Cllr Robert MacNaughton is gearing up for the third annual River Blessing of the River Marden, taking place this Saturday, 22nd March, on Beach Terrace in Calne.
The event aims to raise awareness about the importance of protecting our rivers from pollution. "Our rivers need our help. They have looked after us for millenia. Now we have to look after them and stop them being poisoned by farming run off of fertisers, weedkillers and poo from our negligent water companies" Robert explained.
After the River Blessing ceremony, attendees will be treated to performances by Japanese Taiko drummers from Yatesbury and the Chippenham Morris dancing group.
This event is part of a broader movement to recognise the rights of rivers and protect them from neglect and abuse. "We declared the Rights of the Marden Valley in November 2021, and now other groups around the country are starting to do similar things," Robert added.
Herefordshire Council recently held a River Blessing ceremony to protect the River Wye from pollution caused by chicken farms. "The River Wye is filling with algae being fed by the chicken poo that seeps into the River. Supermarkets need cheap meat to sell to their customers, and health of the River Wye is being neglected as a result."
Meanwhile, in Sussex, the District Council has recognised the Rights of the River Ouse, paving the way for it to become the first river in England with legally recognised rights by a local authority. And in Stroud a group are working with the local council to grant the Rights of the River Frome.
So, if you're in the area, consider joining the River Blessing ceremony to show your support for the River Marden and the broader movement to protect our rivers.
