Gee Cross Well Dressing, 15th July 2012
Photographs by Gerald England

Although well-dressing is a custom mostly confined to Derbyshire, it can be seen in adjacent counties too. Well dressing celebrations were held regularly in Gee Cross from the 1820s until 1878. The custom was revived by the local Women's Institute in 2000. Information can be found about this on the Tameside Local History Forum website.

The 2012 event followed the format of previous years. Shortly after 2pm the Adamson's Band led a procession from the Grape's Hotel up Joel Lane to Arnold Hill Well and Slateacre Well. At each well a blessing was given and a verse and refrain of the hymn "All Creatures of our God and King" were sung. The procession returned down Joel Lane and along Stockport Road to the site of Baron Road Well, across to the Methodist Church and along to the Village Green Well. It was then back to the Werneth Community Centre where there was a display created by pupils of Alder Community High School. Finally to Booth's Well by the Grapes Hotel, and onto Hyde Chapel for a community service followed by entertainment and refreshments.