Follow the Flame

When we debate things, it can get a bit heated, but we have never suggested that, for example, we have two separate threads for the debates on religion, have we?

I do not, usually, get cross; I suppose it's all a matter of tone, and, as we have so often said, when you can't see the other person, perhaps misconstruction can occur.

I accept that this may be the case here.

There seem to be quite a lot of threads concerned with the Olympic Torch Relay – going in all sorts of directions.

Well Pompa ...I thought it was a polite suggestion

Well Pompa that's us lot told!

Actually, Pompa I found that last passage somewhat bossy /dictatorial. As you will know, I do not usually take offence, but please don't tell us what to do!

But - one thread to whinge and one thread to enthuse is OK; keeps us out of one another's hair, I suppose. Perhaps another one for healthy debate.

Unfortunately we shall miss it here (South Wales) next Saturday as we will be driving to Dover to get the ferry - had bum information given before we booked and was told it was coming here on Friday!
I think it is something that everyone will remember for the rest of their lives. Here they are making a day of it and the local leisure centre in conjunction with the sort of village committee is having a day of activities for everyone and will be having refreshments etc.
The only thing people are disappointed with is that the person carrying the torch is from miles away - gather this is happening in other places too and we had all hoped to see some locals doing the job.
I am taking jubilee things to France with me though so we shall celebrate next weekend with Union Jack bunting etc.

The BBC website is good as it has live pictures of every step.You could get hooked !!

Good Morning all.

It's the turn of the South West today, do we have any GN'ers heading out to watch it's progress ?

This thread has morphed away from it's original target audience. If you are interested in following the Olympic torch around the country, this is the thread for you. Please share your day with us when it reaches your area.

Perhaps, when it comes to your area, you could tell us about the torch bearers. Please zoom in on the map, the torch is making brief appearances in many villages, apart from major towns. When I zoomed in I found 3 places within 8 miles where it will be carried.

http://www.london2012.com/torch-relay/route/

For anyone who wishes to discuss the rights and wrongs of the Olympics please use the other thread already discussing that issue. Please keep this thread for those interested in the Olympic Torch. Thank you.

I have found a list of torch bearers on various sites, the local council site is very good.

I am very lucky that we have the choice of Chester on 29/30th May and Liverpool on 1st June and in both cases we have a good equal amount of disabled people carrying the torch,I found a list on one of the sites which tells you the names of the torch bearers and their association with the area.

Yes there are people from every walk of life carrying the torch, including those with disabilities, both athletes and non athletes. I have found a couple of sites detailing some of those involved, sure there will be a definitive list somewhere.

Not that over 80s means they are have any disabilities. Concentrate Jess.

There are lots of wheelchairs and over 80s. It is, I understand, mainly about the community not the athletes.

Jess - I think I've made my point clear somewhere else on a GN thread so I won't repeat, except to say GO GB TEAM.

Just a little whinge - Does anyone know if there are any Para-Olympians included in the torch relay?

GERALDINE PLEASE LOOK AT JESSM 'S PLEA FOR OUR BANNER!
CAN YOU HEAR ME?

With you all the way, JessM. Perhaps our masthead could carry an Olympic flag?

P.S. Why did it take 18 months for people (policeman, I think) to learn and practise how to light one torch from another – apparently called "the kiss" (eat your heart out Auguste Rodin) with a slightly more sophisticated tool than a spill?

I still don't understand why more than 300 people have to accompany this flame around the country, requiring meals, overnight accommodation, etc. And could someone explain to me what the organiser (or whatever he is called) of the torch relay means by "It's all about the simplicity of the flame"?

Susie I am sorry to hear you were bullied at work and that it is still affecting you but, frankly, you were being over sensitive in response to someone who is just being enthusiastic in a general way, to anyone who chooses to look at this thread.
Even if someone was saying something like "come on gransnetters, get off your lazy backsides and show some enthusiasm for a change* it would not be a case of you being bullied, would it?
For those of you who want to "bah humbug" about the olympics can I suggest that you start a thread for that purpose, rather than trying to dampen the enthusiasm of those who are excited about the event and plan to enjoy it.
I promise to do the same at xmas and not intrude into the threads full of pre xmas jollity with moans about how much I hate it or how bored I am that it is happening yet again. (I hope I stuck by this on GN last xmas.)
I will be going to cheer on my mate Hazel who has survived leukaemia and has since raised lots of money for research. One of our local heroes. Which is the nice thing about the olympic flame project - not the great and the famous but the unsung heroes in local communities.
And I hereby vow I will henceforth stop griping about the logo, the mascots and the art posters.
Cari we need a little flag emoticon. I hate to say it (being welsh where we prefer our own ultra cool flag) but we do need one to wave for team GB ... a teeny union jack... if you can't beat em join em etc.

He He, Olympic fever is infectious.

Having stated on another thread that I had no interest in the Olympics or the Jubilee, I find, on viewing the link supplied by pompa, that the flame will be passing through the Mini car plant in Oxford, only about 3 miles away, on July 9th. If GCs are interested I might go along after all! (For their enjoyment rather than mine of course!)

@jeni, that sound's like a once in a lifetime excuse for being late for work, beats "leaves on the line", "wrong kind of snow" etc.

@fieldwake, the torch should pass within 10 miles of 95% of the population. You do need to zoom in on the map to see the smaller places and rural areas it will be passing through. If you are one of the 5% it misses, you must live in a very peaceful part of the country, lucky you.

My concern is that it's going to make me late for work as they are closing the flame route on Bristol. That just happens to be my route to work! [grumpy]