Location: Weir Wood Reservoir, RH18 5HT (what3words: ///heightens.activity.butterfly)
From Source to Sea is set to be a transformative nine-day pilgrimage following the River Medway’s journey from her source to the sea. This pilgrimage offers a heartfelt opportunity to deepen our bond with the River, to connect with the people and communities whose lives flow alongside her, and to discover together how we might step into true friendship and guardianship, nurturing the River’s health and vitality for generations to come. To find out more about the pilgrimage, visit our website.
Our journey begins at Weir Wood Reservoir, joining in celebration of their opening day. From 12:30 PM onward, you’re warmly invited to explore the reservoir’s waters through free taster paddle and sailing sessions, alongside a variety of engaging activities. Throughout the day, we’ll offer talks, workshops, and creative experiences to gently plant seeds of connection and care that will grow throughout the pilgrimage.
The pilgrimage will officially start at 3pm, when Guy Hayward, co-founder of the Pilgrimage Trust, will share his inspiring reflections on The Power of Pilgrimage. Following this, we’ll introduce the journey ahead and invite you to learn how to become a Friend of the River Medway, stepping into a lasting relationship of care and commitment.
After this opening gathering, we will take a gentle walk together to Tablehurst Farm, where the day will close with a warm community meal, singing, and the beautiful opportunity to add prayers to the ‘Sacred Cup’ – a vessel filled with water from the River Medway that will carry our collective hopes and intentions throughout the entire pilgrimage.
Schedule of Events:
12:30 PM – Welcome & Talk by Mims Davies
We begin the day with a warm welcome and a moment of significance as Mims Davies formally reopens Weir Wood Reservoir as a community space. This gathering marks not only a symbolic return to the water but also the beginning of our shared journey. Join us as we set intentions together and honour this meaningful milestone for people and place.
1:00 – 2:00 PM – How Can We Care for the River? A Workshop Exploring Practical Ways to do Positive Things for Rivers with Sarah Butler
What does it really mean to care for a river? In this hands-on, hope-filled session, environmentalist Sarah Butler will guide us through simple yet impactful ways to protect and support the River Medway. From individual action to citizen science, you’ll leave with a clearer understanding of the real, tangible actions each of us can take to become better guardians of our waterways.
2:00 – 3:00 PM – Wisdom Water Art with Niki Rudd
Tap into the creative flow of the river with artist Niki Rudd in this reflective, water-themed art workshop. Through gentle nature connection and intuitive mark-making using natural pigments and river water, we’ll explore the spirit of water as a guide and teacher. No experience necessary – just bring curiosity and a willingness to play.
3:00 – 3:30 PM – The Power of Pilgrimage with Guy Hayward
What transforms a walk into a pilgrimage? In this inspiring talk, Guy Hayward, co-founder of the British Pilgrimage Trust, invites us to consider how walking with intention can deepen our connection to place, community, and self. Through sacred attention and slow movement, everyday paths can become meaningful journeys.
3:30 – 4:00 PM – Becoming a Friend of the River with Zofia Page
As we prepare to walk beside the river, how do we build a lasting relationship with her? In this thoughtful session, Zofia Page will introduce the idea of becoming a Friend of the River – a way to continue caring for and learning from the Medway well beyond the nine-day pilgrimage. Discover how small, ongoing acts of attention can create lasting impact.
4:00 – 6:00 PM – Pilgrimage Walk to Tablehurst
With hearts full and minds stirred, we take our first collective steps on the pilgrimage to Tablehurst Farm. This shared walk weaves together the themes of care, creativity, and connection – an opportunity to move in silence or conversation, letting the landscape and river guide our reflection.
6:00 – 7:00 PM – Donation-Based Meal & Singing
After walking, we will gather for a shared meal in celebration. Bring your voice, your stories, or simply your presence as we eat together and sing together, celebrating the gifts of the land. Location: TBC.
7:00 PM – 8:00 PM – Water Ritual with Sarah Joy
As the sun begins to soften, we will close the day with a gentle, powerful ritual led by Sarah Joy. Beginning with a grounding embodiment practice, we’ll connect with the memory and movement of water in our bodies. Then, in sacred space, we’ll speak prayers or blessings into a vessel filled with water from the River Medway. This water will be carried forward throughout the pilgrimage as a living symbol of our shared hopes, healing, and reverence.
8:00 PM onward – Dance the Night Away | Please note: This is a separately ticketed event.
To end the day in full celebration, we will gather at the Village Club for a night of dancing and live music. The Folkadelix will take us on a musical journey with their joyful fusion of folk, funk, and global rhythms. Known for their vibrant energy and feel-good grooves, they’ll set a beautiful tone for the journey ahead.
