MORE than 300 people attended the Sandford beacon-lighting at Beacon Church in Newbuildings.  

More than 300 people attended
More than 300 people attended (Sandford Parish Council)

Proceedings commenced with the first departure of the free community bus shuttle service from Sandford Square to Beacon Church, which during the evening carried over 50 passengers, to and from the beacon-lighting.  

Preparing torches to light the beacon
Preparing torches to light the beacon (Sandford Parish Council)

The evening started with Brian Warren MBE opening by welcoming those attending including special guest John Lee OBE Deputy Lord Lieutenant.  

Lighting the beacon
Lighting the beacon (Sandford Parish Council)

This was followed by the reading of the D-Day 80 proclamation by Kevin Payne, the Crediton Town Crier.  

John Lee OBE, fourth from left, was special guest
John Lee OBE, fourth from left, was special guest (Sandford Parish Council)

Entertainment started with the Ady Nuthall jazz band and the Copplestone Community Choir. 

Beacon Church
Beacon Church (Sandford Parish Council)

Pupils from Sandford School then sang WW2 songs. After this they were presented with a copy of the new Michael Morpurgo D-Day Book Finding Alfie, for the school library by John Lee OBE Deputy Lord Lieutenant who presented a bouquet of flowers to Angela Crooke.  

Sandford School was presented with new Michael Morpurgo D-Day book Finding Alfie
Sandford School was presented with new Michael Morpurgo D-Day book Finding Alfie (Sandford Parish Council)

During the evening free cakes and traybakes and hot and cold drinks were served together with an opportunity to purchase a hog roast roll, and drinks from the Sandford Cider bar.  

After the entertainment and refreshments, those present processed to the beacon field where Major Mike Davis Ret'd MBE read the international tribute followed by the Last Post. 

Following the lighting of the Peace Lamp (to be lit at future Remembrance Sunday events in Sandford), Rev Janet May read two special D-Day 80 prayers.  

This was followed by a minute’s silence, the end of which was signalled by Ady Nuthall playing the Last Post.  

At 9.15pm the lighting of the D-Day 80 bonfire beacon took place by John Lee OBE Deputy Lord Lieutenant assisted by Royal Marine CSgt Dom Dunn, and Terry Petherick. 

Thanks were given to John, Angela, Mathew Crooke, and Team Beacon for organising a memorable evening.  

Also, to Terry Petherick for allowing the use of the Beacon Field and to others for helping on the evening, and those who had provided food and entertainment.  

Sandford Crossing was thanked for a generous donation towards the running costs of the evening to be supplemented by Sandford Parish Council. 

Everyone agreed it had been a memorable evening and a fitting parish tribute following the national and international tributes earlier in the day.  

By Malcolm Vallance