Firewood shortage threat to Queen’s Jubilee beacons in Church Stretton
Three beacons due to be lit on the Shropshire Hills to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee could be axed if more firewood cannot be found, it was warned today.
Three beacons due to be lit on the Shropshire Hills to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee could be axed if more firewood cannot be found, it was warned today.
Organisers say at least 50 wooden pallets are needed for each beacon on the hills looking over Church Stretton which will form part of a national chain on June 4 to mark 60 years of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign.
But with less than a month to go before the beacons are due to be lit only 30 wooden pallets have been donated and an urgent call has been made for more.
Beacons are due to be lit on Caer Caradoc, Hazler and Helmeth hills surrounding Church Stretton.
John Woolmer, who is one of the organisers behind the beacons, said local celebrations deserved a fitting tribute to the Queen and appealed to local people to come forward and save the day.
He said: “Three beacons are due to be built on hills overlooking Church Stretton as part of the celebrations to mark the Diamond Jubilee of her Majesty Queen Elizabeth.
“Current plans are set to build the beacons on Caer Caradoc, Hazler and Helmeth Hills. Once these beacons have been erected and are in place they will be officially lit at 10.26pm on June 4.
“But we need more wood. Unless we find more wood the beacons will not form a fitting tribute.
“To put things in perspective the annual bonfire in Church Stretton needs 250 wooden pallets.
“Individually these beacons need at least 50 pallets each for a base. So far we have just 30 pallets overall.
“So if anyone has spare pallets, brash, logs, or old timber living anywhere near Church Stretton I would appreciate their call. We can arrange any wood which can be spared to be collected.”
The beacons in Church Stretton will be three of dozens in Shropshire and Mid Wales and Mr Woolmer said he wanted the town to help light up the county sky.
For further information or in order to donate wood call Mr Woolmer on (01694) 751245.
By Peter Finch
Comments for: "Firewood shortage threat to Queen’s Jubilee beacons in Church Stretton"
Rob, Telford
It just goes to show the depths we've descended to as a nation - surely any truly loyal subject would chop up their furniture and donate it rather than see a less than fitting tribute and gesture of thanks for all the Queen has done for us.
UKStu
Well Rob if your willing, I have some old furniture that could do with burning! Can you collect mine at the same time you take yours ?
Rob, Telford
Sadly we can't afford furniture any more - we had to sell it to meet the tax bill for the Olympics and the Jubilee - but it was a sacrifice worth making ;>(
colin medlicott
hi i have loads in my back yard colin medlicott
Powys Geezer
If you can't get the wood, don't go on the scrounge, just don't bother doing it. In fact, don't bother doing it anyway. I doubt the queen will even notice, or care whether the Stretton Hills are lit up or not. Even if people have that quantity of wood they would be better advised to store it to burn in the winter to keep themselves warm. I can't believe how fawningly servile people are to this elderly lady.