the late Joe Roberts . Joe was an exceptionally modest man who never discussed his national service in public but I believe that he did his bit when the call came. He also favoured 'cross win doubles' , Birds Superwhip, 'holding the bells' and the 'feature' on the 'fruity'. Truly a legend amongst swans and on the bowls rink!

On a darker note, the editorial team were intrigued to discover that Swans are a recurring theme in the work of tattooists, skin artists and those who are designated as "becoming".

On the 2nd of March, the swan editorial team was delighted to see the return of a pair of mating Swans to the calm waters of Oulton Broad and  just in time for Swan Observance Day. Their prolonged absence has been truly 'troubling" and an ongoing concern  for 'JP' of Pakefield.

We would like to thank Lulu from Milton for sending the following swan images from the upper reaches of the Thames. Joe would have really been intimidated "They've got a lot of bleedin' neck!"

Wherever you are in the world, have an exceptional Swan Observance Day 2021 but please stay safe and don't turn your back on any of the buggers!

Where have the buggers gone?

 

No Swans on Oulton Broad !

Have they abandoned the sinking ship like so many Rattus Norvegicus or have they just withdrawn to regroup and attack 'bread vans' when we least expect it?

Silent Night - well they are mute after all

 

A Merry Christmas to all our readers and Swan aficionados around the world.  A big thank you to our fantastic contributors including Big JP from Pakefield, Lulu in Milton and Mrs Trellis of North Wales. 

In the prophetic words of the late Joe Roberts, delivered one frosty Maidstone Christmas Eve long ago, - "Sleigh Driving - not much of a job"

Surreal Swans

 

Many thanks to Salvador for sending the team images of these two swan focused artistic masterpieces. My late university flat mate Paul once had tea with Salvador in the surreal garden of his house in Spain. Mad as a badger by all accounts! Nice giraffe though.

"Never turn your back on a swan" - the late Joe Roberts

 

"Nice birds but classically dangerous"?

The Swan Tap a Celebration of British Culture

The Swan Tap - Kidderminster - noted for its 'cask conditioned ales and selected grills'

Thanks once again to Lulu from Milton for sending the above image of this slightly 'off-piste' public house sign. Interesting facts associated with the Swan Tap:

• Christine Keeler never worked here as a barmaid in the 1960s and 1970s 
• Does a proper 24/7 'Full English' featuring the patriotic 'British Sausage' - on a plate!
• Function room with integral 'Cross of St George bunting', available for wakes and other family celebrations.
• 'old the bells Fred! is written on the wall below the urinal cistern in the Gentlemen's Cloakroom.
• Casual racism, darts, misogyny and cribbage friendly.
• "Wonderful facilities for the disabled" - Joe Roberts.
• Its only - 'banter in a bun''  - chlorinated bar snacks are freely available during 'happy hour' when you purchase a British Pint. 
• All Premier League matches are shown on the largest plasma screen in Kidderminster.
• "It is medically impossible to catch Covid 19 on licensed premises whilst consuming alcohol ". - Boris the resident lounge bar Physician.
• No swans are allowed on the premises under any circumstances (unless accompanied by Mr Cummings).
• 'British Curry Night' every Thursday.