I am a resident of Glastonbury and Bard of Ynis-Witren, ex- volunteer gardener at the Chalice Well and frequent visitor of the garden. I , like so many have been shocked and shaken up by recent decisions taken by the present Trustees of Chalice Well. I have written several poems on this subject. 

The present Trustees have not acted in the interest of many companions and supporters by moving an iconic statue of mother and child without any consultation. Initially they removed the Mother and child statue and the Gaia statue completely. This understandably caused a public outcry. It is their job to serve us.

They moved the Mother and Child by Indian Artist Ganesh Bhat in June 2024 from an alcove near the well to a private field by the Meadow under a Cherry Tree.Their decision has upset thousands of people including the Artist himself and supporters all over the world. Nobody was consulted beforehand nor permission given. 

The statue now sits on the ground, exposed to rain, sun and frost and the elements contrasting starkly with the alcove by the Well head which kept her protected and many considered it to be her shrine. 

There is presently no wheelchair access and the statue is very exposed and likely to deteriorate in this new position. There are plans to put in wheelchair access at great cost. I am not sure they thought through the repercussions of their controversial and unpopular decision. 

This petition is to specifically focus on her being returned to her original alcove which would  shelter and protect her. The original promise to the Artist was that she would stay in this position. He offered the statue in good faith and noble intentions. 

Many have prayed, mourned, grieved and communed with this statue, so it carries memory which is more accessible to everyone.So many have come forth with stories about the healing and Solace she offered in her previous position.

This petition is to show support to those everywhere who would like this beautiful statue, given with love in honour to be returned to her rightful position.

The Trustees original statement to say they wanted the gardens to be neutral hurt and upset many.Their removal of 2 statues depicting women seemed like an attack on the divine sacred feminine. 

It is important to act now because the Trustees of the charity are not fulfilling their duties to others feelings and wishes. They are not acting in a way which is representative of the majority, nor serving us.Please now before the statue is damaged. Letters and emails addressed to the Trustees are also highly encouraged. Here is one of the many poems written to address this subject; 

I am Mother. 

I am Mother and Child,
Created with innocence, love, grace,
A part of the Chalice Well,
A part of this place. 

I anchored the energy 
By this sacred blood well,
For all to feel and see,
A part of divine in Glastonbury. 

You brought me candles
And flowers,
I brought you the healing  
Of a Mother, removed by ego and power. 

Mary, Madonna, I have many names,
Now displaced,
The energy could 
Never be the same. 

I am hidden now
In a private field 
Beneath a Cherry tree,
Like I've fallen from grace 
For few to see. 

Water and the elements 
Fall on me,
I was carved so carefully 
And lovingly. 

Whatever your faith,
Whatever you believe,
Restore me to my rightful position,
May we may have a reprieve. 

The people have spoken,
It is time take heed 
Please return me, Mother and Child,
Not amongst weeds. 

Freedomangel 19/6/24.