Whaley Bridge Welldressers started welldressing in the Millennium. Welldressing, a Derbyshire custom, is a thanksgiving for the gift of water, of which we have an abundance in Whaley! This year the Whaley Bridge Welldressing celebrates the hundredth anniversary of Whaley Bridge Primary School and its Enhanced Resource.
The First Whaley Bridge Well Dressing in the Millenium
Welldressing starts on the weekend of 18/19 June in the big, white marquee in the Whaley Bridge Canal Basin, next to the Transhipment Shed, 10.00a.m. – 4.00 p.m..
Saturday 18/Sunday 19 June: Childrens’ Event: Mini-welldressings for children to make and take home. Children can choose a design and be taught our welldressing techniques. Lots of fun for a small charge of £2. Nice and dry in the marquee !
Sunday 19 June: See the clay being thrown onto the welldressing boards by our dedicated potters.
Monday 20 – Friday 24 June: Come and watch our team of welldressers in the marquee transform the bare clay into a floral phantasy. See our secret techniques! Have a go yourself. Join us and become a welldresser! During this week welldressers, both large and small, are at work in schools, pre-schools and churches in the town.
Saturday 25 June: Your last chance to see the welldressing before erection during the weekend of the Whaley Bridge Rose Queen Festival.
Sunday 26 June: Erection of Welldressing and Welldressing Blessing, 2.30 p.m. Tom Brad’s Croft, Whaley Bridge Canal Basin, attended by Churches Together in Whaley, Whaley Bridge Rose Queen, Retinue and Festival Committee, Whaley Bridge Band, Whaley Bridge Primary School Choir and Town Councillors. Everyone welcome.
26 June – 3 July: Daylight hours, Welldressings on Display throughout the Town. See signs at Tom Brad’sCroft.
The Whaley Bridge Well Dressers are always looking for new volunteers to help with the organization, the well dressing and the moving of the heavy well dressings into position. If you would like to get involved, then please contact Dorothy on 01663 733490.
A small welldressing starts life during last weeks Whaley Water Weekend as petals are pressed into the damp clay.
