Beating the Bounds was an ancient practice carried out to ensure the 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, who is keen to revive this tradition as part of the town celebrations.
They approached Wokingham Lions Club, who is also celebrating its 50th birthday this year to help them bring this new event to fruition.
The event, which is set to take place on Sunday, September 8, will be free to participate, and will feature three routes that 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.
Beating the Bounds 2024 team leader is Wokingham Lions Club member Andy Slay, who also heads The Wokingham Walk
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 administrative area.
The exact boundary cannot be walked due to inaccessibility in some areas.
This route will not be sign-posted, other than where it overlaps with the other routes, and we ask participants to download the map from the web site.
For people wishing to walk not quite as far, there will be a second walk of approximately seven miles taking in parts of the Town Council boundary that involves more countryside walking for you to enjoy.
This route will include all of the planned “beating” posts.
Finally, there is a shorter two mile route which encompasses part of the seven mile route for those who may feel that they just want a shorter stroll.
Children under-18 must be accompanied by an adult.
For more details and to register your interest, visit www.wokinghamlions.org.uk and click on future events.
You can also call 0345 833 7384.
