London - For decades, model boat enthusiasts have trekked to the calm waters of Needham Lake to give their painstakingly crafted creations an outing.
But the peace has been shattered this year by a hostile swan that keeps smashing the models, some of which are worth up to £15 000. Eight miniature sail boats or motorised craft have been destroyed in recent weeks and there are reports of attacks on geese and even dogs too.
The reason for the spate of sinkings? The male mute swan has gone into protective mode because he and his partner have four cygnets on the lake, near Needham Market in Suffolk. But boating club members complain attacks happen even when their models are 150ft away from the cygnets. The enthusiasts are now threatening to meet elsewhere after appeals to the local authority fell on deaf ears.
Gipping Valley Model Boat Club treasurer Cliff Galsworthy, 70, described how his model of the 1853 Medway harbour launch Jane Burnyeat was wrecked. ‘There was a bang, smash and a wallop and it rolled the boat over in the water,’ he said. ‘It smashed the cabin off, broke the mast, lifted up the decks and ripped out the electric wiring. He is a menace.
‘It took about six months to build and he just smashed it to pieces. He smashes at them with his wings and tries to get on top and sink them.’
Club secretary Neil Hodson added: ‘It is supposed to be a relaxing hobby but if you are scared your pride and joy will be smashed it is not so relaxing.’
Models damaged by the swan over the past two months include tugs, yachts and a replica of a wartime firefighting tender.
Signs were put up earlier this year warning visitors about the bird. Swans have statutory protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. It is an offence to injure, take or kill a wild swan. A Mid Suffolk Council spokesman said the swan was ‘never considered a danger to the public’.
Daily Mail