A woman from Bristol is marking her third wedding anniversary after marrying the River Avon in a symbolic ceremony aimed at highlighting water pollution. Meg Avon, 29, a researcher, activist and writer, wed the river on 17 June 2023 in what she described as a 'joyful' event.
Meg, who changed her surname from Trump to Avon, insists she and the river remain 'very much in love' three years later. She continues to swim in the river weekly, even in winter, and has found new ways to connect with it, including meeting people from art and environmental communities along its stretch.
The campaign for water protection, which Meg is involved with through the group Conham Bathers, remains in the public eye, especially after the Channel 4 documentary 'Dirty Business' examined the UK sewage crisis. Meg said: 'People still really connect with our local story and how much it influences the wider national story.'
Conham Bathers initially sought designated bathing water status for the River Avon, but this was not granted due to poor water quality. Meg commented: 'I'm not surprised by the water quality results. It is important to make people aware of what's going on.' She added that getting in the water is a way to immerse in nature, which young people need more than ever.
Meg believes the river 'is an actual entity that deserves rights like any other living thing.' Her campaign group is pursuing personhood rights for the River Avon, which would allow the couple to legally marry. Meg said: 'If we obtain these rights for the river, hopefully I'll be able to renew my vows and legally marry the river!' She is in discussions with councillors nationwide to establish the UK's first cross-council charter recognising the river's rights.
