by Cllr Robert MacNaughton
On Sunday February 2nd we held a River Blessing in Stroud to celebrate Imbolc, and the rebirth of the snowdrops who orchestrate the slow emergence of new life.
I yearn for the light at this time of year. Each day brings an extra couple of minutes of light which I desperately need. I know I am not the only one who feels like that.
In ceremony together
We were joined by the Rev Simon Howell, an interfaith minister from Stroud. He understands what we are doing, and he joins in from the perspective of his own beliefs. My background is in modern Druidry so I use a slightly different language to talk about my concerns for our rivers
Pouring the mixed waters
We all bring samples of water from the rivers and wells and sacred springs from our own areas, and mix them in a communal jug which is poured into the host river by our youngest members.
While people watched from the bridge, the golden labrador was proudly showing off his stick to everybody. 
Catkins on the Marden in February
In Calne we declared the Rights of the River Marden in November 2021. Wiltshire Council passed a motion in October 2024 demanding the water companies take their poo out of Wiltshire's Rivers.
Just recently Herefordshire Council held a ceremonial event in honour of the River Wye.
The chairman of the Council, Roger Phillips said “It is so important that we work together to protect the River Wye and its tributaries and streams”.
The River Wye is being heavily polluted by chicken farms along its banks.
Hopefully a lot more councils will be following suit soon to protect their own endangered rivers, and lakes, and to honour them in their own unique way.
Our next River Blessing will be held in Calne on Saturday March 22nd starting at 11am on Beach Terrace. The Japanese drummers and Morris dancers will be there as well. Everybody is welcome.
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