April 2021


Here is a round-up of the events from The Swan during April, 2021. Lockdown Three came to an end on 11/04/21 and the pub re-opened. Life started to begin some form of normality.

Online Quiz #17 (7/Apr/21)

With grateful thanks to question master Martin Payne for setting the questions in our last lockdown quiz. We offer congratulations to all who took part and in particular the worthy winners:

  • Team - Spring Swans;
  • Household - Oh Dear (aka The Baileys);
  • Individual - Ann Payne.
Quiz Master Quizzer
Quizzer Quizzers
Quizzer Anne Tebbatt
The Quizzers Quiz Masters

10th Apr: Courtyard Clear-Up

People started arriving at ten and immediately got stuck-in to clearing-up The Courtyard. It has been used for sand, skips, workplace, etc and has had channels dug through it amongst a number of things. Everyone mucked in: bar staff, friends, nieghbours, passers-by ... you name it, they were roped in.

Clearing away the debris under the covered area
Tables everywhere
A lot of furniture was moved to get it in the right place
Braiser being positioned - it was later moved

As well as the clearup, the annuals were being replaced and the rest having a really good tidy up - thye hadnt been attended to since the autumn.

The ladies planting up
Bas and Diana trimming the bamboo
And more planting
And more trimming

The Courtard was brushed, and then brushed again, and then you guess it ... one more for good luck. Gazebos and umbrellas went up; so did the bunting. And the place organised to give the required social distancing necessary by the rules.

Luke from the bar team even got involve
The Coirtyard was swept a number of times
Putting up the gazebo - the team eventually won
Finished underneath the covered area

And shazzam, it was done ... okay took a lot of people four or more hours, but we got there and were rady for opening on Monday the 12th. Now fingers crossed for the weather!

The maingate
The covered area
The Courtyard
The place was looking pretty good

Thanks to all of those involved. These are just a few of them, sorry we couldn't get a group photo due to the rules.

The ladies planting
Still time for joking - daen and Bes having a giggle

12th Apr: Re-Opening

Whahey! The pub has officially re-opened at 1pm on April 12th. This after Lockdown 3 that was imposed back last December, some four long months ago. The gates were opened and the community came for a small refreshment and to get the feel of a pub again. The good weather at lunchtime certainly helped.

Sneak peek through the gates
The main gates were beautifully decorated
It was early and already getting busy
People entering through the main gates

A little too early for the new Bar Menu, people got their first sup of draught beer from a pub for many months. That first pint was something to savour and behold. Stories will be told in years to come.

Some of the regulars (and all volunteers)
Weekday Warriors taking the afternoon off

It was good to see that The Courtyard was busy all afternoon and into the early evening. People were following the guidelines, staying socially distanced and enjoying the fresh air. When popping to the loo, masks were worn.

General shot of The Courtyard
Tables were full
Those without heaters were wrapped up well due to the cold
Evening shot

21st Apr: Dr Bike

Thursday saw another Dr Bike session in The Courtyard offering free safety checks and basic bike maintenance. The event was fully subscribed and coincided with GR6 Epic Thursday ensuring a lively and vibrant time in a very sunny Courtyard. It was good that Dr Bike coincided with Epic Thursday, The School's coffee morning every Thursday.

The Dr Bike team The team at work
A bike being examined The students look on
Our homemade but effective bike rack Cyclist discussing his bike needs

Following the model set up in Maidenhead a Windsor Cycle Hub, based initially at The Swan, is being established. It will be a separate charity aimed at helping more people to 'get on their bike'. Plans include cycle maintenance, restoring old bikes and events.

The start will see weekend midday meets for casual rides from The Swan open to all. Every Saturday from 12-1pm the Hub will be in The Courtyard, with tools and practical help, prior to an organised ride, for those interested, at 1pm. A small start but hoping to gradually build an active cycling community from The Swan.

23rd - 25th Apr: St George's Weekend

We hope you all had a great Weekend and got to spend some time celebrating at The Swan. The pub had been bedecked in St George's flags, we had special beer and our food van also had themed food especially for the weekend. As well as a quiz, we had activities for kids too.

The Main Gates adorned with England flags
The Main Gates adorned with England flags

Flags adorned the pub, even up on the scaffolding. There was a special beer from W&E Brewery to celebrate the weekend, and there were things to do for young and old. Unfortunately our music on both Saturday and Sunday was cancelled on advice from the local council.

George New English Ale was on specially for the weekend
Flag flying from the very top of the scaffolding
The Weekend Quiz
Place was bedecked with England flags, even the outside tables

Matilda certainly enjoyed making her very own dragon. The St George’s Day quiz proved popular with nearly 50 entries. Many of you knew your St George’s Day trivia but the 3 overall winners with the highest scores were Martin Payne, Mike Lee and Rebecca Clash. Congratulations to one and all.

Matilda making dragons
Martin Payne winning the quiz

Events in March, 2021 Events in May, 2021