Ringing in the changes at Alcester

THE new High Bailiff of Alcester is Ian Whitehead.

He is supported in his year of charitable duties within the local community by the new low bailiff Steven Brown, who has previously performed the role of high bailiff in 2013-14.

On completion of the new high bailiff’s tenure, Steven will automatically become the next high bailiff thus undertaking the civic role for a second time.

Alcester’s new high bailiff Ian Whitehead was sworn in at a traditional ceremony held in the historic town hall last Thursday and one of his first big civic assignments will be to help lead the court leet around the town’s food festival in High Street and Church Street today, Saturday.

This hugely popular event – held twice a year – sees a vast array of stalls with tempting treats of food and beverages to be enjoyed by locals and visitors.

The court leet also taste, drink and weigh various items of produce to confirm they are fit for the people of Alcester to endulge in. This historic tradition dates back over 700 years and was once a serious journey through the streets of the town to ensure some unscrupulous traders weren’t selling food that had fake ingredients.

This Sunday the new high bailiff and the court leet attend a service at St Nicholas Church which is then followed by a civic reception at the town hall.