Proposed changes to the Beating of the Boundaries tradition

In the first full town council meeting after the summer break, two Helston locals spoke passionately about their thoughts on proposed changes to the Beating of the Boundaries tradition which takes place in May every year.

The Packet reported on Wednesday that Helston Town Council has put a motion forward to amend the tradition in response to safety concerns. The decision was brought forward to councillors during the September 9 meeting when it was suggested an alternative safer method for participants.

However, following a detailed debate, the council unanimously voted to recommend that participants will now have the choice to kneel and touch their head on the stone, or to hit the stone with sticks.

The traditions is centuries old and has become increasingly popular over the recent years (Image: Stock)

As well as this, participants will no longer be lifted at the Beating of the Boundaries event with immediate effect.

Many locals have spoken out on social media following the planned changes, with Helston Town Council sharing its response.

Helston Town Council stated that the proposal is not about stopping people from being lifted to tap their heads on the stones.

“Our proposal is that Helston Town Council staff and workers will no longer offer to lift children and adults due to serious safety concerns raised by everyone.

“This proposal would not prevent parents lifting their children, or adults from lifting each other as part of the event.”

Two residents who were present at the full council meeting on Thursday (September 19) had the chance to say how they felt about the proposals to change the method.

Martine Knight told councillors that she believes “that there is a duty to retain as many of our local traditions as possible.”

Martine also said that she didn’t think there was any documented evidence that any of the lifters during the event had been processed.

She added: “If someone doesn’t feel able to lift safely, then clearly, they shouldn’t do it.

“But that doesn’t mean the act itself should be banned.

“The only change I feel is necessary for the event is to allow more time for it, so there isn’t a rush to reach the end destination.”

Read more: 

'Health and safety' blamed for planned change to centuries old Helston tradition

President of the Old Cornwall Society Peter Ferris also spoke about the proposed changes, despite the recommendation being brought to the club beforehand.

“This recommendation was not raised with the Old Cornwall Society or participating schools before being brought to the table.

“We are the current custodians of the traditions in our town, and in my opinion, the table of recommendations would diminish the essence of the ceremony by losing the essential element that people remember.

“I also support our team's suggestion that the primary school children be lifted, and the adults can make up their minds.”

Both Martine and Peter praised Councillor John Boase for his encouragement for primary schools and adults to take part in the tradition each year.

Cllr Boase who has led the tradition for many years revealed that he has been in contact with RNAS Culdrose who is looking into, and hopefully supplying a safer method for people to be lifted during the Beating of the Boundaries.

Councillors will discuss the proposal of planned changes to Helston’s Beating of the Boundaries at the next full meeting on Thursday, October 17.