Phew!  It's August which is traditionally a quiet month when it comes to official duties as so many people are away on holiday.  So Karen and I are looking forward to a brief respite, punctuated by occasional social events which we shall enjoy unofficially! 

That said, there is plenty to do behind the scenes as we try to wrap up our defibrillator campaign and a few other items on my hopefully soon to be done list! 

We had a good month since our last update - here is a brief summary, plus other items of interest (or not as the case may be).

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

NEWS

Ashburton's Ancient Ale Tasting & Bread Weighing ceremony was a great success this year and provided an afternoon of fun for the onlooking residents and visitors.  In spite of the fact that it took place on one of the hottest days of the year so far, the event was really well attended.  The auction of bread collected at Ashburton's various bakeries raised over £240 which will go towards the Portreeve's fundraiser to pay for a public defibrillator for the town.

OLDS

On the subject of Ale & Bread - these staples of the mediaeval diet were so important that their quality and price were subject to the first law in British history to regulate the production and sale of food - the Assize of Bread and Ale which dated from about 1266.

The Assizes regulated the price of a gallon of ale by the price of wheat, barley and oats and the weight of a farthing loaf of bread by the price of wheat.  To address fraudulent activity by food producers, Ale Conners and Bread Weighers would be appointed by the Leet Court to test the quality of Ale and the weight of a loaf of bread and to present all defaults to the next court-leet.

Whilst the ceremony no longer has any legal purpose, it still supports the welfare of the community as proceeds of the bread auction are donated to the Portreeve's local causes.

DIARY

The month started with a packed evening of fun for the Bailiff's Byngo which raised £830.  The BYP AGM on the 11th was a great opportunity for me to learn more about the facility and the important support they give to our young residents.   The Ale Tasting & Bread Weighing ceremony took place on one of the hottest days of the year but was well supported making it a fun afternoon for all.  ArtEx at Buckfast Abbey was an opportunity to see work by some great local artists and to meet members of the local Rotary Clubs.  On the 25th Karen and I attended the funeral of Pam Lodder - a local legend who played such an important part in the lives of so many people in Ashburton.  That evening I attended the AGM of the League of Friends and met Tracey Cunningham, Matron of the Ashburton & Buckfastleigh Hospital, who spoke about the important work they continue to do for the community.  She reminded us that for outpatient visits we should ask if the Ashburton & Buckfastleigh Hospital is an option.  Finally on the 27th we met with members of the Dartmoor Search & Rescue Team to present a cheque for £500!

CALENDAR

FUNDRAISING

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