EAST TRENT CHURCHES
Besthorpe, Clifton, Collingham,
Girton, Harby, Holme, Langford, South Scarle, Thorney,  Winthorpe

In September 2004 the PCCs decided to combine two ancient customs by 'beating the bounds'¹ of all the parishes in the Benefice and to commemorate the Rogation (Transferred from May - better late than never!). A group of parishioners walked, cycled, or motored between the villages to meet for refreshments and a jolly good chat in each one.

It all started from All Saints' Church in Collingham (C)  following the Parish Communion service.

So at approximately 12.30 pm a party set out for a picnic lunch at Besthorpe. (B)

After lunch the various parties set off for Girton for a very welcome cup of tea. (G)

Following a well-earned rest the groups set off again, this time to South Scarle (S) for a delicious cream tea, followed by Evensong.

And finally, after Evensong at South Scarle, Homeward bound via a hot meal and chat with Hazel and Bill.

Footnote1.    Beating the Bounds: This ancient custom probably dates from Anglo Saxon times. It was formerly observed in many English parishes at a time when maps were rare, to essentially familiarise the members of a parish with the position of its boundaries. A procession consisting of parish priest , church wardens and parochial officials led a group of boys armed with sticks who beat the parish boundary stones. Originally the boys themselves were often beaten or bumped on the boundary stones to help them remember! (No longer recommended!) The object of taking boys was to ensure that young witnesses to the ceremony were potentially the longest survivors. The procession took place on Ascension Day or during the preceding Rogation Days and it was generally marked in England with ale, or a feast, to ensure its popularity, (What's changed?) Beating the Bounds also had a religious side, which originated the term "Rogation", as the accompanying clergy used to beseech (Latin rogare) God’s blessing on the parish lands for the ensuing harvest.  Much of this religious ceremonial was prohibited in the course of the Reformation. However the Injunctions of Elizabeth the First provided that  “at the time accustomed the curate and substantial men of the parish walk about their parishes as they were accustomed, and at their return to church make common prayer.” The ceremony became increasingly secular but was fairly widely observed until the end of the 19^th century. The historical ceremony is still commemorated in various enjoyable and informative ways in both rural and urban settings. Several websites give help and guidance on ways to observe the ceremony.  Sources: Encyclopaedia Britannica; M & M Hookham of Sandhurst Gloucester; Google - many entries; & others.  Return to story.

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