Pupils from Bisley Blue Coat Church of England Primary School took part in the village’s historic Ascension Day Well Dressing ceremony today, continuing a tradition that has been upheld for 163 years.
Heavy rain and thunder preceded the service, but by the time the procession assembled the sun was breaking through.
The annual celebration was first established in 1863 by Rev Thomas Keble, vicar of Bisley, as an act of thanksgiving for the village’s clean water supply. Since then, generations of schoolchildren have continued the custom, supported by parents and grandparents who helped create elaborate floral arrangements carried through the village.
This year’s event saw pupils parade with traditional stars, numbers and letters spelling out the year and the word ‘ASCENSION’. Year 6 pupils wore the distinctive Blue Coat uniform, and children from Blossoms Pre-school, based at Bisley Blue Coat, also took part in the procession.
The ceremony began with a service at All Saints’ Church at 1.15pm, followed by a procession through the village streets to the ancient water head on Wells Road, led by vicar Reverend Sue Murray and Interim Executive Headteacher Mrs Sarah Broadbent. The wells service was accompanied by music from the Avening Silver Band.
Following the ceremony, participants and members of the public were invited to a community tea at the WI village hall.
The event once again stood as a highlight in the village calendar, bringing together children, families, staff, and residents to celebrate heritage, community, and continuity of tradition.
Pictures and video by Matt Bigwood
