Saturday, 17 March 2012

Confusion over Labour councillor's Royal beacon claim

There was confusion this week over claims by a Labour councillor that he had been approached by Buckingham Palace to organise a beacon as part of celebrations for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

In a local media report, Saltcoats & Stevenston councillor Jim Montgomerie told how he was ‘shocked and delighted’ to receive an approach from Buckingham Palace asking him to organise a Jubilee Beacon in Saltcoats.  Mr Montgomerie added that it was a ‘great thrill’ and ‘an honour’ to receive the call from the Palace.

However, Mr Bruno Peek, OBE, Pageantmaster to HM the Queen, the man with responsibility for organising the UK-wide Diamond Jubilee Beacons, told the3towns that he was unaware of an approach having been made to Cllr Montgomerie.  Mr Peek said, “The gentleman in question, as far as I am aware, has not been approached by Buckingham Palace to light a beacon.”

The Pageantmaster added, “A guide to taking part in the event was sent to every town, parish and community council, along with all local authorities, so he [Cllr Montgomerie] may have received one of these.”

Diamond Jubilee Beacons will be lit across the UK on Monday June 4 2012, as one of the celebrations announced by Buckingham Palace for the extended Bank Holiday weekend of June 2 – 5.  Anyone can organise a beacon and can register it at: www.diamondjubileebeacons.co.uk

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