If, like a growing number of parents, you would like to celebrate the birth of your child but have decided against a christening, alternatives such as a church blessing, naming ceremony or simple 'naming day' are becoming increasingly popular.

At The Spa Hotel we are registered to hold naming ceremonies.

A naming ceremony is a very special way of celebrating the birth of a child or of welcoming an adopted or step child into a new family, or a new family environment.

Each ceremony is individually designed with your own input and participation welcomed. It can be a civil baptism; it can take place immediately after the marriage ceremony to bring new family members together, or it can take place at any time in the life of a child or a young person as you refresh or renew your promises to them

It's entirely up to you as to how you would like the ceremony to be organised but they usually last about 20 to 30 minutes. You can lead the ceremony yourself or you can contact the local Humanist Society who can help you to prepare the ceremony and lead it on the day. During the ceremony, parents state their love and commitment to their child and declare hopes for their future. You can choose to read poetry or a favourite piece of prose with music playing in the background.

Rather than godparents, whose traditional role is to help guide the child in a Christian life, 'supporting adults' or 'mentors' (who may be friends or family) just need to say that they will be there for the child as he or she grows up and throughout their life in whatever way is needed.

The naming celebration is then followed by drinks and either a formal meal or informal buffet.

Please contact Brenda Wood or in her absence the Duty Manager to make a booking or come in for a show around.