St Faith's Church, Hitchin: Parish of Hitchin, Beating the Bounds

For the second year, St Faith’s Church, on behalf of the PCC, led the organisation of the Beating the Bounds walk. This year, it took place amidst benign weather with some ninety walker and a number of canine attendants. The organisers were led by Mike Woodward who worked like a Trojan to get the walk in shape; a task made greater this year as we added a programme to accompany the walk, found advertising and a register of walkers.

Walkers and their furry friends started leaving St Faiths around a quarter to twelve with the first stop at the Windmill, Chalton.

Not everyone could complete the whole walk mainly because of time commitments, but it was pleasing to see so many complete the whole circuit and a number of those who had to pull out early, or joined late have expressed a desire to complete the whole circuit next year (29th May 2011).

The circuit is just over 12 miles (20 km) long. One of its attractions is it is long enough for serious walkers to get out all their hill-walking garb as if to climb the Himalayas, but easy enough for others just to turn up with a suitable pair of shoes, clothing and lunch and get cracking.

For those who completed the walk, there was an excellent tea laid on at St Faith’s by Brenda Gardner, Doreen Peacock and their team.

There are various reasons for holding the walk, one of which is to help develop fellowship. In this respect the walk was a success because we had walkers from all four churches in the Parish. In addition, the walk aims to raise funds for the Parish, and although the total sum raised is not yet known, this figure will be communicated once we know. All in all a very successful day and we look forward to seeing you next year.

A full article about the walk will appear in the next issue of ‘Contact’.

Jon Sabey-Corkindale

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A report from last year's walk can be found here:

For details of the Beating the Bounds tradition and historic sites on route, see A history of the Hitchin Parish boundary compiled by local archivist, Aidan Lawes.

We hope to see you next year on 29th May 2011