There were “perfect conditions” for the huge beacon that was lit near Oswestry to commemorate D-Day.

The beacon was lit in Selattyn to commemorate the 80th Anniversary of the D-Day landing on Thursday (June 6) and it was hoped that it would be so large that it could be seen from as far away as Liverpool.

The day also included a number of different events in the village including talks at Selattyn Primary School.

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“I am indebted to all the volunteers who came together to make the event memorable and successful,” said organiser Ian Lander.

“Selattyn and Gobowen Parish Council and all the councillors for a generous grant to cover insurance and running expenses; the landowner for permission to use his field; local farmers and businessmen for building the fire and preparing the field; our Vicar; The Docks and all their staff, front of house and in the kitchen.

“Thank you each and all. We were able to see five other beacons from our vantage point taking part in the event”.

A presentation at the Docks in SelattynA presentation at the Docks in Selattyn (Image: Ian Lander)

The day started with Oswestry Town Crier proclaiming the event at the school before morning assembly and prayers.

Then residents Anne Lander and Alan Reynolds, who were school children during the war, spoke of their life and experiences eighty years ago when they were a similar age to the children they were talking to.

After this a D-Day 80 Beacons was presented to the School Council in recognition of their participation of the event.

After this, local residents gathered at the Docks in the centre of the village, where they had a   fish and chip supper – one of the very few foods not rationed during the war.

According to organisers “the event was filled to capacity and some people attended, bringing their own food after all tickets had been sold”.

This was before the day was rounded off by the lighting of the beacon later that evening at 9pm.