The future of an ancient tradition in Helston is uncertain after the council was told it can no longer insure it under its current providers. 

In September, the Packet revealed that the Beating of the Boundaries tradition was facing a potential change due to concerns raised regarding health and safety.

The tradition, which dates to Queen Elizabeth’s charter of 1585, involves marking the town’s boundaries with a sod of turf placed on a granite stone marker.

Traditionally, participants were lifted, laid horizontally, and had their heads gently struck against the stone three times.

However, concerns were raised over the possible health and safety aspects, leading to a proposal that participants should instead have the choice to kneel and touch their head on the stone, or to hit the stone with sticks.

Helston Town Council also reassured members of the public that despite council workers no longer being able to lift people, the proposal would not prevent friends and family from lifting children and adults. 

Now, however, the council has issued a further update, to say it had received legal advice that it can no longer continue to organise the event under its current insurers. 

In a statement the council said: “Unfortunately, the council has received legal advice that, if we continue the tradition of lifting people at Beating the Boundaries, we will no longer be covered by insurance.

“We are actively seeking alternative insurers to see if we can secure coverage for this aspect of the event.

“Our goal remains to continue Beating of the Boundaries regardless of the outcome of this search, and if necessary to evolve in a way that still allows children and adults to beat the stones – whether by beating them with sticks as part of the traditional customs from years past or kneeling and tapping their own heads."

The council also said that it "understands that other organisations may be in a different position and feel they can manage the legal and insurance responsibilities involved with lifting participants."

“In the interest of the continuation of the event in its current format, we are open to discussions with any groups interested in taking on these liabilities and responsibilities,” the council added.

Helston Town Council is inviting any groups interested in taking over the organisation of the event to get in touch via email to townclerk@helston-tc.gov.uk

The topic was already due to be discussed again at a future meeting of the town council.