Derbyshire Well Dressings Information

Thebestof is about uncovering the hidden gems in our area; in this case an outing or activity that is unique to our area around Derbyshire. People travel from far and wide to visit the attractions in our area, so as locals we should make sure we don't miss the unique events right on doorstep - well dressings. Here are some dates for your diary and a little bit of background.
 
Well dressing is only found in or near Derbyshire. It is thought to date back to the Celts and, as a form or water worship, has had a mixed relationship with the Church that banned it for a time but now blesses many wells as part of the ceremony.
 
Wells and springs are decorated with pictures crafted from growing things. A wooden tray is soaked for a few days in a stream or river and is then filled with clay. The outline of the picture is transferred onto the clay before having the design added using petals and flowers. Preparing the Well Dressing takes villagers several days.
 
June 2009
5 - 15 Cressbrook
5-14 Ashford in the Water
13 -17 Ockbrook
13-17 Wyaston & Edlaston
13-20 Whitwell
13-22 Flash
14-21 Marston Montgomery
15-22 Penistone
19-26 Norbury
20 -25 Youlgrave
20-26 Mayfield
20-28 Over Haddon; Litton, Tideswell
27 - 2 Rowsley; Derby City
27-3 Old Whittington
27-5 Elmton
27-5 Bakewell; Tintwistle
27-6 Hope
28 - 5 Whaley Bridge
 
 
July 2009
the info below is the date of the Blessing of the wells. The well dressing displays remain in place around this time.
 
1 Peak Forest 7pm
4 Wessington 10am
4 Coal Aston 1.45
4 Old Upton 10.30am
5 Hathersage 6pm
5 Chapel-en-le-Frith noon
5 Dore 3pm
5 Buxworth
5 Buxton 2pm
6 Harthill 7pm
9 Pilsley 7pm
10 Holmesfield Children's well dressing 3.15
11 Tansley 11am
12 Pleasley 3pm
11 - 16 Belper
11 Aston-on-Trent 11.15
12 Charleworth 10.30
12 Grindon 12.15
11-19 Sutton (no blessing)
12 Gee Cross 2pm
12 Hayfield 2pm
16 Upper Langwith 9.30
17 Dronfield Woodhouse 6.30pm
17 Cutthorpe 6.30
17 Millthorpe 7.30pm
18 Heage Windmill noon
18 Great Lonstone 2pm
18 Heath 11am
18 Ault Hucknall, Glapwell, Rowthorne 2pm
18 Little Longstone 2.15
18 Charlesworth & Broadbottom 3pm
18 Stony Middleton 3pm
19 Bamford 6.30pm
24 Barlborough 7pm
25 Chadkirk Chapel 1pm
26 Bonsall 2pm
 
August 2009
Blessing Date: Village: Time
 
1 Wingerworth 10am
2 Bradwell 7pm
12 Barlow 6.30
13 Great Hucklow 7pm
22 Taddington 2.30
27 Holymoorside 7pm
29 Eyam 2.45pm
29 Wormhill 7.15pm
 
 
September 2009
Blessing Date/ village/ Blessing time
 
6 Wardlow 2.15pm
12 - 19 Chesterfield (no blessing service)
12 Hartington 3pm