A Staffordshire woman has successfully concluded a determined hunt to restore a much-loved Alton Towers swan boat to her village, after the original local landmark was sold. Jenny Walker, from Wetley Rocks in the Staffordshire Moorlands, described feeling “devastated” when she learned the fibreglass swan, which had resided in a village garden for over 15 years and was visible from the main road, had been acquired by a new owner. The distinctive boat was one of 16 auctioned or given away after the popular Alton Towers ride closed in 2003.
Upon moving into her home, Walker became fixated on finding a replacement for the “iconic” boat, which she explained held significant sentimental value for the local community. “It’s so iconic in the area and so loved,” she commented, highlighting the deep connection residents felt to the quirky feature. Her quest involved posting messages online and making local enquiries, but she quickly discovered the difficulty of her mission. The swans, she learned, have become highly collectible, with owners generally unwilling to part with them.
Despite repeated setbacks, Walker eventually received a tip-off about a swan boat located at the Lion Bar & Club, an LGBTQ+ venue in Walsall. The boat had been ingeniously repurposed by licensee Zac Humpage, a self-confessed theme park enthusiast, serving as a performance stage and a prop for photos and dancing opportunities for seven to eight years. Humpage initially had no intention of selling what he considered a prized possession.
Walker’s persistence, which she admitted involved “hounding this poor guy,” eventually paid off. Humpage recounted that Walker “really had to twist my arm,” but her story about returning the swan to its original community in Stoke and the Moorlands ultimately swayed him. He expressed that the thought of it going “back home… for the community, it took my heart.” The swan was subsequently transported up the M6, with Walker’s family following its journey home, and was greeted by tooting lorries as it was winched into its new, familiar spot.
The return of the swan has been met with delight. Walker emphasised the nostalgic value the boat holds for many, evoking “great memories of Alton Towers, going as a family and enjoying the swans.” She firmly believes her house was “meant to have the swan,” and that it will now remain a treasured fixture for years to come. Other Alton Towers swans have found new homes in various locations, including a caravan park in the Staffordshire Moorlands, while some have even travelled abroad.
Source: BBC News