The Olympic Torch relay passing through Aylsham. Sarah Goring, left handing over to Mark Harper.Photo: Steve Adams
Picture gallery: How Aylsham celebrated the Olympic torch relay
By ROSA McMAHON
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
9:24 PM
Aylsham’s flame was carried by five torchbearers before heading to Norwich.
Across the town the same feelings were echoed - that it was a once in a life time event for the county.
The route ran from Millgate, Gashouse Hill, White Hart Street, Red Lion Street and on to Norwich Road, and finished near the Copeman Road junction.
From families to brownies, the route was covered in Union Jack flags, whistle blows and cheers.
Aaron Bettoney, Carl Meen, Mark Harper, Sarah Goring and Sasha Dyke took their turns carrying the flame.
Carl Meen ran the last leg of the torch relay before it left for Norwich.
After the run he said: “It was amazing, just the best feeling in my life.
“My friends say I’m chatty but now I am lost for words, just a brilliant experience.”
Mum and daughter Vanessa and Melissa Farrow from Aylsham said they felt like they were a part of history as they lined the flame’s route.
Melissa Farrow, 21, said: “This is such a memorable event and even though so much of the Olympics is in London, the flame coming here makes us feel a part of it.”
Vanessa added: “To be here and seeing the flame is amazing. We didn’t even apply for tickets but now we get to be a part of some of the action.”
Excitable seven-year-old Kiefer Barrett from Thorpe Market said he was “very excited” to see the flame.
As each police officer on motorbikes went past he was enjoying the high-fives.
He said: “I’ve got seven high-fives so far but I really want 10.”
Activities ran throughout the day, with tables and chairs in the market place for watching the torch.
Afterwards there was Roc-on-the-Rec, a free music concert on the Recreation Ground, with collection buckets for future events.
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5 comments
Apart from the fact the relay didnt cost the UK tax payer a single penny as it was all sponsored ..how about the shops that eveyrone went in after? people who came over from overseas just to see the torch who stayed in hotels and spent money in small town shops. I know when I got to the end of my run we all went into a pub that was dying and they made a BOMB that day as I went in with my torch and posed for photos and had a real friendly day with everyone there. Maybe people should stop complaining and being so negative, at the end of the day we put in for the bid! Cant say I'v e notice any personal loss in funds due to the olympics and relay. Find something thats really bad to moan about rather than the millions of people all over the world who feel differently to you and have come out just to see a fame past. I felt proud to be British and to be part of something amazing.
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Claire Marritt
Friday, July 6, 2012
"must be costing us a fortune" - Get over yourself, it was a once in a lifetime experience. The children (and the adults) ahd a really great time. It was excellent for Aylsham to be involved.
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Matt Andrews
Friday, July 6, 2012
Must be costing us all a fortune- complete waste of money .
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Sandaryeos grandad
Thursday, July 5, 2012
Must be costing us all a fortune- complete waste of money .
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Sandaryeos grandad
Thursday, July 5, 2012
I proper love the Olympics me
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robotsthatcare
Wednesday, July 4, 2012