Hi Viz rules the World

Interested to find this BBC website article on Hi Viz. I'm intrigued by the idea that it's not attractive or trendy, and would disagree.


Here at the Beaker Folk, hi-viz (or hi-vis, if you're odd) is the liturgical wear of choice - not just for the worship leaders, but for all participants. The reason becomes clear when you consider the amount of time we spend out of doors in the dark, waiting for sunrise or watching the moon or whatever. In low light levels, it just gives us a fighting chance of not bashing into each other. In the same way that steel toe-capped boots protect you when people tread on your feet - although not so much if you accidentally kick someone in the shins.


Also, of course, when using old-fashioned torches, candles or tea lights, the use of the appropriate hi-viz for the season can add a certain touch of beauty to the ceremonial. The site of 50 or so Beaker People, glowing in the headlights of cars at the Looking over the M1 Bridge ceremony can be truly lovely. Albeit last time we caused a serious traffic jam as drivers slowed down, convinced we were the Bedfordshire constabulary.


It's also fantastically helpful at making cyclists visible either in the dark (through the reflective strips) or sunlight (through the fluorescent fabric). It's not particularly hard-wearing but then the vests retail for about £3 so we're not complaining. And thanks to the deal I did a few years ago when a safety equipment shop went bust, the Beaker Bazaar is practically guaranteed never to run out.