To celebrate and mark their 10th Anniversary, Newport Parish Council will be reviving the historic tradition of ‘beating’ the parish boundaries over the Bank Holiday weekend of 25th-27th August.
This ‘beating’ involves walking the boundaries to establish ‘ownership’ and dates from when people did not have easy access to maps and needed to pass on knowledge to future generations. The route is approximately 28 miles long and will be split into 3 stages – 12 miles on the Saturday and 8 miles on the Sunday and Monday.
The last time this was done was by the former Newport Borough Council (abolished in 1974), with the last Mayor, Alderman Bert Chalmers leading the walk over a 1973 Bank Holiday.
This year the walk will lead by the Parish Council Chair, Cllr Geoff Brodie, accompanied by other Council members.
Cllr Brodie said:
“I am a keen historian, particularly of the town I have made my home for the past 26 years and this historic tradition just seemed ripe for reviving in our anniversary year. I am also a keen though not tremendously fit walker and we want to make this weekend as enjoyable as possible. So no one should feel deterred from participating.
“If you need some encouragement and reassurance give us a call and we will put your mind at rest.”
Everyone is very welcome to participate – including young people under 14 if accompanied by an adult – on all 3 days, or just 1 or 2 days. Or even just for a couple of hours. The pace will be gentle. The walk starts outside Newport Guildhall at 10:00 on Saturday 25th August.
Further details from the Parish Office on 01983 559119 or by emailing [email protected].
