Four learners from the Herefordshire College of Technology studying Blacksmithing have created a beacon that has been positioned on the well-known county landmark, Garway Hill.

Thomas Tribe, Ed Glennie, Peter Averson and Ben Crosthwaite accepted the commission from Garway Hill Commoners’ Association to build the beacon and were managed under the watchful eye of HCT course tutor, Pete Smith.

Ben Crosthwaite was thrilled to see the beacon fly the flag for the traditional craft. “We hope that people will be able to see the beacon across the county and that it measures up to everyone’s expectations. It is good that people will get to see a traditionally-made piece of metalwork; maybe it’ll rekindle a bit of flame for the blacksmithing craft!”

Lesley Whistance, chairperson of the Garway Hill Commoners’ Association, commended everyone involved in the project at the lighting celebration: “We’re very grateful to have this wonderful construction. It has been a great deal of work for everyone involved and it really has been worth it.”