Bedford River Blessing

The annual river blessing is an ancient ritual which involves highlighting the need to care for and treasure our local waterways, and to bless those who use them! This is a short event open to all on the river bank but to paddle you need to be a Viking Kayak Club member.

Part of the ritual involves the priest throwing a wooden cross (which I made from a local fallen tree) into the river, and it’s considered good luck to be the one to retrieve it (often in a competitive fashion).

Be ready to set out from the clubhouse at 11 am, the ceremony is at 11.15 am, Then those who want to will carry on down to Cardington for a picnic.

Bring a change of clothes, just in case….along with your food and drink for the picnic.