21/04/2026
I loved doing this artwork and the cause is brilliant. Please do go and give their Facebook a follow.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1GeYqN9byR/
They went to sea in a Swan so white,
On Ruby Jack, their noble flight,
From Lechlade’s banks at break of day
To Teddington, a long, long way
“126 miles and 43 locks,” My old wooden knees are at stake.
They packed up cake and stubborn cheer,
And whispered, “Right — let’s disappear!”
With Willie muttering engineering lore,
And Mrs Tea guarding brews galore,
While Don and Zoe steered the boat
And prayed the Swan would stay afloat
Skipper & Bosun and a mean Vespa cocktail.
Through Radcot, Newbridge, Oxford’s spires,
They paddled on with aching shires,
Past pubs that promised liquid joy
For every weary girl and boy
“Ceremonial hydration… To Grampus,” you holla with admirable honesty.
They braved the locks with noble grace,
Though some swore locks sped up their pace;
They waved at cows, at dogs, at geese,
At rowers training for Henley piece
“Marlow — famous for rower,” look down on our route.
They sang through Pangbourne, Sonning, too,
Where Coppa Club served dreams — and stew;
They drifted past Cookham, Windsor’s gleam,
Where tourists thought they’d lost a dream
“Royal Salutes, Dress Ship overall,” But the King's not in town
And when at last Teddington shone,
They cheered, “By Neptune — nearly done!”
They stowed the kit, they stretched their backs,
They raised a toast to Op Ruby Jack,
And marched to Twickenham with pride
For Army vs Navy side by side
“Army vs Navy Rugby @ Twickenham,” the final line of the week.
So here’s to those who paddle far
In Swan‑shaped craft bizarre, bizarre —
For courage comes in many forms:
In locks, in laughs, in aching arms,
In raising funds for those who stand
With veterans across the land
“RNLI and Combat Stress need public support more than ever”.
And if you ask them why they roam,
They’ll grin and say, “To bring hope home —
And prove that even daft ideas
Can change the world, or bring it near.”
