news
Any old or new pics that you might have would be
more than welcome
Send them by email - attach your picture(s) to the email using the paperclip symbol
Or hand them
behind the bar with basic details eg. date, occasion, and we will do the rest!
please send contributions
to news@theswanhanham.co.uk
|
Jan 10 |
 The
new Swan News section starts this year , and is now based
upon the latest “Blog” software type format.
As The Swan web site is open to the world, we have to be
careful who is allowed access; but if anyone would like to
make posts, please email us at
news@theswanhanham.co.uk
Please feel free to make comments on any items posted just
by clicking the link at the bottom right of each post.
|
|
Dec 09 |
 Personality
of the Year 2009
Congratulations to Barry, who was named "Personality of the Year 2009"
on Sunday 27th December.
Barry has generally helped the bar staff out in the Swan for the last few years,
and has been very popular not only with the regulars, but with first
time visitors, due to his cheery nature and helpful attitude.
Well done Barry!! |
|
Dec 09 |
Charity
Day
Over 100 golfers
braved the cold frosty weather and made their way to Cumberwell Golf
Club for a charity day
on behalf of Bristol
Childrens Hospital. The organisers - Spenny, Dewy and Fordy - lead from
the front taking the first tee time at some ungodly hour. Spenny
immediately sought to relax his playing partners by topping his ball off
the first tee and not reaching the ladies tee. So in time honoured
tradition, the "cacks" had to come down.
The
golf was followed by an evening back at the Swan, where there was an
auction of sporting memorabilia and a raffle. The day raised a
remarkable £12,000 for charity and many thanks to all the individuals
and businesses who donated prizes for the event.
Special thanks to Spenny, Dewy and Fordy for all their efforts in
organising the whole event.
|
|
Dec 09 |
Shep!
 Besides
being well known as (probably) the best looking goalkeeper in the West
Country, this regular of the Swan obviously has other talents.
Celebrating his umpteenth birthday, the day started with a round of golf
followed by a few beers, followed by a few more beers, followed by even
more
beers, culminating in a visit to the Chilli Inn on the High Street.
There, he was greeted as a long lost friend by a young lady who
positively identified him as - Rob Shepherd - the well known fisherman -
star of stage, screen and river bank. Mine host - Gerry - bears witness
to the events, which is just as well as our man
Shep most probably can't remember a thing!!
We managed to capture our man enjoying his hobby down on the Avon
recently (see right) |
|
Nov 09 |
 Lessons
required
A certain
person in the Swan requires lessons in the art of rolling their own
cigarettes following an incident at Bristol Airport. Loaded down with
enough Rizla to supply the whole of Hanham, the person was challenged as
to whether it was for their own personal use. The acid test was to
demonstrate the art of rolling to the Customs Officer. Not wishing to
accept the challenge, out intrepid traveller left the whole lot at
the airport. Any experts in the noble craft please leave your details
behind the bar! |
|
Sep 09 |
 Farewell
to Chris
& Kate
Best Wishes to Chris and Kate who are off to start a new life in Saudi
Arabia.
Chris had a farewell do at the Swan on the 25th and flew out to the
following day. Kate is due to follow in a few weeks time. Gerry
organised a Karaoke for the evening and a good night was had by all the
family and friends in attendance.
More pictures can be see in the gallery section. |
|
Sep 09 |
 The
Stage is set
It's been 9 years in the planning & development stages, and it has
finally arrived.
The new Swan stage (and spotlights) was used for the first time on
Saturday 26 Sep 2009 and was much appreciated by the evening's
entertainer Guy Johnson. Work is underway below for new dressing rooms,
so that the entertainer/stage can be raised slowly into position with
all the accompanying flashing lights and fanfare intro.
|
|
Apr 09 |
  Trev's
pics from the USA
Received an email from Paul Robinson, our football man in Dallas -
Texas.
Trevor and Valerie Hudson are visiting Paul and Shelley and having a
great time with their granddaughters. Trev also spent a day Carp fishing
with Paul.
Lunchtimes in the Swan will return to the normal population count upon
his return! |
|
Feb 09 |
   Paul's
pics from the USA
Andy Rowe went out to see Paul Robinson for a few weeks over the pond.
Paul is currently coaching DFW Tornados Soccer Club in Dallas, but they
managed to squeeze in a few days fishing. What's the story behind the
drink cigar - Rowey?? |
|
Dec 08 |
Tug
of War competition - Boxing Day - Controversy No. 1
Two teams from the Swan and a team from the Star, braved arctic
conditions on Boxing Day, to stage the first annual tug of war
competition on Vicarage Road playing fields. Real men in prime condition
(see right), battled it out for the honour of
lifting the glittering trophy donated by Gerry.
Armed with the rules, the competition referees - Gerry and Barry - made
sure that all was in order. Suitable
 lines at the correct distance were
marked out by Puffer, and Rob Pym supplied the massive rope.
Each team pulled against each other in a mini league, and life
threatening effort was put in by all teams (see left).
It seemed clear that Ron Harris's (Fox Hat) team were clear winners on
the day, but senior referee on the day - Barry - to the utter disbelief
of the watching crowd - awarded a tie result with the somewhat
underweight but young and enthusiastic team from the Star.
Concern was expressed, as Barry was seen talking on his mobile phone
before making the decision.
Some mention was made of Chinese gambling syndicates - Barry flatly
denies any involvement and says he will prove his innocence on his
return from his month away in Barbados
For pics click
here |
|
Dec 08 |
 Look-alike
competition
Thanks to Carolyn for spotting this likeness between perma-tanned Des
O'Connor and our very own cheeky grinned Barry. |
| |
 Back to the theme of Swan regulars
dressing up in unusual clothes (see March 08), GI has sent this
contribution (click to enlarge) featuring Rob Wade trying to break
into the film industry.
He's still working on the French accent. |
|
Nov 08 |
 Abbie
gets the spotters badge
Fair play to Abbie who noticed that if
you checkout our gallery section, there seems to be an usually large
number of identical black shirts being worn by Swan customers during
recent months.
Maybe something to do with the recent opening of the Harvey Nicholls
store in Bristol. |
|
Nov 08 |
Congratulations to Kelly & Joe
  On
the arrival of baby Albie, born Wednesday 12 Nov 2008 at Southmead
Hospital and weighing in at a whopping 9lb 3oz.
Albie was due to arrive somewhat earlier, so Joe was the only one who
stayed tea total last Friday at the Swan Golf Day at Bath Golf Club.
His mobile switched on, mind racing, engine running - waiting for the
call.
Pic to come
Best wishes to Kelly, Joe, brother Fred and Albie from all at the Swan. |
|
Oct 08 |
 Gerry
8 out of 8
What a remarkable set of crib
results mine host - Gerry - has accumulated.
Playing for the Tuesday crib team he has won all 8 of his latest single
matches. His fine run of form has brought itself to the attention of
Crowbar's Thursday crib team, where he was spotted signing the necessary
league forms to make him available. This will obviously put pressure on
the present Thursday squad to keep up their performance levels. Steve
Carter once again looks vulnerable despite topping the averages.
Modesty forbids Gerry to let on to the secrets of his success. Perhaps
it is the cup of coffee he drinks, so as to keep his senses razor sharp,
that unnerves his opponents - perhaps he has perfected the art of "flimping"
- anyway - Premiership Pubs are taking an interest. |
|
Oct 08 |
 Yellow
lines
The Swan management at great
expense (free beer - it would have worked out cheaper to call in the NCP
boys), contracted the car parking lining job to Puffer.
Pictured left, with the machine and the project overseer "Cares", you
will now find the Swan carp park now neatly divided into a number of
parking bays. The lines are commendably straight, obviously "payment"
was received after the job had been completed!
At quiet times you may notice that some of the bays are wider than
others, this was not part of the original plan, it was simply the case
that there was a danger of running out of paint.
Swan patrons are asked to park neatly and tidily so as to enhance the
overall attractive appearance of the pub!
|
|
Sep 08 |
  Scary
week!
What a week for Mr. Richard Carey.
It started with a Saturday afternoon excursion to play golf with the
lesser mortals at The Park, where he won the highest score and shared
the team prize. On return to the Swan, he found that he had shared the
first prize on the football pontoon with Knowlesly - Carlisle and
Bristol Rovers scoring the accumulative 11 goals.
He then played in the Bath Ales corporate day at the Kendleshire during
the week where he won first prize (38 points) and also nearest the pin
prize!!
The first prize was a state of the art - Dyson be afraid - Russian(?)
TASKI vacuum cleaner (as featured on Only Fools and Horses). It took the
combined mechanical expertise of Puffer and Rowey to assemble this
 magnificent appliance, and was tested on the Swan deep shag pile carpet
with seemingly no visible
cleaning effect. Also part of the prize was a
weekend break for two at a Marriott Hotel, completely free providing the
reception area is TASKI'ed first thing on the morning.
Bath Ales also
chucked in an umbrella and T-shirt for good measure.
Happy Days!!
|
|
Aug 08 |
 Pigeon
update
After staying for a week or so, Reg decided to take a break from all the
pampering and go off on his summer(?) holidays. His first choice being
somewhat unwise, he alighted on Weston Pier, or at least his feet nearly
did. Suitably chastened (and scorched!), he went in search of less
hazardous retreats and flew down to Burnham on Sea, where he is pictured
on the beach (right), soaking up the rain. He did manage to send a
postcard which is displayed by the bar. He requested that his perch be
kept ready for his imminent return, unless he embarks on a holiday
romance - in which case, it may need to be widened. |
|
Aug 08 |
  Pigeon
becomes a resident
The Swan seems to have acquired a new resident in the form of a lost
homing pigeon (see right). His new perch is in the alcove between the
lounge and the patio area.
Having initially been chased off the premises by Gerry (this was an
amusing spectacle - according to Joe) mine host succumbed to the lost
and needy expression of the pigeon, and supplied it with sustenance.
Apparently lost homing pigeons, if returned to their owner, face a near
certain death penalty, so in view of European Pigeon Rights legislation,
our friend may be with us for some time.
There was a book running behind the bar on the betting for how long our
guest would be staying, but with the smug and satisfied expression only
pigeons can give (see left), all bets are off.
|
|
Jun 08 |
 Rachel
and Martin's Wedding
Congratulations to Rachel and
Martin who got married on Saturday 28th June.
The reception was held on the evening
at their new home - Stradbrook
Cottage - with their family & friends including many of the Swan
regulars.
The weather being kind, the evening was very relaxed and informal with
an alfresco BBQ. Warren Guest providing the music and entertainment.
We would like to put a link on the Swan website for more pics etc. -
please send any pics or videos using the links above. |
|
Jun 08 |
Moggy's Stag Do - Jolly
Boys Day at the Races
Thanks to Mark Saunders for the report and pics
A good day was had by all at Moogs stag day at Bath
races. Starting at the Swan at around midday (some earlier) we all had
a few pints and looked at the form of the horses - well we looked at the names and picked one. Puffer was
organising the £50 bets for the lucky three betters and Joe was
preparing the coach refreshments. Then we were off. Arriving at the
course we soon found the cider tent and got stuck in, and let Steve
guest put the bets on, well no winners there then. Pete Ferris, Alan
Mizen and Jamie Knowles were the lucky people to place the £50 bets,
Knowlesy had a second place, apart from that no winners (at least Pete had the bet at another meet and not at
Bath). Well a few hours later and many pints we danced to a group (who
the hell were they) in the field spilling booze as we punched the air.
Time to go and we were herded by the ground stewards towards the gates
and onward to the coach were a free for all scrum began and bums were
exposed. Travelling down towards The Park we stopped and Moog leather
thong being removed ran the length of the fairway bits a dangling (he
was enjoying it) and then back on the coach. A few minutes later into
Tony's for a few more drinks, sing song and more exposures. Time was
getting on so we headed for the Swan where Gerry and Joe had food ready
which was by that time very much needed and the night came to a close
with some more singing with the entertainer, then I can't remember what
happened?????
Well from all of the lads that went on the day, a big
thank you to Moog, Joe and Gerry for a good day out. Cheers |
|
Jun 08 |
  Pig
on Heat
Spotted on the Swan Golf Tour 08 (front row between Joe and Dangerous)
is our very own Pig.
Obviously in a state of arousal - what could be the cause?
Any witty captions? - contact us |
|
May 08 |
 Mark
Pocock
Mark, the Hanham Athletic footballer, who is currently having a
"try-out" as a football (soccer) player in the States, managed to log on
the Swan web-site recently and left a short message:
"how are we all really missing your Blackthorn"
Not sure about the circumstances, whether it was after an intensive
training session, or facing the prospect of yet another bottle of Bud!
Either way, if you can get to a computer again Mark, let us know how
things are going
UPDATE via the swan
web-site
 "Hi
Please find
attached a pic of Mark P.
Mark is doing
great – working hard and playing hard. He loves the American way of
life. He is missing the Blackthorn though
Cheers"
Paul Robinson
DFW Tornados Soccer Club
"football is going very well thanks good bunch of lads. miss the
blackthorn cus the beer out here is so poor miss you all hope
everyone is fine love you all"
Mark
|
|
May 08 |
 The
Swan (Dangerous) Tour 2008
Many thanks to Knowlesy and Dangerous for
organising the tour this year.
Good weather, good courses, good coach driver, good hotel, loads of food
and the occasional half of beer!
Congratulations to the man himself (Dangerous) for winning the coveted
Red Fleece (no, Tiger - you still can't come on our tour). Also to Coops
for winning the overall weekend singles, and Rowey
and Dangerous for winning the weekend pairs.
For pics see Golf |
|
May 08 |
 Matty
update
Just had an email from Emma -
Matt's wife.
"Matt's wife here, just to let you know that he is doing ok,
considering how hot it is! He hasn't forgotten about the game of golf,
though I think he thought it might have been forgotten about, though
from the what I've just read it's still very much on!!
He got promoted whilst in Afghan so will be back early, mid/late July,
so you might get that game in in August.
All the best
em"
Note: The Swan golf day is scheduled for Sunday August
24th at the Park |
|
Apr 08 |
 Baby
Ben on watch!
First picture received of baby
Benjamin Knowles on an outing to the Swan recently.
Obviously not content with the usual baby fluids, he is pictured with
one eye firmly fixed on something a little more interesting - namely a
pint of the amber nectar. There must be a hereditary link there
somewhere.
Or perhaps his first job in life is on guard duty protecting his Dad's
pint - a noble and a potential job-for-life!
Either way, welcome to the Swan, Ben |
|
Apr 08 |
 Guesty
on hols!
Our very own regular Steve Guest is captured on holiday in the Dominican
Republic earlier this year.
It is often said that everyone should have a hobby to get away from the
stresses of modern day living. Some people like gardening, some people
like painting, some like collecting stamps.
Obviously Guesty's hobby is one of the lesser known ones - in fact you
try to start make up a logical reason for the picture content and then
give up.
Anything to do with Royalty needing directions and the "Fox Hat"?
Or a locally-based Harris Cider Brewery promotion overseas? |
|
Apr 08 |
  The
only gay in the village
Back to a familiar theme with Stoney (James) tucking into his
costume for his stag night in Blackpool. The outfit is based upon the BBC
character - committed 'homosexualist' Daffyd (right). For those who
haven't watched "Little Britain", proud to be gay, Daffyd flaunts his
sexuality in a variety of rubber outfits, to the villagers' complete
indifference. He refuses to accept he's not the only 'gayer' in the
village, and is outraged when fellow gays trespass on his patch. Spooky
lookalike Stoner! What's that on the table - or shouldn't we go there?
A few dodgy Swan characters in the background and the mirror reflection as
well! |
|
Mar 08 |
Congratulations to Jamie and Nicola on the arrival of Baby
Benjamin. Born in the RUH at Bath yesterday (26/3/08) and weighing at in
at a very healthy 7lb 7oz. Nicola and baby Ben are both fine. Proud
father Knowlesy had a minor celebration in the Swan on the evening as a
precursor to the main "wetting the baby's head" event, yet to be
scheduled. |
|
Mar 08 |
 Crib
Team Youth Policy
Concerned about their aging squad of players, the Tuesday crib team
recruited Gerry on the YTS scheme for an important doubles match
fixture. Partnering the captain, Clive Burrett, the pair gained an
honourable 3-3 draw, which meant that overall the team won by the odd
point. For some unknown reason the game lasted much longer than the
other pairings, which may be down to Gerry's meticulous card play. Clive
expressed concern in the early part of the match with Gerry's
calculation of his points. In the same way as he works behind the bar,
it went something like: 15-2, 15-4, 15-6, 15-8, three for the run is 11
- OK give me 10!
Update 1- In keeping with the crib
team squad rotation policy, Gerry was dropped from the side this week
Update 2- still "rested" |
|
Mar 08 |
 Dave
wins Pontoon
Pictured on the right with Joe, Dave Purnell picks up £198 by getting
the magic 11 goals with Oldham on the Swan pontoon. This went some way
to easing the pain of having just watched the Gas crash out of the FA
cup to West Brom (3rd goal off-side?).
Nick Seward won the lowest score prize of £67 with Luton Town (0 goals).
Joe is on the case for a new set of team selection envelopes. |
|
Mar 08 |
  Borat!!
Following the theme of Swan regulars dressing up in unusual clothes , we
have our very own Mark Bryant - aka Dangerous! - at his stag weekend in
Amsterdam last February. He wore this for the whole of the weekend
despite freezing temperatures. It caused much amusement among the locals
with numerous requests for photos. The delay in publishing this photo
was due to having to obtain the necessary permissions from government
and media bodies. Also we wanted to make sure Dangerous was happy
inflicting this sight of his manly flesh upon the rest of the world!
Haven't got a clue about the piccy on the left - apparently him again
from another stag do.
Fancy meeting that on a dark night! |
|
Feb 08 |
  Double
top for Andy Rowe
Andy Rowe celebrated his 40th
birthday at the weekend with friends and relatives at The Swan.
Pictured here on the right with
a birthday banner in the background and a specially made birthday cake
for the occasion. Looks like an earlier version of Rowey on top of the
cake - check out the enlarged version of the cake on the left! |
|
Feb 08 |
  Good
luck Matt!
Matt Norman is away on a tour of duty with The Army to
Afghanistan - right at the sharp end in Helmand Province so we
all wish him well. He is pictured (left and right) in the Swan
at his farewell do on Friday Feb 15 with his local/school/rugby
friends. On the right he is being cuddled by our very own father
to be - Knowlesy. When Matt returns, he has the dubious honour of
playing golf with Mars, Shorty and The Mayor. Anyone got
any suitable clubs for Mars and Matty? They are both long units
and we think one of them is left handed. A good golf tutor is
also wanted.
If you can get onto a computer Matt - please
contact us and give us an update
|
|
Feb 08 |
 Visiting
football Celeb.
Ex-Bristol Rovers and
Portland Timbers star Graham Day paid the Swan a visit on his
Sunday night out with the regulars from his pub The Flower Pot.
As can be seen from a picture from his playing days, time has
been good to Graham and he has hardly changed over the years!
Pictured with Gerry, who also played centre half, many a centre
forward will have bruises to remember them by, since it was
allowed to tackle from behind in their playing days, as long as
the ball somehow moved in the process. By coincidence, Graham
played for Bristol Rovers when they beat Southampton 2-0 in the
FA Cup 30 years ago - marking Mick Channon out of the game! Well
done the Gas again - Dave Purnell was like a Cheshire Cat on
Saturday night!!
It being Graham's round, the next port of call was the Railway
Club at the bottom of Temple Meads incline - apparently, the
cheapest beer in Bristol.
|
|
Jan 08 |
 Stoney
gets the Spotters Badge
Chris Stone
gets the above award for his
eagled-eyed study of the fancy-dress party pics below.
He also gives an update to the caption competition back in
December, and a new angle on a story that seems destined to run.
It could make the front page of the Observer!
"On close viewing of recent pictures. The cross-dressing Care
Home owner appears in pics sent in by Trevor Hudson. If you look
carefully you can spot his black latex rubber glove on the left
of the picture carefully caressing balloons".
For those without 20/20 eyesight, click on the above image to
enlarge.
Again, the individual's identity is being withheld.
Cheers Chris
|
|
Jan 08 |
News
from across the pond
Our man in the USA -
Paul Robinson, coach of DFW
Tornados Soccer Club - sent this email through last
week:
"I recently travelled to Baltimore for a coaches convention and
AC Milan were there and they had this beauty.
It's the only time a Millwall boy
will have his hands on that."
Nice one Paul - thanks for the pic
|
|
Jan 08 |
  Anyone
recognise these faces?
Some pictures from way back
before the Swan was altered. Then, the current large lounge was divided
into three smaller rooms - a bar, a central lounge and a children's
room. These pictures were taken in the old lounge. Trevor Hudson (who
supplied the pics), says it was a fancy dress competition (surprise,
surprise) and he came second. Pete and Rose Joy can be spotted but does
anyone know the other characters? I bet some clown won it!! Anyone know
the date, occasion etc.?
  |
|
Jan 08 |
  Paul's
Dallas Bound
Paul and Shelley Robinson (son-in-law and
daughter of Trevor Hudson) has returned to Dallas after spending much of
Xmas and the New Year in Bristol. Paul and Shelley have been football
(soccer in the USA!) coaching for over ten years and are currently
coaching DFW Tornados Soccer Club in Dallas.
Paul left a link to the Swan Website on the Texas Fishing Forum to say
where he would spend part(!?) of his holidays and some of his fishing
friends logged on the the site. If proof were needed we took a couple of
piccies of Paul - one behind the bar with Mandy and Joe and one in front
with the usual suspects! |
|
Jan 08 |
 Henry
(H) wins the pontoon
West Brom came up with the
magic 11 goals to win the latest football pontoon competition.
There were five consolation prizes of £10 for the lowest scoring teams
(2 goals) for: Steve & Pam, Si Dew, Mike
Povey, Roy, & Dave P
Henry wins a very respectable £145.
Joe is starting a new competition - envelopes available behind bar
|
|
Dec 07 |
The Swan v Hanham Athletic FC
Played at Cumberwell Golf Course the match ended in an honourable draw
4-4.
It was a measure of the enthusiasm for the day that some golfers arrived
at The Swan 7.45 for a pre-match briefing - thanks to Joe for opening
up!
Nearest the pin winners were Andy Rowe and Nick Seward, and the highest
scoring pair were Mark Bryant and Nick Seward (45 points).
The journey back was broken up by visiting Tony Watts at The Midland
Spinner, and back at The Swan there was an impromptu Karaoke session
which lasted well into the night. With the weather being kind, all in
all a good day.
Thanks to Kev Coster for booking the course and sorting out the trophies
and prizes.
The trophy will be displayed somewhere in The Swan in the near future.
There is a technical difficulty in that there are two holes in the back
for fixing purposes instead of the normal one. Any specialist advice
would be most welcome.
Chris Stone took a few pics
of the day on his mobile see golf
Any pics or comments
about the day please email
news@theswanhanham.co.uk |
|
Dec 07 |
 Knowlesy
wins the pontoon
The Knowlesy Xmas fund received a very welcome boost (£168) when his team
Stockport County smashed Wycombe 6-0 to give him eleven points on the
pontoon. Favourite was Uncle Maurice, but his team overshot the magic 11
total by one. Barry Preece won a very handy last prize (£56).
Knowlesy's delight and good fortune is equally shared by Fosters
Brewery!
|
| Nov 07 |
 Gerry
is getting ready for his holidays!
Off on a cruise to get ready for the Xmas rush.
"Gerry" prices are on hold until he returns.
The glasses actually have flashing lights around the rims but we didn't
have a video camera!
|
| Nov 07 |
 The
Mayor lets it all hang out on hols!
Caught on camera, The Mayor (or more likely Rhydian from the
X-Factor) relaxes on
Weston-Super-Mare beach during an un-seasonal bout of warm weather this
month. Flat Holm can be seen in the background
|
|
|
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