Services:

Directory

Access tools

News

26 Sep 00

BEATING OF THE BOUNDS OF POOLE HARBOUR 2000 - Saturday 30 September

Poole's history will be brought to life in the harbour this weekend when Civic Leaders re-create the traditional Beating of the Poole Harbour Bounds.

Led by The Admiral of the Port and Mayor of Poole, Councillor Mrs Joyce Jones, Jury men provided by the Society of Poole Men and guests will tour the perimeter of Poole's sea area to check the marks and bounds of the harbour are still in place.

The ancient custom revives the traditional checking of the sea boundary awarded to Poole by the original Winchelsea certificate in 1364. As part of the colourful ceremony, school children from Poole will take part in the 'Pins and Points' traditional 'beating' of a boy and 'pricking' of a girl's hand to make sure they remember the bounds of their town.

A procession, led by the Admiral of the Port, will arrive on the steps of the Customs House on Poole Quay at 10.45am on Saturday 30 September, where the opening ceremony will take place.

Afterwards, the party will board boats to various parts of Poole Harbour to re-enact the Beating of the Sea Bounds ceremonies. As well as the local children and regional council figures who have been appointed to take part, members of the public are invited to participate. In past years many of Poole's yachtsmen have joined the flotilla and it is hoped that they will do the same for this special millennial occasion.

Mayor Cllr Mrs Joyce Jones, said: "The Beating of the Sea Bounds is always a very proud moment for Poole as well as lots of fun. Traditions like this are important and this kind of event gives everyone the chance to join in and experience a little bit of living history".

-ends-

Doreen Moore, Mayor's Secretary