A SPECIALLY commissioned beacon was lit by the son of a D-Day veteran as Blaisdon marked the 80th anniversary of the Normandy landings.

The five-metre tall Beacon Brazier was hand crafted from recycled and upcycled steel by Blaisdon-based metalwork sculptor, Ian Richardson. 

To the sound of bagpipes, The beacon was lit by Mr Les Meadows, the son of a local D-Day veteran who was injured on Juno Beach during the Normandy Landings, then rescued by a French fisherman.

Piper Rhys Thompson at Blaisdon
Piper Rhys Thompson at Blaisdon (Mark Terry Lush.)

During the day the village’s church bells rang, children from Hopebrook and Huntley schools read poems and Lamplights of Peace were lit. 

There was also a service of Remembrance at the village war memorial and wartime songs from a swing band choir and Forest of Dean Brass.

Les Meadows,who lit the beacon at Blaisdon with children from Hopebrook and Huntley primary schools.
Les Meadows,who lit the beacon at Blaisdon with children from Hopebrook and Huntley primary schools. (Mark Terry Lush)

On Sunday, the pace was increased with a celebration soapbox derby with racers modelled on a Second World War theme.

Other entertainment included music from Cinderford Brass Band.