Friday 20 July 2012

A moment of History.


Torch bearer.
30 mins to go!
Torch bearer coach

As a change of pace here is a moment of history. At 7:50am the Olympic Torch arrived at Gillingham. I arrived about 35 minutes before the torch, It's a good job I did as it was already fairly packed. It became more packed as time went on. But being over 6 foot I was confident I could get some kind of pictures. I gradually moved back from the edge conceding ground to the kids and eventually their mums. But I would not yield to prams, I have my limits.
 The Kids opposite were loud with cheering. They Cheered every police car, every police bike and even passing motorists that waved at them. All in all they really added to the atmosphere. Some of the local schools had a late start and the children did not have to be in class till 10am or so one of the mothers told me. I guess the teachers wanted to see the torch as well.  The crowd held an atmosphere of excitement, anticipation and pride. Every person united to support the country. It really was a good feeling to be part of it. So If you still get the chance to see it go. The first official vehicle, was carrying all the days runners, dressed in track suits and huge grins. The level of pride was fantastic.


Sponsor float
 Then came the sponsors waggons. It did add to the parade, but in my mind cheapened it with rank commercialism. The Samsung coach was the best not just because of the pretty girls, but also the enthusiasm they had.


3rd Sponsor Float
Sponsor float with pretty girls!

























The motto on the support vehicle was very apt. The torch carrier would not be long now. Every camera was ready. I was convinced that my batteries would fail. You know the feeling I'm sure.

The crowd silent but with whispers of "Here he comes!" And some puzzled looks on children's faces. You could hear the noise from further along the road so you knew it was coming. 
Support Vehicle


The crowd before the torch.


Torch Bearer.
And Finally your reward. A moment of history.

8 comments:

  1. I had pooh-poohed the torch, but you have made me realise just what an impact it is having Clint. Thank-you for that.

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    1. I was also skeptical. Did not know I was going to watch it till late last night. But Glad I went. Once in a life time etc etc.

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  2. Yeah, the Olypmics are pretty cool. If you fellows get a chance, go see something, anything. The early rounds of most competitions are fairly easy to get into. I was awfully glad I did.

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    1. I'll try! Back to wargaming posts on Sunday. But worth an interruption just this once.

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  3. I missed it passing by us, Wished i'd gone to see it now

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    1. There were few men in the crowd, as it was in work time. So lots and lots of people missed it as well. My advice is to look forward with hope, and not look back with regret.

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  4. There was certainly an atmosphere whe i saw a few weeks ago .Something unique in our lifetime , and you don't get the every day do you. Yes the Samsung one best then too.

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    1. AS I was not expecting any sponsors floats they were all a "Bonus". Glad yuo enjoyed the torch parade.

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