ON A chilly, windy evening more than a hundred villagers from Harting celebrated the Queen’s 90th birthday around the beacon on Harting Down overlooking the village
The Queen’s Pageant-master, Bruno Peek, had instructed that the beacon should be lit at 8 30 pm and this task was undertaken by Alex Olphert at the appointed time.
Earlier Alex, with the assistance of his father, had dug the hole for the post, attached the brazier and filled it with kindling and willow logs.
The strong wind whipped the beacon to a frenzy and it was reported later that it had been sighted by many surrounding villages even as far afield as Petersfield.
The National Anthem was then sung, followed by ‘happy birthday.’
Corks popped and Her Majesty was toasted.
A spokesman for event organisers Harting Parish Council said: “The council would like to thank all those involved who made this night such a successful village event, and the National Trust for the use of Harting Down.”
Harting beacon was just one of more than 1,100 lit throughout the United Kingdom, Channel Islands, Isle of Man and UK Overseas Territories in celebration of The Queen’s birthday.
In an email to Harting council, The Queen’s Pageant-master, Bruno Peek said: “Thank you for playing your valuable and generous role in this unique, historic occasion.”