Local town’s 450-year-old ‘knocking heads’ tradition altered by council over health and safety fears

A local town’s 450-year-old tradition has been modified by a council to be made safer over health and safety concerns.

Residents in Helston, Cornwall, have long been participating in the Beating of the Boundaries ceremony, which sees people lifted by others and banging their heads on turf-topped boundary stones.

The tradition dates back to Elizabeth I’s charter of 1585 and is done to mark the perimeter of the town.

It initially only involved young boys and was supposed to instil in them the knowledge of where the boundary was. Now, both adults and children of both genders take part.

However, Helston Town Council – which organises the event – are now looking to change it.

The local authority unanimously voted to recommend that “lifting of individuals no longer be an accepted practice at the beating the boundaries event for health and safety and safeguarding reasons”.

Following a “detailed debate”, the council has instead proposed that people have the option to kneel and touch their head on the stone or to hit it with a stick.

The council has reassured members of the public that the rule only applies to council workers, and parents will be able to lift their children, as well as adults being allowed to lift other adults.

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“The tradition is primarily carried out by council workers, who carry out the activity as the tradition takes place on weekday,” the local authority stated.

“Our proposal is that Helston Town Council staff and workers will no longer offer to lift children and adults due to serious safety concerns raised by everyone.

“This proposal would not prevent parents lifting their children, or adults from lifting each other as part of the event.”

However, residents slammed the move, stating that many would no longer be able to participate in the tradition now thanks to the council workers’ decision to abstain.

Dee Devenish, a Helston resident, told The Times: “Parents are seldom with children on this activity, it is school teachers and volunteers from groups. Head tapping is normally carried out by the mayor, deputy or council assistant, all of whom would now have to be DBS checked in order to touch children.”

Clare McEwen, another resident, added: “It’s a wonderful tradition and should be left alone. I remember beating the bounds as a kid and it was a fantastic experience. Wonderful memories and I’ll never forget where that boundary stone is. As far as I’m aware, there’s been no long-term damage to my noggin either.”

The motion was brought forward at a staff committee meeting on September 9, where an alternative safer method was proposed.

A final decision will be made at a full council meeting on Thursday evening.