When: Sunday 8 September
Where: Wokingham Market Place (11am to 3pm)
What: What is Beating the Bounds?
‘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.
Why is it taking place this year?
2024 marks the 50th Birthday of Wokingham Town Council (WTC) and it is keen to revive this tradition this year to mark its anniversary. The Wokingham Lions Club, who also celebrate a 50th Birthday this year will be bringing this
What are the details?
The event will be free to participate in and feature 3 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 329M 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 this (and also heads The Wokingham Walk team) explains the routes:
“The 3 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.”
- Route 1: The longest walk is 13 miles and follows most of the perimeter of Wokingham Town Council’s area (the exact boundary cannot be walked due to inaccessibility in some areas.)
- Route 2: A 7 mile walk taking in parts of the Town Council boundary that involves more countryside walking for people to enjoy. This route will include all of the planned “beating” posts.
- Route 3: A 2 mile walk which encompasses part of the 7 mile route for those who may feel that they just want a shorter stroll.
All routes will start at in the Market Place outside the Town Hall, and you will need to register with the Wokingham Lions either beforehand (via their website) or on the day, between 9.00 and 10.30am.
For more details and to register your interest, please visit: https://www.trybooking.com/uk/events/58827/sessions/387455/sections/108939/tickets?embed=true