An Emsworth local who has dedicated the past eight years to protecting harbour wildlife has been overwhelmed by a community-wide celebration for his milestone 70th birthday, bringing warmth and cheer to a grey November morning.

Gordon Chandler, affectionately known across the town as the ‘Swan Man’, became a daily fixture on the quay following the loss of his wife eight years ago. Finding solace and purpose along the waterfront, Gordon turned his grief into daily care for the local swan population, looking after the birds 365 days a year, guiding them safely off the busy coastal road in Emsworth harbour, and co-ordinating with wildlife rescue teams whenever an injured bird needs help.

To mark his 70th birthday, local chef John Pullen, of Street Food @ 36, decided to organise a surprise community gathering along the water's edge.

After posting a callout on social media, Mr Pullen organised a community collection and was quickly inundated with up to 700 birthday messages and generous donations from well-wishers across Emsworth and Chichester. On Gordon’s birthday, John brought everyone together by the harbour to deliver the collection, presenting Gordon with a warm winter coat, sturdy wellington boots to keep him dry during his daily waterfront rounds, and a special handmade ‘70’ birthday cake crafted by John himself, complete with decorative swans.

John, who has worked at 36 The Quay for many years, was delighted to arrange the surprise to give something back to the area.

‘I was just so happy to arrange this to give back to a true community gentleman like Gordon,’ said Mr Pullen. ‘When someone gives as much heart to a place as Gordon has, seeing everyone come together for him is what it’s all about. Everyone needs a Gordon in their community.’

Gary and Martina Pearce, managers of 36 on the Quay, also paid warm tribute to Gordon and expressed their gratitude to the town.

‘Gordon is one of those genuinely selfless people who makes a community what it is,’ said Gary and Martina Pearce. ‘His dedication to the swans and local wildlife is truly special. He never does it for recognition, which makes seeing so many people come together to celebrate him all the more meaningful. He deserves every bit of the love and appreciation shown to him.’

‘We feel very lucky to be part of a community where people look out for one another, and we’re incredibly proud of our food truck chef John Pullen for bringing everyone together to make Gordon’s birthday so special.’

‘A huge thank you to everyone who donated, signed the card, sent messages and came along to celebrate, from all of us at 36 On The Quay and Street Food at 36.’

Reflecting on the overwhelming community response, Gordon’s aunt, Margie Wheeler, spoke proudly of her nephew’s selfless nature and the way his kindness unites the town.

‘Gordon does everything purely from the heart without expecting a single thing in return,’ said Mrs Wheeler. ‘We need people like him to show kindness, and seeing his goodness bring our whole community together today is so special.’

Paul Martin, who runs the local About Emsworth community Facebook page, highlighted Gordon's lasting impact on the waterfront.

‘Gordon is such a lively, cherished figure in Emsworth,’ said Mr Martin. ‘He’s out here looking after the swans rain or shine, every single day—stopping to talk to anyone who shows an interest and keeping the birds safe. Seeing everyone turn out for him today shows the incredible community spirit we have here.’

For Gordon, caring for the swans remains a full-time commitment that extends far beyond daily feeding.

‘I spend as much time as I can with them, 365 days a year, even on Christmas Day,’ Mr Chandler explained. ‘If a bird is ill or injured, I try to sort it out, or I reach out to my network of four or five wildlife contacts and organisations like Brent Lodge to get them taken care of and safely returned.’

Overwhelmed by the turnout, gifts, and hundreds of messages, Gordon expressed his gratitude to all those who gathered by the harbour.

‘Caring for the swans every day gave me comfort and a real purpose when I needed it most,’ he said. ‘I’m just so grateful for this surprise and for everyone coming out today. It means the world.’