Fundraising appeal launched for Holbeach town beacon so that it can be lit in time for VE Day

The people who traditionally light a town’s beacon for special occasions have launched a fundraiser to ensure it will be burning on the 80th anniversary of VE Day.

The Holbeach branch of the Royal Observer Corps Association (ROCA) is hoping to put on an event to mark the end of the Second World War in Europe on May 8 around the town beacon but need to raise £1,500.

The group has decided to take on the mantle of putting on the event around beacon, which stands on land between Spalding Road and Wignal’s Gate.

Holbeach Parish Council is planning to hold celebrations in Carter’s Park after raising safety concerns about the beacon. South Holland District Council, which owns the beacon, say there are no safety concerns.

Branch chairman Tony Topliss has appealed for people’s help to ensure the town’s beacon will be lit to mark this important anniversary.

He states on a GoFundMe page: “The beacon is an 'official ' beacon and holds this status as it is on [or as close to as possible] the Meridian line which passes through the town.

“Traditionally the beacon has been lit by a member of the Royal Observer Corps, who were the historic beacon lighters, following the stand down of the Observer Corps in 1991, a member of the association has always taken part and lit it with an invitation from the parish council.

“The news that our local council were not going to light it has led to the Royal Observer Corps Association approaching SHDC for permission and help to organise and execute the event which is always well attended by the community.

“It is traditional throughout the country and we feel we would be letting the people of Holbeach down against the rest of the country if it did not happen.”

So far the fundraiser, which is necessary ro cover the costs of insurance along with hiring toilets and barriers, has raised £210.

The post goes onto say: “So we, the ROCA are asking for financial support from you the people of the town to make this happen, we intend to have musical entertainment, hopefully a band, refreshments and children's games all on site from 8pm up to the official lighting at 9.30pm.

“This will all take place on the beacon site May 8th VE Day. We would appreciate any amount that you could spare to make this happen and look forward to making this a day in our future history and a remarkable memorable event for you and your children and we hope to see you there.”

The Holbeach Beacon VE day fundraiser can be found on the GoFundMe website.