The ANNUAL mop returned to the streets of Alcester this week, bringing with it the evocative smells of candy floss and fried onion along with flashing coloured lights and loud music.
Hundreds of families were out on the streets enjoying the classic fairground fun with youngsters hoping to hook a duck or win a giant stuffed toy on Monday and Tuesday (October 6 and 7).
Teens jostled to jump aboard the Crazy Cage, which spins its occupants around at high speeds or Remix, which revolves riders laterally around a central point, whilst older people watched on in amusement.
Court Leet officers Richard Slater, ale taster, High Bailiff Tracy Parkes and Dave Parkes, town crier.
It was the last official appointment by outgoing high bailiff Tracy Parkes before she handed over the reins to her deputy Sharon Constable at yesterday’s court leet elections.
Tracy, who is the first woman high bailiff in the court’s long history, told the Standard she felt ‘relieved’ and ‘so super proud’ to have held the ancient office for the past 12 months.
“It has been a massive honour and privilege – a position you could only ever dream of holding,” and she urged other court leet officers to put themselves forward for the top spot.
As per tradition, court officers conducted their traditional assizes of fish and flesh (meat) tasting, bread weighing, ale tasting (the medieval equivalent of the Food Standards Agency) and gave away nine gallons of real ale.
Getting proceedings started. Picture by Marcus Mingins 4125007MMR5
“The mop has a rich tradition that has been going in Alcester since 1292, when Edward III granted it a Royal Charter. T
“The proclamation was read so we can welcome the mop back next year.
“It has been a fantastic two days for the town to have fun. An event enjoyed by so many people,” Tracy added.
The event has its origins in the hiring of agricultural and domestic workers.
