Earlier this month I joined with people across the country at a ceremonial beacon lighting ceremony in celebration of VE day. I was in Sussex and joined the celebration at Galley Hill Bexhill on sea. It was a real community event with families and dog walkers mixing with local dignitaries, veterans and uniformed organisation. We gathered after sunset all waiting eagerly for the 9.30pm time of lighting.
The deputy mayor made a short but meaningful welcome speech and stepped forward to light the beacon but although the lighter appeared to be working nothing happened. Calmly the deputy mayor moved to another part of the beacon to try again but yet again nothing happened .. Tension was rising and there was some nervous laughter in the crowd. There was a third attempt but still nothing happened.
Finally the deputy mayor moved further round the beacon and tried yet again and after an anxious wait a tiny puff of smoke rose up from the beacon but still no fire. Then a sudden change in wind direction and the beacon blazed brightly lighting up the night sky . It was a very atmospheric moment. As everyone made their way back down the hill with the beacon blazing the words of the hymn” Longing for Light we wait in darkness” was buzzing in my head “Christ be our light ..shine through our hearts shine through the darkness” The patience and dignity of the deputy mayor waiting for the beacon to light and the power of the beacon joining all the other beacons across the country spoke volumes about the power of community in difficult times.
Maggie
