THE official swan marker to the Queen will visit the region next month to give a talk on what his job involves.
David Barber has held the position for 22 years and annually leads a team of experts, in scarlet uniforms, along the Thames checking the health of the swan population by counting and weighing the cygnets.
He contacted Bowes Museum in Barnard Castle for information after learning of their most famous piece, the Silver Swan - a musical automaton dating back to 1773 - and was so impressed with the response that he offered to visit in early October.
The talk will take guests on a journey along the Thames, learning about the history and life-cycle of swans, the traditional rowing skiffs used by the swan uppers for their annual census of birds and swan rescues.
The Friends of The Bowes Museum will host the event on Friday, October 3, from 6pm and Mr Barber has waived a fee so all proceeds will be given to the Catalyst Endowment Fund which currently doubles all donations made to The Bowes Museum.
Tickets for Swan Upping: a Royal and Ancient Tradition cost £15, which includes a drink and canapés, and are available from the museum.
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