LAST month, a tradition almost as old as time continued in a Somerset seafront town, just outside of the Quantock Hills.

On Thursday, October 31, a Watchet Town tradition dating back to 1273 continued as the town’s Court Leet gathered for its annual meeting and customary goose dinner.

Bell man, David Milton, called the jurors to assemble at noon at the Bell Inn, where the Court was presided over by President Toby Dunn, representing the Wyndham Estate, by virtue of their ownership of historic lands in Watchet on the Portreeve list.

Once responsible for the town’s administration and law and order over many centuries, the Court Leet now serves as a purely ceremonial body, convening annually on the last Thursday of October.

Bailiff Mike Champion opened the meeting with a minute’s silence in memory of Dudley Binding, the deputy Bailiff and recorder who passed away in March.

Foreman of the Jury, Bob Hornby, was then called upon to take the oath and sign the presentment, followed by the other jurors.

As tradition dictates, the President then read entries from a 100 year old book of minutes, this year from the meeting of October 21st, 1924.

Among those present at that 1924 meeting was Mr. Simon Nicholas, grandfather of current member Jim Nicholas.

The Court Leet made its appointments for the coming year, including:

  • Bailiff & Deputy Portreeve: Mike Champion
  • Deputy Bailiff: Ian White
  • Bell Man: David Milton
  • Recorder: Niall Watson
  • Ale Tasters: Mark Bale & Paul Stevens
  •  Inspectors of Weights & Measures: John Stone & Tony Knight
  • Pig Driver: Luke Waygood (new juror)
  • Scavengers: Robert Dibble & Hugh Emery
  • Stock Driver: Roger Wedlake
  • Court Constables: Nick Tapp & David Ketchen
  • Annual Reporter: Jim Nicholas

Tony Knight then presented an entertaining report of Watchet’s events over the past year.

After the traditional goose dinner, toasts were made in honour of the King and the Wyndham Estate.

Jane Sharp, from the Watchet Hedgehog Group, then gave a fascinating talk on protecting and caring for the town’s declining hedgehog population.

Founded in 2020 during the Covid lockdown, the group offers advice and raises awareness about the ecological importance of hedgehogs.

The group aims to expand habitats and improve urban/suburban connectivity for enhanced foraging and successful breeding, and to educate young people on the importance of native species.

Plans are already underway for the 2025 Court Leet Ale Tasting Ceremony, scheduled for the late May bank holiday weekend next year.