NORTHLEW?S newly restored village pump was blessed last weekend as part of a day of celebrations to remember in the village.
The pump ceremony last Saturday (February 9) was attended by a large crowd who also enjoyed the morris dancing magic of the Cogs n? Wheels in the brilliantly decorated Square, as well as the music of Northlew Silver Band and singing by the Packhorse Singers and the children of Northlew Primary School.
The proceedings began at 3pm with a walk around some of the footpaths in the area which join Northlew and Ashbury churches. The returning walkers were greeted by the sound of the church bells which were specially rung for the occasion.
Two residents who had lived in Northlew all their lives and remember the pump from childhood days, Tom Andrew and John Spry, were involved in passing on their memories to the younger generation.
In the run-up to the celebration day, the two men had visited the primary school to talk to the children about their memories of the days when all the water for the village was drawn from pumps.
The enthralled children then set about writing songs to sing at the ceremony. The infants performed ?Shaky Shaky Dog? and the seniors ?The Pump Song?.
The square was decorated with large birds which had been made with various natural objects at two workshops with the help of artist Tony Lewery.
The birds were placed along some of the footpaths as well as in the square, to serve as a symbol of spring and new growth and new life ? anyone bumping into one of the creatures after dark might have had a bit of a shock!
Parish Council chairman John Grierson thanked all those who had worked so hard to bring the whole event together. The village day was planned by Helena Williams, Marilyn Livingstone, Irene and Ron Oldale and Mike O?Brien with funding from a Tarka Country Millennium Award.
Many thanks went to the Wren Trust (Marilyn Tucker and Paul Wilson), the Silver Band, ringers, dancers, singers and everyone else involved. Thanks also to Andrew Algar and Frank Booth for the actual work on the pump.
Following the vicar?s blessing, and the singing and dancing, refreshments were provided in the Victory Hall. The catering was provided by Mrs Libby Barrett and helpers.
By kind invitation of landlord John Palmer, the Green Dragon was the scene of further celebrations that evening with singing and music including violin playing by Morwena from Churchgate.