Way back when I was born in the 1970s, being lapsed Christians of differing flavours, the choice for my parents not to have me Christened was an easy one. Although I'm sure the wider family gathered to "wet the baby's head" with a nice cup of tea and a biscuit (probably), my parents agree that had there been an alternative ceremony, they would have loved to welcome my brother and I into the world in a more official way.
When my twins arrived I was determined to welcome them into the family and the wider community with a naming ceremony. Apart from anything else, I was keen to give my very full arms a break!
I booked the horse-drawn barge on the Tiverton Canal, wrote the ceremony and asked a friend to perform it and others to join in. On a glorious October Sunday afternoon in 2007, we welcomed the twins aged 9 months into the world while gliding peacefully down the canal pulled by the strongest and most gentle horse you've ever seen!
I chose to give the ceremony a Dr.Seuss theme as I'd always loved his books, particularly "Oh The Places You'll Go" which was read by a friend. Some friends played the guitar and flute, others sang a beautiful lullaby and the twins "non-godparents" or life mentors read and made promises.
I spoke about the origins and meanings of the twins names and the family members we had honored with their middle names. Finally their Dad and I made vows to be the best parents we could possibly be.
And then it was the part I'd been waiting for... after 9 months of breastfeeding twins my adoring friends and family whisked them off on a tour of the boat, so that I could be "arms free" and have a refreshing glass of bubbly!
It's probably worth mentioning that my twins are now 11 yrs old and back then Smartphones had not arrived to make us all a little less smart! It's well worth encouraging your guests to relinquish them at the door! Assign one person to do the photography and your ceremony pics won't risk being spoiled by the presence of the ubiquitous smartphone!
Over the years we've enjoyed going back to the canal and cherished looking back at the photos of the day together and although they of course don't remember it, the twins can easily pick out faces in the photos that they consider to be their tribe!
The family run Tiverton Canal co. took great care of us and were a wonderful part of an unforgettable experience, but there are so many beautiful venues throughout the South West, I look forward to hearing about the places you'll go to celebrate your little one's arrival!
