Duke of Richmond to light Chichester Beacon for Remembrance Day
The Duke of Richmond will light the Chichester Beacon on the top of Trundle Hill, as part of a nationwide chain of 1000 beacons being lit on Remembrance Day to honour those who died in the First World War.
On Sunday 11 November, a procession of torch bearers will walk along the southern rampart of the Trundle to represent the 563 lives lost from Chichester, Lavant, Westhampnett, Singleton, East and West Dean. The Chichester Beacon, which will overlook the city and will be located just to the south of the Iron Age hill fort on the Trundle, will be lit by The Duke of Richmond at 7pm.
Goodwood itself suffered tragedy in the First World War, as career soldier Bernard Gordon Lennox, son of the 7th Duke of Richmond, died in November 1914 in the early months of trench warfare in Flanders. His brother, Lord Esme, was badly wounded at Ypres. The 7th Duke converted his Scottish residence, Gordon Castle, into a hospital to treat those affected by the war.
The Duke of Richmond said; “The lighting of the Chichester Beacon and procession of torch bearers will no doubt be a moving tribute to those many lives tragically lost during the First World War. Chichester and the villages which surround the Goodwood Estate suffered terrible losses during the conflict, and so it is very important that we remember those local people who laid down their lives. It will be an incredible sight to look out across from the Trundle and see all the other beacons lit around the county.”
Tim Weeks, who is organising the event, is recruiting volunteer torch bearers, stewards, drivers, first aiders and organisers to help with the event. Anyone who is interested in getting involved can do so by contacting Tim via Tim@chichesterbeacon.co.uk
ENDS
About Goodwood:
The Goodwood Estate in West Sussex is home to the internationally renowned Qatar Goodwood Festival, Festival of Speed and Revival. The 12,000-acre Estate has two golf courses and an Academy, a historic Motor Circuit, a thriving Aerodrome, a Hotel and Health Club, three restaurants, an organic farm and a number of member’s clubs. At its heart is Goodwood House, family seat of the Dukes of Richmond for over 300 years.
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