Former MP is Bromsgrove's new court leet bailiff (From Bromsgrove Advertiser)

Former MP is Bromsgrove's new court leet bailiff

11:40am Friday 2nd November 2012 in News

BROMSGROVE’S former MP has been elected the new bailiff of a town institution more than 800-years-old.

Roy Thomason was sworn in as bailiff of the town’s ancient court leet during the grand autumn court held yesterday, (November 1).

Birmingham-born Roy, a solicitor, was honoured to receive an OBE some years ago and is now head of his family-run property company.

Roy is well-known as he represented the Bromsgrove constituency at Westminster between 1992-1997.

The Dodford resident told those gathered at the meeting that the court leet was a team and he looked forward to taking on the honour of serving as bailiff.

Roy also hopes to help raise the court’s profile in the community, emphasising its great importance to Bromsgrove's history.

The bailiff has named four local charities to benefit during his year in office. They are the Primrose Hospice, Avoncroft Museum, St John’s Church and Dodford Holiday Farm.

The new reeve is Richard Harper, making him the bailiff-elect.

At the autumn court, former bailiff Martin Connellan said: “I have enjoyed the whole year.

“It has been a pleasure to be your bailiff.”

Town crier Kevin Ward reported he had carried out 55 engagements during the year.

Now shorn of its once wide-ranging powers of lawmaking, maintaining law and order, handing down punishments, and local civic administration, Bromsgrove’s court leet today mainly carries out ceremonial duties and charity fund-raising activities.