The traditional Derbyshire custom of well dressing came to Ripley last week – and even visitors from across the globe played a part in dressing the well at the side of Ripley Town Hall!
All week Amber Valley Borough Council held well dressing demonstrations in the Tourist Information Centre in Ripley, giving people the chance to try their hand at decorating the well.
The theme for this year’s well dressing was the celebration of the 40th anniversary of the Erewash Canal Preservation and Development Association and the 35th anniversary of the re-opening of the Great Northern Canal Basin at Langley Mill.
Joanne Brown, Tourist Information Manager at Amber Valley Borough Council said, “Over the course of the week over 200 people came to the Tourist Information Centre to experience the ‘Well in the Making’ demonstrations. Pupils from Ironville and Codnor Park Primary School, Lons Infant School, Ripley Junior School and students from South East Derbyshire College all took part in the demonstrations. Other visitors included a group from The Croft in Ripley, a large coach party from the Isle of Wight, and visitors from as far a field as Christchurch, New Zealand; Alderney in the Channel Islands; Shropshire; Colchester and Plymouth. We’d like to thank everyone who came along to help dress the well - it looks amazing!”
The demonstrations were led by well dressing experts Jenny Anthony and her team from Spiral Arts. The clay was kindly donated by Denby Pottery and the planting by David and Jackie Eley of Touch of Class Florists, Ripley.
The week of demonstrations culminated in the blessing of the well on Saturday 7 June. Reverend Andrew Edmunds from All Saints Church, Ripley conducted the service, also present were Amber Valley Borough Council Mayor Mrs Jean Gemmell, Ripley Town Council Mayor Councillor Mrs Lynn Joyes and Mr Howard Smith, Chairman of Erewash Canal Preservation Development Association. The Heage Windmillers produced a lively display of clog dancing after the blessing ceremony.
There are further well dressing displays taking place throughout Derbyshire. For more information either telephone 01773 841488 or call into the Tourist Information Centre, Ripley. Alternatively email: touristinformation@ambervalley.gov.uk or visit www.visitpeakdistrict.com
Ends.
For further information please contact Lisa Garnham, PR and Communications Manager at Amber Valley Borough Council, telephone 01773 841655.
Notes for editors:
The Tourist Information Centre is open on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays between 9.30am and 5.30pm, on Wednesdays between 10am and 5.30pm and on Saturdays between 9.30am and 3pm.
