Ancient assizes brings colour and ceremony to Alcester
AN ANCIENT tradition brought spectacle and a spirit of competitiveness to Alcester High Street last Saturday (April 25) with the court leet assizes.
The practice, which can be likened to the medieval equivalent of trading standard inspectors, involved the court’s officers visiting a variety of businesses in the town to ensure food and goods were of a proper standard.
Proceedings began at midday with the traditional beating of the boundary stone, carried out by hayward Sharon Stephens, followed by an engaging history lesson on the custom from Low Bailiff Marc Venables.
Fish and flesh tasters Gary Shaw and Ian Rochester, tasting the Black Pig sausages at Chapter 23 with Evan Parton, Callum Finneran and Sharon Constable. Picture Richard Slater
An informative report on the health of the Rivers Alne and Arrow was then delivered by brook looker, Leanne Slater, highlighting the importance of protecting the town’s waterways.
One of the day’s most entertaining moments came with the revival of the ancient assay of the Oak Tuery, a ceremony not performed for many years. Both humorous and fascinating, it was warmly received by all present.
Rebecca Lees then carefully inspected the leather goods at Dawn’s Little Shop using a magnifying glass before declaring the items fit for sale.
Food tastings followed at Alcester Square Fish Bar and Chapter 23, where all shared generous portions.
Newly appointed officers of the court confidently pronounced the offerings fit for consumption by the people of Alcester, and those gathered were only too happy to assist in finishing what remained.
A crowd also gathered at Waitrose for the bread-weighing, where a fine sourdough wholemeal loaf presented by bread weighers Mike Littler and Yvonne Hine earned much applause.
Refreshments continued with four ale tastings hosted by ale tasters Nigel Noakes and Mandy Matthews at One for the Road, Dog and Partridge, Alcester Unionist Club, and the Royal Oak.
Landlady Ruth McLaren then provided well-earned refreshments before everyone moved outside into the glorious afternoon sunshine for the eagerly anticipated Yard of Ale contest.
Judging was overseen by High Bailiff Sharon Constable, landlady Ruth McLaren and reigning half-yard champion Mrs Izzy Buessing, who kept a close eye on timings, spillages and the occasional celebratory victory dance.
Plastic ponchos were wisely in evidence as the contest got underway.
After copious glugging in front of an enthusiastic audience, the winner Yard of Ale was Low Bailiff, Marc Venables (1min, 39secs), and the Half Yard top spot went to Catherine Ball from Acocks Green (1min, 23.98secs).
High Bailiff Sharon Constable said: “I’ve always been keen to bring fun and tradition together for Alcester, and Saturday did exactly that. Roll on next year, when challengers may once again attempt to break the record.”
Thanks were extended to Ruth and the staff at the Royal Oak, all competitors, officers of the court leet, local businesses, and everyone who supported such a memorable and enjoyable day.
The day concluded with a raffle which raised £251 for high bailiff’s charities.
She added that Alcester never fails to enjoy a party, and hoped to carry that same spirit forward to the next court leet event, the Mardi Gras Street Market on June 14.
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