A 450-year-old tradition where participants knock their heads on a stone to mark the town boundary, is set to be made ‘safer’ by the council due to health and safety concerns.
The ‘Beating of the Boundaries’ in Helston, Cornwall, ceremony, which dates back 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 horizontally and had their heads gently struck against the stone three times.
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This decision was made in response to safety concerns, leading Helston Town Council to propose an amendment to the historic ‘Beating the Boundaries’ tradition.
The suggestion for a safer method for participants was brought forward during a council meeting. Additionally, it was decided that council staff will no longer lift participants at the Beating of the Boundaries ceremony with immediate effect.
Despite this change, Helston Town Council reassured the public via a Facebook post that children and adults can still be lifted by family members and friends.
“The proposal is categorically not about stopping people being lifted to tap their heads on the stones as part of this ancient tradition,” stated Helston Town Council.
“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.”
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