Sunday 28 June in Folkestone continues with another fine old tradition, the Blessing of the Fisheries. Starting at St Peter’s parish church, a procession of clergy, the town mayor, councillors, visiting mayors, members of the congregation (some dressed as fishwives or fishermen) makes its way down the hill to the Stade in Folkestone Harbour. There we sing hymns, listen to the Scottish Pipe Band and listen to a sermon from the Bishop of Pontefract who then censes the fishing boats and splashes us all with holy water.
Cllr Susan Carey, Chairman of Shepway District Council trying not to wilt in the heat
It is boiling hot and the mayor of Folkestone is under heavy robes and a hat. Fortunately someone brings her a chair. We all swelter through the service held in the open air in front of the fishing boats and, still singing, we process back up the steep hill to finish the service in St Peter’s. For those with stamina there is a reception afterwards but I admit defeat and make my farewells.
Tags: Folkestone, St Peter's