AN ANNUAL local tradition dating back hundreds of years continued this month in Watchet with beer, ale and more.

The beverage-based tradition began when the Court Leet of Watchet visited the licensed establishments in the town, to check that the ales on sale were 'good and wholesome, for townsfolk and visitors alike'.

The official tasting started at the Esplanade Club, with the 2 appointed ale tasters for this year being Robert Dibble and Niall Watson, accompanied by Bailiff Mike Champion.

They used engraved silver tankards that were gifted by former juror Graham Coggins following his retirement from the Court Leet in 2017.

David Milton, the town crier and official Bellman, annually appointed by the Court Leet, began proceedings at noon by visiting the Co-op and Chives Cafe, and informing the proprietors, that on this occasion, their beer would not be consumed, but informed them that the Court Leet could return next year to sample its products, so standards must remain high. 

The earliest record of Watchet Court Leet dates back to 1273, when the main landowners in the town, the Wyndham Estate, appointed 16 'True Men of Watchet' to oversee law and order in the town.

Roles included Constables, pig drivers, officers of weights & measures, along with the 2 ale tasters. The next event for the organisation is its annual meeting and goose dinner at The Bell Inn on Thursday 31 October.

All the establishments passing the “quality control test”, with excellent ale and cider in all of them, were presented with an official authentication certificate from the organisation.

Bailiff Mike Champion said:  "It's important to keep these traditions alive in Watchet and to carry out these duties during a busy weekend in the town made it even more special.

“A big thank you must go to all the clubs and pubs that were so welcoming and hospitable during the afternoon."