Gee Cross revived the centuries-old village tradition of well dressing - and not even the heavy rain could dampen the spirits of the crowds who flocked to see the colourful displays.
Well dressing had been an annual fixture in the local calendar in the Victorian era but with interest fading, fell by the wayside in the early 20th Century.
Fast forward to 2000, the Gee Cross and District Women’s Institute decided the new millennium was the perfect time to give well dressing a fresh lease of life with Holy Trinity School, Dowson School and the WI each creating their own well.
Deputy mayor Cllr John Bell and the deputy mayoress, along with local MP Tom Pendry joined the villagers in a procession visiting the three decorated wells, stopping at each one for a blessing and a song.
The celebrations should have ended with outdoor community singing, but instead the rain-soaked villagers were invited inside Hyde Chapel to listen to music by Glossop Old Band and local schoolchildren.
The chapel also hosted an exhibition of the village’s millennium projects arranged by Ron Braddock. Refreshments were provided by Gee Cross Methodist Church.
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