Follow the Flame

GB 2012 - I like it . We all own the Olympic experience, London just happens to be where most of it is happening. I will refrain from discussing this further here, as that is not what this thread is for.

It's the turn of Somerset today - I notice it is keeping well away from Midsomer, must be getting a dangerous reputation . I'm sure we have some GN'ers around Bristol.

The flame is due to go through Macclesfield next Wednesday on its way north and will come through Greater Manchester almost four weeks later on its way south. So I have a choice.

Due through here tomorrow; I'll be there to join the community [emiticon Union Flag]! Anyone else got it going through on Thursday?

Saw the Olympic torch go through my village at 6.50a.m.All the neighbours and children out and in good spirit even though it's a very misty,moisty morning.

Annobel how near are you to Macclesfield?My DD2 and family live there Maybe we could meet next time I'm up.They are coming down to Bristol this weekend.

The torch passed through the town where my DS2 teaches - all the children were out watching the torch pass. He feels slightly cynical about the whole thing but he says the enthusiasm of the children he teaches was really good to see and is not something that can be pooh-poohed. DIL took DGS1 to harbourside in Bristol to soak up some of the atmosphere too - she said it was fantastic.

The Southwest has certainly looked splendid and 'done itself proud' so far

I can't wait but have to as it won't be near me until end of July. I went on the official site and read up on the torch bearers and was moved by their stories. This is surely what holding the Olympics is all about - ordinary people or should I say EXTRA-ordinary people.

The Flame heads through Wiltshire and on to Cheltenham today. Enjoy the day eGJ.

NannaB How can the Olympics – a competition between the world's elite athletes – be about ordinary people?

They are not all elite athletes. Watch the heats of some of the running events - some very small countries send a handful of representatives and they are not that fast bless them! It is about the world coming together through sport.
The relay is about special people in the community - trying to make everyone feel they are a part of it, if they want to be.

How about "Ordinary people doing Extraordinary things"

Just remember Eddie the Eagle our sole ski-jumper, now quite a celebrity; and Freddy the Fish, from one of the West African countries, who could barely swim (I think my 4-year-old GS is faster!), but he had a go. In fact, I bet more people remember the fact that he took part than remember who won the race.

Yes indeed - sadly they've stamped out that sort of thing now!

Now we know what 'spoilsports' really are!

Annobel!

I'm very proud that my DD is carrying the torch in Cardiff on Saturday morning. The only down side, apart from her starting time, is that she lives in High Wycombe so, apart from her family, none of her friends or workmates will be there to share in her honour.
Reading all the posts, I think there'll be a lot of people around to see it even that early in the morning!

That's fantastic GH, please take some picture and put them on GN.

Nice to see a bit of support. I think now the news coverage has taken a hold people have started to become a little more engaged.

I know I have moaned about the cost but given it was handed to Britain years ago how could it be stopped in full flight now. It is very nice to see people getting together and I hope as well as the Queens Jubilee celebrations the people of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland can put aside their politics and remember we do share a lot of common emotions and will be proud of the Games and all the athletes from our respective countries who take part.

It's just gone through here; the spread of ages out on beside the road was wonderful! Babies in pushchairs, older people in wheelchairs, grandmothers and fathers with grandchildren, mothers, fathers, school children, secondary pupils, young mums, older mothers, the maor, the town crier, the shop keepers ............and everyone else in between!! The police on their motorbikes got a much louder cheer than the sponsor vans incidentally. A good way to spend part of a Thursday morning. [Union Flag emiticon!]

Well I have to admit that we thought about not going to Cardiff to see DD taking part, but we did, and I wouldn't have missed it for the world ! Getting up at 5.00a.m. on a Saturday morning is not my ideal, but we had to be in place for her finish. However, a text came from her to say she was running an extra leg because the next person hadn't turned up,so that was alonger walk,then another text to say the next person also hadn't turned up so she was now doing 3 legs! So we went to the starting point. It was very quiet with just a couple of policeman there,but as soon as the outriders arrived, more and more people arrived until there was quite a crowd.In pyjamas, little ones looking sleepy,others with home made torches,people with their toast in their hand! The minibus with the runners arrived and a great cheer went up as DD appeared and waved to the crowd...all red carpet stuff! Lump in throat time for Mum and Dad!We waited until the chap handing over the flame arrived and the 'kiss' took place and the newly lit torch was held high and she was ready for the off! The escort had to slow her down as she was ready to run and off she went, smiling and waving to the crowds by now lining the street!We were so proud of her.
At the end of her part, the torch went into convoy and went on to Barry.So that was why she had 3 sections to do.The next runner coudn't have had their torch lit for one leg then go back on the bus to travel to the next stop. She had to run,not jog the last part, becasue there was only so much gas in the torch and they were worried it might run out!
Afterwards she came back to the hotel and it was photos all round with us and ex-in-laws who'd come up from Plymouth to see her. I was amazed at the number of people wanting to have pics taken with her and the torch!We were all on a high all day!
It was so well organised,everyone knew exactly what they should be doing and when.
The torch itself is beautiful and she's keeping it !
If you do get the chance, go and see it pass by.
GrannyHaggis

What a lovely morning for you all, I bet you felt like you had run the three legs

Have uploaded a few pics of the day if anyone is interested!

We certainly walked a lot further than she did! And I've the blisters to prove it!

Torch was at MK on Monday. Huge crowds in the city centre early morning . Then my friend Hazel carried the torch out of Bletchley Park. What a star!
I rang her to see if she felt flat yesterday. Not a bit of it, rushing round schools and letting the kids hold and get photographed with the torch. Much excitement apparently. Not flat. Another wonderful Gran.