A blazing tribute to The Queen

On Thursday evening, April 21, East Devon District Council’s Chairman, Councillor Stuart Hughes, officiating the event, was joined by the leader and deputy leader, Councillors Paul Diviani and Andrew Moulding, to watch a beacon on Sidmouth’s seafront being lit in celebration of Her Majesty The Queen’s 90th birthday.

Situated on a rock groyne near Fore Street, the beacon – one of a chain of 1,000 beacons, which were lit across the country to mark the occasion – was set ablaze by Charlie Plowden, the council’s Service Lead for Countryside and Leisure, viewed by a large crowd of local residents.

Before the beacon was lit, onlookers were entertained by the Sidmouth Mummers and Sidmouth Town Band.

This was followed by a personal message from His Royal Highness, The Prince of Wales, which Councillor Hughes read out:

“I am delighted that so many people throughout the United kingdom are coming together to light beacons in celebration of my mother, The Queen’s, ninetieth birthday. It is a wonderful gesture which I know has deeply touched Her Majesty.

“Beacons are to be lit on mountaintops, on beaches, in farmyards and on church towers, uniting us all in our heartfelt appreciation of The Queen’s lifetime of service to the United Kingdom, and other Realms, and to the Commonwealth.

“Since time immemorial, the light of beacons has relayed important messages across the land. This message we proclaim with the greatest pride and affection:

“Your Majesty, we all wish you a very Happy Birthday!”