Uploaded May 2025 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Bisley’s annual Ascension Day Well Dressing Procession was joined by the Bishop of Gloucester, The Rt Rev Rachel Treweek.
The long-standing tradition, which carried on even during the world wars, marked its 162nd year. This year Ascension Day fell during the school’s half-term holiday.
It was started in the village in 1863 by Rev Thomas Keble, Bisley’s vicar for almost 50 years, to give thanks for the village’s clean water.
Since then, the school has continued to hold the Ascension Day celebration with the help of parents and grandparents, who create the striking floral arrangements carried by the children, which spell ‘Ascension Day’.
This year’s event started with a service at All Saints Church, after which a procession, headed by Reverend Sue Murray and the Bishop, led youngsters through the streets to the ancient water head in Wells Road.
Children laid wreaths and floral garlands around the well, with musical accompaniment from Avening Silver Band. Rev Murray and the Bishop both spoke during the service.
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For the latest from Stroud Times visit: stroudtimes.com
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Stroud Times - the independent community-based news website.
Encompassing the Stroud locality the team aim to provide engaging human interest stories, comprehensive sports coverage, and championing local businesses' success.
Living in the community they serve, editor Ash Loveridge, journalist Matt Bigwood, and photographer Carl Hewlett have joined forces to provide free-to-view local content devoid of a clickbait agenda and pop-up adverts.
Bisley’s annual Ascension Day Well Dressing Procession was joined by the Bishop of Gloucester, The Rt Rev Rachel Treweek.
The long-standing tradition, which carried on even during the world wars, marked its 162nd year. This year Ascension Day fell during the school’s half-term holiday.
It was started in the village in 1863 by Rev Thomas Keble, Bisley’s vicar for almost 50 years, to give thanks for the village’s clean water.
Since then, the school has continued to hold the Ascension Day celebration with the help of parents and grandparents, who create the striking floral arrangements carried by the children, which spell ‘Ascension Day’.
This year’s event started with a service at All Saints Church, after which a procession, headed by Reverend Sue Murray and the Bishop, led youngsters through the streets to the ancient water head in Wells Road.
Children laid wreaths and floral garlands around the well, with musical accompaniment from Avening Silver Band. Rev Murray and the Bishop both spoke during the service.
******************
For the latest from Stroud Times visit: stroudtimes.com
******************
Stroud Times - the independent community-based news website.
Encompassing the Stroud locality the team aim to provide engaging human interest stories, comprehensive sports coverage, and championing local businesses' success.
Living in the community they serve, editor Ash Loveridge, journalist Matt Bigwood, and photographer Carl Hewlett have joined forces to provide free-to-view local content devoid of a clickbait agenda and pop-up adverts.
