Blessing at the Guiseley Wells in Leeds, Yorkshire
I was privileged to conduct an Interfaith well blessing, welcoming in the summer and blessing the ancient springs and community gathered at the Guiseley Wells, Leeds, Yorkshire.
More than sixty local women spent months creating a crocheted yarn wrap to adorn the wells under the supervision of Leeds 2023 artist, Abi James, who runs Daisy Croft Crafts and Yarns Well Spun. After two years of isolation and difficulty, the project brought people together and friendships were forged. Local children entered a poetry competition to describe what the wells mean to them - you will see some of the poetry within the film.
My brother, Kevin James, set Brian Boothby's poem, Tomorrow's Ancestor, to music and performs it with fellow artist Rosie Weston from the band, Backspace. There are also songs from Just Sing - the adult choir conducted by Lucy Phillips, who runs Codswallop CIC with her husband, Jacob Phillips, an actor, and Chloe Lawson recounts tales from the mills in the area. Their children's choir, The Warblers, also perform.
The ceremony took place on 30th April 2022 and the community had tremendous fun coming together to celebrate their town wells. I interviewed Geoff Brook who helped restore the Guiseley Wells 22 years ago for future generations to enjoy. There is an honouring of the land, springs, ancestors and current custodians within Guiseley, Mother Earth and an honouring of individuality within unity, Divine Love.
I got the inspiration for my address, from the water ritual shared, with permission, by Lakota Elder Tiokasin Ghosthorse. I have a deep respect for Indigenous Wisdom and hope others will feel the message deeply within their hearts, that water is sacred, and there is a need for reciprocity, to clean up our oceans and rivers.
Testimonials for the Blessing of the Guiseley Wells in Yorkshire:
"I found the ceremony so moving. I had recently lost my husband to cancer and the Well Blessing helped me feel like I could connect with him. The Wells now gives me a spiritual connection to him and I often come down here to talk to him."
"It was great, a real surprise! The service really meant something to me. I loved the part about ancestors, that's what it's all about isn't it - human connection."
" I was so moved by the ceremony, I am having a really tricky time at the moment. My Dad is really poorly and my Mum is in hospital. Hearing all those words about kindness and understanding. I felt like I just needed to hear that at that time. It was a great comfort."
"A celebration of life! I loved hearing about how we can use water throughout the day to be mindful."
"What a beautiful celebration of nature and a reminder of its beauty and strength. I just loved how it was outdoors. I sometimes feel a bit constrained inside, so to hear such a beautiful service outside was liberating and empowering.”
