Olympics - London 2012 - Olympic Torch Relay (Andy on 23rd July)

[KnightOwl]

http://www.andymurrayfanforum.com/images/olympics/torch.jpeg
Photo from London2012 (http://www.london2012.com/torch-relay/photos)

The London 2012 Olympic Torch





The torch was lit at the Temple of Hera (http://www.olympia-greece.org/hera.html) in Olympia, Greece on 10th May, and despite a gust of wind which briefly blew it out, it is now safely heading towards the UK. After travelling across Greece to the Panathenaiko Stadium in Athens, it was handed over to a delegation representing the London 2012 games, who are then flying with the torch to the UK on Friday May 18th. The delegation includes Sebastian Coe, Princess Anne, Boris Johnson and David Beckham.

Once in the UK, the torch will be carried 8000 miles by 8000 carefully chosen torch-bearers in a 70-day relay which covers much of the country - in fact the Olympic committee have stated that it will pass within 10 miles of 95% of people in the UK! The Official London 2012 website has an interactive map (http://www.london2012.com/torch-relay/route) where you can enter your postcode to find out where and when the torch will be near you. Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2012_Summer_Olympics_torch_relay) also has a good map and details of the torch route.

The relay starts in Land's End, Cornwall on Saturday 19th May, and ends at the Olympic Stadium in Stratford, London on 27th July. A brief summary of the route is provided below, and further details can be found on the official London 2012 (http://www.london2012.com/torch-relay/route) website or on BBC News (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay).

This page (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-17433555) gives a summary of the national landmarks the flame will visit.

Is anyone planning to go and see the torch pass by?
If so, we'd love you to tell us all about it, and post some photos!

[KnightOwl]

Flame Spotting


:olympics: :olympics: :olympics:

Follow the route of the London 2012 Olympic Flame



Day
Route
Date
1Land's End - Plymouth (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day1)Sat 19th May
2Plymouth - Exeter (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day2)Sun 20th May
3Exeter - Taunton (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day3)Mon 21st May
4Taunton - Bristol (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day4)Tue 22nd May
5Bristol - Cheltenham (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day5)Wed 23rd May
6Gloucester - Worcester (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day6)Thu 24th May
7Worcester - Cardiff (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day7)Fri 25th May
8Cardiff - Swansea (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day8)Sat 26th May
9Swansea - Aberystwyth (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day9)Sun 27th May
10Aberystwyth - Bangor (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day10)Mon 28th May
11Beaumaris - Chester (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day11)Tue 29th May
12Chester - Stoke-on-Trent (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day12)Wed 30th May
13Stoke-on-Trent - Bolton (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day13)Thu 31st May
14Bolton - Liverpool (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day14)Fri 1st Jun
15Liverpool - Castletown (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day15)Sat 2nd Jun
16Belfast - Portrush (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day16)Sun 3rd Jun
17Carrick-a-Rede - Londonderry (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day17)Mon 4th Jun
18Londonderry - Newry (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day18)Tue 5th Jun
19Dublin - Belfast (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day19)Wed 6th Jun
20Newcastle (NI) - Moorfields (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day20)Thu 7th Jun
21Stranraer - Glasgow (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day21)Fri 8th Jun
22Glasgow - Inverness (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day22)Sat 9th Jun
23Kirkwall - Lerwick (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day23)Sun 10th Jun
24Stornoway - Aberdeen (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day24)Mon 11th Jun
25Aberdeen - Dundee (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day25)Tue 12th Jun
26St Andrews - Edinburgh (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day26)Wed 13th Jun
27Edinburgh - Alnwick (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day27)Thu 14th Jun
28Alnwick - Newcastle upon Tyne (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day28)Fri 15th Jun
29Gateshead - Durham (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day29)Sat 16th Jun
30Durham - Middlesbrough (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day30)Sun 17th Jun
31Middlesbrough - Hull (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day31)Mon 18th Jun
32Hull - York (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day32)Tue 19th Jun
33York - Carlisle (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day33)Wed 20th Jun
34Dumfries - Bowness-on-Windermere (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day34)Thu 21st Jun
35Kendal to Blackpool (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day35)Fri 22nd Jun
36Lytham St Anne's - Manchester (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day36)Sat 23rd Jun
37Salford - Leeds (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day37)Sun 24th Jun
38Leeds - Sheffield (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day38)Mon 25th Jun
39Sheffield - Cleethorpes (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day39)Tue 26th Jun
40Grimsby - Lincoln (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day40)Wed 27th Jun
41Lincoln - Nottingham (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day41)Thu 28th Jun
42Nottingham - Derby (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day42)Fri 29th Jun
43Derby - Birmingham (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day43)Sat 30th Jun
44Birmingham - Coventry (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day44)Sun 1st Jul
45Coventry - Leicester (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day45)Mon 2nd Jul
46Leicester - Peterborough (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day46)Tue 3rd Jul
47Peterborough - Norwich (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day47)Wed 4th Jul
48Norwich - Ipswich (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day48)Thu 5th Jul
49Ipswich - Chelmsford (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day49)Fri 6th Jul
50Chelmsford - Cambridge (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day50)Sat 7th Jul
51Cambridge - Luton (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day51)Sun 8th Jul
52Luton - Oxford (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day52)Mon 9th Jul
53Oxford - Reading (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day53)Tue 10th Jul
54Reading - Salisbury (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day54)Wed 11th Jul
55Salisbury - Weymouth (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day55)Thu 12th Jul
56Portland Bill - Bournemouth (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day56)Fri 13th Jul
57Bournemouth - Southampton (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day57)Sat 14th Jul
58Southampton - Portsmouth (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day58)Sun 15th Jul
59Portsmouth - Brighton (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day59)Mon 16th Jul
60Brighton - Hastings (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day60)Tue 17th Jul
61Hastings - Dover (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day61)Wed 18th Jul
62Deal - Maidstone (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day62)Thu 19th Jul
63Maidstone - Guildford (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day63)Fri 20th Jul
64Greenwich - Waltham Forest (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day64)Sat 21st Jul
65Redbridge - Bexley (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day65)Sun 22nd Jul
66Lewisham - Wandsworth (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day66)Mon 23rd Jul
67Kingston - Ealing (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day67)Tue 24th Jul
68Harrow - Haringey (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day68)Wed 25th Jul
69Camden - Westminster (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day69)Thu 26th Jul
70Hampton Court - Olympic Stadium (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day70)Fri 27th Jul

[KnightOwl]

The Olympic Flame has been handed over to the official delegation representing the London 2012 Games. The ceremony took place at the Panathenaic Stadium in Athens, host of the first modern Olympic Games in 1896.

http://www.andymurrayfanforum.com/images/olympics/Torch_Delegation.jpg
Photo from London2012 (http://www.london2012.com/torch-relay/photos)

Left to Right: President of the Hellenic Olympic Committee, Spyros Capralos; London Mayor Boris Johnson; HRH Princess Anne, the Princess Royal; David Beckham; London 2012 chief Lord Sebastian Coe; Olympics Minister Hugh Robertson

The Olympic Flame will be flown to the UK on Friday 18th May in a specially painted aircraft, the design of which came from the result of a competition entered by students of schools and colleges across the country.

http://www.andymurrayfanforum.com/images/olympics/Torch_Plane.jpg
Photo from London2012 (http://www.london2012.com/torch-relay/photos)

The aircraft is due to arrive at RNAS Culdrose on the Lizard Peninsula in Cornwall at 7:30 PM on Friday evening, where there will be a welcoming ceremony.

Note: images courtesy of the Official London 2012 (http://www.london2012.com/photos/latestpictures.html) website.

[Fina]

Woke up this morning deciding I wanted to show my support by cheering Andy along when he is the torchbearer on 23 July in Merton.

Have found in some bumf in The Times that about 110 people will be taking part carrying the torch each day; and that on average, each torchbearer will carry the flame 300 metres [doesn't seem very far to me] :shocked:
Add in time and cost of getting there; inevitable transport disruption etc - plus I wonder what the odds of being in the right place at the right time are!....But it would be sooo good to do.

:olympics:

[Linda]

I'll be at work the day it passes near here (it's impossible for me to take Mondays off) so won't see it :rolleyes:

[Sallydaisy]

Wahey! The Olympic flame has landed.

The BBC is giving good coverage to this here. (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-18093410)

Those little flames have a lot of work to do .........

http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/60336000/jpg/_60336588_lanternspa.jpg
Image courtesy the BBCwebsite/PA

The BBC website has particularly good coverage of everything related to the Olympic flame and is doing a better job than Locog in many respects.

Here's their interactive map page where you can follow the route of the torch.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-13391986

[davech]

The torch passes pretty close to where we live (in fact I think I read somewhere that it passes close to most people's houses), so I reckon we'll pop down there and take a look on the day. :)

[KnightOwl]

Maybe - I think it's about 08:00 in the morning or so - interestingly around 11:00 that same day it will go through Northampton, right past the office that by then I will be working in - I was told they would let us all go out and watch :)

[AllyB]

Dare say i'll watch plenty of the events when the time comes, but I can't really get excited about all the over-hyped build up.

[Linda]

Not passing anywhere near where I work unfortunately :(

[Sallydaisy]

Dare say i'll watch plenty of the events when the time comes, but I can't really get excited about all the over-hyped build up.

Heeeeee - only 10 weeks to go Ally!
:laugh:

[KnightOwl]

http://www.andymurrayfanforum.com/images/olympics/Torch_Landing.jpg
Photo from BBC News (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-18093410)

The eagle has landed! Err...I mean the flame has landed :shamed:

The specially commissioned BA flight carrying the flame has landed in Cornwall, and the flame was used to light the first of the official London 2012 torches. Crowds cheered the arrival, and a welcoming ceremony is now underway :)

[hfwardhouse]

I'm excited about it all - despite the fact that the flame won't be coming anywhere near my house - well ok it'll be in Aberdeen but given it's a Monday and it's 35 miles plus away I can't see us making it in there to see it!

[RoastLamb]

Those torches look so different to the winter Olympic torches. How exciting! It's going through Gateshead as well.

[KnightOwl]

I really like the design of the new torches - I remember seeing them on the news when they were first unveiled a few months ago and I wasn't sure then - but seen in close-up I think they look pretty cool!

[davech]

On the radio earlier today, they were talking about the torch being flown from Greece to the UK and one of their reporters was on the plane. Apparently the pilot made an announcement something like this:

I would like to remind passengers that there is no smoking on this flight. Er, except for the Olympic torch, that is.

[Linda]

Did he also announce the return of the drachma?

[davech]

Did he also announce the return of the drachma?

:laugh:

They might wait until next week for that one.

[Jan]

Have just discovered that the torch will be coming very close to where we live - but we'll be away at the time.
:crying:

[Alis]

Out of interest I just put our postcode into the Olympic Torch site to see where the nearest passing place of the torch was to us and it appears to be Ballycastle in Northern Ireland - just have to get out my waterwings I suppose!

[cazza99]

Its coming within 400 metres of my house :)

[KnightOwl]

I'm excited about it all - despite the fact that the flame won't be coming anywhere near my house - well ok it'll be in Aberdeen but given it's a Monday and it's 35 miles plus away I can't see us making it in there to see it!

So you must be one of the 5% of people that it isn't coming within 10 miles of - unlike Cazza who sounds like she just needs to poke her head out of her window at the right moment :big grin:

Oh, and Alis who would end up with very wet feet :red devil:

[cazza99]

unlike Cazza who sounds like she just needs to poke her head out of her window at the right moment :big grin:

:

Didn't know my neck was that long :eek:

[xenon21]

May watch it pass by as it comes to London though may think about going down to the leg Andy is running... Don't know

[KnightOwl]

One thing I really want to know is what they do with the torch(es) overnight - do they have some sort of "torch-mobile" they can put it in til the next day?

There are some stages where the torch doesn't start from the place it finished the day before too, so I guess they need some way to cart it about in the mean time.

Enquiring minds want to know.....

[xenon21]

I have no idea! Maybe they will put it in that lantern thing...

Just checked the route and it's very close to where I live on 25th July. Just need to figure out the best place to go. Any idea which famous people will be carrying the torch on which leg?

[AllyB]

Those torches look so different to the winter Olympic torches. How exciting! It's going through Gateshead as well.

Hope they've got good insurance ;)

[cazza99]

One thing I really want to know is what they do with the torch(es) overnight - do they have some sort of "torch-mobile" they can put it in til the next day?

There are some stages where the torch doesn't start from the place it finished the day before too, so I guess they need some way to cart it about in the mean time.

Enquiring minds want to know.....

They have a team of torch security. On the One Show today they said the security guys do not leave it alone at night and sleep by the torch. I think there is some sort of convoy for parts of the route between people carrying it.

[VamosVixs]

It's coming to the park next to where I live. :)


Oooh and Emeli Sande is performing there. :thumbup:

[KnightOwl]

....they said the security guys do not leave it alone at night and sleep by the torch.

Nice! As long as none of them are tempted to put the light out cos they can't sleep ;)


It's coming to the park next to where I live

Cool - are you going to go and see it??

[VamosVixs]

Cool - are you going to go and see it??

May as well as it's only 2 mins away and I like Emeli Sande. :)

[Alis]

Oh, and Alis who would end up with very wet feet :red devil:

............... and sore arms!!!!

[Sallydaisy]

I've been watching the progress of the Olympic flame since about 7.00 this morning.
Amazed at how many people are out on the streets in Cornwall.
Got more emotional than I expected given that I'm not a sporty person.

It's all running a bit late (by 30mins I'd say) because I think more people are walking than running when they're bearing the flame. There are sections when it's in a transit van with windows (so they can make up a bit of time if they need to I guess) but there are people out on the road just watching that go by and cheering!!!

It's just reached Marazion; first runner has taken it down to the harbour but I'm not sure what is happening next 'cos the camera hasn't gone in close enough. St Michaels Mount is on the agenda so there may have been a photo opportunity by the sea.
Yep, that was it - a flame kiss on the beach in front of SMM.
Off and running again now ........

The Beeb have stopped their text commentary which is a bit annoying 'cos it would have been good if they'd put up notes about some of the runners as they went thru'. I think there may have been a blind person at one stage who needed an escort but difficult to know that from the London 2012 web information.

BBC live news is giving it lots of coverage today ......

[Sallydaisy]

Next up is Helston, they've caught up a bit of time so it's approx 20mins late now.

The reason for the delay is mostly the crowds of people on the roads slowing up progress and taking a little longer at the start in Lands End when Ben Ainslie walked slowly so that many of the crowd could reach out and touch the flame. There are certainly more people out and about than the organisers anticipated.

[KnightOwl]

I'm watching it too - couldn't quite bring myself to get up at 07:00 for the start though!

It's a shame there's no commentary, but I guess it would be tricky to have people there to comment live the whole time, and since it's pretty much just watching someone walk along carrying a torch, I suppose they'd run out of things to say pretty quickly!

Just watching them transfer the flame into one of those lantern-thingies so it looks like they maybe going to take it in the van for a bit to catch up? They've just switched the torch off now, and seem to have left the poor bloke who was carrying it standing by the side of the road! I hope someone gives him a lift home :big grin:

[Sallydaisy]

I didn't get up specially, just woke and turned on laptop just in time!

I guess they might be able to make up a bit of time on the 'road' sections and there's something about shortening the 'breaks' to shave off a bit more time.

I should really be doing lots of other things!!!
:p

[KnightOwl]

For anyone else wanting to watch, the torch relay is broadcasting live on BBC via the red button, and is being shown as a flash video with live text commentary, tweets etc on BBC News (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay).

[Sallydaisy]

Still running 30mins late; only just coming into Helston where it was due at 10.07.

[KnightOwl]

It's a shame, the London 2012 website isn't terribly well organised as far as the torch-bearers section is concerned - you can get a list of who is carrying the torch on a given day or through a given town, but it's then ordered alphabetically so you don't know what order they carry it in!

However, through Helston there is only one man with little hair due to carry it, so I can say with reasonable certainty that the name of the gentleman currently in charge of the flame is one Tim Boden, who was a member of the bid team!

Edit: the torch-bearers all seem to be wearing numbers, which I assume are to identify them, so why don't they have the numbers on the website :confused:

[Sallydaisy]

It's a shame, the London 2012 website isn't terribly well organised as far as the torch-bearers section is concerned - you can get a list of who is carrying the torch on a given day or through a given town, but it's then ordered alphabetically so you don't know what order they carry it in!

However, through Helston there is only one man due to carry it, so I can say with some certainty that the name of the gentleman currently in charge of the flame is one Tim Boden, who was a member of the bid team!

Thanks for that - I was trying to find who carried the flame through Penzance because there were one or two people who needed a companion so I'm sure there was a story behind their being chosen.

[KnightOwl]

Thanks for that - I was trying to find who carried the flame through Penzance because there were one or two people who needed a companion so I'm sure there was a story behind their being chosen.

You might be able to work it out from the Penzance (http://www.london2012.com/torch-relay/torchbearers/community=penzance/index.html) section on the London 2012 website.

[Sallydaisy]

Yes, might have a look later.

Helston is really busy with people cheering on the flame bearers.

[KnightOwl]

Yes, it's good to see how much support it's getting!

The flame has been handed over to man-with-hair (as opposed to man-with-no-hair who had it earlier!) so this must be Jeremy Parry, an epilepsy sufferer who does a lot of sporting activity to raise money for the charity Epilepsy Action.

[Sallydaisy]

Jeremy Parry it is; per Beeb site.

Jeremy Parry (http://www.london2012.com/torch-relay/torchbearers/torchbearers=jeremy-parry-1409/index.html) now takes over. The epilepsy sufferer has climbed Mount Kilimanjaro to the Uhuru Peak and takes part in sports like snowboarding, mountaineering and triathlon.

[Sallydaisy]

The BBC is now showing a parked white van on the side of the road in Helston.
Time to get on with some more sensible stuff.
;)

[hfwardhouse]

I'm watching a van driving through cornwall - it's riveting stuff :)

[Sallydaisy]

I'm watching a van driving through cornwall - it's riveting stuff :)
:laugh:

Up until now it's only been in the van for a few short rides.
This is about 20mins - you might like to break off watching until it arrives in Falmouth!!!
They need to catch up some time.

[hfwardhouse]

I see that - but at least the sun's shining .... Mum's thoroughly enjoying the cornwall countryside ;)

[Sallydaisy]

Oooops, the wind has blown out the travelling flame and they're having to use one of the back-up lanterns to get it going in a huddle of 7 guys to keep the breeze at bay.

But HELLO FALMOUTH!!!
:olympics:

Lovely little seaside town - lots of good fish restaurants, natch.

[hfwardhouse]

Blimey it doesn't half take a long time to change from one to another .... not like the relay we're used to seeing in the athletics ;) :lol:

Exciting though!

[AllyB]

I've been watching the progress of the Olympic flame since about 7.00 this morning.

...

BBC live news is giving it lots of coverage today ......

I did wonder what they were using my licence fee for. Good job its not being wasted!

[davech]

Blimey it doesn't half take a long time to change from one to another .... not like the relay we're used to seeing in the athletics ;)

It would be a bit embarrassing if someone dropped the baton and the entire torch relay had to be called off due to disqualification.

[RoastLamb]

I've been to Falmouth, can't say I was that impressed. I wish I could watch some of it. Particularly want to see it as it goes through the North East.

[Sallydaisy]

The BBCwebcam has obviously been slung over the back of a seat and is now streaming a rear side window view of Cornwall. And the text commentary has disappeared which is a shame 'cos that was good to follow without the videostream.

Hum ho, 'tis now on it's way from Newquay in the Transit van to St Austell.
And a balloon trip over the Eden project.
:thumbup:

[RoastLamb]

Eden Project is amazing. We got lost in Newquay on the way back too.

[cazza99]

I've been to Falmouth, can't say I was that impressed. I wish I could watch some of it. Particularly want to see it as it goes through the North East.

Are you able to watch the stream on the Olympic site - http://www.london2012.com/torch-relay/video/live.html

[cazza99]

The torchbearers are only running for a short way and then swapping. The security guys have to continue - they must be fit.

[KnightOwl]

Yes - I watched it for almost three hours this morning, and it was the same set of five security people the whole way - much credit to them :worship:

[cazza99]

I'm watching it now. All I can see is moterbikes who keep on driving fast and often on the wrong side of the road and then stopping in roadways. :)

[cazza99]

Apparently there is already an olympic torch for sale on Ebay.

[Sallydaisy]

Apparently there is already an olympic torch for sale on Ebay.
Perhaps the seller is trying to raise money for charity?
:)

The BBC stream went off 'cos they were out of signal but it's back now just in time for arrival in Plymouth.

[Sallydaisy]

Bye bye Cornwall .....

It was half an hour late but the flame left Cornwall and into Devon to spend the night partying on Plymouth Hoe! The Beeb reckon about 100,000 people lined the route which is probably more than was anticipated - and slowed down progress just a bit.

This little chappie has run his sox off today (as have the police minders!!!) so it's goodbye from him for the time being 'cos he's taking the bus for the next 10 weeks ...........
:olympics::olympics::olympics:

[Sallydaisy]

A Day in Devon

The Flame has left Plymouth and is headed along the south Devon coast.

There are some very brave souls out there ........
This is some info about the current bearer off the BBC 'as it happens' side bar:

Mark Ormrod, (http://www.london2012.com/torch-relay/torchbearers/torchbearers=mark-ormrod-1016/index.html) who has just taken the flame to big cheers from the crowd, lost both of his legs and one arm on active service with the Royal Marines in Afghanistan. He works for a charity and still keeps fit, which includes running with his specially made false legs.
He's taking it slowly but what a proud moment for him and the people who've got him walking again.
:olympics:

Convoy mode - and I need breakfast.
:shades:

[RoastLamb]

Loving the Olympic icon thingie. So cute. I can't find it on the icon board though. Can you guys add it please?

[KnightOwl]

It should be there already RL - we added it ages ago. Hmmmm...I wonder if there's a limit as to how many can displayed in the smiley box - I can't see it either but I know it's there because :olympics:

I'll have a look, but if you want to use it in the mean time, you need to type the code in manually. It's ;olympics; but you need to use colons where I've put semi-colons :)

[Hawkeye]

It should be there already RL - we added it ages ago. Hmmmm...I wonder if there's a limit as to how many can displayed in the smiley box - I can't see it either but I know it's there because :olympics:

I'll have a look, but if you want to use it in the mean time, you need to type the code in manually. It's ;olympics; but you need to use colons where I've put semi-colons :)I'm seeing it in the smiley box...

[RoastLamb]

:olympics: I see it now. Thanks!

[KnightOwl]

I'm seeing it in the smiley box...

Yep. I see it now too, but I'm sure it wasn't there before :)

Maybe he had to pop off for a bit to join in the torch relay ;)

[RoastLamb]

:lol:

[traveller7]

Just checked the route and its coming pretty near where I live so will have to take a look!

[KnightOwl]

Just checked the route and its coming pretty near where I live so will have to take a look!

Brilliant - if you do, take some photos & post them - it would be good to see some "real" photos rather than just official ones from the News...!

[traveller7]

Brilliant - if you do, take some photos & post them - it would be good to see some "real" photos rather than just official ones from the News...!

Yes I will do! Though I have to wait til 25th July for the chance as we are day 68 right near the end!

[Genbrit]

Wow, I love this thread. It is good to follow along with you. Any pics would be great. I would love to be in the UK for the Olympics.
:olympics:

[Sallydaisy]

North Devon today .....
:olympics:

0710: Good morning and welcome to day three of the BBC's live coverage of the London 2012 Torch relay. Monday sees the torch travelling from Exeter to Taunton, with 113 torchbearers covering 135 miles before an evening celebration at Somerset Cricket Ground. Expectant crowds have gathered at The Quay in Exeter and the torch team are gathering - we're expecting the relay to kick-off in about 15 minutes.


0846: Now onto John Saunders (http://www.london2012.com/torch-relay/torchbearers/torchbearers=john-saunders-2352/index.html), with a special torch-holding contraption attached to his wheelchair. Since being diagnosed with Motor Neurone disease in 2010, we're told he has been doing all he can to raise awareness about the degenerative illness as well as raising money for charity. And there's a big Folly gate crowd out to cheer him on!


(extracts from the #bbctorchcam 'as-it-happens' on the BBC website here (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay))

[Sallydaisy]

..... and into Somerset .....
:olympics:

A few glitches along the way - notes from the BBC website/livecam updates:

The torch went out...

0952: A first for the torch relay just there as the torch briefly went out in Great Torrington while being carried beside wheelchair-user David Follett - a new torch was lit from the mother lantern travelling with the convoy to replace the faulty torch. That is now being inspected. Meanwhile, how many times can one man run the London Marathon? If you were to ask the current torch carrier Ian Buchanan (http://www.london2012.com/torch-relay/torchbearers/torchbearers=ian-buchanan-949/index.html), he'd tell you 16 times and counting. Every step of the way has helped the 63-year-old raises more than £100,000 for charity.

... and then the relay cavalcade got split up!!!


1530: We're unable to bring you pictures around Lynton, where four of the torchbearers and the lead convoy car split from the rest of the vehicles.
Our producer following the torch tells us the rest of the convoy headed off on a different route and confusion ensued.



But the sun is out and there's been lots of crowds again - especially in Ilfracombe to see this chap!

http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/60378000/jpg/_60378420_edwards_run_ilfracombe.jpg

photo courtesy the BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay)

Taunton is tonights destination - and people are gathering already.

Hip Hop star Labrinth tweets: (https://twitter.com/#!/Labrinthda1st/status/204524321031458816)"Taunton on my way", where he is taking part in an evening celebration (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-18137508).

[KnightOwl]

Still in Somerset .....
:olympics:

One of the torch-bearers today is Marcus Trescothick (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marcus_Trescothick), Ashes winning cicketer and captain of Somerset County Cricket Club, who describes the experience as one of the proudest moments of his life.


"I will not get to hold it for long because my job is to carry it just 200 metres or so down Wellington Road towards the town centre, but all my family will be there and I know I will feel part of sporting history,"

Marcus will carry the torch into Taunton towards the end of today's relay, but as Sally has already posted, he is not the only sports star (http://www.itv.com/news/2012-05-21/sports-stars-join-torch-relay/) carrying the torch today!

[KnightOwl]

This has to be one of the oldest people carrying the torch!

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5321/7242493670_72041c4a92.jpg
Photo courtesy of BBC Sport (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day3) Katie Townsend

Arthur Gilbert is aged 91, and has sadly lost both his wife and his son to cancer recently, looking after them both himself at home. He earned his MBE for his charity work, and was presented with it by Prince Charles in 2008.



1628: Local legend Arthur Gilbert, 91, MBE is now carrying the torch. He ran in his first Triathlon in 1989 aged 68. He has now competed in 21 triathlons and raised thousand of pounds for cancer charities. Quote from BBC Sport (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day3)

[Sallydaisy]

Oh my goodness!!!
Any Drogba fans living near Cheltenham?????

BBC 2012 ‏@BBC2012 (https://twitter.com/#!/BBC2012)
http://Will.I.Am (http://t.co/S3KtsMXZ) will run with the torch in Taunton in about 10 mins. Chelsea star Didier Drogba will run in Cheltenham.
BBC 2012 ‏@BBC2012 (https://twitter.com/#!/BBC2012) CORRECTION: Drogba will run with the torch in Cheltenham on Wednesday not tomorrow. Sorry for the error on our part :-( Too much excitement.
Retweeted by Jon Kay (https://twitter.com/#!/jonkay01)

Trescothick is now taking his run to take the torch through Taunton!
It's a walk though - he's got his right leg in a cast following surgery on his ankle.

Jon Kay ‏@jonkay01 (https://twitter.com/#!/jonkay01)

Marcus Trescothick and http://Will.I.Am (http://t.co/CxsEEdoZ) ahead of their #torch (https://twitter.com/#!/search/%23torch) runs in Taunton. “@Trescricket (https://twitter.com/#!/Trescricket): How about this http://pic.twitter.com/7yUC4qIQ (http://t.co/7yUC4qIQ)”

[JAMES4578]

Certainly some excitement for all those involved!

[KnightOwl]

I quite enjoyed these comments from the BBC Torch Relay (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day3) page - probably only funny if you're a cricket fan though...



1828: So which hand will left-handed batsman but sometimes right-handed bowler Marcus Trescothick opt to use to carry the torch?
The Somerset-born player and former England international is carrying the torch through his home town.


1828: He's gone for the right hand... and has his right leg in a cast after having surgery on his ankle. It's somewhat slowing down his torch "run".

:big grin:

[davech]

Another great story from today's torch relay:

http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2012/05/21/article-2147480-1335EF51000005DC-159_296x268.jpg
Photo from the Mail on Sunday (http://www.mailonsunday.co.uk/news/article-2147480/London-2012-Olympic-torch-goes-just-days-Britain.html)


Retired farmer Tony Hill is 64 years late for his Olympic Torch Relay duties.

The 86-year-old from Wiveliscombe, Devon, had been due to carry the flame ahead of the 1948 London Games but was struck down with appendicitis.

Today a healthy Mr Hill held the golden torch aloft during his leg of the relay through Barnstaple in Devon. It had been 'an honour' he said.

'I never thought I'd get another chance when I was in East Reach Hospital on the day I was meant to be carrying the torch in 1948.'

[KnightOwl]

Forum member patmoren was out watching the Olympic Torch on Saturday, as it passed out of Cornwall and into Devon - she kindly send us a photo to show us what she saw!

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7079/7243759056_3971aca603.jpg

Thanks Pat :thumbup:

[KnightOwl]

May 22nd: Taunton to Bristol
:olympics:

Today's route (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day4) takes the Olympic Flame through Yeovil and Glastonbury, and past the world famous Bath & Wells Cathedral. Once again crowds are lining the streets to watch its progress. One of the torch-bearers this morning is Amy Williams, Winter Olympics gold medallist at Skeleton Bob, who tweeted before and after the event:


I'm at my 'collection point' seems very early! just have to wait till 7:58am for the ‪#OlympicTorch‬ to arrive. :-)


Amazing feeling, very proud to be British and to have had the opportunity to carry the ‪#OlympicTorch‬. Thank you.

The weather is set to be sunny all day along the route, with highs of up to 23C, so it's going to be a hot job carrying that torch today!

[KnightOwl]

11:37 Doris Whiting (http://www.london2012.com/torch-relay/torchbearers/torchbearers=doris-whiting-6898/index.html), 91, is carrying the torch after being nominated for her voluntary work. She ran the local Brownies for 32 years, worked for Age Concern for 20 years and did Meals on Wheels for 17 years. She also ran a youth club with the local vicar, was a Sunday School teacher and church verger for 15 years, retiring just months ago. She turned 91 this month, when she organised and led a coach trip for the 'older folk' to Weston Super Mare.

(extract from #bbctorchcam live-text commentary on the BBC Torch Relay (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day4) Page.)

[Sallydaisy]

May 23rd: Bristol to Cheltenham
..... and the flame goes horse-riding!!!

:olympics:

It headed out of Bristol this morning heading south to Nailsea before returning to the edge of City for a run across Clifton Suspension Bridge and before heading east via Filton (where Concorde was built) to the market town of Cirencester. It's then onto Marlborough, Royal Wootton Bassett, and Swindon before swinging back north-westwards via Cirencester and Stroud and onto Cheltenham.

Today/tonight it ends up at Cheltenham Racecource and the final 'runner' will be Zara Phillips - who is still hopeful of being selected for TeamGB at this year's Olympics.

There's likely to be considerable excitement when the flame reaches Swindon because one of the torch bearers there is Didier Drogba! He'll be used to cheering crowds after his goal-scoring success for Chelsea against Bayern Munich last weekend.
;)

Over today and tomorrow the flame travels through the area where I grew up so even though I'm not there to see it 'live' I might just be keeping more of an eye on where it goes via the bbctorchcam.

There are some incredible photos coming through via the BBC website.

http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/60426000/jpg/_60426861_jex_1414172_de27-1.jpg
Streamers burst out of firework cannons along the Clifton Suspension Bridge

[Sallydaisy]

Extracts from the BBC reporting this morning:


0822: He passes the flame to Jamie Cooper (http://www.london2012.com/torch-relay/torchbearers/torchbearers=jamie-cooper-2125/index.html), now 23, who was the youngest servicemen to be injured in Iraq when he was hit by two mortar blasts five years ago.


Jamie had been serving with the Royal Green Jackets in the city for just two months and suffered injuries to his right hand, stomach and pelvis, and his lower body. Despite still having no sensation in his left foot, he is making progress down the street here with huge whoops coming from the crowd.



First celebrity tweeter of the day - Carol Vorderman: "Waiting with my lovely Mum for the Olympic torch xxx"

http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/60424000/jpg/_60424995_vorderman.jpg




BBC Radio Bristol's Lucy Tegg says: "The crowds are buzzing, cameras at the ready. It is just the most beautiful site. Streamers in red, white and blue falling down into the river.

"I can confirm they didn't have to pay the toll. Gold streamers now, a spectacular display of fireworks."


Little bit of confusion over the involvement of Chelsea players today on the torch bearing route.
Originally it was announced that Drogba would run through Cheltenham.
However, the main Olympics page on the Beeb has him down as running through Swindon today and that's confirmed on the live-feed for today's leg of the torch relay.

The live-feed today from the torch cam has this to say:-
"Torch on the road to Calne where we have another Chelsea player set to carry a torch ..... "
And indeed they have! It's 19yr old player Josh Mcreachran who spent the last half of the season on loan to Swansea.

[Jan]

the torch goes right past my son's front door tomorrow morning, just after 8am, but he's not interested!
:shrug:

[JAMES4578]

Many of us would like to swap places!

[Jan]

exactly!

[Sallydaisy]

A few highlights from today ...
:olympics:

Some incredible people and a few former Olympians have been carrying the flame .......

1236: Wroughton. The flame passes to Kathleen Critchlow-Smith who is a former Olympic and Paralympic archer who competed at Beijing 2008.
Her family have put a banner out reading "Don't drop it mum"!

1256: The torch arrives in the village of Royal Wootton Bassett - great pictures (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-wiltshire-18104665) as it gets ready to welcome the torch. First to run with it is Mexico 1968 400m hurdles Olympic gold medallist and Superstars legend David Hemery.

1802: Shurdington, just outside Cheltenham. Olympian and gold medal winner Jane Holderness Roddam (http://www.london2012.com/torch-relay/torchbearers/torchbearers=jane-holderness-roddam-2553/index.html), 64, was a British event rider. She competed in the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City winning team gold for Great Britain. She also won the Badminton Horse Trials in 1968 and 1978. She is also chair of the National Riding Festival and President of the British Equestrian Trade Association.

A very brave boy being cheered through the streets of Royal Wootton Bassett

http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/60436000/jpg/_60436502_wootton2.jpg

See video here http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/60436000/jpg/_60436502_wootton2.jpg

A teenager with one leg has been cheered wildly as he took his turn at carrying the Olympic torch in Royal Wootton Bassett. Ben Fox, 16, had to swap hands several times while carrying the torch in warm sunshine. The wheelchair basketball player, who has set his sights on the Paralympics, was using a crutch for support.

He later met footballer Didier Drogba who ran with the torch in Swindon.
On Twitter, Ben said (https://twitter.com/#!/Ben_Fox23) the Ivory Coast international shook his hand. It was "insane", he wrote.

It was a special moment for Swindon and Didier Drogba.

http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/60439000/jpg/_60439634_drogba2.jpg
http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/60439000/jpg/_60439634_drogba2.jpg

(http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/60439000/jpg/_60439634_drogba2.jpg)
(extracts from #bbctorchcam.live-text commentary on the BBC Torch Relay (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day5) page)

[KnightOwl]

1236: Wroughton. The flame passes to Kathleen Critchlow-Smith who is a former Olympic and Paralympic archer who competed at Beijing 2008.
Her family have put a banner out reading "Don't drop it mum"!

Love the banner :big grin:

[KnightOwl]

May 23rd: Bristol - Cheltenham
:olympics:

At the end of day 5 of the torch relay, the Olympic Flame is given into Royal custody, as Zara Phillips carries it into Cheltenham racecourse on horseback.

http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/60449000/jpg/_60449018_zaraphilips2.jpg
Photo courtesy of BBC Sport (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day5)

[Sallydaisy]

Go Zara!!!
http://www.butchfemmeplanet.com/forum/images/smilies/KnightonaWhiteHorseSmiley.gif

I think the equestrian selection for the Olympics has been thrown somewhat because of the cancellation of the Badminton Horse Trials which were one of the main events for judging Olympic entrants. I hope Zara makes it in though - she's genuinely talented on a hoss!

There's an interesting blog from Roger Mosey, the BBC's director of London 2012 here. (http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/rogermosey/2012/05/bbc_torchcam_becomes_cult_view.html)
It tells the tale of Torchcam and how the Beeb were very nervous over whether it would work!!!

One of the biggest problems is that in opting to use a normal network, 3G, they've encountered some loss of images at times when the signal is poor or just too busy with people around the flame sending pictures, texts and internet mesages! It's also a shame that Torchcam can't see the flame right thru' to lighting a cauldron at the end of each day but because it's mounted onto a van it's prevented from going that far.
We need a Torchmancam ..... to go walkabout at the evening festivities in each stopover!

Onwards tomorrow from Gloucester to Worcester - it's only 25miles via the shortest driving route but LOCOG has other plans to ensure the flame reaches as many communities as possible.
So, our runners will be out in force again bearing the flame.
:olympics:

[Sallydaisy]

May 24th: Gloucester to Worcester
..... via Hereford (and a bit of Shropshire).

:olympics:
Known locally as The Three Counties these 3 ancient Cathedral Cities combine a number of 'events/festivals' on a regular basis and are all on major rivers - the Wye (Gloucester (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gloucester)) and Severn (Hereford (http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=hereford&source=web&cd=3&ved=0CJMBEBYwAg&url=http%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FHerefor d&ei=D-y9T-zGGMil0QWThdgn&usg=AFQjCNE03DEsD5jMqU8VhELf9sYTauUbzA&cad=rja)and Worcester (http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=worcester&source=web&cd=4&ved=0CIgBEBYwAw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FWorcest er&ei=wuu9T4mYNOHJ0QWM46Qd&usg=AFQjCNGK4woCpozsvO2M9fXu4JsBJKmDFw&cad=rja))- around the Malvern Hills. This is Shire country; hop growing (for ale!), cider and perry (http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=perry&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CHcQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FPerry&ei=VOy9T-CRA-XU0QXd8owu&usg=AFQjCNE9xzAzDfGJQkHObXDnJGMM-86mVg&cad=rja) making, agriculture and farming, quiet pretty valleys and village cricket, Worcestershire Sauce (http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=worcestershire sauce&source=web&cd=1&sqi=2&ved=0CHgQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FWorcest ershire_sauce&ei=MOy9T_PPOo3s0gXA49RG&usg=AFQjCNEQjefZGCNMnDjig41yaBp7KhajCQ&cad=rja) (and porcelain) and a fair bit of heavy industry too.

The torch relay today has kicked off at Gloucester Docks, once a thriving deepwater port on the River Severn which has now undergone investment and regeneraton. It is being taken through the city streets past Gloucester Cathedral (featured in Harry Potter as Hogwarts!) and then out towards Ledbury and the westernmost edges of England and 'border' country alongside Wales.

Key spots along the way today are Ledbury (http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=ledbury&source=web&cd=4&sqi=2&ved=0CHwQFjAD&url=http%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FLedbury&ei=AO29T7beKoaf0QXkw6kt&usg=AFQjCNHsbxWmj7q122eQDtOiOoBSYX5c0g&cad=rja)(ancient market town with distinctive black and white buildings), Hereford (home to a 'pink' cathedral which houses the Mappa Mundi (http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=mappamundi&source=web&cd=3&ved=0CHoQFjAC&url=http%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FHerefor d_Mappa_Mundi&ei=uuy9T_v1F6GV0QXOqvke&usg=AFQjCNGsBd7UVsks4LwukWMqW0DAx4eO3Q&cad=rja)), Ludlow (http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=ludlow&source=web&cd=9&ved=0CK4BEBYwCA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FLudlow&ei=3Oy9T7aKMI6T0QXmubg8&usg=AFQjCNHCylLwDD3RwwU_AuPfXAj2GY24SA&cad=rja) (foodie town with historic castle over the border in Shropshire), down through Bewdley and Kidderminster (carpets) and Droitwich Spa (http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=droitwich spa&source=web&cd=3&sqi=2&ved=0CHAQFjAC&url=http%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FDroitwi ch_Spa&ei=Je29T6PeOI6a0QXf9K0Y&usg=AFQjCNEbjR8YY3EVfEurXoE1-fhmTD6uTQ&cad=rja)(which still has Spa baths!).

Finally into Worcester from the north, thru' town and past Cathedral and ending up alongside the River Severn on one of the most picturesque county cricket grounds in the land.

http://basildoliveira.com/interface/images/layout/bg_main.jpg

Shame it floods so easily!!!
:p

[Sallydaisy]

Just one of many inspiring stories about an Olympic torch bearer.

0945: There are four torchbearers in Corse and Staunton.
The third and final torchbearer in Corse and Staunton is Melanie-Ann Clarke (http://www.london2012.com/torch-relay/torchbearers/torchbearers=melanie-ann-clarke-6587/index.html) who became the first disabled archer in Europe to qualify for the able-bodied World Championships in America. While at the competition she was taken ill and given hours to live. She survived but was left blind in her shooting eye and completely paralysed from the waist down.

Mel was told she would never shoot again, but undettered, she persevered and has since won National, European and World titles, culminating in a bronze medal in the 2008 Paralympics.

(extracts from #bbctorchcam.live-text commentary on the BBC Torch Relay (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day5) (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day6)page)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The flame is now back in it's Davy Lamp and speeding through the countryside to Ledbury.

EDIT: it's now in Ledbury

http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/60455000/jpg/_60455496_alastairandrews.jpg

(extracts from #bbctorchcam.live-text commentary on the BBC Torch Relay (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day6) (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day6)page)

[Sallydaisy]

Further on down the road ..... and the torch is on 'lunch break' before heading into Hereford where the town is ready to greet it.
http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/60455000/jpg/_60455498_herefordmarket.jpg

One or two more stories for you:

1112: The flame is passed to Bob Izon. He is a 63-year-old from Hereford who was an outstanding athlete in his youth, holding the world under-16 mile record in 1958. Bob was awarded a Paul Harris Fellowship for outstanding leadership and service in making the world a better place for those less fortunate than himself and in 1992 was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. Nine years ago he had two electrodes implanted into his brain, which has helped to eliminate his symptoms.

1100: John Leeuwangh completes his turn and gives the flame to Sarah Davies.
She is 28 and an award-winning girl guide leader. Sarah was born without any arms but has never complained, channelling her energies into working at a children's nursery, learning to drive and living life to the full.

:olympics:

(extracts from #bbctorchcam.live-text commentary on the BBC Torch Relay (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day6)page)

[Sallydaisy]

Thru' Hereford and now in Leominster and an Olympian takes the torch.

1325: And now here is former Olympian Sharron Davies. She won a silver medal in the 1980 Games in Moscow in the 400m medley and two golds in the 1978 Commonwealth Games in Edmonton

Former Olympic swimmer Sharron Davies is among the next group of torchbearers in Leominster and is ready to go, as you can see from this photo which she has tweeted: (https://twitter.com/sharrond62/status/205616187592290304/photo/1)
http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/60463000/jpg/_60463880_sharrondavies.jpg
Sharron Davies (left) and other Leominster torchbearers

[RoastLamb]

So cool. :thanks: for all the great reports. Britain has some really beautiful areas.

[Sallydaisy]

So cool. :thanks: for all the great reports. Britain has some really beautiful areas.

Thanks Roasty; good to know that peeps appreciate the the thread and updates.
I guess it's more meaningful if you're here in the UK tho'. I know very well the area the torch relay is visiting so that's probably why I've written a bit more today.

The torch is currently in Shropshire - where the towns are as busy as anywhere else it has visited.
From the Beeb livefeed:



1448: BBC Radio Shropshire's Nick Southall in Cleobury Mortimer, where the torch is heading next, says the crowds on both sides of the narrow streets are eight to 10 people deep.
Bear with us, we should have pictures back for you soon.
1441: BBC Radio Shropshire's Colin Young said: "That yellow car (in the convoy) will have done 8,000 miles at the end of this and never gone over 15mph. I might put in an offer."

[Sallydaisy]

The Olympic flame heads off on a steam train shortly - to meet 2 elephants.
Honestly!

Not sure how torchcam is going to cope with this bit.

"The Worcestershire Express will leave Platform 3 at 4:05pm and we'll be stopping right outside the elephant enclosure - they've been in training for a number of weeks so we'll be looking for a little bit of fun on the way to Kidderminster."

Meanwhile a very small lad who can only just be 12 is carrying the torch through Bewdley.
The town centre is mobbed.

1554: Breaking into a sprint, much to the crowd's delight, is Samuel Loveitt (http://www.london2012.com/torch-relay/torchbearers/torchbearers=samuel-loveitt-253/index.html) 12, who in 2006 contracted meningitis, resulting in him losing his left hand, left leg at the shin and right leg at the ankle. With prosthetic legs and only one hand he still manages to ride a quad and a motorbike and has more recently shown a talent for swimming and has been spotted by the British Disability Swimming Association.
extract from the bbc as it happens (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day6) page

:olympics:

[Sallydaisy]

May 24th: Gloucester to Worcester

http://www.andymurrayfanforum.com/images/smileys/olympics.gif

Well torchcam didn't cope at all with the 'off-road' train trip via the Zoo. But this BBC report (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-18174230) will fill you in complete with a video of it and here's one of the heffalumps waving flags at the train!!!

http://www.worcesternews.co.uk/resources/images/2018380/?type=articleLandscape

STEAMING AHEAD: Torchbearer Christopher Stokes carries the Olympic Flame by train on the Torch Relay leg between Cleobury Mortimer and Bewdley.
Extract from (http://www.worcesternews.co.uk/news/local/9726304.Elephants__salute__as_torch_passes_by/?ref=rss) Worcester News

After the excitement of all that it was back on the road to travel through Kidderminster, Droitwich and on to Worcester and one of the biggest welcoming crowds so far in the town centre. The people below are lining the New Rd which leads to the cricket ground and evening event.

http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/60475000/jpg/_60475491_newroad.jpg

The cauldron is now lit at the County Ground, New Road, home of Worcestershire's cricket team.
No doubt the party will be well under way.

Our intrepid runners set off tomorrow from Worcester to Cardiff.
For now it's time to rest some weary feet.......

:olympics:

[RoastLamb]

Can you imagine all the planning and execution that went into all this??? Mindboggling.

[Sallydaisy]

Can you imagine all the planning and execution that went into all this??? Mindboggling.
Hats off to the BBC I say 'cos they really are doing a great job.
They come up trumps on 'big' occasions like this - remember when they did LiveAid?
The Olympics section on the Beeb website is way better than the official London 2012 one.

My only disappointment is that they've not found a way for torch cam to follow the torch right through to the end of the day when it arrives at the final venue for the evening and usually a cauldron is lit with the Olympic flame.

Last night, for example, we missed seeing Zara carrying the flame into Cheltenham Racecourse and it would have been awesome! First time EVER they've allowed the public onto the track.

[Jan]

My son lives very near the Worcester cricket ground - in fact the torch is going down his road in the morning (I got confused a few days ago and thought it was today!) But he's not really interested. I'm going to try and catch the torchcam in the morning!
:olympics:

[KnightOwl]

May 25th: Worcester to Cardiff

http://www.andymurrayfanforum.com/images/smileys/olympics.gif

It's Day 7 of the torch relay, and today's route (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day7) takes the Olympic Flame from England to Wales, on a 102 mile journey from Worcester to Cardiff. It will be passing through some beautiful towns on its way, including Malvern, Ross-on-Wye, Monmouth, Raglan and Avergavenny before finally ending up in the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, where it will be carried by Welsh rugby captain Sam Warburton.

The first sporting star of the day though, was Olympic gold medallist Darren Campbell:



0755: Things have got underway ahead of schedule and if you were looking for someone to speed up relay proceedings, this might be your man - relay specialist and Olympic gold medal winner Darren Andrew Campbell MBE takes up the torch, as expected, with no problems.

(extract from #bbctorchcam live-text commentary on the BBC Torch Relay (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day4) Page.)

[Jan]

They set off early! That shouldn't be allowed :grrr:
Fortunately I just caught the torch going along my son's road!
:olympics:

[KnightOwl]

Great Jan - did you get any photos??

Edit: Oops, no - just realise what you meant :shamed: you said you'd just be watching on TV but I got all excited and forgot!

[Jan]

That's OK - it would have been nice to be there!

Unfortunately we're going to be away when the torch comes to our part of the world.

[Sallydaisy]

I got so engrossed watching it leave Worcester that I forgot to log in here!
:laugh:

Here's a piccy of the crowds gathered for the start at Cathedral Plaza with the Edward Elgar (http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=edward%20elgar&source=web&cd=1&sqi=2&ved=0CF8QFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FEdward_ Elgar&ei=4jq_T9KJB8fD0QW8r63UCg&usg=AFQjCNH8fX4R5SfjrQVlVpaBE1xqQ0q57Q&cad=rja) statue in the foreground so it's fitting that the torch relay goes to Malvern and around the hills that inspired so much of his work.


http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/60480000/jpg/_60480942_worcester.jpg

Darren Campbell runs his bit - a little faster than most bearers!

http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/60484000/jpg/_60484568_014848564-1.jpg


A happy fan!

http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/60480000/jpg/_60480950_darrencampbell.jpg

Once again there are some very brave people out there with the torch.

0828:It's an emotional moment here as the flame is passed to Dan Johnsey (http://www.london2012.com/torch-relay/torchbearers/torchbearers=daniel-johnsey-853/index.html), 17, who is a sixth form student at Chepstow School. He wasn't expected to survive when he was hit by a car travelling at 60mph while crossing the road on his way to school. He was placed in an induced coma and his foot was re-attached to his leg. But he has recovered to the extent he can walk unaided despite having 90% of his left foot amputated.

Last year, Daniel took part in a sponsored cycle-ride for the Handicapped Children Pilgrimage Trust, 600 miles across France to Lourdes. He rode a tandem with his uncle, who is walking alongside him today.


(extract from #bbctorchcam live-text commentary on the BBC Torch Relay (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day4) Page.)

[Sallydaisy]

They set off early! That shouldn't be allowed :grrr:
Fortunately I just caught the torch going along my son's road!
:olympics:

Jan - The BBC have posted this regarding the earlier than scheduled start.

0853: Games organisers have just been in touch to say why the relay got under way early this morning. "The convoy left early as we identified seven walkers in the first 20 Torchbearers and we needed to compensate for that." Thanks for letting us know!

Glad you were able to see the torch travel somewhere familiar tho', do you think your son took a sneaky peek???
;)

Oooooh, and you'll never guess "who" is carrying the torch tomorrow in Wales .....
:olympics:

(extract from #bbctorchcam live-text commentary on the BBC Torch Relay (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day4) Page.)

[Jan]

Thanks for that Sally - glad I didn't leave it any later!
I will be thoroughly amazed if my son did peep!!

So who is carrying it in Wales tomorrow???? Don't leave us in suspense!

I really should be doing the ironing - I've got to go out in about half an hour, but also want to catch the start of Hev's match on ls!

[Sallydaisy]

So who is carrying it in Wales tomorrow???? Don't leave us in suspense!
0746: Sit back and relax for the next 12 hours as we guide you through today's 102-mile journey.
But before you do that we have some breaking news for fans of Doctor Who as
actor Matt Smith will be running in the relay tomorrow.
;)

[Jan]

ooh thanks!
:olympics:

[Sallydaisy]

The torch relay is now headed from Malvern to Ross-on-Wye and there's a lengthy road section.
However, it does mean anyone watching live will see lots of lovely countryside!

[Sallydaisy]

Croeso i Gymru
:olympics:

[Sallydaisy]

Well and truly in Wales!
:olympics:

The torch crossing Monmow Bridge in Monmouth:


http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/60488000/jpg/_60488854_monmowbridge.jpg

1112: BBC Wales presenter Jamie Owen, in Monmouth, says the flame has been given a "thoroughly Welsh welcome".
"People are hanging out of the windows at Oxfam and at the King's Head," he says. "They're now singing Land of My Fathers."


1139: Wow! Big crowds line the street as we pass St Cadoc's Church in Raglan. Welsh flags are being waved alongside union jacks. Good to see Y-ddraig geoch flying!

1209: We're told the crowds are so big in the middle of Abergavenny the #bbctorchcam vehicle took a quick detour - it's back with the runner now. And that's a big crowd indeed - crammed into the narrow streets - as Lyn Hull (http://www.london2012.com/torch-relay/torchbearers/torchbearers=lyn-hull-2798/index.html) takes up the flame.

(extracts from #bbctorchcam live-text commentary on the BBC Torch Relay (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day4) Page.)

[hfwardhouse]

I've crossed that very bridge :big grin:

On Friday 8th June, the Olympic Torch reaches Glasgow and the big news from HFW towers is that Minnie is a finalist in a poster comp thingie that school put her in for and we have to be at Hamden from 2-5 that afternoon ... and the Torch will be there too

:yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo:

Teensy bit :excited:

Hope the boss lets me have the day off :shocked:

[Jan]

Quite right too!! Hope you have a great time!

[Sallydaisy]

On Friday 8th June,
That's Roland Garros Mens Semi's day .......
Well chuffed for Minnie!!! Hope you get the day off to go.
:thumbup:

Meanwhile our bearers will soon kick off in Cardiff ... starting on Newport Road in St Mellons. It will then travel down Newport Road to Roath, along Dumfries Place and Boulevard de Nantes, onto Kingsway, Duke Street and Castle Street with a brief stop at Cardiff Castle. (http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=cardiff castle&source=web&cd=1&sqi=2&ved=0CGsQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cardiffcastle.com%2F&ei=8Nu_T_iXAaOk0QWaiIyqCg&usg=AFQjCNEzrF2dQTiNAcqjj3m6TPrHTdypsg&cad=rja)

Then the torchbearer will travel along Castle Street, High Street to St David’s Hall. From here it will proceed to St Mary Street, into Wood Street – past the Millennium Stadium (http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=millennium stadium&source=web&cd=1&sqi=2&ved=0CGoQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.millenniumstadium.com%2F&ei=H9y_T4qSGaax0AWxrL3UCg&usg=AFQjCNEyilBN4DY1_IY9swBQiKoVqNnI8w&cad=rja) – along Tudor Street, Clare Street and Lower Cathedral Road before heading into Bute Park for the free 15,000-ticket evening concert in Coopers Field. (http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=coopers field cardiff&source=web&cd=1&sqi=2&ved=0CGsQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.visitcardiff.com%2Fevents%2Fc alendar-highlights%2Fsearch-products%2Folympic-torch-relay-and-evening-celebration-p209511&ei=Sdy_T9qMG8iw0QWm8szFCg&usg=AFQjCNGAQoGS-WiPUhGm-NCx3qLVMuWiNg&cad=rja)


Where our very own Pabbers will be in the crowd!!!

:olympics:

[RoastLamb]

Ooh well done Minnie!!!

[hfwardhouse]

I'm sure I'll get the day off .... I only do from 9-11.30 on a Friday .... and I can easily do that on Thursday instead :big grin:

[KnightOwl]

I've crossed that very bridge :big grin:

Me too - we had a few days in Monmouth last August - glorious weather! We were just a few metres away from that bridge when Dave got the phone call to say he'd got the job he'd been trying for :big grin:



On Friday 8th June, the Olympic Torch reaches Glasgow and the big news from HFW towers is that Minnie is a finalist in a poster comp thingie that school put her in for and we have to be at Hamden from 2-5 that afternoon ... and the Torch will be there too

Woo hoo! Great news, and well done Minnie :trophy:

You'd better take us some photos...!

[KnightOwl]

May 25th: Millennium Stadium

http://www.andymurrayfanforum.com/images/smileys/olympics.gif

Day 7 wraps up with the Olympic Flame arriving at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, carried by Welsh rugby's Grand Slam winning captain Sam Warburton. It seems to have received a rapturous welcome in Wales!


1853: Tonight BBC Wales Today is broadcasting a special torch programme from Coopers Field ahead of a concert where You Me at Six and Kids in Glass Houses will perform.

If anyone watches this - keep an eye out for pabbers!!


1857: Wales' Grand Slam captain and Cardiff Blues skipper Sam Warburton takes the torch to huge cheers and takes up a steady but strong pace.
South Wales Police are behind him as they tweet: "Well done Sam!"


1913: Bathed in sunshine the final torchbearer of the day in Cardiff Melanie Stephenson takes the flame into Coopers Field for the evening celebrations.
(extracts from #bbctorchcam live-text commentary on the BBC Torch Relay (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day4) Page.)

[cazza99]

Well done Minnie :)i

[Sallydaisy]

The Olympic Flame and Millennium Statium
(where the first Olympic event will take place)

http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/60502000/jpg/_60502248_samwarburton.jpg



The flame visited Cardiff Castle before being passed to Wales rugby captain Sam Warburton
who ran with it past the Millennium Stadium. He was greeted by screaming fans and
stopped to pose for pictures. He passed the flame to Melanie Stephenson who had
the honour of lighting the cauldron in Coopers Field for the evening celebration.

Here's a view of the evening venue - Pabbers is in there somewhere ......

http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/60501000/jpg/_60501945_coopers3041.jpg

(extracts from #bbctorchcam live-text commentary on the BBC Torch Relay (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day4) Page.)

[Sallydaisy]

May 26th: Cardiff to Swansea
Today we're headed thru' South Wales via the 'sea'nic route - well, to Barry anyway.
:olympics:

After that the torch relay swings back briefly to the west side of Cardiff and then heads inland to Caerphilly, Pontypridd, Merthyr Tydfil, where a lunch stop is due at around 11;45 BST, Treherbert, Ynyswen, Treorchy, Nant-y-moel, Ogmore Vale, Bryncethin, Bridgend, Laleston, Pyle, Margam, Taibach, Port Talbot, Briton Ferry and Neath before visiting Swansea.

0615: Good morning from Cardiff Docks - packed with people.
http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/60504000/jpg/_60504871_cardiffbay.jpg



0618: We have a spectacular early start to the day with actor Matt Smith, better known as Doctor Who, today's first torchbearer. He spoke to BBC Breakfast before his big moment and said: "I'm very clumsy so I hope I don't fall over! I think this relay gives a sense of national focus and lots of people are turning up. It's a once in a lifetime opportunity."
There'll be a video of his run posted later this morning as soon as it's available.

For now a picture of Matt and the Flame.
http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/60504000/jpg/_60504877_mattsmithtorch.jpg

Running thru' the dock area

http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/60504000/jpg/_60504875_mattrunning.jpg

And at today's first 'torch kiss' handing over to Llio Roberts.

http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/60504000/jpg/_60504879_mattsmithtorchkiss.jpg


If you're a Blue Peter fan turn the TV on at 9am for the first of nine live Blue Peter special shows (http://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/latestnews/2012/blue-peters-big-olympic-tour.html) around the torch relay. Every Saturday the team will be wherever the relay is, with a guide to the Olympic for children and masterclasses with stars past and present.

07.21: At Barry Island already!!!

(extracts from #bbctorchcam live-text commentary on the BBC Torch Relay (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day8)Page.)

[KnightOwl]

Another well-known face from Day 8 (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day8):

http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/60506000/jpg/_60506952_014856983-1.jpg
Photo courtesy of BBC News (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day8)

TV Presenter Gethin Jones carried the torch through Merthyr Tydfil, just a street or two away from where he was born.


1129: And that next torchbearer could show off a shimmy and a shake as he covers his 300m of the relay, given his third-placed performance as a contestant on Strictly Come Dancing. Welsh TV presenter Gethin Jones was the 31st presenter of Blue Peter. He has met Chloe on the platform to take the flame in the "torch kiss".
(extract from #bbctorchcam live-text commentary on the BBC Torch Relay (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day8) Page.)

[RoastLamb]

I know who he is only coz his ex was the runner up on Dancing with the Stars this week (Katherine Jenkins) and he was featured in a bit about how miserable she is.

[KnightOwl]

:olympics:

A little late, as I've got visitors this weekend, but I couldn't go to bed without mentioning a sporting hero of mine who carried the torch today. Welsh hurdling legend Colin Jackson was one of the final few torch-bearers today as the Olympic Flame headed to the evening celebrations in Swansea. Colin's best Olympic achievement was a silver medal in the 110m hurdles at Seoul 1988, but he won gold at every other level - 2 World Championships, 4 European Championships and 2 Commonwealth titles - plus further gold medals at World and European indoor events. One of the best ever ambassadors for British sport, IMHO!

:worship:


1852: Olympian Colin Jackson, now has the flame. In 1988 the hurdler won Olympic silver in Seoul and is now an athletics commentator. He won 21 major medals during his career, including 10 World and European golds - both indoor and outdoors - and two golds at the Commonwealth Games. He set a world record of 12.91 seconds in 1993 that stood for almost 13 years and the only major title to elude him was Olympic gold - won by Roger Kingdom. He looks absolutely delighted.

This is not a new experience for Colin - he also carried the Olympic Flame on one leg of the torch relay for Athens 2004!

BBC News (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-18219001) gives a good summary for Day 9 of the torch relay on Sunday. Travelling through Wales from Swansea to Aberystwyth, the calling points for the Olympic Flame will include Lanelli, Carmarthen, Fishguard, Cardigan and Aberaeron.

[Sallydaisy]

Sunday 27th May: Swansea to Aberystwyth
:olympics:

Bit of an early start for a Sunday!!!
And the hills and valleys are giving torchcam a spot of bother!!


0654: We are unable to bring you pictures at this first point this morning, as the torch convoy is in an area with little 3G coverage. As soon as the torch convoy passes into an area with better reception Day 9 of the torch relay will appear here.


Updates throughout the day on http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day9

[KnightOwl]

Welsh hurdling legend Colin Jackson was one of the final few torch-bearers ysterday...


http://www.morethanthegames.co.uk/files/morethanthegames/imagecache/Home_Image/colinjacksonlondon2012torchbearer.jpg
Photo courtesy of More Than The Games (http://www.morethanthegames.co.uk/2617242-london-2012-colin-jackson-carries-flame-olympic-torch-makes-its-progress-through-his-native-)

[RoastLamb]

He looks well chuffed! :rolling:

[Genbrit]

Just got my facebook post put on the site. :cheer::olympics:

1816: Comments have been coming in on social media sites all day about the torch relay.
Susan Stewart on Facebook says: "Following from Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. Unfortunately most of this happens while I'm still in bed but thankfully goes through Cheshunt, Herts where my family live on a Saturday.
"Wish I could be there, would love to be a part of this and am cheering for Andy Murray in the Tennis!"

[KnightOwl]

Woo hoo! Well done Genbrit :big grin:

[JAMES4578]

Fabulous Genbrit!

[KnightOwl]

May 28th: Aberystwyth to Bangor

http://www.andymurrayfanforum.com/images/smileys/olympics.gif

It's day 10 of the torch relay, and today's route (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day10) sees the Olympic Flame travelling northwards throught Wales, from Aberystwyth to Bangor. On its way, it will be passing through Bow Street, Tal-y-Bont, Tre Taliesin, Machynlleth, Dolgellau, Llan Ffestiniog, Blaenau Ffestiniog, Porthmadog, Criccieth, Pwllheli, Bontnewydd, Caernarfon and Y Felinheli - wow, I'm glad I managed to find somewhere to cut-and-paste that list from, otherwise I'd have had to try and spell them all myself :)

The torch will travel on two railways today - first the funicular Cliff Railway (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aberystwyth_Cliff_Railway) in Aberystwyth, then later on today it will be carried on the famous heritage Ffestiniog Railway (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ffestiniog_Railway) in the Snowdonia National Park.

A few updates from the BBC....


0834: And now we have charity marathon runner Colin Davies who is known around his hometown of Brecon for his cheery two-handed wave to passers-by but he'll have to stick to a one-handed wave as he is now carrying the torch. Colin represented Wales in the 1989 National Special Olympics as well as running four marathons.



http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/60526000/jpg/_60526985_moyles.jpg
Photo courtesy of BBC News (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day10)



0838: And now BBC Radio 1 DJ Chris Moyles takes the torch! He is a huge fan of #torchcam and has been following the relay on his show since it started. He has a huge smile and is waving for the cheering crowds.


0840: Chris is managing a brisk jog - has he been doing some training for this? Hooting, cheering and lots of excitement from everyone gathered.

(quotes taken from #bbctorchcam live-text commentary on the BBC Torch Relay (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day10) Page.)

[Sallydaisy]

May 28th: Aberystwyth to Bangor

Anyone else remember the song Day Trip to Bangor???

Didn't we have a lovely time
The day we went to Bangor
A beautiful day, we had lunch on the way
And all for under a pound, you know
That on the way back I cuddled with Jack
And we opened a bottle of cider
Singing a few of our favourite songs
As the wheels went around

Well, they certainly had a 'beautiful day' for the torch relay didn't they?

Ahead of Bangor though there were some lovely Welsh towns to visit.
Anyone been up Cader Idris??? Well one of the routes starts near this place.

1026: What a welcome in Machynlleth for the Olympic torch as crowds line the streets of the picturesque market town. The torch is wending its way around Dolgellau which is set in the southern part of the Snowdonia National Park, at the foot of the Cader Idris mountain range and is a popular base for hiking tourists, so we're told.
http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/60526000/jpg/_60526987_mach.jpg




1202: Elin Owen (http://www.london2012.com/torch-relay/torchbearers/torchbearers=tracy-thomas-578/index.html), 18, from Llanrug is carrying the torch on the last leg of the journey before it goes on the steam train at Blaenau Ffestiniog. She told the BBC earlier: "I'm really, really excited. The hype has been sky high and the fact it is so close to home is something you really want to experience."
1319: Huw Jenkins has tweeted (https://twitter.com/NaturCymru/status/207078336856469504) some lovely footage of the torch's journey on the Ffestiniog Railway. Top work Huw.
1215: Torchbearer Elin Owen is now on the train with the flame, which is being carried in a lamp by police.
http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/60533000/jpg/_60533305_train.jpg
1217: Here is the torch arriving on the Ffestiniog Railway. Dave Dulin of BBC Wales said trains hooted as the flame arrived. Torchbearer Elin Owen said it was "absolutely amazing".



1354: The Queen's Jubilee is almost upon us but the bunting is coloured red, white and green in Wales rather than red, white and blue. BBC Wales reporter Arwyn Jones summed up the scene in Porthmadog: "The high street has long been festooned with flags bearing the cross of St David and Owain Glyndwr."

Jones added that the torch is also heading to Pwllheli Sailing Club, which many residents hoped would host the Olympic sailing competitions. Pwllheli lost out to Weymouth, but is still open to sailing competitors looking for a pre-Games training venue.



http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRRfyCgmR_7dBrgK2n33SG4337Euppmn 7ZWgpG4vraDeyYQzSQAQgMnA1KOPA

1635: The torch has a quick photo op outside Caernarfon Castle and is being carried alongside wheelchair-user Peter Pearse (http://www.london2012.com/torch-relay/torchbearers/torchbearers=peter-pearse-2588/index.html), 41. He has been head coach for Boccia Wales since 2007 and is also GB performance coach, having been involved with the sport for more than 20 years.

In 2010, his squad won countless titles across the UK and Europe, and his Boccia athletes are on the GB fast-track program aiming for a place at London 2012.
Peter was the Sport Wales Coach to Disbaled Sports People Coach of the Year in 2010, as well as the Sport Wales Coach of the Year.




1805: The current runner, Elin Haf Davies (http://www.london2012.com/torch-relay/torchbearers/torchbearers=elin-davies-6793/index.html), 35, from Bala, has rowed across the Atlantic and Indian oceans and raised more than £250,000 for charities. She is running from Bangor High Street to the clock tower.

Ahead of her relay leg, she told BBC Wales' Kevin Leonard: "I am feeling incredibly excited and it's brilliant the sun is shining in Wales. To have the Olympic torch here is great and I hope it will inspire local children to take up sport, and hopefully we will see one of them at the Olympics in future."
Up ahead there are Beautiful scenes at the Faenol estate - bathed in sunshine with the mountains of Snowdonia in the distance as a backdrop to the stage.




1831: And the torch makes its way towards the Faenol estate where the final runner of the day is bass baritone legend Bryn Terfel.

With career highlights including the starring in Strauss's Salome, singing Figaro and performing the title role of Don Giovanni, Terfel was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 2003.

He is also President of the Welsh homelessness charity Shelter Cymru and is Patron of Bobath Children's Therapy Centre Wales. He's a longstanding patron of the Welsh language and Welsh culture.
He will light the cauldron as part of the evening that includes a performance from rock band Kids in Glass Houses.
http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/60544000/jpg/_60544257_faenol.jpg



So, it's goodnight from me, and goodnight from him ...

http://www.andymurrayfanforum.com/images/smileys/olympics.gif

(quotes taken from #bbctorchcam live-text commentary on the BBC Torch Relay (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day10) Page.)

[Sallydaisy]

May 29th: Beaumaris to Chester
... and a spot of mountain climbing!!!

:olympics:

The torch makes it's way across the north coast of Wales today, via seaside resorts and castles (Llandudno, Conwy and Rhyl), on it's route back into England.

It'll be taking a lifeboat trip, a train ride up Mount Snowdon and a lift in a cable car to scale the Great Orme - the limestone headland on the Creuddyn Peninsula in Llandudno. It'll be carried across the border by gymnast Beth Tweddle and the last bearer will be jockey Jason Maguire, who will ride 2011 Chester Cup winner Overturn on the final leg into The Roodee at Chester.

The flame will be greeted at the top of Mt Snowdon by mountaineer Sir Chris Bonnington, at the place he began is career more than 60 years ago.

It's been another early start for the Olympic flame - and the lifeboat ride.
Here's the crew.
http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/60550000/jpg/_60550524_crew.jpg


0717: The torchbearer is now getting on to an Atlantic 85 RNLI lifeboat for a 15-minute trip across the Menai Strait.
0730: The flame is now on the lifeboat headed to the treborth side of the Menai bridge where BBC journalist Emma Thomas says: "Torch tea party ready and waiting."
0743: Meanwhile a convoy of some 20 boats is accompanying the flame up the Menai Strait.
http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/60550000/jpg/_60550526_boats.jpg


0802: And now the flame is travelling across the Menai Suspension Bridge which links the island of Anglesey and the Welsh mainland. Designed by Thomas Telford and completed in 1826, it was the world's first modern suspension bridge.

And onto Conwy with it's castle:
http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQAa7HbNpQlMPGG5O41et9Be-IX3vJVoi1Izh-PsYFukai0FPGZJw

0848: The town is jam packed and people are hanging out of windows to cheer Sarah Thomas (http://www.london2012.com/torch-relay/torchbearers/torchbearers=sarah-thomas-2856/index.html), 31, as she passes with the flame. Sarah is an academic and teacher but also finds time to compete in contests such as the Ironman UK Triathlon and Ultraman Canada Championships.

She was the first ever person from Wales to represent the UK in its 25 year history. She ran 84km, cycled 418k and swam 10k in aid of Dolen Cymru - a charity dedicated to creating life changing links in terms of education, health, governance and civil society.




As ever the BBC website is providing great coverage of the torch relay and lots of other news of London2012 here (http://www.bbc.co.uk/2012/).

(extracts from #bbctorchcam live-text commentary on the BBC Torch Relay (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day11)Page.)

[Sallydaisy]

To avoid confusion it's worth pointing out that there are 2 torch 'relays' in action today.
:olympics::olympics:
Just to explain what's going to happen ... They've taken a flame in a lantern on the train to the summit of Snowdon. When the last bearer has run in Llandudno, they'll pack that flame away in a lantern then light a torch on top of the mountain.

So, the first torch is following the road trail shown on the interactive map on the BBC torchcam page. It's now gone thru' Conwy and it's spectacular castle (http://www.conwy.com/)and is headed through Deganwy on it's way to Llandudno where it'll scale the Great Orme in a funicular car.
Torchcam is accompanying this part of the relay.

The second torch has left Llanberris on board the Blaenau Ffestiniog railway (http://www.snowdonrailway.co.uk/index.php). Sir Chris Bonnington, the torch bearer for this trip, says he has climbed to the top of the mountain "20 to 30 times" but has "never gone by train".
The sun is shining so there will hopefully be some great pictures coming up soon!!!


0910: The train has left to take the Olympic flame to the summit of Snowdon and the journey takes about an hour. Hopefully we'll have pictures from the BBC News helicopter to show you the view.

0929: BBC Wales's Anna Marie Jones watched the train arrive at the summit of Snowdon.
http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/60552000/jpg/_60552682_snowdon.jpg


0955: In Llandudno the flame is back in the lantern and the action is starting on Snowdon.

(extracts from #bbctorchcam live-text commentary on the BBC Torch Relay (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day11)Page.)

[Sallydaisy]

Here's a picture of Sir Chris Bonnington holding the Olympic flame aloft on top of Snowdon.

http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/60550000/png/_60550530_chris.jpg.png


The clouds have cleared over Snowdon and Sir Chris Bonington has carried a lit torch up to the very top. Arms aloft he clambers among the crowds that have gathered to witness this special moment on the mountain that Sir Chris has climbed 20 or 30 times. Smiling broadly, Sir Chris climbs on to the trig point with the torch as TV camera crews and photographers get their shot. After his momentous occasion the climber steadily walks back down from the trig point, being congratulated all the way and stopping for photos.


1020: After the excitment of Snowdon the flame is now taking a ride on the Great Orme Cable Car. Built in 1969 the cable car travels from the Happy Valley to the Great Orme Summit and, at more than one mile each way, claims to be the longest Aerial Cabin Lift in the UK.

(extracts from #bbctorchcam live-text commentary on the BBC Torch Relay (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day11)Page.)

[cazza99]

Thanks Sally. I was wondering how they were going to get the torch up Snowden when I saw the timetable.

Chris Bonnington is surprisingly little for a mountaineer. Many years ago I was rock climbing on a short route next to the one he was doing, and I found it hard to believe how little he was. He was quite a friendly and helpful guy too.

[Sallydaisy]

There was a programme on BBC4 recently about climbing the North Face of the Eiger and Bonnington was one of the presenters so I didn't see how tall or short he was 'cos he was sitting down.
:laugh:

erm, but the programme was excellent and brought back memories of ski-ing holidays up there. We did the train journey up through the mountain to the ridge between the Eiger and Jungfrau via an ice station and a stop to look out of a window cut into the Eiger North face. Scary!!! Can't imagine anyone sane wanting to clamber up that thing.

[cazza99]

Well we certainly weren't next to him on the North Face of the Eiger. It was just a quarrey in Yorkshire or Lancashire :rolling:
I could never work out why people wanted to do the dangerous stuff like the Eiger either - I never tried snow and ice climbing and didn't particluarly want to.

[RoastLamb]

Conwy castle is gorgeous! It's like something straight out of a Disney princess movie.

[Sallydaisy]

May 29th: Beaumaris to Chester

There's been some stunning scenery on show today on torchcam - but the relay is over for today and the flame is bedding down in Chester for the night. Here's a link to the Snowdonia website (http://www.snowdoniaguide.com/index.html) to catch up on the area.

As ever it's been carried by some inspirational members of the general public who have done much for charities both local and national and involved schoolchildren, oldsters and those less able.

Here's one or two snippets from the Beeb:


1150: The torch is passed from Konstantin Raykin to 24-year-old Jay Lusted (http://www.london2012.com/torch-relay/torchbearers/torchbearers=james-lusted-1215/index.html), who has a dwarfism, but is said by the person who nominated him to have "the personality, charisma and passion of a man 10 times his size". He is a keen badminton player and has won the Welsh Junior Sports Personality award three years in a row. "Come on Jay" is the shout of encouragement from a member of the crowd as he rounds a corner.

1208:Kelly Davies (http://www.london2012.com/torch-relay/torchbearers/torchbearers=kelly-davies-1667/index.html), 28, now has the flame. She captains the Wales ladies football team. She has been named as runner-up in the Wales 'Social Enterprise Leader' of the year and also won the 'Inspire Wales' (Sport) award.

She gets huge cheers from the crowds.
She told the BBC, "It was great, fantastic - I'm very proud. I was fortunate getting this leg - I was only told today."




1430: The last person in Kinmel Bay is Nicki Cockburn (http://www.london2012.com/torch-relay/torchbearers/search/index.htmx?q=cockburn), 34. She was born blind with a rare genetic disorder. Despite this she has raised over £25,000 for charities by organising events such as themed social nights, walking 173 miles along canal paths and completing the Great North Run.

1450: There could be a bit of jostling for position for the torch as next up is a posse of pupils from Rhyl High School. There are 10 in all - Emilie Revitt, Emily Thornton, Hal Shepherd, James Morgan, Rebecca Ogden, Beth Jamieson, Dylan Evans, Liam Roberts, Jacob Parry and Carl Higginson.

The school has been selected because it's using this summer's Olympic and Paralympic Games to raise awareness of Olympic values which are - in case you've forgotten - respect, excellence friendship and the Paralympic values of courage, determination, inspiration and equality.




1502: BBC Wales reporter Dave Dulin says residents of Rhuddlan have spent much of the day getting ready to welcome the torch relay. As you can see from this photo, Chris and Caroline Lindsay were up early to put the bunting out in Rhuddlan, which is the next stop on the route after Rhyl.

"When you get to my age, this is the only time you're likely to see the Olympic torch coming through," said Chris. "This (bunting) just had to be done. It went up at 8am. It's nice to see everybody out and it's something to celebrate."
http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/60564000/jpg/_60564277_rhuddlan.jpg




1544: A crowd surrounds the torch and strikes up a chorus of "Oggy, oggy, oggy, oi, oi, oi" as the flame is whisked into the lantern for a more substantial journey to Connah's Quay. It's the largest town in Flintshire and lies near the border with England. The torch flirts close to the border before ducking over into Chester a bit later on today.

1616: Former Olympic wrestler Brian Aspen, 53, picks up the torch. Brian competed for Britain in the Olympic wrestling competitions in 1980 and 1984, but he achieved his biggest success when he won the Commonwealth Games gold medal in Brisbane in 1982 in the bantamweight class.

He also won two other Commonwealth medals to match the total of his father, Albert, who competed at the Games from 1958 to 1966, as well as a silver at the 1984 European Championships.




1723: Will this relay leg feel as long as War and Peace for Vladimir Tolstoy? The 49-year-old from Moscow is the great-great-grandson of the author of that famous tome, Russian writer Leo Tolstoy.

Along with other Tolstoy family members, Vladimir takes an active role in Tolstoy's Legacy Foundation, which focuses on humanitarian, cultural and educational projects.




1734: The torch is raised aloft by Olympic prospect Beth Tweddle. The Cheshire local is set to compete in her third Olympics in London this summer - and hopes to win her first medal in the Games in the process.

The British gymnast won gold in the uneven bars in the last big multi-sport event in the UK - the Commonwealth Games in Manchester in 2002. The 27-year-old has also won six golds at the European Championships and three at the World Championships during her career.
Tweddle has recently recovered from a knee injury (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/olympics/17843966) but should be a major medal prospect at the home games.




Beth handed over to Ian Powell:

1741:The torch nestles in the wheelchair of Ian Powell (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-merseyside-18206005), who suffers from spina bifida. He is constantly having to undergo medical attention but despite all this, he has raised money for charity by organising a quiz and also coaches his local junior wheelchair basketball team.
Here's an earlier photo of them before they set off in the van for the bearer duties:
http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/60566000/jpg/_60566315_bethtorch.jpg


Here's the moment the torch crossed the Welsh-English border as Andrea Maguire passes the flame on to Lucy Doherty.
http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/60569000/jpg/_60569930_torchkiss.jpg

And how about this little chap? Uncertain if this is a British bulldog but Buster definitely is patriotic.
http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/60569000/jpg/_60569932_busterdog.jpg


1758: So, the torch is now in its last destination for the day, the historic city of Chester. Built on the banks of the river Dee, Chester was founded by the Romans in AD79. It's being carried through the streets now by Conor Keohane.

What makes Chester Football Club's Deva Stadium special?
Well, it has the unusual distinction of having the Wales-England border running through the middle of the ground. Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, the arena's pitch is in Wales with the offices and front gate being located in England. The newly-formed club, replacing the former Football League club who were wound up in 2010, are on the up having won promotion to the Conference North at the end of last season.





1836: Riding the flame into Chester Racecourse on the back of a horse will be the day's last torchbearer, jockey Jason Maguire. The 32-year-old, the nephew of former jockey Adrian Maguire, won last year's Grand National on 14/1 shot Ballybriggs (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/other_sports/horse_racing/9451559.stm) in his ninth appearance in the race. Maguire is being reunited for this special ride with his former mount Overturn. Chester is the oldest racecourse in England. The first recorded race was held there in 1539, under the reign of Henry VIII.

World champion and Olympic rowing medallist Rebecca Romero will also be welcomed on stage. Chester Racecourse tweets (https://twitter.com/ChesterRaces/status/207436176926326784/photo/1)this picture saying a marquee is up and they are setting up for polo.

The torch hasn't finally left Wales; tomorrow it leaves Chester and detours briefly back into the Principality to Wrexham before heading to Stoke-on-Trent via Much Wenlock home of the man who inspired the modern Olympic Games.

Photos from today can be found here. (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-18247448)

:olympics:
(extracts from #bbctorchcam live-text commentary on the BBC Torch Relay (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day11)Page.)

[Sallydaisy]

May 30th: Chester to Stoke-on-Trent
... and the flame passes through Much Wenlock

:olympics:

The importance of the Wenlock Olympian Games (http://www.wenlock-olympian-society.org.uk/olympian-games/index.shtml), a forerunner to the modern Olympics, will be marked on day 12 of the torch relay from Chester to Stoke. (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day12)The Games were founded in 1850 by Dr William Penny Brookes, who lived in the Shropshire town of Much Wenlock, which is one of Wednesday's stops.

Dr Penny Brookes (http://www.bbc.co.uk/schoolreport/18250979) wanted to see his vision for sporting competition on a grander stage and invited Baron Pierre de Coubertin to visit the Wenlock Games in 1890. Four years later, the Baron founded the International Olympic Congress and in 1896, the first summer Olympics took place in Athens. The Wenlock Games still take place each July at seven locations across Shropshire, with the town remaining as the focal point. This aspect is reflected in the 4yearly Olympic games when a central city is chosen which usually has satellite venues around the host country.

The torch begins it's day in Chester and heads briefly back into Wales to Wrexham and then travels via the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct where it'll be placed on a boat for a trip along the Llangollen Canal. The relay will then progress through border towns, including Oswestry and Welshpool, before turning east towards Shrewsbury and arriving in Much Wenlock. It then goes onto Telford and over the famous 230yr old Ironbridge, before heading to Stafford and it's overnight stop at Stoke-on-Trent.


http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/60563000/jpg/_60563922_bridge.jpg
The Olympic flame will be carried over the 230-year-old Iron Bridge

Among the torchbearers in Much Wenlock will be Olympic bronze-medal winning archer Alison Williamson, (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/olympics/18002540)who is set to compete for Team GB for the sixth time later this summer, and 83-year-old Ron Miles (http://www.london2012.com/torch-relay/torchbearers/torchbearers=ronald-miles-1329/index.html), who was born and bred in the county, served in the army and later became one of the first volunteer helpers at the Ironbridge Gorge museum near Telford, one of the later points along the route.
Later the 1988 GB hockey gold medallist Imran Sherwani will carry the flame.
Sherwani, one of only two Olympic gold medallists from Stoke, scored twice in a 3-1 victory over Germany in the final in Seoul (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/olympics_2004/hockey/3861363.stm).

The BBC has archived every day of the torch journey so far so if you've missed your particular town or area you can check back and read about it.

Here's an image (courtesy horsejunkiesunited.com) of Wenlock and the flame.
http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTd22yc926g4T-BotRf7r_9YSIXucYxNLqHZlLHYB1ztU8rcgMY93qKvuQ

(extracts from the BBC here (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-18252601) and the torchcam/livefeed page for 30/5/2012 here (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day12))

[Sallydaisy]

Another early start ....... but the streets of Chester were already busy with people cheering the torch out of the town (something they know that we don't?). It then headed south and over the border into Wrexham.

0721: BBC reporter Kevin Leonard says hundreds of people have gathered at Llwyn Isaf, the open space next to Wrexham's Guildhall, for an event with local school children and performers.
He says its "a surreal sight at seven in the morning".

http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/60575000/jpg/_60575427_12_wrexham.jpg
It's early, but it's crowded, in Wrexham

0728: Wrexham, the torch has arrived. First to take up the flame here is John Atkinson of the British Olympic Association. People have lined the streets on both sides here to watch him run.
The Olympic gymnastics coach is off at a steady walk right now.

[Sallydaisy]

Wrexham: Big shout out to forum member Michelle!!!
:dance:

She DID get up early to see the Olympic torch go past her window (where's the piccies???) but more importantly it's her birthday ......

Michelle ‏@_Michelle_x_x_x (https://twitter.com/#!/_Michelle_x_x_x)
Im up! Its ma birfdayyy! :)) waitin for the torch at the end of t'street
That was pretty damn cool! Glad i got up now! #OlympicTorch (https://twitter.com/#!/search/%23OlympicTorch)



And here are her photos (off twitter) - many thanks _Michelle_x_x

https://twitpic.com/show/large/9qvqod

https://twitpic.com/show/large/9qvquv

https://twitpic.com/show/large/9qvr01

:olympics:

[_Michelle_x_x]

thanks for that sally, ive just been trying to upload them on here and it wasnt working! x

[cazza99]

Thanks for the piccies Michelle. :)

[Jan]

great pics Michelle - and happy birthday!:flowers:

[davech]

Thanks for the photos, Michelle! And Happy Birthday!

[Sallydaisy]

Just an update on our flame bearing friend ......
:olympics:

After leaving Wrexham the torch headed down thru' Trevor, Oswestry and Pant to Welshpool before finally leaving Wales and over the border on to Shrewsbury. It then went on to Much Wenlock, Ironbridge, Telford, Newport, Stafford and finally to Stoke.

Here's a few pictures and memories of the day - as ever from the BBC webpage. (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day12)

0921: BBC Wales' Dave Dulin says there were big cheers as the torch arrived at the Llangollen canal.

The torch is carried along the waterside
http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/60577000/jpg/_60577296_12_canal_welcome.jpg

and then drawn across the Viaduct in the traditional manner!
http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRKhBiaHGoOtx21txXWqEfe06EugplhJ L8PEQY3mHG9lCXYH9uC

A sea of red, white and green to greet the torch in Oswestry
http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/60577000/jpg/_60577300_12_pupils_canal.jpg


Crowds line the winding street in Welshpool
http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/60579000/jpg/_60579361_12_welshpool_arwyn.jpg


1525: BBC Radio Wales look back at the torch's journey across Wales here. (http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p00t8zfc)




Shrewsbury - which has both an English Bridge and a Welsh Bridge!!!


1230: A beaming smile from Rachel Harvey (http://www.london2012.com/torch-relay/torchbearers/torchbearers=rachel-harvey-5275/index.html), 40, as she begins her leg of the relay.

She has had major brain surgery after being diagnosed with a brain lesion in 2006 and underwent three operations during which time she lost her brother to cancer. She has run the Great North Run and London Marathon for charity.
She told BBC Radio Shropshire: "It's incredible. The turnout just overwhelms you on the bus. Everybody in Shrewsbury should be proud of themselves because they've made it amazing."




Much Wenlock

1425: The relay is back after lunch and first to take up the torch after lunch is a woman who is likely to run straight and true over her 300m of the relay. Allison Williamson is a British archer who has competed in five Olympic Games and won bronze at Athens 2004.

1433: She will pass the torch to Isobel Cotham (http://www.london2012.com/torch-relay/torchbearers/torchbearers=isobel-cotham-3655/index.html) whose family have been competing at the Much Wenlock Olympics for the past 16 years. We will bring you pictures via torchcam as soon as the torch relay convoy comes back into an area with 3G signal.
Packed streets in Much Wenlock


http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/60587000/jpg/_60587932_12_wenlock.jpg

The torch went to Much Wenlock earlier and you can watch a video of its visit here. (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-18268608)

Ironbridge

1513: The torch has arrived in Ironbridge and the bikes are unloaded from the security bus. It's home to the world's first iron bridge, and a crucible of the industrial revolution. Torchcam parts from the torch relay for part of the way here, as the busses cannot follow the runners across the landmark. BBC Radio Shropshire's Liz Roberts in Ironbridge said: "The atmosphere is amazing - the crowds are around eight to ten deep as they gather around the iron bridge itself. It's been closed to members of the public but that hasn't stopped people trying to get near it for a photo opportunity."
1519: There's the bridge, with the torchbearer coming across it, and Chariots of Fire played by a brass band.The crowds are out in force here at this landmark, and have been there across Shropshire - the council estimates 10,000 people watched the relay in Much Wenlock and 6,000 in Benthall and Broseley combined.


1519: There's the bridge, with the torchbearer coming across it, and Chariots of Fire played by a brass band.

The crowds are out in force here at this landmark, and have been there across Shropshire - the council estimates 10,000 people watched the relay in Much Wenlock and 6,000 in Benthall and Broseley combined.






http://ichef.bbci.co.uk/torchrelay/day_images/passthrough/day12_morning.jpg


"Come on Ricky, Come on Ricky" is the huge chant from the crowd, as he makes his way up the hill.

His nomination says: "Ricky is one of the world's bravest soldiers.
"Not only has this legend adapted to living without both of his legs, left eye and fingers from both hands, but this guy has shown strength, determination and above all courage.
"Ricky risked his own life several times to help save wounded comrades whilst out serving in Afghanistan before his tragic IED attack.
"Ricky is a true hero who is passionate about his country and who I believe should hold the Olympic Touch for England to represent our country."



1759: Back to Ricky Furgusson (1551 & 1453). He has been on the BBC News Channel talking about taking part in the relay (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-18272418) and said: "You've got two choices in life, sit and do nothing and get depressed or put your legs on and live your life as exactly as you did before and that's exactly what I do. This is a once in a lifetime chance. I knew it was going to be busy but it was absolutely mental. Never say never, just because you're injured your life shouldn't be different.
"That's why I won a Military Cross in Afghanistan as I treated injured blokes when they got injured. People say I'm a national hero but as far as I'm concerned I've done my job. I just hope people understand that life is never over if you've been injured. We don't let it stop us. It's a big steep hill pushing up here but I was determined to get to the top and I did."




Denise Lewis in Stafford
http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/60587000/jpg/_60587638_deniselewis.jpg


1447: Denise Lewis, who won heptathlon gold at the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, dropped in on Stafford Sports College ahead of the torch relay visit this morning. She was helping students prepare for National School Sports Week 2012.

Stoke:
http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/60602000/jpg/_60602630_imran.jpg

Imran Sherwani carries the torch into Hanley Park
1908: Hot off the press: the moment Imran Sherwani carries the torch into its final destination on day 12, Stoke-on-Trent's Hanley Park.



(extracts from the BBC torchcam page here (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day12))

[Sallydaisy]

May 31st: Stoke-on-Trent to Bolton
... avoiding Liverpool and Manchester but not avoiding the rain!!!

:olympics:
On the road again, in fact on the road for 2 hours already!!!
Today the torch will travel 108 miles, being carried by 135 torchbearers through "the Potteries" (http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=the potteries&source=web&cd=4&sqi=2&ved=0CGUQFjAD&url=http%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FThe_Pot teries_Urban_Area&ei=3izHT5GHKc7sOc6gidIO&usg=AFQjCNHcknLnzTQ6TZKdEOxEcPAwUT-K9Q&cad=rja), then on to Crewe (better known as a railway junction), Congleton, Macclesfield, Knutsford (home to a lot of footballers), Tatton Park (fantastic gardens (http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/tattonpark)), Widnes, Warrington and Wigan (the Pier?).

The torch ends the day in Bolton where the last bearer will be Amir Khan. "It is an honour for me to hold the torch, especially in the streets where I was growing up," the 25-year-old said. "Not many boxers get the chance to do this and I am one of the few. When I saw a boxer hold the torch it was Muhammad Ali [in 1996] – one day I can tell my kids and grandkids that I did it." The Olympics are particularly special for Khan, who won lightweight silver at the Athens Games in 2004, aged 17.

Not sure if any rugby players are lined up to be torch bearers in those last few towns but Olympic bobsleigher Jazmin Sawyers tweets (https://twitter.com/JazminJayne/status/208065010830802944/photo/1): "All ready to carry the flame! Sat having a lovely chat with another torchbearer Cyril (http://www.london2012.com/torch-relay/torchbearers/torchbearers=cyril-baker-4683/index.html), getting very excited."

http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/60607000/jpg/_60607611_sawyers.jpg


0655: Good morning! Welcome to day 13 of the Olympic torch relay! Despite the rain, there's still a healthy crowd outside the Potteries Museum and Gallery to greet the first runner of the day...

0658: And that runner is Stoke City Football Club manager Tony Pulis, whose torch has just been lit from the overnight lantern as flag-waving schoolchildren cheer him on.The 54-year-old has raised more than £100,000 this year for a local children's hospice by running the London Marathon and climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. He is taking time off from a 960-mile charity bike ride from John O'Groats to Land's End to carry the torch.
http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/60607000/jpg/_60607277_pulis.jpg


0717: There are some umbrellas among the crowd in Stoke-on-Trent this morning - the skies are grey and overcast but that hasn't stopped the crowds coming out to see the Olympic flame, which is burning brightly in the morning gloom.

0736: BBC Radio Stoke's Chris King in Burslem says the crowd in Burslem is very noisy: "People have brought hand-bells with them to ring as the torch comes through the Mother town. If people aren't awake yet, they will be when this lot are finished cheering and shouting."

0755: Today'll be a test for the torchbearers' all-weather gear. BBC Radio Manchester's Alice Gregr in Macclesfield - where the flame is due in a couple of hours - reports that a rainy welcome is in store for the torch as it nears the north Cheshire - Greater Manchester border."It's bucketing down", she says.


(extracts and images from torchcam/livefeed on the BBC website (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay))

[Sallydaisy]

May 31st: Stoke-on-Trent to Bolton

http://m.london2012.com/mm/Photo/TorchRelay/General/01/25/65/06/1256506_M07.jpg
Did we mention that the Olympic flame was paying a visit to Jodrell Bank (http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=jodrell bank&source=web&cd=3&sqi=2&ved=0CG8QFjAC&url=http%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FJodrell _Bank_Observatory&ei=6WXIT6qJEsrH0QXQ0JG0AQ&usg=AFQjCNGKUd2FgNduikmnQ3lFEl6hnobiCw&cad=rja)today? The celebrity tasked with that bit of the 'run' was Liverpool comedian John Bishop. (http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=john bishop commedian&source=web&cd=3&ved=0CIMBEBYwAg&url=http%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FJohn_Bi shop_(comedian)&ei=0WXIT4XlAoal0AXt18ClAQ&usg=AFQjCNFsTPFJiOasby0ZnKUtGhAkoVM_SA&cad=rja) Locog employed the same system as they had in Wales; when the torch arrived at Tatton Park (http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=tatton park&source=web&cd=1&sqi=2&ved=0CG8QFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.tattonpark.org.uk%2F&ei=AWbIT76SPIyEhQfI-dXdDw&usg=AFQjCNHZPjxCB3MtKoBbZlHqgiBoKP3Mww&cad=rja) the flame was put back into it's lamp and a new flame lit from a lamp at Jodrell Bank a few miles away.

http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/60625000/jpg/_60625886_jodrell_bishop2.jpg

The 45-year-old carried the flame 80m (262ft) up the Lovell telescope in the pouring rain to strike a pose. Bishop said his experience at Cheshire’s Jodrell Bank Observatory had been ‘windy, wet and scary’. He added: ‘I drive past it every day taking the kids to school but never thought I would stand on it. ‘It is just a shame we couldn’t do it on a nicer day but it sums up what foreigners can expect when they come over for the Olympics – you are going to get wet.’ Keen sportsman Bishop has raised £3.4million for the BBC charity Sport Relief after carrying out a Week Of Hell triathlon earlier this year.

It saw him cycle from the Eiffel Tower in Paris to Calais, row across the English Channel and run from Dover to London’s Trafalgar Square, all in the space of five days.


TV’s Kirsty Gallacher (http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=kirsty gallacher&source=web&cd=1&sqi=2&ved=0CFEQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FKirsty_ Gallacher&ei=HmfIT53PCOis0QW2-LnsAQ&usg=AFQjCNH9Q_w_ecO4D9_hwzhAlT-ldLEqfA&cad=rja)carried the flame through Warrington.

http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/60625000/jpg/_60625547_kirsty_gallagher_wigan_torch_pa.jpg




Olympic silver medallist Amir Khan lights the cauldron as the Olympic flame ends the day in Bolton.

http://db3.stb.s-msn.com/i/75/01B45F37DD121F132D8EBC246EAC4.jpg


As ever there have been many inspiring stories about the torch bearers and it's well worth reading the BBC live feed for each day to see why they've been chosen for the honour of carrying the flame. The BBC helpfully reverses the chronological order of previous day's reports so they're easier to read - check it all out here. (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay)


:olympics:
(extracts and images from torchcam/livefeed on the BBC website (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay))

[Sallydaisy]

June 1st - Bolton to Liverpool
Welcome to day 14 of the Olympic torch relay - and it's June already!!!
:olympics:

Today the flame is making its way from Bolton to Liverpool.It will be carried by ferry from Birkenhead and visit Aintree (http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=aintree&source=web&cd=1&sqi=2&ved=0CGIQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.aintree.co.uk%2F&ei=72zIT6mZFu210QWfkLnsAQ&usg=AFQjCNGO2NTqFj6E69Y0DBmevS8yb3BUKw&cad=rja), the home of the famous Grand National race meeting and Knowsley Safari Park (http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=knowsley safari park&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CHwQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.knowsleysafariexperience.co.u k%2F&ei=Fm3IT5X_HcOk0AWr17XeAQ&usg=AFQjCNEqN3nmMcf45HiauUI4opVtV2fhAA&cad=rja).The torch will be carried by Olympic track cycling champion Chris Boardman MBE (http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=chris boardman&source=web&cd=2&sqi=2&ved=0CIABEBYwAQ&url=http%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FChris_B oardman&ei=Km3IT9CCCaSA0AXN0eDfAQ&usg=AFQjCNFTDGehjRuGWaG0UO89i3VfDyKkLg&cad=rja) - who is from West Kirby - and former Spice Girl Mel C.

As well as boarding a ferry across the Mersey later, the flame is due to go to Horwich, Chorley, (http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=chorley&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CGgQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.chorley.gov.uk%2F&ei=km3IT8eOOcqq0QXuiZjZAQ&usg=AFQjCNGe-U-pVJ91hSrdcuag4b63YDDnFQ&cad=rja) Euxton, Croston, Burscough, Ormskirk, Southport, Ainsdale, Formby, Crosby, St Helen's (http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=st helens&source=web&cd=4&ved=0CIEBEBYwAw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FSt_Hele ns%2C_Merseyside&ei=TG3IT_LBEO2M0wXvuNS3AQ&usg=AFQjCNG_PT3ffj6HD5MubnC65tWOzkQYvA&cad=rja), Knowsley Safari Park, Huyton, Knotty Ash (http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=knotty ash&source=web&cd=1&sqi=2&ved=0CGkQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FKnotty_ Ash&ei=bW3IT_n-MMSo0AXRg5HSAQ&usg=AFQjCNEc5ib64xGLByvyvlR1IQqle363yw&cad=rja) and Old Swan.
During the torch's visit to Aintree racecourse it will be taken through the grandstands and out on to the racecourse. It'll be taken to Birkenhead and then take a ferry across the Mersey to it's evening venue at Liverpool Pier Head where the cauldron will be lit.

0606: a very early start out of Bolton! The first of the 157 torchbearers of the day will be 16-year-old Antony Evitts from Bolton, and he's due to get things under way shortly on a grey day in the north west. : There's a small but enthusiastic crowd chasing Antony (http://www.london2012.com/torch-relay/torchbearers/torchbearers=antony-evitts-5698/index.html) down the streets of Bolton. He has represented the England Talent Programme from a young age, being ranked in the top six in Great Britain in four events since he was 11.
His biggest achievement to date is qualifying for two events in the 2010 British Championships, where he competed against the best swimmers in Great Britain. He won the Bolton Sport and Physical Activity Award (BOSPAA) for Sports Achiever of the Year in 2010 and aims to represent Great Britain at the 2016 Olympic Games in Brazil.

0639: Earnest Hatcliff, affectionately known as Uncle Mike, who was an an Olympic swimmer for Great Britain at the 1956 Games, takes up the torch. He has devoted his life to teaching sport and in 1971 started his own school of swimming in Lytham St Annes. Aged 78 he still works as swimming teacher six days a week and he estimates he has taught around 42,000 children to swim.

http://m.london2012.com/mm/Photo/TorchRelay/General/01/25/65/06/1256506_M07.jpg

Follow the torch through the day on the BBC website - link below.

(extracts from the BBC torchrelay webpage (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay))

[Sallydaisy]

We are hoping for one or two photographic contributions from forum members who saw the torch today so I'll leave this blank to add them in if they post.

[Sallydaisy]

June 1st - Bolton to Liverpool

:olympics:

More to follow but the flame has now 'docked' in Liverpool having travelled to the Quayside this evening by ferry.


Iraq war veteran Craig Lundberg, who will carry the flame off the ferry before lighting the cauldron tweets (https://twitter.com/craiglundberg/status/208540372991877120/photo/1): "Proud to be carrying the flame across the Mersey tonight. What a privilege :-)"
http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/60653000/jpg/_60653722_craig.jpg


There is a flotilla of small boats accompanying the ferry across the river, with both sides of the Mersey glowing in the evening sun. Liverpool is looking stunning.

The BBC's Robert Hall in Liverpool on the News Channel: "We estimate there are 20-21,000 people packing the area in front of the Liver Building by the stage on which the cauldron with the Olympic flame will be lit at about 7.15 this evening. The torch has already been in Liverpool and journeyed through the Wallasey Tunnel to Birkenhead before going on the ferry.
http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/60629000/jpg/_60629295_mersey_ferry.jpg

[MurrayAOne]

Saw the Olympic torch at Pier Head today. Thousands of people and weather brilliant. Great evening!

[Sallydaisy]

Saw the Olympic torch at Pier Head today. Thousands of people and weather brilliant. Great evening!

It sounded as though Liverpool was packed this evening to see the torch arrive.
Lucky you to be able to see it.
Did you get any photos by any chance that we might be able to add in?

[Sallydaisy]

June 2nd: Liverpool to Belfast
A spot of island hopping today ...

:olympics:

By plane, train, tram, motorbike and lifeboat - the torch is on and off islands today. England first as it leaves Liverpool by air to travel to the Isle of Man and later this afternoon back to the skies for a flight to Belfast to begin a tour of Northern Ireland.

The flame will be flown from Liverpool on British Airways plane 'The Firefly' (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-18006750) landing at Ronaldsway Airport on the Isle of Man, home of the famous TT Races (http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=tt races&source=web&cd=3&sqi=2&ved=0CIMBEBYwAg&url=http%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FIsle_of _Man_TT&ei=v8bJT7fuN8mR0QWZ4snLAQ&usg=AFQjCNHQzJ9ZczqYt1ogJY3EpXw9nc0Xgw&cad=rja). The first torchbearer of the day, Leanne Harper, is due to set off from the National Sports Centre in Douglas at 10:25 BST. She has Cystic Fibrosis and will do a lap of the athletics track at the centre. In 2012 Leanne climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, raising more than £12,000 for CF Research.

Day 15 also sees it travel by lifeboat as the RNLI was founded in 1824 by Sir William Hillary, who lived in Douglas, IoM. 2 torchbearers on the day will be the institution's employees - Juan Howland, 39, and Simon Mcferran, 40.

Paralympic medallist Ian Sharpe, 41, has competed for Great Britain since 1984 and will also carry the flame. The visually-impaired athlete was born in the Isle of Man and has won five silver and five bronze Paralympic medals, as well as being four times World Champion as a swimmer. He was also a double world and European Champion cyclist in 2005.

During the relay it will be carried via horse tram in Douglas (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Douglas_Bay_Horse_Tramway) before boarding the Manx Electric Railway (http://manxelectricrailway.co.uk/) to Laxey. The flame will also visit Ballasalla and Castletown before heading back to Ronaldsway Airport for a flight to Belfast.

The BBC will bring you torchcam footage from ther mobile transmitter whenever possible, plus updates from our BBC correspondents, so keep tuned to the live page but pictures will be sporadic throughout the day because the torch isn't 'on the ground' so much.

(extracts from the BBC torchrelay page (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day15) and other BBC/Olympic related webpages (http://www.bbc.co.uk/2012/))

Isle of Man map (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Isle_of_Man_map-en.svg)
Isle of Man (http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=isle of man&source=web&cd=2&ved=0CJYBEBYwAQ&url=http%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FIsle_of _Man&ei=WMPJT8SuGLST0QW4gNXGAQ&usg=AFQjCNErMpnt098avd7oF_qH6JkPw7RCbw&cad=rja) and Guide (http://www.iomguide.com/) websites (http://www.visitisleofman.com/)

http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/60656000/jpg/_60656639_firefly.jpg (http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/60656000/jpg/_60656639_firefly.jpg)

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/9b/Douglas-IOM-horse-tram1.jpg/300px-Douglas-IOM-horse-tram1.jpg

Horse drawn tram

http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/56515000/jpg/_56515348_sidecarbbc976549.jpg
Sidecar travel

http://www.bbc.co.uk/isleofman/content/images/2008/08/20/bulgham203_203x152.jpg
Old BBC IoM page (http://www.bbc.co.uk/isleofman/content/articles/2008/08/20/laxey_to_ramsey_tram_feature.shtml) ref the Manx Railway

http://www.aircolours.com/photosdiv/0500/3017932_BritishAW_A319_G-EUPC_The Firefly-Olympiccols_AMS_22052012-2.jpg

[RoastLamb]

They've really done an amazing job putting this all together. It's really fabulous!

[Sallydaisy]

space for updates on IoM relay

[Sallydaisy]

June 3rd: Belfast to Portrush
The Northern Irish coast, whiskey and golf

:olympics:

The Olympic torch relay has left Belfast as it travels 126.85 miles through 21 communities on Sunday. It started at the Belfast Titanic Centre 06:06 BST and ends at the evening celebration in Portrush.

Runners are carrying the flame to more than 60 towns and villages and it will visit beauty spots, including Giant's Causeway and the Marble Arch Caves. The flame will be carried to a number of landmarks including Stormont, home of the Northern Ireland Assembly, and Carrickfergus Castle. Among the celebrities carrying the torch today will be Zoe Salmon and Patrick Kielty.

During its visit to Northern Ireland, torchbearers will carry the flame to Holywood, Bangor, Newtownards, Comber, Dundonald, Stormont, Newtownabbey, Carrickfergus, Glynn, Larne, Drains Bay, Ballygalley, Glenarm, Carnlough, Glenariff, Cushendall, Ballycastle, Dervock, Bushmills and Portrush.

The torch relay stays in Northern Ireland, with a brief trip to Dublin, before heading to Scotland.

Here's a few stories about today's runners:-



Padraic Farrell, 15, who will carry the flame through Newtownabbey. He has Spina Bifida and is a wheelchair user. He is a keen sportsman and plays wheelchair basketball in the GBWBA (http://www.gbwba.org.uk/gbwba/).
John Condie, 58, from Antrim who will carry the flame in Larne. When he was 18 years old he had a motorbike accident which severed the nerves at his neck and he had to have one arm amputated. Despite that he is a keen golf player and won four trophies at the World Championship in Antrim.
Sophie Lynn, 14, will be a torchbearer in Glenariff. She has the neurological disorder, Ataxia-Telangiectasia and uses a wheelchair. The person who nominated her said she is gradually losing control of her motor functions but continues to raise money for the A-T Society.

(extracts from the BBC torchrelay pages (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day16))

[Sallydaisy]

June 3rd: Belfast to Portrush

The first torchbearer of the day was Karen Marshall, 31, from Tynan, who started the relay at the Belfast Titanic Centre (http://www.titanicbelfast.com/Home.aspx) at 06:06 BST.

Highlights included visits to Stormont, home of the Northern Ireland Assembly (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parliament_Buildings_(Northern_Ireland)), where the torch was carried by Geraldine McCann.

Stormont
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c8/StormontGeneral.jpg/300px-StormontGeneral.jpg

http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/60667000/jpg/_60667681_mccann.jpg

And on to Carrickfergus Castle (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carrickfergus_Castle) .
http://www.my-secret-northern-ireland.com/images/Carrickfergus_006a.jpg

Former Ireland and Lions rugby union star Trevor Ringland carried his torch in Larne. He won 31 caps for Ireland, scoring nine tries, and was a member of their squad at the inaugural Rugby World Cup in 1987. He also played for the British & Irish Lions in New Zealand in 1983. He became a member of the new Northern Ireland Policing Board in 2006 and three years later became an MBE. He has also served on the country's Sports Council and Broadcasting Council.

The route also passed some spectacular scenery on the County Antrim coastline and visited Portrush, home of golfers Darren Clarke and Graeme McDowell and the course on which reigning US Open champion Rory McIlroy hit a 61 as a 16-year-old in 2005.

The flame passing through Hollywood, home to Rory McIlroy
http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/60667000/jpg/_60667675_catney.jpg


Among the towns and villages visited after the lunch break were Carnlough, where Paralympic swimming gold medallist Diane McMillan held the flame, Cushendall, where 22-year-old wheelchair basketball player Daniel Black took a torch, Ballycastle, Dervock and Bushmills - home to the world famous whiskey distillery - before the relay arrived in Portrush

http://www.travelireland.org/antrim/images/bushmillsdistillery.jpg

Among the 132 torchbearers on the day were army medic Kylie Watson. The 25-year-old from Ballymena, who completed a leg in Portrush, won the Military Cross for twice risking her life under heavy fire to treat two soldiers in Afghanistan. She is only the fourth woman to receive the honour which is awarded in recognition of exemplary gallantry during active operations against the enemy on land.


The last torchbearer on Sunday was soccer coach Louise Lyons aged 17.

http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/60681000/jpg/_60681036_louiselyones.jpg



http://www.andymurrayfanforum.com/images/smileys/olympics.gif

[Sallydaisy]

June 4th: Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge to Derry, Londonderry
... and we get a lie-in!

:olympics:
The torch starts the day, around 10am, at the Carrick-A-Rede rope bridge (http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/carrickarede/) then travels along the causeway coast and glens (http://www.causewaycoastandglens.com/Lower-River-Bann.T832.aspx) via Bushmills, visiting the spectacular rock formations of the Giant's Causeway and going for a lunchtime row on the River Bann.

The flame will also visit Dunluce Castle on the north Antrim coast as well as passing through Coleraine, Articlave, Castlerock, Downhill, Bellarena, Limavady, Ballykelly and Greysteel. It will end up in Derry, which will celebrate a year as the UK's City of Culture in 2013, where it is scheduled to cross the peace bridge (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-foyle-west-13914708) at 18:42 BST.


The Carrick-a-Rede bridge was originally put up by salmon fishermen so they could cross a 30m deep, 20m wide chasm.
http://www.emeraldtiger.com/countys/antrim/images/rope1.jpg

The Giant's Causeway is made up of thousands of hexagonal basalt columns formed by volcanic activity 60 million years ago but folklore has it that they were the work of a giant named Finn McCool.
http://www.belfastcityairporttaxis.co.uk/images/causewaysmall.jpg


(extracts from the BBC and day 17 of the BBC torchcam page (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day17))

[RoastLamb]

Stunning spots once again. Stormount is really fabulous! Who knew?

[traveller7]

My cousin and his wife and kids live near Giants Causeway, I didnt get the chance to see it when I went over there for their wedding but its a beautiful spot.

[Sallydaisy]

My cousin and his wife and kids live near Giants Causeway, I didnt get the chance to see it when I went over there for their wedding but its a beautiful spot.

Makes for a great photo opportunity!

http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/60688000/jpg/_60688109_causeway_torch.jpg

Earlier today the Olympic flame crossed the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge. It was taken onto the bridge by Clare Leahy (http://www.london2012.com/torch-relay/torchbearers/torchbearers=clare-leahy-1934/index.html) whose torch "kissed" that of Denis Broderick.

http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/60685000/jpg/_60685801_kiss.jpg
(photo courtesy the BBC torchcam page)

[Sallydaisy]

June 5th: Londonderry to Newry
travelling around the west of the province
:olympics:

The Olympic torch will visit Enniskillen Castle and the Marble Arch Caves when it travels from Londonderry to Newry (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day18) on day 18 of the relay. After leaving Derry, the flame will travel more than 146 miles through communities including Bready, Ballymagorry, Clogher and Banbridge. It is due to reach Enniskillen, the furthest point west that the torch relay reaches, at about noon.

Newry's Páirc Esler stadium will host the evening celebrations.

The relay is already underway today - couple of extracts below.


We're in Magheramason and the torch of Francie Stokes (http://www.london2012.com/torch-relay/torchbearers/torchbearers=tom-stokes-3862/index.html) is being lit. The 14-year-old, is a member of Oakleaf Boxing Club and is the reigning 36 kilo Irish Champion. He has had over 40 contests losing only twice. The person who nominated him says Francie is the first Irish Traveller ever to be enrolled in Derry's prestigious grammar school, St. Columb's College.

http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/60699000/jpg/_60699769_francie.jpg

And a school in Dromore has come up with a creative display of Olympic rings!!!
http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/60700000/jpg/_60700553_dromore.jpg


Marble Arch caves link (http://www.discovernorthernireland.com/Marble-Arch-Caves-Global-Geopark-Legnabrocky-Enniskillen-P6610)
http://planetearth.nerc.ac.uk/images/uploaded/large/nicave-l.jpg

Enniskillen Castle link
(http://www.enniskillencastle.co.uk/)http://www.r-l-p.co.uk/images/ennisk.gif
(http://www.enniskillencastle.co.uk/)

Hundreds of people turned out in Omagh to watch the torch relay.

http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/60700000/jpg/_60700034_torchomaghhighstreet.jpg
A picture of the torch on its underground journey through Marble Arch Caves in County Fermanagh.

http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/60700000/jpg/_60700557_torchcave.jpg

Huge crowds on the streets of Portadown

http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/60712000/jpg/_60712421_portadowntorch.jpg

Cauldron alight in a wet and gloomy Newry!!!

http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/60713000/jpg/_60713329_cauldronlit.jpg
(extracts from the BBC website (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-18321245) and torch relay page (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day18))

[RoastLamb]

Nice castle!!! Had no idea we had so many of them. Wonder if they'll go to Bamburgh when they go north.

[KnightOwl]

Ooh, I hope so! That would be on Thu 14th June Edinburgh to Alnwick (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day27) if they did, and I'll be camped out in front of torchcam for most of that day, as it's the area I grew up in! I guess Fri 15th Alnwick to Newcastle (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day28) or Sat 16th Gateshead to Durham (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day29) are probably of more interest to you RL?

[Sallydaisy]

Here's the timetable for June 14th including a trip to Bamburgh


17:58 Bamburgh

17:58 Radcliffe Road (B1342)
18:05 Church Street (B1340)
18:06 Links Road (B1340)
18:09 Bamburgh Castle Car Park
18:20 Bamburgh Castle car-park
18:21 Links Road (B1340)
18:24 Front Street (B1341)

[RoastLamb]

:lol: they're hitting all the castles. Glad they included Bamburgh.

I bet on the Gateshead-Durham route they go right through Low Fell, the town where I grew up. For the Queen's silver jubilee the Queen and Prince Charles drove through there and I was standing on the pavement waving to them along with 5 gazillion others.

[KnightOwl]

Since day 27 is ending in Alnwick, I guess the evening celebrations are likely to be in the grounds of Alnwick Castle - or the Alnwick Garden right next door - they have a grand water cascade there which was built about ten years ago - that would make a fantastic backdrop to the cauldron-lighting ceremony...

[KnightOwl]

I bet on the Gateshead-Durham route they go right through Low Fell, the town where I grew up. For the Queen's silver jubilee the Queen and Prince Charles drove through there and I was standing on the pavement waving to them along with 5 gazillion others.

Yeah, they should do. It will do a slightly odd route that day - it starts in Gateshead then goes east to South Shields and down to Sunderland, but then it kind of doubles back almost to Gateshead again, and at that point it should go through the southern end of Low Fell...there is a "detailed" schedule on the BBC site, but it's not as detailed as you might hope...!

12:10 Lowfell & Chowdene
12:10 Angel of the North Car-Park
12:11 Durham Road (A167)
12:15 Hertford
12:18 Trafford

[Sallydaisy]

Alnwick Castle is a great place and I loved the garden they've created especially the wooden 'ark' thingy (of which I have several piccies).

The torch that day is slated to end at "19:17 Alnwick Castle Pastures" so that sounds like some of the open ground below the castle? It sets off from Bondgate Without the next morning headed to Newcastle. You can check where it's going by typing in the name of a place in the search box and then going to the street by street section of the day that comes up.

[KnightOwl]

The torch that day is slated to end at "19:17 Alnwick Castle Pastures" ....

Yeah, I saw that - depends exactly where it is, but the view may be familiar to any Blackadder fans - Alnwick Castle was used as the backdrop to the opening credits of Blackadder series one.

[RoastLamb]

Yeah, they should do. It will do a slightly odd route that day - it starts in Gateshead then goes east to South Shields and down to Sunderland, but then it kind of doubles back almost to Gateshead again, and at that point it should go through the southern end of Low Fell...there is a "detailed" schedule on the BBC site, but it's not as detailed as you might hope...!

12:10 Lowfell & Chowdene
12:10 Angel of the North Car-Park
12:11 Durham Road (A167)
12:15 Hertford
12:18 Trafford

Chowdene that's where I lived! Oh so close. The winter Olympic torch passed by at the bottom of my street here. How cool is that that both my homes get to "see" the Olympic flame!

[Sallydaisy]

June 6th: Dublin to Belfast
... a day trip 'abroad' ...

:olympics:
The Republic of Ireland will be the only other country, besides Greece, where the Olympic flame journeys on it's route around the British Isles. After being paraded around Dublin the flame will be transported back to Newry in Northern Ireland before making it's way back to Belfast.

http://m.london2012.com/mm/Photo/TorchRelay/General/01/25/65/06/1256506_M07.jpg

On Thursday (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day20), the relay takes in Newcastle, Dundrum, Clough, Downpatrick, Crossgar, Saintfield, Ballynahinch, Templepatrick, Antrim, Ballyronan, Magherafelt, Ballymena and Moorfields before leaving Northern Ireland.
And then it's off to Scotland!!!



The torch visits Dublin, starting the day with a "skywalk" over a glass section of the new roof at the Croke Park stadium. From there it winds round the Irish capital and heads to Belfast for the evening. A celebratory event will be held at St Stephen's Green, where Sonia O'Sullivan, a former world and European champion and Olympic silver medallist, will light a special beacon to mark the occasion.

"We will never have the Olympic Games in Dublin and the nearest we are ever going to come to it is the London Games, so to have the torch relay on our part of the island is quite unique and historical," said Pat Hickey, president of the Olympic Council of Ireland. "We got a special derogation for it to move from Belfast to Dublin and we see the crossing of the border as a way of celebrating peace in Northern Ireland for the last 15 years."
Information from the BBC website (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-18328382)


0821: Good morning and welcome to day 19 of the torch relay which sees the flame travel around Dublin before returning to Belfast via Newry and Lisburn. The Olympic flame crossed the Irish border early this morning in a handover between former boxers Wayne McCullough and Michael Carruth. The long-time friends were team-mates representing Ireland at the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona where McCullough, from County Antrim, took silver in the bantamweight division and Carruth, from Dublin, won gold at welterweight.

http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/60716000/jpg/_60716457_carruth_border_pa.jpg

At the handover ceremony between Newry in Northern Ireland and Dundalk in the Republic, Mr McCullough said: "I am from the Shankill Road in Belfast, I have never had any problems like religion. It is a major step for everybody, people are coming together. Boxing was always a sport where Protestant and Catholic came together."



Popstars Jedward will be running with the torch later in Dublin. The twins tweet (https://twitter.com/planetjedward/status/210263552479596544) this picture of them with fellow torchbearer Paul McGrath. Footballing legend McGrath, 53, had played for Manchester United and Aston Villa. He has also won 83 caps for Ireland and played at Euro 88, World Cup 94 and World Cup 98. Jedward (John and Edward Grimes) also say: "I wonder if we will be the first people carrying the Olympic torch that actually look like the Olympic torch."
http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/60717000/jpg/_60717297_jedward.jpg




The Jedward (http://www.bbc.co.uk/music/artists/5bb50026-3b58-405c-9a7d-0f046108f675) twins, who have represented the Republic in the last two Eurovision Song Contests, will take the torch to the post office in O'Connell Street and later it will be met by Taoiseach Enda Kenny (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-12681654) as it reaches Leinster House, which was built in the 18th Century and has served as the national parliament building since 1922.

Later, after the flame returns to Northern Ireland, the relay will progress north through Newry and Lisburn before returning to Belfast shortly before 17:00 BST, where Olympic gold medallist Mary Peters will be among the torchbearers.


Dublin City Centre

http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/60713000/jpg/_60713331_dublin.jpg
(extracts from the BBC torchrelay pages (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day19))

[hfwardhouse]

Only 2 days to go till we see the torch in Glasgow :yahoo:

Slightly excited :excited:

[Sallydaisy]

June 7th: Newcastle to Moorfields
no, not 'on-Tyne' or an eye hospital!!!

:olympics:

The Olympic flame is still in Northern Ireland

The relay begins at the foot of the Slieve Donard mountain.It will travel through Newcastle, Clough, Downpatrick, Crossgar, Saintfield, Ballynahinch, Templepatrick, Antrim, Ballyronan, Magherafelt, Ballymena and then on to Moorfields

At the end of the day the flame willl travel from Larne via ferry to Stranraer - where it will stay overnight before beginning a Scottish leg of the relay.

http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/60747000/jpg/_60747141_kielty1.jpg
Comedian Patrick Kielty leaping with the torch as he carries it through Dundrum.

Kielty was thrilled by his participation in the relay, whipping up the crowds as he ran and performing a mid-air heel kick - a moment he explained by saying "someone bet me I wouldn't do that" - as well as running over to give his mum a kiss. The comic was "almost overcome" with emotion at carrying the torch and revealed that some words of encouragement had intensified the feeling. "The minute the torch was put in my hand someone whispered in my ear 'You're doing Dundrum proud and your dad would have been very proud, off you go'," he said.


After lunch, the flame was carried on board a rigid inflatable boat across Lough Neagh, the largest freshwater lake in the British Isles, accompanied by a flotilla of boats as it made its way from Antrim Harbour to Ballyronan Harbour.
That looks like a very choppy crossing; but the torch is still alight.
http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/60758000/jpg/_60758363_loughneagh_rain_bbc.jpg

http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/60759000/jpg/_60759710_boat.jpg



As the relay approached the end of its journey in Northern Ireland, there were touching scenes as the last torchbearer, Paul McLister, was warmly encouraged by the crowds and helped on his way, at one point pushed in his wheelchair by a member of the security team. McLister, a level one wheelchair basketball coach, was surrounded by well-wishers wanting to take his photo at the end of his stint at Moorfields.



Information and updates can be found here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day20

[Linda]

Spent many days at Moorfield Eye Hospital when I was young!

[RoastLamb]

I was watching the Queen's Diamond Jubilee documentary this afternoon and it showed a photo of Lord Mountbatten's son coming out of Moorefield's eye hospital after he survived the boat bombing. How about that for coincidence? :rolling:

[hfwardhouse]

Coincidence indeed RL!!!

Off at the crack of dawn (well ok it'll be about 8 am!!) to Glasgow to Hampden to rendezvous with the torch - I really hope we get a decent view ... and that it turns up - Mr HFW has been looking at the BBC's version of the route which differs from the official route :rolleyes: :shocked: .... I hope the official version is the right one!!!

[Sallydaisy]

Spent many days at Moorfield Eye Hospital when I was young!
You did? Why?
I was there for follow-up back in the late 70's. For those who do not know ...
I was involved in car accident on 1st June 1976 which resulted in serious eye damage and as a result I only see with my right eye. Needless to say I made the most of my convalescent time by watching Wimbledon with the aid of a magnifying glass .........
:p

[Linda]

I had measles very badly when I was 5, and it left me with a bad squint/poor vision in my right eye. I was referred to Moorfields and attended about every 6 months until I was 12, when they said they couldn't do anything more to improve my vision.

[RoastLamb]

I went to the eye hospital in Edinburgh when I was 21. It was a bright sunny day (during Wimbledon too, Sally) and they dilated my eyes. I had to walk back to the college halls of residence without sunglasses. Not good!

Jane, don't forget - LOTS OF PHOTOS!!!!!!!!!!!! Looking forward to hearing all about it.

[Sallydaisy]

June 8th: Stranraer to Glasgow
... the torch is in Scotland

:olympics:
Arriving by ferry from Larne in Northern Ireland on Thursday evening, the Olympic flame was met by Scotland Office minister David Mundell and Shona Robison, the Scottish government's minister for Commonwealth Games and Sport.

http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/60767000/jpg/_60767926_torch624.jpg

The 138-mile relay began just after 06:00 BST in Castle Square, Stranraer and reached The Robert Burns Birthplace Museum (http://www.burnsmuseum.org.uk/) at 09:45 BST. It is due at Hampden Park (http://www.hampdenpark.co.uk/), Scotland's national football stadium in Glasgow, at about 16:30 BST. Friday's route takes in Stranraer, Cairnryan, Ballantrae, Girvan, Turnberry, Maidens, Kirkoswald, Maybole, Alloway, Ayr, Kilmarnock, Kilmaurs, Stewarton, Dunlop, Barrmill, Beith, Lochwinnoch, Kilmalcolm, Port Glasgow, Rutherglen, Giffnock and Glasgow.

Among Friday's stopping points is the birthplace of Scotland's bard Robert Burns in Alloway. Atonement star James McAvoy will carry the flame in his native Glasgow ahead of an evening celebration in George Square. The 128 bearers include Olympians rower Katherine Grainger and gold medal curler Rhona Martin.

The evening celebration in Glasgow begins at 16:00 BST and will feature performances by Eliza Doolittle, Emeli Sande and General Fiasco as well as the lighting of the cauldron by the final torchbearer of the day, Ross Morrison

We are hoping for some 'live' tweets from our intrepid reporter in Glasgow IF she makes it out of Primark.
;)


0558: Today's relay is starting in the centre of Stranraer alongside the Castle of St John, which is a medieval tower house. Built around 1500, it has been used as a home, local court, prison and military garrison. We have been looking at pictures of the scene since around 05:45 BST and there are huge crowds of people already out in the town, despite the early hour. Priya Patel, our producer on the media vehicle, tells us it is one of the biggest early-morning crowds of the entire relay. Bagpipes are playing and around the castle the crowd have been given lots of different coloured flags - and we have a shot of the day's first torchbearer.


0603: Kicking off the day is 6ft 5ins Ross Mcclelland (http://www.london2012.com/torch-relay/torchbearers/torchbearers=ross-mcclelland-3875/index.html) who is in the British Army and returned from a seven-month tour of duty last year. He was 19 when he went to Afghanistan and was one of the first soldiers on scene when a friend had a leg blown off when he stepped on a bomb. Ross, an infantry soldier, also loves to run and is apparently one of the fastest in his company.

http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/60771000/jpg/_60771319_rossmccleland304171.jpg


0612: He passes the torch to Elizabeth Bowie (http://www.london2012.com/torch-relay/torchbearers/torchbearers=elizabeth-bowie-1912/index.html), 62, also known as Doreen, who is the principal of Wallace School of Dance where there are 100 members aged from three to 27. She teaches her pupils gymnastics, tap and modern dance and her speciality and passion Highland Dancing.

A lot of hard work has gone into making this banner (https://twitter.com/RealConnorOates/status/211001641091076096) by pupils of Invergarven School in Girvan
http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/60771000/jpg/_60771321_schoolflag.jpg


0945: From BBC Scotland's Willie Johnston with the torch relay: "More huge crowds out in Alloway. The school kids are making an incredible noise. At Burns Museum now. I wonder what Rabbie would have made of it?" Behind the shots of the crowd it looks we have missed the handover of the flame to Olympian Suzanne Otterson. (http://www.london2012.com/torch-relay/torchbearers/torchbearers=suzanne-otterson-5427/index.html) The 38-year-old represented Great Britain in figure skating at the Winter Games in Albertville, France, in 1992. Now she coaches children of all ages in the sport to an international standard.


1119: The last torchbearer before the break is Alan Jardine. He has Down's Syndrome and has won swimming medals at the special Olympics.

Extracts from the BBC 2012 webpage (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-18353622) and the torchcam relay page

[RoastLamb]

FABULOUS banner!!! Love it. :clap: :clap: :clap:

[Sallydaisy]

June 9th - Glasgow to Inverness
... unless the monster gets it first

:olympics:
The Olympic torch will be transported by boat across Loch Ness as part of its journey from Glasgow to Inverness (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day22) on day 22 of the relay. The freshwater loch is famous for alleged sightings of the Loch Ness Monster, affectionately named "Nessie".

http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/60786000/jpg/_60786503_nessie.jpg

Starting the day at the Glasgow Riverside Museum, the torch will visit The Tall Ship (http://www.thetallship.com/index.aspx) and be taken on board The Glenlee - one of only five Clyde-built ships still afloat in the world today and the only one of her kind in the UK. The flame will then be carried through the village of Luss and onto the pier by Loch Lomond, which is the biggest freshwater lake in Great Britain.

In Fort William, the second largest settlement in the Scottish Highlands, the flame will visit the Nevis Centre, in close proximity to Ben Nevis - the highest mountain in the British Isles. At about 14:30 BST the flame will travel across Loch Ness by boat from Fort Augustus to Drumnadrochit. During the journey, the flame will pass Urquhart Castle (http://www.urquhart-castle.co.uk/) and visit the Rockness Festival (http://www.rockness.co.uk/) at Dores.

In all, the torch will pass through 17 communities: Glasgow, Bearsden, Clydebank, Dumbarton, Luss, Tarbet, Crianlarich, Tyndrum, Glencoe, North Ballachulish, Fort William, Spean Bridge, Fort Augustus, Invermoriston, Lewiston, Drumnadrochit and Inverness.

TV presenter Jennifer Falconer, also an ambassador and campaigner for Princes' Trust, will be among the torchbearers, along with John McNiven, the Weightlifting Scotland Vice Chairman and a weighlifting bronze medallist at the 1974 and 1970 Commonwealth Games. The torch will reach the day's destination the Northern Meeting Park in Inverness about 18:50 BST, where the cauldron will be lit and entertainment will include performances from pop singer Emeli Sandé - who is set to run a leg of the relay earlier in the day - and dance act Twist and Pulse.

A TRIP IN A SKI-LIFT
http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/60801000/jpg/_60801454_nevisrange2.jpg
The Olympic torch has scaled new heights as it went on a gondola - a ski lift - to the Nevis Centre, near Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the British Isles.


(All information extracted from the BBC torchrelay (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day22) pages (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-18369224))

[supergran]

We saw the Olympic Torch on Friday 1st June when it passed quite close to where we live. I wore my DC Union Flag t-shirt and scarf. There are pics on my fb page but don't know how to put them on here. The day was hot and sunny for the Torch Relay from Bolton to Liverpool via St Helens and it has rained every day since. Hope everyone who has seen it had a great time and anyone who is looking forward to seeing it enjoys the experience. First time in my lifetime.....and obviously, the last!!
:olympics::olympics:
:big grin:

[Hawkeye]

Torch comes through Brechin on Tuesday. We're not allowed to go...

[Alis]

Seemingly, huge numbers turned out in Glasgow for the torch today. Great to see so much support north of the border.

[VamosVixs]

Watching it arrive in Inverness just now on the red button. :thumbup:

[KnightOwl]

Starting the day at the Glasgow Riverside Museum, the torch will visit The Tall Ship (http://www.thetallship.com/index.aspx) and be taken on board The Glenlee - one of only five Clyde-built ships still afloat in the world today and the only one of her kind in the UK. The flame will then be carried through the village of Luss and onto the pier by Loch Lomond, which is the biggest freshwater lake in Great Britain

We visited the Glenlee several years ago on a long weekend in Glasgow (long before the DC Braehead days :)) - absolutely fantastic - really gave you a feel for what life was like on an 18-month long voyage transporting goods across the world in the late 1800's - well worth a visit!


Torch comes through Brechin on Tuesday. We're not allowed to go...

Awww...that's a bit mean...why not?!?

[Hawkeye]

Health & Safety...

[KnightOwl]

Whaaaat?? Errr...you might burn yourself...?

[Hawkeye]

No safe place to put an entire Secondary School to watch it.

[hfwardhouse]

That's such a shame Hawkeye :( elfnsafety didn't come into it at Hampden .... there was a bit of tape keeping the majority of the crowds back but we didn't have any tape .... and we just followed the flame into the stadium ... I have to say though I was relieved that they'd put it out before they went through the building cos I had visions of the whole stadium going up in flames :rolling:

[Sallydaisy]

June 10th - Kirkwall to Lerwick
... island hopping today

:olympics:
Inga Kemp will be the first torchbearer of the day and will set off from St Magnus Cathedral in Kirkwall, Orkney.

The 22-year-old is a keen netball and hockey player, and helps coach young sports enthusiasts. Wilma Taylor, 79, will also carry the torch. She is a dance teacher who took part in Orkney's first Strictly Come Dancing charity event.

Other torchbearers include Zoe Buchanan, 16, who will carry the torch when the flame transfers to her hometown of Lerwick. She was nominated for winning a badminton gold medal plus four other medals at the British Transplant Games in Belfast last year. The athlete had a kidney transplant, with her mother as donor, 17 months earlier.

Fencer Chris Rocks will also carry the flame in Lerwick. The Shetland sportsman who won the Scottish Open Championship in 2010 also represented Scotland in the Commonwealth Fencing Championships in Australia that year.

Lifeguard Faye Richardson will carry the flame into the Community Festival in Lerwick.

The flame will then depart by helicopter, heading south to Sumburgh Aiport, Shetland. From there, the torch will leave to visit John O'Groats on the mainland and will end its day in Stornoway Aiport, on the Isle of Lewis.

The flame arriving at Kirkwall this morning.
http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/60807000/jpg/_60807465_touchdown_flame.jpg

Shetland
http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/60801000/jpg/_60801825_shetland.jpg

Orkneys and Shetlands ...
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e4/OrkneyShetlandConstituency.svg/220px-OrkneyShetlandConstituency.svg.png

Visit (http://visit.shetland.org/)Shetland
Visit (http://www.visitorkney.com/) Orkney

http://www.bbc.co.uk/coast/images3/prog1_shetlands_orkney.jpg

(extracts and images from the BBC website (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay))

[Sallydaisy]

June 11th: Stornoway to Aberdeen
... flying back to the mainland

:olympics:

The Olympic flame is currently airborne, on it's longest single journey of the relay, en-route from Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, headed to Aberdeen on East coast of Scotland.

The relay is due to resume at Inverness Castle at 10:39 BST. Later the flame will stop at the Cairngorms National Park, along Royal Deeside - home of Balmoral Castle - but no Royal Family members will be in residence.It will then visit Aviemore, Carrbridge, Grantown-on-Spey, Carrbridge, Grantown-on-Spey and Tomintoul. From there it will go to Crathie, Ballater, Dinnet, Aboyne, Kincardine O'Neil, Banchory, Drumoak, Peterculter, Bieldside and Cults.

The day's relay will end in Aberdeen at Castlegate Square for an evening celebration at about 20:00 BST.

One of the torchbearers in the city will be former Ryder Cup golf captain Colin Montgomerie OBE.



Today's torch action has already got off to a dramatic start when the flame visited the Callanish Standing Stones for sunrise at 04:20 BST. Around 75 people gathered at the stones to see the torch. The windy conditions put two flames in lanterns out. A replacement lantern was found after a half hour delay.A lone piper was at the stones as Commonwealth triple gold medallist Kirsty Wade, 49, carried the torch. The middle distance runner competed in the 1988 Seoul and 1992 Barcelona Olympics.


0631: As Eilidth Mackenzie waits to start her run, what appears to be a local hockey team form a guard of honour above the entrance to the Western Isles council chambers by holding their sticks in the air to form an arch. Eilidth, 23, from Stornoway. was nominated for being the most successful track and field athlete produced by the Western Isles and is aiming to represent Scotland in the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow - and she is off and running.





(extracts from the BBC website (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-18387026) and torchcam relay pages (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day24))

[-J-]

Callanish Standing Stones http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/426089_10150664290064897_981104924_n.jpg

[hfwardhouse]

I'm glad we don't have to fight our way into Aberdeen tonight as we had originally thought we would have to :)

576

[Sallydaisy]

June 12th: Aberdeen to Dundee
... flying back to the mainland

:olympics:

More to follow .......
http://ichef.bbci.co.uk/torchrelay/day_images/passthrough/day25_morning.jpg

[Sallydaisy]

June 13th: St Andrews to Edinburgh
... fairway to rock

:olympics:

http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/60860000/jpg/_60860636_edinburgh_mound.jpg

[KnightOwl]

June 14th: Edinburgh to Alnwick
...from Parliament to Potter, via castles & coastlines!

http://www.andymurrayfanforum.com/images/smileys/olympics.gif

Today the Olympic Flame heads over the border, from Scotland back into England. Starting its 140 mile journey at the Festival Square in Edinburgh, it will visit the Scottish Parliament at around 07:30, then travel south through Musselburgh, Dalkieth, Penicuik and Peebles. Winding its way through the Borders, the torch will call in at Selkirk, Galashiels, Greenlaw and Duns before crossing the border just north of Berwick-on-Tweed.

From there it will travel down the east coast, past the impressive hunk of rock that is Bamburgh Castle (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bamburgh_Castle), before turning inland to finish for the day at Alnwick Castle (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alnwick_Castle) - which should be recognisable to fans of both Harry Potter & Blackadder!



http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5280/7370217480_da2f692ff2.jpg
Screenshot from Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone


http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5038/7184984193_c411bb38af.jpg
Title screen from The Black Adder



Two Scottish sports stars will be among the the torchbearers today: Allan Wells (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allan_Wells) who won 100m gold at Moscow 1980 will be doing the honours in Selkirk, and my hero Chris 'Mossy' Paterson (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chris_Paterson), Scotland's most capped rugby player and kicking genius, will carry the flame through Galashiels.

From this point onwards, I will be glued to the BBC torchcam (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day27) page as this is the area I gew up in. Although I'm not able to be there myself, I have sent my parents out as roving reporters for the day, and I'm hoping they will remember to send me some photos to post :big grin:

There should be some pretty impressive scenery for the convoy sections today as well. Between Edinburgh and Peebles it will be passing between the Pentland Hills to the west and the Moorfoot Hills to the east, then largely following the course of the River Tweed through Innerleithen and Galashiels. In the sections between Earlston, Greenlaw and Duns we might be lucky enough to see views of the Lammermuir Hills to the north, before heading to the coast at Berwick (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Berwick-upon-Tweed) - my home town!



http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7216/7370130070_32c832fb79.jpg
River Tweed - Scotland on the far side, England on the near side


I'm assuming after that the convoy will just be whizzing down the A1, which admittedly isn't too scenic, but then it should be branching off towards Bamburgh and if they point the torchcam in the right direction, we should get some glorious coastal scenes to look at.

Bring it on!!

[Genbrit]

Wish I could stay up and watch this but have work tomorrow. Got married at Dalhousie Castle, Dalkeith.

[Sallydaisy]

Wish I could stay up and watch this but have work tomorrow. Got married at Dalhousie Castle, Dalkeith.
I've stayed there when I was travelling on business back in the early 90's. Amazing place with a dining room down in the cellars.
I remember asking for a room that was 'dark' away from any outside lighting (so I could sleep) and they put me in a room with dark navy/green tartan curtains and a lot of light bulbs missing ...
:lol:

[KnightOwl]

June 14th: Musselburgh

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5330/7185913147_eeee1d16e2.jpg
Photo courtesy of BBC News (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day27)


0845: Next up is Kenneth Reid, 52, who was diagnosed with a hereditary eye disease in 1986 and was registered blind in 1990. He helps organisations to be more open and accessible to people with disabilities and is a UK Vision Strategy Ambassador for Scotland. A keen sportsman, he has run three marathons.
(extract from #bbctorchcam live-text commentary on the BBC Torch Relay (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day27) Page.)

[KnightOwl]

June 14th: Selkirk

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5469/7186320437_f184684aef.jpg

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5156/7371551466_b39f94ce44.jpg

Photos courtesy of BBC News (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day27)

Carrying the torch through Selkirk is the Scottish former sprinter Allan Wells, who won 100m gold at the 1980 Moscow Olympics - at the age of 60 it's good to see he can still run, though I thought he looked a little out of breath by the end!

[RoastLamb]

Berwick is so pretty. I used to pass through there every time I went to Edinburgh from Newcastle and vice versa.

I didn't know Alnwick Castle was used for the HP movies.

[KnightOwl]

Only for a few bits, I think - the flying lesson scene from Philosopher's Stone and the bit where they crash the car into the whomping willow in Chamber of Secrets - not sure if there are any other bits...

[KnightOwl]

June 14th: Galashiels


1326: You may have heard of Chris Paterson MBE, Scotland's most-capped rugby player, scoring 809 points in his 109 appearances for his country, playing at fullback, wing and fly-half. Probably best not to try and take the torch from him...
Chris is now an ambassador and specialist coach for the Scotland and Edinburgh rugby union teams.
(extract from #bbctorchcam live-text commentary on the BBC Torch Relay (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day27) Page.)


http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7214/7186353453_f1938f09e6.jpg
Photo courtesy of BBC News (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day27)

Unfortunately #bbctorchcam seems to dislike Galashiels, as it's gone on the blink - just as the torch was passed to my favourite rugby player! I did manages to snatch one blurry pic of him before the feed vanished, though I'm not even sure you can tell it's him!

[rondun]

I spied with my little eye..

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c130/rondun/olympic20flame.jpg

[Sallydaisy]

Ooooh, where did you see the flame Rondun???
That's a great piccy of it.
:thumbup:

[KnightOwl]

Getting a bit concerned with how flaky #bbctorchcam seems to be today - if it cuts out while the flame travels through Berwick, I will be extremely dischuffed :sad:

[rondun]

Ooooh, where did you see the flame Rondun???
That's a great piccy of it.
:thumbup:Dunfermline - purely by chance, happened to be passing by.
If I'd thought about it I should have gone though to Dunblane!

[KnightOwl]

Brilliant rondun - thanks for posting :clap:

Starting to get excited - Mum & Dad should be in the car by now, and heading into Berwick to try and find a parking spot. Hoping they can get a good vantage point so they can send me some photos later! I've told them to wave madly if they see the torchcam van go past, so I might even see them :big grin:

[KnightOwl]

Better photo of Allan Wells carrying the torch through Selkirk:

http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/60905000/jpg/_60905902_wells.jpg
Photo courtesy of BBC News (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-18427156)

Hoping they'll post a better one of Chris Paterson soon too!

Edit: Finally!!

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5191/7187815341_c53da4ac58.jpg
Photo courtesy of ESPNscrum (http://www.espnscrum.com/)

[hfwardhouse]

Wish I could stay up and watch this but have work tomorrow. Got married at Dalhousie Castle, Dalkeith.

I've been to a wedding there - it's a fabulous place for a wedding!

Thanks Fiona for all the pics from today - have been watching religiously this week but haven't had a second today to look!!!

[KnightOwl]

I don't think I've left the #bbctorchcam alone for more than a few minutes since about 1pm :shamed:

It's great fun watching it go through places you know well - I'm almost hopping up and down right now, as it will be in Berwick in about 20 minutes or so :excited:

[KnightOwl]

1628: Over the border with a wave and cheer from a group of motorcycle police and the Olympic flame is now in England after a scenic and memorable eight days in Scotland which saw the torch visit the Highlands, islands and cities

The torch is back in England and moments away from my home town - this is one very excited KnightOwl!!


The convoy will shortly be arriving at Berwick-upon-Tweed, the northernmost town in England. In the middle ages, Berwick changed hands more than a dozen times between Scotland and England but it has been governed by England since 1746.

Don't remind me ;)


1634: The first torchbearer in England is a Scotsman: Iain Macdonald lives in Duns, the village the torch passed through an hour ago. Iain uses a power wheelchair but says "Despite my disability I have huge determination to do well". He has recently tried chair skiing and says he would like to learn to ski independently. He is accompanied by his assistant, Carol.

Loving the sound of bagpipes!! Who really believes Berwick is English ;)

(extracts from #bbctorchcam live-text commentary on the BBC Torch Relay (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day27) Page.)

[KnightOwl]

Olympic bronze medallist rower Matthew Wells tweets: "The ‪Olympic torch‬ passes through my home county Northumberland‬ today. Very proud to be a Northumbrian."
Matt, who grew up in Hexham, won't be there to see the torch today, though, as he is in Munich, where the final major rowing event before London 2012 begins on Friday.
(extract from #bbctorchcam live-text commentary on the BBC Torch Relay (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day27) Page.)

P.S. Apologies in advance for any over-posting - this is my home town!!

Edit: just seen a kid in a Berwick Rangers black-and-gold top whizzing past the torch on a scooter :big grin:

[KnightOwl]

The torch has just passed the garage where Mum reversed into a petrol pump once :big grin:

[RoastLamb]

I wonder who the torch bearers will be in Gateshead.

[KnightOwl]

June 14th: Berwick-on-Tweed

http://www.andymurrayfanforum.com/images/smileys/olympics.gif

Berwick-on-Tweed is the town I grew up in. Historically it is fairly unique, being a seaport strategically placed on the hotly contested border between Scotland and England.

Starting out as a Scottish stronghold, it changed hands 13 times between the 12th and 15th centuries, ending up on the English side of the border - although it is famous for being the only English town whose football team plays in the Scottish league!

Berwick's town wall is the only intact Elizabethan town wall remaining in England, and it is still possible to walk almost the entire circuit, with brilliant views of the coast, river, bridges and hills surrounding the town.

Berwick Castle was the location of the adjudication between claimants to the Scottish throne in 1292, where Robert Bruce's claim was denied by King Edward I of England, and John Balliol was crowned in his place. In the subsequent wars, Berwick was attacked and captured by the English army.


'When the town had been taken in this way and its citizens had submitted, Edward spared no one, whatever the age or sex, and for two days streams of blood flowed from the bodies of the slain, for in his tyrannous rage he ordered 7,500 souls of both sexes to be massacred...So that mills could be turned round by the flow of their blood.'
Quote from Account of the Massacre of Berwick, from Bower's Scotichronicon

The Countess Isobel of Fife was held captive in an iron cage hung from the walls of Berwick Castle, and Robert Bruce's younger sister Mary was locked into a similar cage at Roxburgh Castle.

By 1297 Edward I had lost control of Scotland. Uprisings led by two knights, William Wallace in the south and Andrew Murray (but not our Andy!) in the north, loosened his grip, which was finally broken at the Battle of Stirling Bridge. When William Wallace was finally defeated and executed in 1305, one quarter of his body was sent to Berwick to be put on display as a warning to other Scots 'rebels'.

Unfortunately, if you happen to visit Berwick today you won't be able to see this historic castle - much of it was demolished in the 19th century to build a railway station, and today the main platforms stand on the very spot where Edward Longshanks took oaths of allegiance from the Scottish nobility in 1296.



http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8153/7187202171_16c0e7e41e.jpg
Castlegate and the War Memorial


http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7214/7187202289_0a335d65b7.jpg
Scotsgate - one of four gates in Berwick Walls



After travelling through the northern part of Berwick, the torch crossed the river to the suburb of Tweedmouth. Crossing the Royal Tweed Bridge, completed in 1928 and known locally as "the new bridge", the torchcam very kindly swung away from the torchbearer to show a view of the older Berwick Bridge. Built of red sandstone, this was the first stone bridge at Berwick - completed in 1624 it is unsurprisingly known locally as "the old bridge". It still carries traffic today.



http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7101/7372431156_b1f4c8b905.jpg
Torchcam view of the "old bridge"


http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5467/7187202473_a98e3a6b7c.jpg
Torch crossing the Royal Tweed Bridge



(Photos courtesy of BBC News (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day27))

[RoastLamb]

Thanks for the historical notes. Fascinating!

[KnightOwl]

June 14th: Bamburgh

Another famous Northumbrian castle, this time in Bamburgh, birthplace of the Victorian lighthouse heroine Grace Darling (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grace_Darling).

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8016/7187778647_c3c5269de3.jpg
The torch arrives in Bamburgh

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7095/7373007524_f4d4463250.jpg
Torchcam view of Bamburgh Castle


Photos courtesy of BBC News (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day27)

[supergran]

Thanks Fiona...that was really interesting. Love history and the photos are excellent.:olympics: It makes me rather sad that so many of the castles of the UK are just ruins. Obviously we were either always at war with somebody or other within these British Isles or they were allowed to fall into disrepair.

[KnightOwl]

I suppose so - I do get your point, but I must admit I enjoy visiting ruined castles far more than intact ones - I find they give you a much better feel for what life was like there - depending how much is left, of course!

I'd much rather explore every inch of a ruined castle than be herded through carefully chosen sections of a complete one, kept at a distance by velvet ropes and wondering what might be behind all the doors marked "staff only".

Maybe that's just me.... :)

[Genbrit]

I've stayed there when I was travelling on business back in the early 90's. Amazing place with a dining room down in the cellars.
I remember asking for a room that was 'dark' away from any outside lighting (so I could sleep) and they put me in a room with dark navy/green tartan curtains and a lot of light bulbs missing ...
:lol:

Did you get a reduced rate for not using so much electricity. :laugh: We had our reception in the cellar (dungeon). This was 1991, maybe that was when you were there!!!!


I've been to a wedding there - it's a fabulous place for a wedding!

Thanks Fiona for all the pics from today - have been watching religiously this week but haven't had a second today to look!!!

It was a great day. We all thoroughly enjoyed it. The kids got led through the secret passageways by the piper. You could hear the bagpipes through the walls. Stayed the night in the turret room and felt like a real princess.

Thanks Fiona for all the info and the pics, really interesting.

[KnightOwl]

Mum & Dad didn't have much room for taking photos due to the crowds - lots of flags & other people's cameras getting in the way :) They did send me a few, though...



http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7096/7189548885_81d552baeb.jpg
http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5034/7189543963_bf93a5f4f1.jpg



The first one shows the torch procession just coming in to view at the top end of Castlegate in Berwick, and the second is a close-up of one of the torchbearers and the Olympic Flame - no idea who this particular lady is, though - the London 2012 (http://www.london2012.com/torch-relay/torchbearers/community=berwick-upon-tweed/index.html) website seems to have a few missing again!

Thanks Dad :wave:

[KnightOwl]

June 15th: Alnwick to Newcastle

http://www.andymurrayfanforum.com/images/smileys/olympics.gif

It's day 28 of the torch relay, and today's route (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day28) sees the Olympic Flame travelling south through Northumberland. Starting at the Cross Monument in Alnwick, it will be carrierd through Hipsburn, Warkworth, Amble, Ashington, Newbiggin-by-the-Sea, Choppington, Morpeth, Hartford, Bedlington, Blyth, Whitley Bay, Cullercoats, Tynemouth, North Shields, Howdon and Wallsend before finishing the day in Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

On todays 64 mile journey, the torch will visit Warkworth Castle (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warkworth_castle), fly on a zip wire from the Tyne Bridge (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyne_Bridge) in the safe hands of Bear Grylls (V) and be carried through Newcastle city centre by football legend Jack Charlton (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_Charlton).

In stark contrast to the glorious sunshine in the Borders and north Northumberland yesterday, the weather is set to be gloomy for most of the day, with plenty of rain forecast, but that doesn't seem to have dampnened the enthusiasm of spectators lining the streets in Alnwick, Warkworth & Ashington according to reports on the BBC Torch Relay (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day28) page.


http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8018/7189160773_d928a548d3.jpg
Photo courtesy of BBC News (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day10)

As the Flame arrives at a rather soggy-looking Warkworth Castle, you can just about make out the figure of torchbearer Tony Holland through the raindrops!

[KnightOwl]

From the BBC Torch Relay (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day28) page:


1719: Controversial news, this, from BBC Newcastle's Fiona Marley Paterson at Saint James' Park, where the torch had been scheduled to complete a tour of the pitch.
"The Olympic Flame won't now be doing a lap of honour around the pitch at Newcastle United's ground - apparently because the ground is still sporting 'unofficial' advertising."

Oh, for goodness sake!!

[KnightOwl]

Also, I won't be able to post a photo of Jack Charlton carrying the torch because....


1726: Occupational hazard this, I'm afraid - the great Jack Charlton is running with the flame and the sheer volume of 3G usage in the area - as people capture the moment on camera-phones and share it with their friends - has crashed our coverage. Apologies for the lack of images. We'll bring you the pictures as soon as we can.

Hopefully we'll be able to find one on the internet later on...!

[RoastLamb]

Oh no!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Whitley Bay, huh? My sister lived there for years. I love WB.

[Hawkeye]

June 12th: Aberdeen to Dundee
... flying back to the mainland

:olympics:

More to follow .......
http://ichef.bbci.co.uk/torchrelay/day_images/passthrough/day25_morning.jpg:cough:

[Sallydaisy]

Got a bit of haggis caught in your crop Hawkeye???
:p

I clearly had a minor case of copyandpasteitis - nothing a a drop of Pimmswhistyouedit can cure.
:lol:

[Sallydaisy]

Fiona - thanks for all the torch updates and information over the last few days (and thanks to your folks for the personal piccies!). It made really interesting reading and such a difference when it's from someone who knows the area so well.
:flowers:

[davech]

Here's a first - the Olympic flame crossed the Tyne on a zip wire (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-18425540) earlier today, in the safe hands of Bear Grylls. Well, he didn't drop it, anyway.

http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/60946000/jpg/_60946395_bear3.jpg
Photo courtesy of the BBC

[KnightOwl]

I was quite impressed the torch stayed alight through that :)

A few related quotes from the BBC Live Text (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day28) page:


1849: We've left torchcam now to give you shots of Chief Scout Bear Grylls, who is carrying the torch in a rather unusual way: he wil travel by zip wire from the Tyne Bridge. He will slide down the wire over the River Tyne into the parade ground of HMS Calliope, the Royal Navy's riverside training centre.


1850: We can see Bear Grylls now on a raised platform gradually taking him towards the top of Tyne Bridge. We can probably assume that the adventurer and Chief Scout has got a good head for heights...


1857: Torchbearer Maria Espinoza, a 2008 Olympic gold medallist in taekwondo, jogs across the Tyne Bridge with the Olympic flame in hand. She will now wait for the cherry-picker to come back down to earth, to take her up to meet Bear Grylls some 200 feet up the bridge.


1901: BBC News Online's Rachel Kerr says the quayside is packed. People are everywhere, leaning out of windows and on balconies and crowds on both sides of the river. The rain is holding off as the cherry picker is raised to the top of the arch of the Tyne Bridge and the start of the zip wire ride


1903: A fairly unusual 'kiss' for the Olympic flame as Bear Grylls leans over a barrier as Maria Espinoza reaches up from below. That part of the operation is sucessfully managed and we're almost ready to go...

That was quite something - check out the video link in Dave's post above - great footage and the noise from the crowd was amazing!

[RoastLamb]

Wow Wow Wow!!! I'd have LOVED to have seen that live. How funny that some dude is going over the Tyne near where I grew up on a zipline today when some other dude is going over the Niagara Falls near where I live now. :lol:

Can't wait for Gateshead tomorrow!!!

[patmoren]

Just been catching up on the Torch progress, been so busy lately it is all passing me by. Brilliant coverage from AMFF,very impressive commentary and pics, well done all. Couldn't see my pic of the flame about to cross the Tamar bridge! I know it was there once.

[KnightOwl]

...Couldn't see my pic of the flame about to cross the Tamar bridge! I know it was there once.

It's there, Pat - page 9 of this thread, post number #82 :)

[KnightOwl]

June 16th: Gateshead to Durham

http://www.andymurrayfanforum.com/images/smileys/olympics.gif




On day 29 (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day28) the Olympic Flame will start its 99 mile journey by abseiling down the iconic music & conference centre The Sage (http://thesagegateshead.org/) on the Gateshead side of the River Tyne. From there it will travel through South Shields, Whitburn, Sunderland, Lowfell & Chowdene, Blaydon, Prudhoe, Stocksfield, Hexham, Riding Mill, Consett, Moorside, Castleside, Tow Law, Esh and Langley Park before finishing for the day at Durham University Racecourse, where the evening celebration will be held.

Several athletic stars will be carrying the torch today: Ethiopian distance running genius Haile Gebrselassie (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haile_Gebrselassie) will carry the torch in South Shields before handing it over to Brendan Foster (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brendan_Foster) who will take it over the finish line of the Great North Run. Later, former World, European & Commonwealth gold-medallist Steve Cram (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Cram) will carry the Flame to the Sunderland Aquatic Centre, where he will apparently walk on water!

Other highlights today will include visits to the Angel of the North (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angel_of_the_North) and Hadrian's Wall (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hadrian%27s_Wall), as well as a trip in the sidecar of a 1920's motorbike.


http://mm.gettyimages.com/mm/thumbnail/169244522,480497C59C495D94659
Photo courtesy of LOCOG (http://www.london2012.com/torch-relay/)

[KnightOwl]

A few extracts from the BBC Torch Relay (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day29) page:


0818: The next torchbearer is more used to running a distance more than 33 times greater than his torch relay leg. And he's pretty good at it, too. Legendary Ethiopian runner Haile Gebrselassie has twice won Olympic gold in the 10,000m and been world champion four times.
A massive smile from Haile as he takes the flame and a thumbs up as he sets off.


0819: Haile's sporting a snazzy pair of red trainers with the white tracksuit there. He gives another thumbs up and waves to the crowd as he jogs along at a much more sedate pace than we usually see from him!


0821: Another big grin as Haile passes the flame on to someone who also has a decent history in the 10,000m - former GB athlete Brendan Foster won bronze over that distance at the 1976 Olympics.
Brendan, from nearby Hebburn, is the founder of the Great North Run and he'll be taking the torch across the finish line of that route.
The pair share a nice little chat and a laugh and then Brendan sprints off with the torch!


0825: Brendan's just crossed the Great North Run finish line and goes back to do it again with Haile. There's a good crowd gathered here at The Leas in South Shields.
Among them is Brendan Foster's young granddaughter who was waiting for him at the finish line



http://mm.gettyimages.com/mm/thumbnail/169245090,F093D6ADF18C0BFE9A6
Photo courtesy of LOCOG (http://www.london2012.com/torch-relay/)

[KnightOwl]

June 16th: Angel of the North

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7082/7379048978_a3f8dcf7d6_z.jpg
Photo courtesy of BBC News (http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day29)

Huge crowds turn out to see local fundraiser Iris Hutchinson carry the torch past the Angel of the North (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angel_of_the_north). Completed in 1998, the 20m tall sculpture designed by Antony Gormley stands on a hillside at Low Fell, overlooking the A1.

Hope you've been watching it all today, RL :big grin:

[KnightOwl]

Another poignant torch story...



The daughter of PC David Rathband, who was blinded by gunman Raoul Moat, has carried the Olympic torch blindfolded in memory of her late father.

Mia, 13, ran through Whitburn, South Tyneside, in place of her father who was nominated to take part in the relay but died in February.

Following this Mia asked if she could run in his place.

Mia asked to be blindfolded to symbolise what happened to her father

In a statement, Mia's mother Kath Rathband said David "would be very proud to see his Mia carry the torch".


http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/60949000/jpg/_60949913_mia.jpg


Extract & photo courtesy of BBC News (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-18457471)

[RoastLamb]

I have the torch cam on! So excited. It's driving through Consett at the mo.

Oh no the screen went completely black after a minute or so. Maybe I'm not allowed to watch it from Canada. Bummer.