Constable's Parade is link with the past

Susan Hofgartner to serve another term

THERE was a palpable sense of an unbroken link in an historical chain at the Constable’s Parade in Hungerford on Sunday.

The annual event is the first official duty of the new Constable of the Town and Manor after the Hocktide celebrations. It was led by Susan Hofgartner, who has been elected to serve a third term, and accompanied by civic dignitaries and led by the Hungerford Town Band.

Mrs Hofgartner – a mother of two and stepmother to four – took over in the ancient office, first established more than 550 years ago, in 2013 from outgoing incumbent Greg Furr.

The role includes chairing the committees responsible for managing the organisation and representing the interests of the commoners.

Mrs Hofgartner said: “The parade is the first duty of the new Constable and we were very pleased to see the Scouts, Guides, Cubs and Rainbows there and, for the first time, the Wessex Rangers.

“To celebrate the occasion, we gave them all a badge for them to display on their uniforms with the Town and Manor logo and the motto ‘Constable’s Parade 2015’.

“They proved so popular we think we’ll make them an annual feature.”

The Rev Andrew Sawyer presided over the Constable’s Service at St Lawrence Church, which was attended by a marching parade to the accompaniment of Hungerford Town Band and was attended by the trustees and officers of the Town and Manor plus town mayor Dennis Benneyworth.

Mrs Hofgartner revealed that, for the first time this year, the Town and Manor has nominated a Constable elect. She is Ellie Dickins, of High Street store Ellie Dickins Shoes.

Mrs Hofgartner said: “This means the incoming Constable will be able to get their feet under the table and find out more about the role from the inside. It will reduce, enormously, the steep learning curve.”