Faith Features

Rogationtide is traditionally when Parish boundaries are re-established and across the country many strange ceremonies are carried out.

In Leighton Buzzard a chorister stands on their head outside the almshouses in North Street.

Having processed through the High Street from All Saints Church, led by the Town Crier and a specially created floral garland, the choir gathered outside the almshouses.

Then followed a ceremony outlined in the will of John Wilkes.

His son Edward built the community homes back in the seventeenth century in memory of his father.

The current houses are Victorian endowed by Matthew Wilkes: another generation of the family. The houses are still administered by the Wilkes Trust today.

At the almshouses part of the will was read while chorister Naomi Marrone stood on her head. The action is supposed to focus the minds of those present.

Some parts of the ritual have changed over the years.

The will originally stipulated that buns and ale be provided for all those present.

However Victorian celebrations became somewhat riotous, so buns and lashings of ginger beer were available back at All Saints.

The Wilkes Walk is one of those curious traditions that have been kept alive and long may it continue.