


Warwickshire Freemasons join the Alcester Court Leet March
As part of the local community, Alcester freemasons were again invited to participate in the annual Court Leet Parade and Church Service on a very chilly Sunday in January.
Prior to the service the parade made its way to the Church for the service, at which the new High Bailiff, Tracey Parkes, was sworn in, promising to serve the Manor and the Court with integrity and diligence, promoting mutual respect in the local community.
The service was followed by a march past and salute to the Lord of the Manor (represented by his son, the Earl of Yarmouth), the High Bailiff and other civic dignitaries, after which a splendid reception and buffet took place in the ancient (fifteenth century) Town Hall, which is where all of the local lodges and chapters meet.
The High Bailiff welcomed all present, and in particular members of both nearby and distant Courts Leet, together with all the organisations represented, outlining the origins and traditions of the court in upholding standards in its town. The Ale Tasters were set to task, confirming that the ale provided had not been watered down, inviting everyone present to try a sample.