Naming Ceremony

November 6th 2016

Joined by awesome family and friends from far and wide, we wanted to celebrate Isabella and the joy she brings to all of us

With both Clare and I not really having much religion in our lives, we decided not to opt for a Christening, God Parents or church surroundings.  Instead we opted for a local function room, my Uncle David as the compere and supportive parents Beewell, Rosh, Cousin Paula, Great Aunty T'Lind and Chelsey

A naming ceremony's purpose is to officially give a baby their name and to make the name known to all her friends and family.  A Naming Ceremony has an extended purpose of presenting the baby to her community and to celebrate the arrival of a new person into that community.  We all share in the joy of Isabella's arrival - just as we all share the responsibility of shaping her as a person.  Isabella needs everyone's good and caring influence as we offer her our love, our knowledge and our wisdom.  The more people whom she relates, the more balanced and rich her growth will be.

Explanation of a Name

Isabella was born at 4am on Wednesday 17th February 2016 at Bolton Royal Hospital.  Dad supported Mum through the birth and was first to put on her nappy and dress her in clothes that were far too big!

A name is very important, it distinguishes us from others and gives us a sense of belonging in our family and community.  Dad and Mum are good at making decisions, well Clare is and Danny does as he is told most of the time, but choosing a little girls name was most difficult. Penny, Chloe, Jasmine, Sabrina; they could not find the right name.  Eventually, Isabella was mentioned and loved right away, it took a lot less time to choose her middle names.

Isabella is a name with many spellings and meanings.  It is a Hebrew name that is believed to be derived from the name Elizabeth.  It means vow or oath of God.  The Bella comes from Latin and translates to beautiful

Her Middle name, Christina, was chosen by both parents for a more personal reason.  This was the name of Clare's Gran.  She would really have loved Isabella, being a caring and dedicated Gran as well as a valuable source of advice.  Finally, whilst in Egypt, Clare and Danny were on the Nile Cruise ship titled "The Grand Rose", but we needn't go into why that name was chosen!

Isabella - your name has been chosen with love and with the strength of heritage.  We therefore name you Isabella Christina Rose.  We wish you a long life and happiness in a loving and peaceful world.  May you bring joy to your parents, your family and your friends

Thank you to all who came and supported us, helped with catering and all the gifts for our little princess.