Wantage Silver Band

Rogation Sunday is the fifth Sunday after Easter, at which the ancient custom of "beating the bounds" takes place - the time when farmers used to walk the boundaries of their fields while the clergy asked divine blessing on their annual crops, etc. The Newbury and District Agricultural Society upholds this tradition and for several years WSB has provided a band to play appropriate hymns - each year at a different location within the district.
This year, a contingent from Concert Brass joined the "congregation" at Streatley aboard one of four tractor-drawn trailers on a damp and very windy day, touring the local farmer's fields. The picture was taken at one of four stops along the route, alongside the River Thames. The final stop was atop the highest point in the area, on a plot donated many years ago to the poor widows of the parish. The tea provided afterwards was a welcome respite from the elements!