Events Diary: Opening Day
The In line with our vision from the outset, from this autumn we will have a fully functioning and cosy - if a little rustic - pub, proudly serving the community of Clewer and beyond. However, to get us to this point, there is much renovation work still to be done.
We took the decision to open ASAP in order to give investors and, indeed, all of our customers, the opportunity to sample the atmosphere of The Swan and quench their thirst during the summer months. However, throughout the summer, the renovation work will still progress as The Swan continues on its journey to becoming a fully-fledged pub.
Many hundreds attended the Opening Weekend. We had a lucky break with the weather that unexpectedly cleared up for us. It was a really busy day:
- Setting up the temporary bar.
- Putting a door on the ladies and other "minor" finishing items too.
- The W&E Dray delivered ceremonial beer barrels that were shared round.
- The Windsor Town Cryer read a very funny poem about drinking.
- Some speeches were made by Will and Richard.
- The unveiling of the new pub sign was done.
- Excellent food from the Italian Street Food van.
- Singing and dancing into the night.
- Oh, and some drinking was done too.
The W&E Brewery dray arriving
![The Windsor and Eton Brewery dray arriving](images2/events/2019/20190720-opening/20190720-01.jpg)
Will Calvert with The Swan in the background
![Will Calvert with The Swan in the background](images2/events/2019/20190720-opening/20190720-02.jpg)
Photos taken by our professional photographer
These are a collection of photos taken by Doug Seeburg, a volunteer and a professional photographer too.
Last minute work in the ladies toilet
![Finishing the ladies loo](images2/events/2019/20190720-opening/20190720-05.jpg)
The official word - we're ready
![Richard and Will with signs with we are open on them](images2/events/2019/20190720-opening/20190720-04.jpg)
The ceremonial beer barrels being brought in
![Two barrels of beer to be distributed to the crowd](images2/events/2019/20190720-opening/20190720-10.jpg)
The speeches
![Richard doing a number of thanks to heroes and volunteers](images2/events/2019/20190720-opening/20190720-13.jpg)
The first drink in the re-opened pub
![Our oldest customer with a beer](images2/events/2019/20190720-opening/20190720-03.jpg)
Matt finishing the bar
![Matt finishing the barby loading the till](images2/events/2019/20190720-opening/20190720-06.jpg)
The W&E dray arriving
![The Windsor and Eton brewery dray arriving with the ceremonial beer barrels](images2/events/2019/20190720-opening/20190720-08.jpg)
The Town Cryer checking out the beer
![First served - the Windsor and Eton Town Cryer](images2/events/2019/20190720-opening/20190720-11.jpg)
The new pub sign
![Unveiling the new pub sign for the first time](images2/events/2019/20190720-opening/20190720-14.jpg)
Unsurprisingly, the bar was busy
![Long queues, busy staff - what a day](images2/events/2019/20190720-opening/20190720-16.jpg)
The temporary is ready for opening
![All stocked and ready to go](images2/events/2019/20190720-opening/20190720-07.jpg)
A very happy drayman
![A very happy drayman in front of The Swan](images2/events/2019/20190720-opening/20190720-09.jpg)
A large crowd listened to the speeches
![The courtyard was packed with people of all ages](images2/events/2019/20190720-opening/20190720-12.jpg)
At 97, the oldest customer on the day
![Chosen to receive the first drink from the re-opened pub](images2/events/2019/20190720-opening/20190720-15.jpg)
Photos taken by our supporters.
Some photos from social media and sent in via email. Thanks!
Waiting for the dray
![Crowds outside The Swan before opening](images2/events/2019/20190720-opening/20190720-20.jpg)
The dray arrives
![The Windsor and Eton Brewery dray arriving at The Swan](images2/events/2019/20190720-opening/20190720-23.jpg)
The guys behind the bar are ready
![Matt and the team are ready for the expected crowd](images2/events/2019/20190720-opening/20190720-26.jpg)
The courtyard filled quickly
![View from above of the busy courtyard](images2/events/2019/20190720-opening/20190720-29.jpg)
Listening to the speeches
![The busy courtyard listened intently to the speeches](images2/events/2019/20190720-opening/20190720-32.jpg)
Doors are open
![And the queueing starts](images2/events/2019/20190720-opening/20190720-34.jpg)
History of the renovation (1 of 2)
![Photos of the pub since it was bought](images2/events/2019/20190720-opening/20190720-38.jpg)
The Town Cryer
![The Windsor and Eton Town Cryer](images2/events/2019/20190720-opening/20190720-24.jpg)
Calm before the storm in the courtyard
![Prior to the opening, the courtyard was pretty empty](images2/events/2019/20190720-opening/20190720-21.jpg)
The coach house had been cleared out
![Seating inside the coach house](images2/events/2019/20190720-opening/20190720-27.jpg)
Preparing the speeches
![Will and the Town Cryer comparing notes](images2/events/2019/20190720-opening/20190720-30.jpg)
Matt and Sheridan provides the evening entertainment
![Signing and dancing into the night](images2/events/2019/20190720-opening/20190720-36.jpg)
History of the renovation (2 of 2)
![Photos of the pub since it was bought](images2/events/2019/20190720-opening/20190720-39.jpg)
Competitions including the stripped copper wire
![Volunteers had stripped three huge bags of copper wire](images2/events/2019/20190720-opening/20190720-22.jpg)
A preview of the new colours
![Some windows have been printed Swan Green](images2/events/2019/20190720-opening/20190720-25.jpg)
The two o'clock wedding went past
![Bride arriving at Saint Andrews in a vintage car](images2/events/2019/20190720-opening/20190720-28.jpg)
Special guests see the new pub sign
![Just after the unveiling of the new pub sign](images2/events/2019/20190720-opening/20190720-31.jpg)
You can recognise some of the locals
![Sue Holderness](images2/events/2019/20190720-opening/20190720-33.jpg)
Some of the Weekday Warriors having a beer
![Some of the weekday volunteers](images2/events/2019/20190720-opening/20190720-37.jpg)