River rights pilgrimage by Ancasta

On Sunday 31st May Southampton River rights team held a short pilgrimage from Mansbridge through to Cobden Meadows along the banks of the River Itchen in Southampton. They day had been themed around some of the proposed river rights and there were talks, shared stories and song along the route. The pilgrims were joined by Ancasta, the Roman goddess of the River Itchen.
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The following is her account of the day.

The River has the right to be supported by a healthy catchment

I was called to a gathering of humans on the 31st May at Mansbridge in Southampton. A sizeable crowd of people had come together to celebrate the River Itchen, with me Ancasta the goddess of the River. As I waited to be called upon, I could hear the humans singing a song that likened ‘the sound on the river as she flows across the stones’ to ‘ the sound of the blood in their bodies as it flows across their bones’. I am water, we are water, we share the same source. 

Kat Barbour, the newly appointed Sheriff of Southampton told a little of my history, for there is only a little to be told. My name was inscribed on a Roman altar at the old settlement of Clausentum, which is now the site of Bitterne Manor. It is thought that I was revered by those indigenous to the area prior to Roman settlement and that the Romans adopted me as their river goddess too. Kat then called upon me to rise and I felt the love and the need of all those humans present to be with them in a physical form. I felt strongly that they were all there to represent the River Itchen. 

​The River has the right to representation

I then led the chattering, singing, smiling flow of people along the bank of the old navigation canal towards Woodmill. On the way we stopped to hear Paul Jenks, chair of Friends of Riverside Park, talk about the river channels as they flow away from my main course and into the wild area of the old Woodmill Activities Centre. I shared my plea with all those present about the right to flow. 

The River has the right to flow

We walked on, gaining numbers as passersby joined us. We stopped and communed with children feeding the ducks, families out on picnics and with the trees and wildflowers at the water’s edge and the other wildlife. With a short pause at Woodmill Café we crossed the road into the sacred land at the old Woodmill Activities Centre, which is now owned by the Scouts and Southern Water. 
What a delight to see the old salmon pool and gaze upon the watery depths. The feel of the woodland and additional waterways and pools in this wild area of the riverside was a balm to my soul and I felt cleansed and invigorated seeing all these humans enjoying this wonderful space. 

The river has the right to biodiversity

Leaving the old activities centre we continued on to what is locally know as ‘the beach’, a spot on the inside of a bend on the river, where the water is shallow and dogs love to swim.  This spot is opposite the outflow from the St Denys Sewage works and here Gavin Millar, heartfelt campaigner for the river, talked about the history of the sewage works. He had us all worried when he brandished two sample bottles of what he claimed to be effluent from the treatment works, and he took a sip from both bottles. Eurrgghhh! That could make him really ill. We found out later they weren’t really effluent but water with mango juice added! 
We were also joined by the young River Guardians at the beach. Their inherent love and passion for the river and call for protection from pollution was palpable in their shared stories and words. 

The river has the right to be free from pollution

We then drifted to the realms in between worlds as Chris Townsend led us all in a gentle storytelling where we would each meet our creature teacher. I could hear the voices of many river beings, the Atlantic salmon, the otter, the mayfly and many others all being called into the space. 

The group then shared in a chant for the earth… E, A, R, T, H… E, A, R, T, H…… until it slowly morphed into H, E, A, R, T…. H, E, A, R, T….. the thing we need more of to help heal the river and our world. 

The River has the right to regeneration and restoration

We then wandered on along the river to the great oak tree and picnic bench, a place in Riverside park where there are steps down to the river. Here Martin Brisland shared some of the stories of the human endeavours on the river and their importance to national and international affairs. The wind had picked up by this stage and as we all reached the final stop of the day, I decided to take my leave as I am not suited to such conditions when in my physical form. I was still with the humans in spirit though as they came together for some final thoughts from Neil Williams, local resident and co-founder of the UK River Rights network. 

I then swirled and flowed amongst you all as you came together for one last song and then a collective sounding, hearing your voices bring sound to my thoughts and your need for reconnection with me touched my soul. I thank you all for caring for the river.

​Ancasta x   

A very special day for all and the Southampton River Rights team would like to thank all those who contributed to the day. Huge and heartfelt thanks to artist Lizzie Jones, Puppet Back Up @lizzierjones @puppetbackup 

​Photo credits: Jonny Templeton