TWO new appointments were made at the latest meeting of the Court Leet, held at Newton Abbot Royal British Legion, writes Roger Keys.

The meeting discussed and decided on proposals made at the previous month’s Court meeting.

First was the appointment of the deputy steward to the courts, which was made by the Lord off the manor, Mr Keith Stokes-Smith.

This job was awarded to Mr Martin Davie, who will represent the lord along with the steward, Mr Michael Martyn, at meetings and events.

A large vote of thanks was sent to the previous deputy steward, Mr Roger Adams, for his long service and continual professional attitude to this special appointment.

‘We wish him all the success with his retirement,’ said mace bearer Mr Roger Keys.

The members of the court appointed Mr Alex Hall as their new Searcher and Sealer of Leather by the Portreeve Mr Allan Vizor and he will be in charge of one of the next inspections to be organised by the Court.

The court will inspect items made of leather and request a description of the item and then hopefully pass the item and award a certificate for the business to display to their customers.

Mr Davie did not have to pay for the role of deputy steward as he was appointed by the Lord but the Search and Sealer of Leather had to pay for his position in coins of the realm which were dropped into the special dish so everybody could hear the payment.

The court meets every month at the Legion and re-enacts many of the lost Newton Abbot traditions and ceremonies around the town during the year including Inspection of Watercourses, Ale Tasting, Bread Weighing and appearances at other local functions.

If you are interested in joining the courts or participating at any of their events then you can go along to their next meeting on March 25 at the Legion at 10.45am for a taster.

The photograph shows Alex Hall seated on the left and Martin Davie seated on the right with the Portreeve on the far right in his attire.