Holbeach Beacon VE day

Holbeach Parish Council have decided not to be involved in lighting the Meridian beacon situated on the Wignals Gate/ Spalding Road junction on May 8th for VE day, they claim that the beacon is unsafe, the beacon owned by South Holland District Council has been inspected by an expert from SHDC and it is apparent there is no reason this beacon cannot be used in the celebrations. The Holbeach beacon, was first lit for the anniversary of the Spanish Armada on July 19th 1988. The beacon is an 'official ' beacon and holds this status as it is on [or as close to as possible] the Meridian line which passes through the Town. Traditionally the beacon has been lit by a member of the Royal Observer Corps who were the historic beacon lighters, following the stand down of the Observer Corps in 1991 a member of the Association has always taken part and lit it with an invitation from the Parish Council. The news that our local council were not going to light it has led to the Royal observer Corps Association approaching SHDC for permission and help to organise and execute the event which is always well attended by the community. It is traditional throughout the country and we feel we would be letting the people of Holbeach down against the rest of the country if it did not happen. There is of course a cost involved with insurances hiring of toilets, barriers etc. So we, the ROCA are asking for financial support from you the people of the town to make this happen, we intend to have musical entertainment, hopefully a band, refreshments and children's games all on site from 8pm up to the official lighting oat 9-30pm. This will all take place on the beacon site May 8th VE day. We would appreciate any amount that you could spare to make this happen and look forward to making this a day in our future history and a remarkable memorable event for you and your children and we hope to see you there.

Tony Topliss

Chairman

Royal Observer Corps Association Holbeach Branch