THERE will be a re-enactment of the well blessing on Saturday during this weekend’s St Richard’s Festival in Droitwich.
It centres on 1248 when the brine springs at the Great Pit in Vines Park failed and the salt-making industry, which Droitwich relied on, ceased. The town was facing economic ruin.
In desperation the townspeople asked the Bishop of Chichester – a son of Droitwich who later became St Richard de Wyche, to help them. He did this by leading them in the cleaning of the Well, before giving his episcopal blessing.
To commemorate the momentous event in the town’s history there will be a ‘Great Procession of Thanksgiving’.
It will be heralded by Steve Wyatt and consist of a vanguard of RAF Cadet musicians, altar servers from the Sacred Heart Church, a cohort of ‘Frolicsome Friars’ from Probus 87, Droitwich Mayor Coun Sean Best and other dignitaries.
Rev Nigel Byard as the Bishop of Chichester, Cub Scouts and residents as ‘pilgrims’ will also be in the procession departing from Victoria Square at 10am.
It will head down the High Street to the Upwich Pit in Vines Park. beautifully dressed for the occasion by the Ladies of ‘Bluebells Florist’.
The Well Blessing will take place at 10.30am with a re-enactment of the Bishop’s blessing, followed by a trumpet fanfare and a peal of bells to proclaim the flowing of brine.
A spokesperson for the event said: “With surprises, the occasion will be most memorable.
“So come and join us and bring your singing voices.”
