Gavin Williamson, MP for South Staffordshire, took part in a revival of the traditional ‘beating the bounds’ walk, on Saturday.
‘Beating the bounds’ is an ancient custom of walking around the parish. It is traditionally led by the parish priest, who blesses the crops in the hope of bringing forth a good harvest.
The event would usually take place in the lead up to the celebration of the Ascension, in late April or early May.
This was the first ‘beating the bounds’ to take place in Codsall in 78 years, with the last one occurring in 1935.
The walking group left St. Nicholas Church, in Codsall, at approximately 9:30am in the morning.
The route, which consists primarily of public footpaths and rights of way, saw walkers go through Bilbrook, Dam Mill, Wergs, Perton, Bradshaws Estate, Kingswood Common and Codsall Wood, before finishing in Codsall.
All members of the local community were invited to join in in reviving the traditional walk. They were free to join in either for a section of the route or for the entire parish boundary walk.
Speaking of the occasion, Gavin said: “I was extremely excited to play a small part in reviving this wonderful tradition. I very much enjoyed ‘beating the bounds’ and hope that our efforts prove successful in bringing a good harvest, this year.”