THERE COULD only be one source of inspiration for the centrepiece of this year’s Gee Cross Well Dressing given it saw The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
And sure enough, the main display at the area’s Grapes Hotel pays homage to the 70th anniversary.
Showing Her Majesty in front of Buckingham Palace, the artwork also shows soldiers on duty – and three of her favourite corgis!
Gee Cross has taken great pride on its well dressings since the tradition was reintroduced at the turn of the century by its Women’s Institute.
Dozens of people took part in a procession and blessing of the decorated wells around the village on Sunday, July 10, followed by a service at Hyde Chapel.
Records showed well dressings – a custom normally associated with Derbyshire – regularly took place from the 1820s until about 1878.
Now it is firmly back on the calendar, it is proving as popular as ever, especially when the sun makes a timely appearance.
Local MP Jonathan Reynolds took part in this year’s parade, with Cllr Phil Chadwick showing off is marshalling skills.
And Mr Reynolds said: “Well dressings are a lovely part of our local cultural heritage. A time to be thankful for fresh water, and thankful for all God’s gifts to us.”