An ancient tradition is set to return to Wokingham next month.
Beating the Bounds was an ancient practice that was carried out to ensure that knowledge of parish boundaries was maintained, and passed from generation to generation.
This involved swatting local landmarks with branches to maintain a shared mental map of parish boundaries.
This year marks the 50th birthday of Wokingham Town Council, and it is keen to revive this tradition this year to mark its anniversary.
The Wokingham Lions Club, which also celebrates its 50th birthday this year will be bringing this event to life.
The event will be free to participate in and feature three routes. This will enable people of differing abilities to walk parts of Wokingham town’s boundary.
Much of the town boundary is on private land and broadly follows the A329(M) to the north, the Waterloo railway line to the south and Simon’s Lane/Old Forest Road to the west.
Wokingham Lions Club member Andy Slay, who is leading the event, explained the routes.
He said: “The three routes will intercept the boundary at various locations and will be marked by wooden boundary markers with “beating sticks” under the supervision of event stewards.
“We would ask people not to bring their own sticks as selected seasoned wood sticks have been sourced to minimise the risk of splintering.”
The longest walk is 13 miles and follows most of the perimeter of Wokingham town council’s area. Tthe exact boundary cannot be walked due to inaccessibility in some areas.
Route 2 is a seven-mile walk taking in parts of the own Council boundary that involves more countryside walking. This route will include all of the planned “beating” posts.
Route 3 is a two- mile walk which encompasses part of the seven-mile route for those who want a shorter stroll.
All routes will start at in the Market Place outside the Town Hall.
You will need to register with the Wokingham Lions either beforehand (via their website) or on the day, between 9am and 10.30am.
Chair of civic committee, Cllr Keith Malvern said: “As both Wokingham Town Council and the Wokingham club mark their 50th birthdays this year, I am delighted that we have been working together to bring our residents some new and free walks to celebrate this.
“We hope to see many of you joining us on the day and we thank the Wokingham Lions for managing this for us.”
For more details and to register your interest, visit Wokingham Lions Club at www.wokinghamlions.org.ukand click on Future Events.
