Beating Of The Bounds 2004

As part of our Golden Jubilee Celebrations, we decided to follow the medieval tradition of "Beating of the Bounds" wherein the parishioners would walk the Parish boundary, beating it with their sticks as they went. The boundaries were very important as they determined which parish received the tithes! The elders would take the boys (the elders of the future) with them on this walk and inflict some form of pain on them at the boundary marker stones so that they would never forget where the parish boundary lay!

We did take our youngsters with us, but not for that reason!

See more photos in this Picasa slideshow

Our first and foremost reason for doing this walk was fun, as a Parish event, a chance to get to know each other a little better. We soon realized that if we put our minds to it we could raise some money for a charity at the same time.

We chose to support Across Jumbulance, a charitable organization which runs specially fitted Ambulance-coaches, taking the very sick and disabled to Lourdes.

Fr Kevin had been on Pilgrimage as Chaplain a few times and some of our congregation had been as VIPs.

We were astounded to raise over £2000.

You can find out more about the work of Across Jumbulance on their website.

On Bank Holiday Monday, several groups of walkers set off from the hall of the Church of the Assumption to walk the parish boundary. The hardy among us walked the full 12 miles while for those wise enough to know their limits, pleasant strolls of three and six miles were also devised.

Taking full advantage of every park and open space en route, the long route wound its way through Beeston, Bramcote Village and Toton. We stopped for a picnic at the Manor Farm Recreation Ground Park. This marked half way. A team of willing ladies prepared and served us with very welcome drinks and cakes.

After lunch we continued our route past Chilwell, through Attenborough Nature Reserve along by the River, through the Rylands and back into Beeston Town centre.

Fr Kevin was suffering with bad legs in the run up to this event and was advised not to take part. Never one to be deterred, he opted to find out what it is like to spend a day in a wheelchair! - The verdict: - "fairly scary, actually - not to mention cold!"

The great thing about this walk was the number of folk who got involved. Apart from all the walkers and the half way refreshments team, there was the Mission Control Team who held the fort back at base, greeted everyone warmly on our return with very welcome refreshments and a certificate of achievement!

This was a great event for Parish community building. We enjoyed it so much that we did it again in 2005!