April has flown by and I realise that it's been some time since my last update - Karen and I have been busy and our Spring Meeting (the first formal meeting of the year) has given us a lot to talk about. So, here is a rundown of the highlights, there's more online at www.ashburtonportreeve.info!

NEWS

Our Spring Meeting, the first formal meeting of the year, was comparatively well attended given the cautions of the past two years.  There was a lot to cover and we made progress on some important items.

John Nutley gave his report on the Ale Tasting and Bread Weighing ceremony which will take place on Saturday the 16th July.  He asked members to let him know if they would be taking part in the Medieval Banquet to be held in the Town Hall after the ceremony.

We have a proposal for a new Steward to the Courts.  The Steward has an essential role in the Courts, providing guidance to the Portreeve and Bailiff, officiating at Law Day and other events, and undertaking administration and communications tasks.  As the Steward is appointed by the Lord of the Borough, this will be put to the Town Council at the next Full Council Meeting on the 10th of May to confirm the appointment. 

We also welcomed Tony Pugh into the role of Treasurer - he will take some time to review our banking details and state of the accounts and subscriptions. 

Membership has been raised as a concern on a number of occasions - if you know someone who lives locally and is keen to be involved in supporting our community, please talk to them about membership of the Courts.

Updates to the Rule Book have been discussed in the past and the topic is being revisited in light of the concerns over membership.  The aim of the update was agreed as was the committee who would review and implement the updates:

• Aim - “to remove barriers to, and encourage, new and diverse membership growth, to ensure the preservation of our traditions and historical assets”
• Committee - Portreeve (Chair), Bailiff, Foremen of the Juries, Representative of the Lord of the Borough, Steward

Once the hand book has been updated it will be put before the Courts to vote on whether it achieves the agreed aims.

OLDS

One of the obligations of Ashburton's Courts Leet & Baron during Law Day is the taking of "presentments". 

The medieval meaning of "a presentment" is "A statement on oath by a jury of a fact within their knowledge".  There is no suggestion of presenting something to someone.  The juries can make a presentment of anything within their knowledge.  (Note by C.Gamble, Esq., Portreeve of Ashburton1960-1961)

Presentments are usually made on matters of local concern - for example:

"We present - our profound concern regarding the dangerous kerb stones in St Lawrence Lane outside St Lawrence Chapel"

The presentments are recorded in the Court books and where applicable the Steward may write to the organisation or individuals concerned informing them of the presentment - any response is relayed to the Courts at the Spring Meeting. 

These activities help to ensure the continuity of the Courts.   

DIARY

April's official engagements started with the RBL Branch Coffee Morning - Helen was exceptionally lucky in the raffle and I had to redraw several times.  I managed to buy the last poppy bowtie for the Poppy Ball later in the year.  I then chaired the Ashburton & District Garden Association AGM and finally we held the Spring Meeting of the Courts (on the same day as the Queen's real birthday!) 

In addition to the official engagements I joined several past-Portreeve's painting the RBL Hut in Blogishay Lane, sprucing it up for the celebrations later this year.  Karen and I also tried the Portreeve's Pick at Coljan and Cafe Latino. 

Karen has been continuing to find ways to support those hosting Ukrainian families in our town and we've been working to make the RBL Hut a welcoming drop-in hub for the Ukrainian families and their hosts.   

CALENDAR

FUNDRAISING

The Portreeve's Pick campaign is well under way, with several local businesses now raising funds for local causes - why not enjoy a meal out and support your community at the same time!  The Bay Horse have also pledged the proceeds from their Open The Safe game played on Sunday afternoons and we have agreed that funds raised should go towards the Mystery Tour for the Spring Chickens.  If you would like to support this cause, you can also donate online (click here) a little really will go a long way!  We have also been able to make donations to two of our local causes - but you'll have to read about these in a future Portreeve's Post, and we purchased a new Union Flag to be flown at St Lawrence Chapel on Royal occasions.

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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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