Here is a round-up of the events at The Swan during December, 2019.

1st Dec: XMas Decorations

A great Sunday afternoon of fun for The Kids of The Swan. We had a craft afternoon led by Rachel Cross. The idea was to make Christmas decorations for Christmas trees at The Swan and at home too. And without any of the mess at home either!

The Coach House was full of salt dough Christmas decorations, paints, glitters et al which the kids could do with as they pleased. Once they dried, when allowed we hung them on the tree. Hot chocolate and soft drinks were available from the bar, to keep the workers refreshed.

As you can see from the photos, the kids did a fantastic job! Their colourful creations have adorned our Christmas tree, and hopefully some at home too. There are no two that are alike which makes our tree totally unique. Lovely!

6th Dec: Living Advent Calendar

As part of our Winter Fayre, we hosted the W&E Living Advent Calendar. They had put up lighting and a sound system so the event could be shared with a larger crowed. At 6.15pm, The Green Room School (part of our community hub) put on their mini-version of A Christmas Carol. It was broadcast live on Facebook so we could share with those unable to attend, just click on the picture below to watch.

We have loaded the video taken from the Facebook broadcast to YouTube. It will play using their technologies. Full screen mode is available.

Here are some photos showing the production by the staff and pupils of The Green Room School. They have their sixth form on-site at The Swan making this a very unique place indeed. You can probably recognise some of the staff, including good ole Scrooge himself!

As you can see, this was very popular with the local community and we hope to do it again next year. Perhaps our performance will be a bit shorter, but hopefully just as entertaining. Whilst we had The Living Advent Calendar, we hosted The Green Room's Winter Fayre.

6th Dec: Winter Fayre

The Green Room School organised their fourth annual Winter Fayre. It was held in The Courtyard, The Coach House and The Stables. There were many stalls and also live music too. It was very well attended by the local community which was fabulous to see. It was at times busier the opening day of The Swan back in July, 20th.

There was something for everybody as this walkthough video shows. From Santa to whisky tasting to hotdogs to cakes, we had it all. It was a thoroughly enjoyable day and well done to the team who organised it!. If you haven't been following the renovations, take a wee peek in our renovation diary to see how the likes of The Stables were made watertight for the event.

Well done to the Green Room School team for organising such an excellent event!

Some excellent photos were posted on Twitter by the members of the community.

The Winter Fayre gives all members of The Green Room School to participate. Many of the students present normally school at the Albert Street facility. It was great to see the enthusiasm and creative displayed. We really do look hosting them again next year.

10th Dec: Christmas Carols

A traditional evening of Christmas Carol singing in The Courtyard with musical accompliment from inside The Coach House. This was with members of the choir of St Andrew's Church and the Broom Farm Ensemble with support from the local community.

Song sheet had been prepared so that everyone could join in - and that is exactly what happened!. Young and old, boys and girls, all sang as one in celebration. Thanks to the Reverend Rosie for organising.

The Broom Farm Ensemble are actually from our local barracks and perfrom events such as this. They are accomplished musicians and soldiers too. Thank you for your service.

15th Dec: La Posada

Posada is an old Mexican tradition where young people dressed as Mary and Joseph travelled from house to house in the weeks leading up to Christmas, telling the story of the birth of Jesus.

Modern day Posada uses nativity figures of Mary and Joseph who travel from place to place around the Parish. Wherever they spend the night, they bring the message of Christmas, and invite their hosts to make room for Jesus at Christmas.

The Swan welcomed the St Andrew's Nativity on Sunday afternoon for its's overnight stay. The following day the Posada continued its' journey to Clewer Green School.

16th Dec: Datchet Morris

The Datchet Border Morris are an all male Border Morris side with a mixed band. They perform dances in the English border Morris style (from the England/Wales border region) at various locations through-out the UK. They also have a Mummers Play and Sword Dance around Christmas time.

Their kit of red and black reflects the flag of Buckinghamshire, the original county of Datchet when the side was formed. They perform mainly for our own enjoyment, and that of our audience, to collect money to cover their expenses (e.g. hall hire, new sticks) and on behalf of local charities.

During a rainy evening in The Courtyard, the Dancers performed traditional dances. They then moved inside and performed their Mummers Play for us. Our thanks to all the performers!

18th Dec: Quiz Night

Winners on the night were The Bacon Bappers for the second month in a row. They are seen here with their Swan pictures.

31st Dec: Hogmanay

The pub was busy from early evening all the way through to 'chucking out time' in the wee small hours. Families came down early on and enjoyed a variety of board games, colouring and Italian food. Later it was adults only to enjoy the music of Astronought.

This landscape type photo was taken standing at the front door using a mobile phone and then sweeping across the pub. As you can see, it creates a slightly surreal version of the pub. We have made it even more moody by changing it to black & white.

Some more traditional style photos of the evening. As you can see, every seat was taken, and there was a lot of people standing at the bar. To say it was busy is an understatement.

One of these videos was shared live on Facebook on the evening. It has now been captured and added - with the other - to our growing YouTube channel. Do you have any videos that could be shared for New Year's or at any time?

Other December Events

Other events held during the month include:

19th Dec: Amp Cats

Acoustic electric duo plaid a fun mix of covers. See the Amp Cats Facebook page.

20th Dec: Paddy's XMas Pub Crawl

W&E Brewery ran their annual 'Paddy's Christmas Pub Crawl&39;.The crawl started at The Swan at 5pm and then moved on to the Brewery and nine other locations before it finished at The George just in time for last orders. More info at the W&E Brewery Facebook page.

22nd December: The Sould Works Duo

Lassen and Zoe returned to The Swan for an evening of acoustic music. Back in August they entertained us in The Courtyard and were very popular. So we are really pleased to welcome them back. More information about them can be found on the Soul Works Duo Facebook page.