On the first Saturday in September 2010 the people of Tiverton will carry out an age-old custom which acknowledges in a picturesque and strenuous way a gift made to the town over 700 years ago. The ceremonial "Perambulation of the Town Leat" - known more familiarly to Tivertonians the world over as "Water-Bailing" - will begin at 9.00 am when the procession will leave the Town Hall to walk the 6 miles to the source of the stream at Norwood Common.

Old posters and photographs in the Tiverton Museum show that the proceedings have altered very litle over the years, indeed, so loyal is Tiverton to the ancient tradition that almost any change is likely to be resisted.

The four "Pioneers" who lead the procession, armed with pickaxes, sledge-hammers and crow bars to demolish any obstruction found in the stream, will be recruited from the manual workers of the District Council. Immediately following the pioneers will be the Bailiff of the Hundred carrying his ancient staff of office. On him devolves virtually the duties of the Master of Ceromonies for the day.

Traditionally "Withy-boys" who whip the stream with withy-wands, were selected from local Senior Schools, and now six "Withy-boys/girls" will be drawn from the Blundell's School and Tiverton High School. It is not unknown for one or two of the boys to receive a ducking before the long trail is completed.

After the "Withy-boys" in the procession comes the Inspector of Police (or his representative), with members of the Special Constabulary, followed by the Town Beadle, a colourful figure with his gold-braided top hat and livery, bearing the valuable silver topped staff of office that has done duty since the 17th Century. He will precede the Mayor of Tiverton, accompanied by the Town Clerk and followed by members of the Town Council, after which townspeople and visitors bring up the rear.

The procession's first stop will be at Coggan's Well in Fore Street, the traditional centre of the town where the stream emerges from underneath the road. Placing his staff in the water, the Bailiff of the Hundred will claim the stream "for ever, for the sole use and benefit and as the right of the inhabitants of the town of Tiverton".

The procession will then trace the stream to its source on Norwood Common 6 miles away, proceeding via Market Terrace and the Market to Castle Street, then via Water Lane to Chettiscombe and the waterworks at Allers, where a stop will be made for drinks and refreshments to fortify those who will tackle the second and more strenuous part of the course, ending at Norwood Common where a plaque marks the actual source.

Such is the enthusiasm of Tiverton people to observe this unique and ancient custom that many hundreds can be expected to join in the first part of the journey and a considerable number will go the whole way.

Towards the end of the journey, the going is fairly rough and in places it may be necessary to walk ankle deep in the steam itself. Old clothes and serviceable footwear are recommended; high-heeled shoes are definitely not.