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(known as Hungerford's Hocktide ceremonies which take place on the second Tuesday after Easter are still a very important part of local life and a reminder of a sturdy independence spanning the centuries. Then the brass horn is used to summon the 99 burgesses who, by living within the original Borough, form the Court that regulates the rights of common and fishing. The Court elects the officers for the year - Constable, Portreeve, Bailiff, Overseers of the Common, Tuttimen and Ale tasters. The two Tuttimen are handed black poles adorned with flowers and ribbons and with these symbols of office they visit every house enjoying Common rights to collect a`headpenny' and receive a kiss from all the ladies of the house in return for an orange.
A luncheon follows when the new Constable presides, and all other new entrants colts) are formally ‘shod’.
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