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Beating of the Bounds Monday 3rd May 2010 We all know that Clavering is on the Essex/Hertfordshire border, but did you know that it touches on eight other parishes? This made it important for people to know where the parish boundary lay, because that was where the parish responsibility ended. So in earlier times, particularly before the advent of OS maps, the parish boundary was walked regularly to fix in people's minds the various boundary points, then the knowledge could be passed on to each new generation. It is now 10 years since we last beat the bounds, and Clavering is going to re-enact the ancient ceremony on Bank Holiday Monday 3 May, starting at the traditional beginning, Poor Bridge (i.e. where the Rickling road crosses the River Stort). We will then follow the boundary as closely as possible over the course of the day, stopping at each boundary to re-enact the traditions. There will be lunch and tea stops where we will serve drinks and confectionery, but please bring your own lunch. Where the footpaths come to public roads, there will also be transport provided, to take you back if you feel you don't want to do the entire route, and you can join us part of the route. We will start at 10 a.m. and finish about 6 p.m. on this gentle 12-mile walk around the edges of our beautiful parish, and you will see this beautiful parish in a whole new way! A small group has been planning the event, and we are seeking the participation of children who (with parental permission) can assist with one of the traditions. If anyone would like to help please let me know. Parking and transport arrangements will be outlined in a future bulletin, but if you can help in any way, please email me. Peter Cooper
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