BIG TURN OUT FOR TEDDINGTON RIVER BLESSING CEREMONY
Teddington families as well as community groups, including Teddington RNLI, gathered along the Thames riverside today to celebrate the annual River Blessing Ceremony.
Reverend David Cloake, vicar of St Mary’s with St Alban and Teddington RNLI chaplain led the blessing with prayers and hymns before sending a floral cross down the river accompanied by single flowers and paper boats.
Representatives of Teddington RNLI, the Royal British Legion, Teddington Harbour, Customs & Excise Teddington and the Company of Watermen and Lightermen took part in the ceremony alongside Rev. Mary Hayes assistant vicar.
RNLI volunteer crew member and helm, Andy Bell read the first reading at the church immediately beforehand.
RNLI volunteer helm, Tim James read the RNLI pledge on the river pontoon, joined by other volunteer crew members who were also present.
The pledge reads: “Whoever we are, wherever we are from, we are one crew, ready to save lives. We’re powered by passion, talent and kindness, like generations of selfless lifesavers before us.”
This is our watch, we lead the way, valuing each other, trusting each other, depending on one another, volunteering to face the storm together. Knowing that, with courage, nothing is impossible. That is what has always driven us to save everyone we can. It’s what makes every one of us a lifesaver.’
The River Blessing ceremony first took place in 2017 when the town celebrated its 800th anniversary.
Each year parishioners and local people connected with the river gather to acknowledge the importance that the Thames has in the life of the community.