FOR many people throughout the world November 2 is an important and special day.

It is usually called All Souls’ Day although it’s also known as ‘the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed’ and ‘the Day of the Dead’.

It falls the day after All Saints’ Day, aka All Hallows’ Day, which is preceded by All Hallows’ Eve or ‘Hallowe’en’, on October 31.

The ancient Celtic pagan harvest-time festival ‘Samhain’, pronounced saa-wain, is also celebrated on October 31.

Since 2010 the MSA (Malvern Spa Association) has organised a well-dressing for All Souls’ Day.

It is for people of all faiths and beliefs, or none, to remember and cherish departed loved ones in their own personal way.

It also brings balance to the year’s events, falling opposite in the calendar to the May Day Malvern Water and Well Dressing Festival which coincides with the ‘Beltane’ fertility festival.

The theme of remembrance is always reflected in the dressing.

In past years we have dressed the North Malvern Clock Tower, Hayslad in West Malvern and the Lower Wyche Spout.

In 2024 once again we return to the clock tower.

The majestic building we see today, now listed Grade II by Historic England, was actually constructed in several stages.

In 1835 for the inhabitants of North Malvern local benefactor Charles Morris built a well room with a tap fed by water from North Valley spring.

A year later he added a 50,000-gallon capacity tank to better regulate the rather variable supply.

In 1843 a tower with one clock-face — timewise, apparently highly unreliable — was erected above the well room.

In 1901 to celebrate the accession of Edward VII to the throne the tower was extended, featuring four gas-lit clock-faces, crenellations and animal waterspouts.

Unfortunately, over time the structure fell into disrepair and the water was piped away into a road drain.

However, in the early 2000s, thanks to Heritage Lottery funding, restoration works took place.

The spring water supply was reconnected and fine new forged-iron gates were installed at the well room entrance.

Called the Cascade Gates, they were designed by Malvern artist and sculptor Rose Garrard and were made in collaboration with artist blacksmith Andrew Findlay at Eastnor Forge.

Rose based the design on the curved forms of the Malvern Hills and flowing water along with the ivy leaves that had once covered the original tower.

This year the clock tower will be dressed on Saturday, October 26 and it will stay up until Monday, November 11.

Visitors are invited to hang plain white ribbons, provided by the well-dressers, on a small tree on the lawn in front of the tower in memory of lost loved ones.

Inside the well room, if they wish, they can write and tie a note dedicated to someone special and spend some time there in peaceful contemplation.

On Saturday, November 2 at 11am, a well-blessing ceremony will be held, led by the Reverend Rebecca Elliott, the vicar of Holy Trinity Church, as the clock tower is in her parish.

Everyone is welcome to this ceremony.

Our columnist Carly Tinkler is the president of the MSA.

To find out more about Malvern water or the MSA, visit www.malvernspa.org or email info@malvernspa.org.