Castleton beacon lit for Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations

The beacon lit in Castleton

Hundreds of local residents came out to celebrate the beacon lighting in Castleton for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee on Thursday (2 June).

Mark Cryer read out the Palace’s Proclamation to a 250-strong crowd and, after a heart-felt rendering of the National Anthem and three very loud cheers, the beacon was lit by Peter Kelly, landlord of the Commercial Inn.

The beacon basket was constructed in a traditional shape by ward councillor Billy Sheerin, a retired mechanical engineer, and local motor mechanic Brian Roberts. Work commenced at the end of March after obtaining authentic drawings from Buckingham Palace, working to half the scale to complement its surroundings.

The steel used was kindly donated by Geoff Lomas, director of Royton Steelstock, whilst the support pillar was kindly donated by Iain Fay, of Castleton Timber.

Remaining work – including cementing the pillar in place and painting the basket in a platinum colour able to withstand high temperatures – was completed by Peter Kelly.

Councillor Sheerin said the event was “truly memorable” for the village.