This year Rogation tide falls on May 9th (supposing we have all survived the General Election on 6th!) and in these villages there will be a walk from Barnack or Bainton to Ufford to symbolize the ancient practice of ‘beating the bounds’.

The idea is that a more or less organized procession leaves the parish church and makes a tour of the extremities of the parish, impressing on youngsters the ‘waymarks’ or boundary posts and trees which define their local patch to which they are expected to show loyalty and responsibility.. It is a walk with a purpose, pausing at particular points to pray and invoke God’s blessing.

For those brought up in the locality, particular spots will have associations – a tree replacing one blown down in the gales of ’87; a style that was a special meeting place, a dip in the lane that always used to flood’ a gateway where a particularly formidable dog used to bark at all who passed. These memories can be shared with incomers who have settled in the village by choice and have its interests at heart. Beating the bounds can bind together the different village networks. All can benefit from the shared recognition of this place, its physical features, its history, its current activities and its characters.

This may all seem rather archaic to many and it is certain that it will only be a small number who will walk on the 9th yet walking and journeying with others is very strong in the Christian tradition.

Jesus, himself was always travelling, and did not seem to have an attachment to a particular place. He wanders with his disciples through a cornfield on the Sabbath, idly plucking ears of corn and nibbling them. He appears to have little love for his home town of Nazareth, it was from Capernaum that much of his following came. He invites others to walk with him. On becoming aware that Andrew and another of John the Baptist’s disciples were ’tailing’ him, he invites them to come and see where he is staying and to spend the rest of the day with him. Jesus’ walking is either companionable or purposeful. Going for a walk with someone is still an excellent way of getting into a deep conversation about the things that really matter.
Later, in the gospels, the disciples are unnerved by Jesus determination to go to Jerusalem, where danger awaits, but they still all go together. Thomas is prepared to go with Jesus even if he doesn’t know where he is going or why – a real venture of faith. And, perhaps the most moving of all is the walk to Emmaus, when the two downcast disciples do not recognize that it is Jesus walking with them until they reach the inn and Jesus breaks bread.

Rogation tide has elements of rightful pride in and concern for our patch of land – our territory. It also recognizes how precarious are livelihoods derived from the land and how much we rely on the weather, control of pests and diseases, the specialist expertise of others, and a market that reflects in its pricing the input made.

By this time of year, traditionally the main crops have been sown and the care needed in the early stages of growth given. Now, it is appropriate to thank God for the state of the crops and the livestock and the promise they hold, and to pray that all the circumstances will combine to lead to a good harvest.
So do consider walking with us on May 9th – whether as part of your pride in where you live, because you value the history of the village, because you are looking for that companionship of walking or because you would like to give thanks for the many blessings given to all who live in this place.

Margaret

Mulberry Cottage, Main Street,
Witham on the Hill, Bourne, PE10 0JH
01778 590877

During the interregnum, the church wardens are your first point of contact for all church matters. Please feel free to contact them

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