I didn't really know what to expect when I took on the role of Portreeve last November. I don't think I really expected the year to be quite as varied as it has been.

No-one would wish for the passing of the monarch in their period in office, but Karen and I are proud to have been a part of the events and ceremonies that have brought our community together to mourn the death of Queen Elizabeth II, celebrate her life and welcome in King Charles III.

This year we have seen history in the making and also the challenges facing our community as we deal with the financial impact of the events of the last few years and events in the wider world.

We have also seen tremendous generosity from local residents and businesses as we set about trying to do our bit to support local causes and organisations and also those who are fleeing the conflict in Ukraine.

Between us, Karen and I, supported by Nick and Helen have attended over 100 engagements! It's been a momentous year, a long journey that is now very rapidly reaching its end!

Thank you all for your help, support, advice and encouragement!

There's more online at www.ashburtonportreeve.info!

REMEMBERING HER MAJESTY

I'm sure we'll all remember what we were doing when we heard the news - I was up a ladder fitting cabinet lighting in the kitchen. It was only at this time that I learned of "Operation London Bridge" - the plan detailing what would happen on the Queen's death - and the code "London bridge is down!"

A series of events to commemorate Queen Elizabeth's life and reign and to mark the accession of King Charles III came together very rapidly. Flags were lowered (and raised), a book of condolence opened, letters of condolence sent as were letters to the new king, conveying our "warmest wishes", and proclamations made.

We marked the end of an era and ushered in a new one...

NEWS

As a legally constituted ancient Court recognised in the Administration of Justice Act 1977, our rule book is an important document which helps us to maintain our traditions and standards and offers guidance to the Portreeve and members of the Courts. Although an important aspect of the Courts is to do with maintaining ancient traditions, we also have to move with the times - and so we have recently completed an update of the rule book to address areas where we felt we could make improvements to help our members and prospective members.

OLDS

St Lawrence Chapel is generally understood to be "the home of the courts". This stems from a deed relating to the Chapel and granting its use for two law days annually to the manor and borough of Ashburton, as recorded in the following report from 1826.

Report of the Commissioners concerning Charities, containing that part which relates to the County of Devon, vol1, Exeter, 1826, p143

DIARY

Time has flown past since last Portreeve's Post and somehow there doesn't appear to have been an opportunity to put together a newsletter until now. We've packed in a few activities in addition to the various commemorative events.

The Growing Space Cream Tea was a nice opportunity to catch up with the group as well as enjoying a delicious cream tea - Devon style! A Piano Recital at St Lawrence Chapel featured music composed by my old music teacher which was a pleasant surprise. We held our final fundraiser on the 1st October - Paul Cobley & Friends raised over £900 after costs. The money has gone towards our public defibrillator and other causes. We've had some lovely feedback about the event - everyone had a laugh, something we all needed!

We attended the Ashburton Pensioner's Association Harvest Tea which is always a jolly occasion. The RBL AGM gave me an opportunity to find out more about the way in which the RBL is supporting members of our community that have served in the forces and the Poppy Appeal Coffee Morning was a great start to a period of fundraising for that great cause.

On the 16th of October we were formally invited to the Alcester Court Leet Church Service. This gave us a great opportunity to see how another ancient court celebrates its traditions. Several other Courts were represented and we were able to meet and talk to several other Bailiffs, High Bailiffs, Mayors and a High Sherriff - I was the only Portreeve! It is hoped that our Courts may celebrate important traditions together in the future.

CALENDAR

There's a lot to fit in during my last 3 weeks in the role! The Laying of Crosses at St Andrews Church takes place on Monday 7th with a Minute's Silence observed on Friday 11th followed by the Portreeve's Poppy Ball at the Town Hall in the evening. A Service of Remembrance takes place on Sunday 13th, starting at the memorial with a parade to the church. The Ashburton Pensioners' Coffee Morning takes place on the morning of Saturday 19th.

Finally I will enjoy this year's Cancer Appeal Big Breakfast on the 26th November as an ordinary member of the community - having been unshackled from my chains by my Master Bailiff! My first event for some time in which I don't have an official role!

FUNDRAISING

With the fundraising for my year drawing to a close it's probably a good time for a brief overview of our activities.

Our biggest fundraiser was for the people of Ukraine, it was a great testimony to the caring nature of our own community that it raised so much. We helped Woodlanders to build a Sensory Room - an important facility to aid the development of young children. The Sensory Garden in St Andrews Churchyard and the Memorial Garden at the RBL help to create relaxing spaces for quiet reflection. Members of the Spring Chickens and Ashburton Community Care groups enjoyed a couple of days out in a coach followed by a tea somewhere nice - particularly important for people that have been isolated during the pandemic. Other causes included the Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team, Barn Owl Trust, Royal British Legion and the Ashburton SOUP event which inspired my approach to supporting local causes this year. Not all support was financial, we rolled our sleeves up to help in other ways where we could and were able to source refurbish a number of laptops and PC’s for Ukrainian families, ELM Hedgehog Rescue and the RBL. We are awaiting delivery of our first public defibrillator and have secured funding towards a second which we hope to be able to fully fund in the coming months.

Thank you to everyone that has donated, supported and encouraged us every little bit of help has gone a long way to helping our community!

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If you have a question or would like to get in touch you can email me at portreeve@ashburtonportreeve.info or use the contact page on the site www.ashburtonportreeve.info. 

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