Hundreds of people flocked to Westway Common in Caterham-on-the-Hill last Monday, 4th June for the lighting of the Diamond Jubilee Beacon, one of the highlights of the weekend's many celebrations. The beacon was one of over 4,000 Jubilee Beacons being lit across the Commonwealth to mark the occasion and the main organiser of Caterham's event, Andy Parr, was delighted at the huge number of people who attended the celebration.

Following the lighting of the beacon Andy said: "I didn't expect so many people to turn up this evening. It's fantastic. I'm absolutely delighted!"

Before the lighting of the beacon the crowds were entertained by lively music performed by the Ouse Valley Three and traditional games including a Tug of War. Caterham Rotary Club manned a wine and beer stall and Joe Inacio from Costa del Sol restaurant in Whyteleafe was selling delicious Paella and Sangria. After the sun set, there was a magnificent firework display funded by Caterham-on-the-Hill Parish Council providing the big build-up to the lighting of the beacon by a local scout, cub and beaver. At the same time a similar event was taking place in Woldingham where the village also had their own Diamond Jubilee Beacon and firework display.

Photos of many of the other local Jubilee celebrations will be published in the July edition of The Caterham and District Independent.