Devon lights the way for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee
Devon will be shining brightly during the Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebrations, with more communities across the county applying to light beacons than anywhere else in the UK.
Thousands of beacons will be lit around the world on June 4 this year to commemorate the Queen's 60-year rule over the UK and as head of the Commonwealth.
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Pageantmaster Bruno Peek MBE, who has helped co-ordinate beacon lighting for Royal events for more than 30 years, has confirmed that Devon currently leads the way.
The county has 85 beacons registered so far, out of a total of 1,800 around the UK.
Mr Eric Dancer CBE JP, the Lord Lieutenant of Devon, said: "I am delighted with the county response, and the public interest in the Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebrations is growing very strongly."
Britain has a long history of beacon lighting.
The nation has celebrated royal weddings, jubilees and coronations by lighting beacons on village greens, castle battlements, church towers, farms and beaches.
Beacon chains were historically used a form of communication, but they have now become a symbol of unity across towns, countries and continents.
Communities across the UK will light beacons from 10pm on Monday, June 4.
The Queen will light the last of the beacons in London at 10:30pm.
Events in Devon that have already been registered include a beacon lighting celebration in Kenton, near Exeter, organised by local residents and Powderham Castle. A beacon will be lit at the Powderham Belvedere, a tower in the grounds of the castle.
This will be followed by a hog roast, fireworks, and a torchlit procession back to the village.
Street parties, fairs and other celebrations are also being organised by Devon and Cornwall communities throughout the Diamond Jubilee weekend.
For more information on the beacon lighting, or to register a beacon event go to www. diamondjubileebeacons.co.uk.
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by The_Real_SKoM
Sunday, February 12 2012, 10:07PM
“BenDover
There are lots of things in British 'culture' that we have dispensed with that have been around far longer than this particular royal line.
Anachronisms should always be challenged”
by code01803
Sunday, February 12 2012, 4:47PM
“Isn't the Queen from German stock, just as you are Austrian stock FrankEinstein? Used to be Isolde did we?”
by FrankEinstein
Sunday, February 12 2012, 9:08AM
“If these things are such good value why don't we have the choice whether we pay for them or not. I'm not saying I wouldn't pay for the BBC if I had the choice, I just think we should get the choice and not be taxed for a TV company and a dysfunctional family. I certainly woudn't pay for the public funded sponging family if I had the choice. We are in the 21st century, these ideas are from the past, even if they were a good idea once they are very suspect now. I'm not saying either party should be stripped of their assets, just use them in a commercial sense and stop sponging off the public.”
by BenDover169
Saturday, February 11 2012, 11:24PM
“Also Frank,the BBC represents massive value for money. It has one of the best websites on the net, the first place most people go to for their news. 6 radio stations that cater for all needs, I would imagine everyone here listens to at least one of those every day. They also have the TV stations which again I would imagine everyone watches every day. All for a paltry 30 odd pence a day. Great Value.”
by BenDover169
Saturday, February 11 2012, 11:15PM
“I think you will find that the royal family bring more money into the country than what they receive from the 'taxpayer'.
Its also a massive part of our culture, heritage and culture. Celebrate their existence rather than moan about it.”
by Chunder123
Saturday, February 11 2012, 2:42PM
“I think it sucks”
by FrankEinstein
Friday, February 10 2012, 9:43AM
“As the conservatives have just critised old people for not downsizing and want the rest of those on publically funded benefits to take a hit, surely this queen of the welfare state should be the first to move out and into more suitable accomodation.”
by omnivore23
Friday, February 10 2012, 8:43AM
“Ah yes Frank but tourists are money........
......then again so is Country Life butter.”
by FrankEinstein
Thursday, February 09 2012, 11:44PM
“No future, no future, no future.............”
by accom
Thursday, February 09 2012, 10:55PM
“God save our gracious Queen,
Love live our noble Queen,
God save the Queen:
Send Her victorious,
Happy and glorious,
Long to reign over us:
God save the Queen.
O Lord, our God, arise,
Scatter her enemies,
And make them fall.
Confound their politics,
Frustrate their knavish tricks,
On Thee our hopes we fix,
God save us all.
Thy choicest gifts in store,
On her be pleased to pour;
Long may she reign:
May she defend our laws,
And ever give us cause
To sing with heart and voice
God save the Queen.”