Only in England

We found out just a little more about 'Swan Upping' today.  We are in the charming little village of Goring having spent the previous night moored in Reading by Tescos and heard that the 'Uppers' were following us.  I'll say no more as the photos below say it all:

First find your unsuspecting prey, happily pecking away at the riverside.

 Surround them with rowing boats manned by chaps wearing royal shirts and with royal flags who then grab the prey.

 

Tie them up, take them ashore, measure them , tag them and let the kids stroke them.

 

 

Let them go to show their appreciation.

 

As the post title says - Only in England......................