Blessing the waters from a boat at Mudford . After a service at All Saints Church , the Rev Eric Dixon embarked at Haven Quay and performed the ceremony of Blessing the Waters at Mudeford , near Christchurch , Hampshire . Prayers were offered for the salmon fishers whose livelihood depends on fishing . Photo shows , hand upraised , the Rev Eric Dixon blesses the waters off Mudeford . 4 April 1937