11th August 1994 SS
VILLAGERS REVIVE AN ANCIENT CUSTOM TO MARK CENTENARY, BUT CHILDREN WILL GET OFF LIGHTLY.
Beating around the parish bushes!
Beat this! Youngsters are to escape a thrashing when a parish council revives an ancient custom.
Sandon and Burston Parish Council is celebrating its centenary by “Beating the Bounds” at a bash on September 10.
Parish schoolboys of yesteryear were beaten around the 13½-mile boundary by switch-brandishing clergymen.
The Holy Thursday event was intended to teach the boys and gain their respect for the parish.
But the parish council has assured modern children they will escape a beating at this year’s celebration.
Parish councillor Peter Berrisford said: “I should imagine it was a lesson boys 100 ago would never forget.
“We are inviting residents to walk the parish boundary. We thought it would be a superb way to celebrate the centenary.
“We do not intend harming any children, but it would be nice if they came along for the walk.
“We’ve altered the date slightly and the route is being shortened to 10 miles so we don’t wak across farmers’ fields.
“People can join and leave the walk at any point they wish.”
And he added: “Beating the bounds 1994-style will be definitely not involve beating of parish children.”
After beating the bounds there will be a lively evening of entertainment for anybody with enough energy left after the 10-mile walk.
The centenary barn dance will take place at Sandon Village Club, hosted by caller Geoff Payne and Dry Stone Wall.
A hog roast and pud supper is being organised to feed the hungry.
Chairman of centenary celebrations Keith Farr said: “We are a small parish in terms of population, but it promises to be a really good day.”
Reach PLC. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD
