Last night we went up on the chalk downs above our village for the ceremonial lighting of the Diamond Jubilee Beacon. Ours was just
one of 4000 beacons that were lit across the country (and the world) as another element in the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebration.
As the full moon rose to the south and the chain of beacons lit up the Ridgeway I felt as though I had been transported back two thousand years to a time when beacons were used for communication and warning as well as celebration. The enormous fire roared and around us in the darkened countryside we could see lots of other answering flares of light as the message of celebration was passed along. It felt amazing and moving, an experience that connected us all to hundreds of years of history as well as to other communities around the globe. A truly special and memorable occasion!
You are right, it is very emotive and brings you right back to our ancestors. I remember watching the lighting of beacons when I was small, I think it was for Charles and Di’s wedding.Tradition is very important isn’t it, it links us with the past.
Thanks, Suzie. Yes, I think it a very powerful thing with such strong historical ties. It felt very exciting to be a part of it.
It sounds like a wonderful event! A fairly special way to celebrate the event