Saturday 8th June, will see the members and friends of St Philip and St James Parish Church lead a sponsored walk around the boundaries of Alderley Edge.
Beating the Bounds is an ancient custom dating back to before Norman times, a groups of young and old members of the community ,led by the parish priest would walk the boundaries of the parish to share the knowledge of where they lay( this was before maps). This knowledge needed to be handed down, so that such matters as liability to contribute to the repair of the Church and the right to be buried within the churchyard were not disputed. The crowd would carry green boughs and beat the parish markers. The young were taken to ensure the witness of the boundaries would survive as long as possible.
This walk on the 8th June will be lead by the Parish Priest Jane Parry, who says "keeping traditions going is an important part of village life, and this is a lovely walk, which will take people to parts of Alderley, they may have never seen."
It is interesting to note that Alderley is surrounded on three sides by Whitehall Brook and we cross it several times. The spire is on view the majority of the walk too, which is poignant as the walk is hoping to raise money to repair the spire.
The walk will start from 11am from St Philips Church and participants are asked to sign in before starting. Maps and the route are available the start. An optional stop off and picnic area is at Saddlebole Farm.
Sponsor forms are available from St Philip and St James' website, or individuals can create a sponsor page through the event page on My Donate.
The walk is 6miles and suitable for families, not great for prams or wheelchairs as some parts muddy. Also families with young children can do part and you are never far from center of village at any time.
Guest post by Mandy Parr.
