THE old ceremony of "beating the bounds" took place at Upton Pyne on Sunday, May 17, on what turned out to be a very wet morning.

This time it was organised by the Parish Council, but traditionally it was the custom for the parish priest to lead his people around the boundary, stopping at markers to give thanks and ask a blessing for the growing crops on which the village would depend.

It has been a long time since the village has had a resident priest.

Jenny Hanson, churchwarden, explained how this year's "beating the bounds" went: "A combination of paths and, with permission, routes across private land made it possible to drop down to Newbridge and then come round past Pynes close to the line of the boundary to reach Woodrow Barton.

"There the sodden walkers were restored by coffee and cake and mingled with parents and children from Brampford Speke.

"All felt very grateful to June and Alan Nicks for welcoming us in. There was an enthusiastic chorus of 'Happy Birthday' for Karen Taverner who had led so far.

"Then it was up the hill to reach the road at Burridge Hill where some turned homeward to Upton Pyne, while others went down through the fields towards Brampford and home for some.

"Those who continued wound their way back to Upton Pyne and the Village Hall, where some now dry and some still rather wet, enjoyed hot pasties followed by scones and cake!"