25/02/04 - Wedding Wows and Naming Vows - Baby Daniel makes a bit of Cumbrian History

A Penrith couple will be the first in the Cumbria to mark the birth of their child with a special celebration – just minutes after they tie the knot.

Ian Blenkinsopp and Fiona Allan are the first parents to opt for the new naming ceremony which is now offered by Cumbria County Council’s Registration Services.

Baby Daniel, who was born in August, will make a bit of Cumbrian history when he undergoes the ceremony at the North Lakes Hotel in Penrith on March 6. The event will take place as soon as Ian and Fiona have completed their wedding vows.

Naming ceremonies, a non-religious occasion, can take place in one of the nine register offices in Cumbria or any of the 100 or so approved and licensed premises.

Ian, 40, a delivery van driver, and Fiona, 26, a bakery assistant, said the whole family were looking forward to the very special day.

“Neither of us are particularly religious and when my sister mentioned the possibility of a naming ceremony we thought it was a good thing to look into, “ said Ian. “We had a chat with the registrar and were delighted to find it could be done in Cumbria.

“There will be about 65 people helping us to celebrate the big day and it will be something special for all of us. We are very proud that Daniel will be the starring role of a historic day for the County.”

more Elizabeth Thoele, Cumbria County Council's Superintendent Registrar for the Eden area, said:

"There is an increased demand for civil naming ceremonies and Cumbria is a beautiful place for these services to take place. Naming ceremonies provide an opportunity for couples and their extended families to make a shared commitment to the child and its upbringing in a civil rather than religious ceremony.

“Although like wedding vow renewal, they have no legal standing, they provide an opportunity to make a public declaration and commitment to the child in a civil setting. All naming ceremonies can be made unique and personal and are conducted by a fully trained professional celebrant.”

A ceremony usually takes between 15 and 30 minutes during which parents and supporting adults sign a souvenir record of the ceremony. Ceremonies can be arranged for children of any age.

Parents wanting to arrange a ceremony should contact their nearest Register Office or visit the County Council's website.