World Rivers Day was celebrated by Sacred Severn and other local community groups raising awareness of issues facing the River Severn and the Severn Bore including pollution.
Sacred Severn was founded to achieve legal protection for The Severn Bore with funding from Stroud District Council and Communities Against River Pollution. The day started at Arlingham Village Hall with stands and information including artists and musicians with performances by Stroud Morris.
A procession to the River Severn at Arlingham, facing Newnham in The Royal Forest of Dean via The Passage Way was led by the River Serpent. On the far bank at Newnham Forest Thump drumming band, greeted the Arlingham procession.
Kate Dineen and Nicola Haasz led a blessing service with a musical story telling by Stroud harpist and storyteller Josie Felce. After singing and the blessing an offering of leaves, flowers and fruits was placed on the riverbank to honour the river goddess Sabrina.
The sunny autumn day was the perfect backdrop for the well-attended event which may become an annual date in the calendar. A cloud ‘serpent’ even appeared as the procession made its way up to the river.
Pictures by Simon Pizzey
