Beating the bounds in Goetre and Llanover
Beating the bounds is an old Christian tradition which has its roots back in pagan times.
Prior to the production of maps, it was a way for the village boundaries to be remembered. On Rogation Sunday, a party including the local church folk and a selection of local boys were marched around the perimeter of the parish and the boys would be ‘bumped’ against various marker points to ensure that these markers remained firmly in their memory. This would be accompanied with prayers for good crop yields in the forthcoming season.
Who better to preserve an old Christian tradition than a group of old Christians? Thus, on a cloudy and rainy Saturday 16th May, a brave group including representatives from all the local churches and chapels assembled in the car-park of St Peter’s, Goetre, to beat the bounds as best we could. Sadly, as this tradition had died out in our parish, no-one is actually sure where the ‘bounds’ are, so the Rector planned a route between the two parish churches to include visits to the local chapels along the way.
About twenty brave souls ventured forth, plus one large shaggy dog. We must have looked a motley crew as some were all turned out in mountain gear, while others had umbrellas and ‘Barbie pink’ wellingtons. However, spirits were high.
Beginning with a prayer, we set off through the woods emerging at Capel Ed where further prayers were offered by Bob Thomas. Now a slightly larger group, we rambled back into the wood and across the main road and arrived at Saron Chapel via a footpath that hardly any of us knew existed, except the Rector who is new to the area. Isn’t that always the way?
The dog wasn’t greatly impressed as he was manhandled over various stiles, but I’m sure the teethmarks will fade in time.
A prayer was offered by Marion Williams and we were on our way. Down the lane, past the baptistry, which didn’t look inviting just at that moment, and on to Goytre Wharf, where we all escaped the rain and cold, and enjoyed a sit down with a hot coffee.
A stretch along the towpath of the Monmouthshire–Brecon canal followed, as far as Llanover where we left by a footpath, passed the Sanctuary and walked down to Hanover Chapel. Here their Minister, the Revd Alan Thomasson, offered a final prayer and saw us off on our way to St Bartholomew’s where we were served hot drinks and ate our lunch.
Farmland, woodland and the canal are so much a part of our parish, it was lovely to walk in the footsteps of our former parishioners and share in a tradition that drew us all together as one faith.
Jan Millett