Beacon Lighting

[Matthew Arnold]

We were tasked with lighting the local beacon last night. We were anticipating 400 people at the most. We ended up with over 2000. The district council had done the risk assessment and had massively underestimated the resources that would be needed. We fenced off an area for about 250 cars but that was filled by 8.30 so had to use the overflow and overflow of the overflow car parks which hadnt been mown so the grass was about 2 feet high and very thick. Still was a good evening. We did wonder at one point if the beacon was going to ignite or not but luckily the wind fanned it enough to get it going really nicely. Will be a video later on.

[Matthew Arnold]

Here is the beacon we lit almost going at full speed. Nice that it is the first picture of the dorset celebrations.

 

BBC News - In pictures: Diamond Jubilee celebrations in Dorset

[ben lightfoot]

Thats cool, how far away would it be visible on? Does it only get used on special occassions?

 

Without trying to sound like an ass, get your mate to buy a cambium saver so not to damage his rope on the metal.

[Matthew Arnold]

It would be visible from most of the hills on the wilts/hants/somerset and devon borders with dorset. Only on special occasions. It may be lit again in 2 years but will wait and see. That thought did cross his mind when he climbed into it.

 

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=73w5I5cSzJ8&list=HL1338918391&feature=mh_lolz]Okeford Hill Beacon lighting - YouTube[/ame]

[easy-lift guy]

Thanks for sharing Matt, must have been one for the books for sure. Congratulations to the people of the The United Kingdom.

easy-lift guy