IT was a glorious day on Saturday for the Court Leet and Court Baron to hold their Annual Beating of the Bounds of the Manorial Borough of Newton Abbot Ceremony.

This year’s Beating of the Bounds started from Bearne’s School in Queen Street, Newton Abbot.

As tradition dictates, they were reminded by the Hayward, Martin Davy (who is also newly appointed Deputy Steward by Keith Stokes-Smith, Lord of The Borough) this year’s Perambulation (as the Courts calls it) of the Bounds was to be completed in an anti-clockwise direction.

The First Beat was led by the Portreeve Allan Vizor, to Hero Bridge where the tradition of Beating the Bounds was completed, in a centuries old tradition ceremony, aimed at reminding everyone of the boundaries that were important in their lives and reminding us that we should not encroach on others and be contented.

From Hero Bridge they continued following the Manorial Boundaries through to the Cattle Market, Baker’s Park, through the Woods to St Mary’s Church, Wolborough.

Refreshments, including cider provided by Rosemary Christophers, a member of the Courts, which everyone was grateful for, after which they moved off across the Top of Wolborough finally making their way back down towards the Town.

The Penultimate Beat was at the tree planted by the Late Henry Cole (given the Free of the Town) in Devon Square.

The final beat of the day at Bearne’s School was completed by Carol Bunday, Ale Taster (last Year’s Mayor of Newton Abbot 2022/23.

The Portreeve, Allan Vizor, completed the closing ceremony of this Year’s Beating of The Bounds of the Manorial Borough of Newton Abbot 2023.

All had an enjoyable time.