Beating the Bounds of Berkshire

A major Project being undertaken by the Rotary Club of Pangbourne on behalf of Age Concern (Berkshire) Saturday 6th September - Sunday 14th September 2008

BACKGROUND

From very early times it was customary for land owners and civic dignitaries to show the next generation the boundaries of their estate , village or town by processing round the boundary once a year. At prominent landmarks, youngsters would be beaten by a stick to make sure they remembered where the boundary lay and hence the annual progression became known as 'Beating the Bounds'.

Once land ownerships became better documented, the need for such ceremonies disappeared. It is now being revived in the Royal County by the Rotary Club of Pangbourne (without the beatings!) with the following objectives:

THE PROJECT

The Project will start at Windsor Great Park on Saturday 6th September, where a baton will be handed over. This will be carried by various means around the County boundary in a clockwise direction during the next 9 days, ending up at Windsor on Sunday 14th September. The organizers will also visit towns and villages close to the County boundary.

We would like to see the baton carried along the route by as many different organizations as possible. Some stages will be suitable for walkers or runners, others for cyclists or horseriders. With so much of the county boundary the River Thames, there are stages where canoeists will be asked to assist. Subject to weather and prevailing winds, we may even engage the services of a hot-air balloonist.

Bradfield College actually ran the old County boundary in 1968 and are participating again this time. They will take over from the walkers at Swallowfield and will then cycle from Swallowfield to Combe, where we are planning for horseriders to receive the baton. In the meantime the walkers will detour to the Kennet-Avon tow-path and will pass through Aldermaston, Thatcham, Newbury, Kintbury and Hungerford.

At all stages the baton carriers will be given full back-up and support. There will be a command vehicle with first-aid facilities, kindly sponsored by 'Rabbit Hire', either physically accompanying or in close touch with the baton group at all stages.

PARTICIPATION and FUNDRAISING

We are hoping that as many groups, organizations, schools and individuals as possible will join us. As this is a fund-raising event, there will be an entry fee but for that you will receive a 'pack', which will include your 'Beating the Bounds' T-shirt. As this project is a first, we envisage that these t-shirts will be much sought after.

We shall also encourage participants to raise their own charitable sponsorship and donate a percentage of this to Age Concern (Berkshire), with the remainder going to a charity of their own choice.

We shall also be seeking sponsorship from firms.

GETTING IN TOUCH

Although we are still working on the details of the project, we are ready to compile a list of 'interested parties ' and would particularly like to hear from any group or school, who would like to participate in carrying the baton for at least part of the route.

So please feel free to contact any member of the organizing group, as follows:-
Clive Williams (Chairman) - 01491-671631 Clive@clive williams.orangehome.co.uk
Richard Anderson - 01189303943(w) richardanderson@alsgroup.co.uk
Tony Eldridge - 01189 411591(w) tony.eldridge@learnco.demon.co.uk
Les Jones - 01189 412365 LDjones1000@aol.com
Entry Form
pdf map of the route
1st Feb 2008