Thousands greet torch in Whitehaven
Last updated at 17:40, Thursday, 21 June 2012
Cheers, whoops and whistles could be heard along the route as families and children enjoyed the once-in-a lifetime experience.
The torch entered the town at 3.11pm by New Road carried by James Simpson, of Ulverston, where he made his way to Duke Street.
As the Olympic torch was passed to Gary McKee, of Cleator Moor, James said: “I feel really happy.”
Gary ran with the torch to Lowther Street. where he was then piped in by Whitehaven Sea Cadets. The procession then took a five-minute break outside the town’s Lloyds TSB.
Gary told the crowds: “It’s a massive thing to be part of. The weather hasn’t been great today, but it’s been brilliant .”
During the afternoon there had been street entertainment, live music and sport taster sessions through the town. Children were even trying out climbing wall at Whitehaven harbourside.
Jocelyn Lace set off towards the harbourside before the final leg of the journey was completed by Shameem Arnold, who made her way to the entrance to the town.
Shameem said: “It was an incredible and overwhelming experience. I was so pleased to be able to do the relay in Whitehaven. There was
incredible support. I was really honoured.”
From the final New Road stop in Whitehaven, the torch relay then made its way onto Cockermouth.
- Watch out for our picture special in next week's Whitehaven News!
First published at 17:02, Thursday, 21 June 2012
Published by http://www.whitehavennews.co.uk
The true meaning of the Olympics, the Olympic spirit: pump nine plus billions of GBPs into London, create huge hypocrisy by having the named sponsors, huge area of London regenerated and improved on a permanent basis, etc, et al. The benefits for West Cumbria . . . ? Nil. Keep paying your taxes people, London needs your money, after all, we're all in this together, aren't we?
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Fanrastic local turnout and excellent torch bearers for a memorable once in a lifetime event.
JohnThe only downer I have is why where non Cumbrian street hawkers allowed to exploit young families by selling plastic flags and torches at £2 a time?. If this money was to help local causes or young athletes I could support this fully, but these pariahs were obviously following the torch across the country and making money out of poor communities, I did report this to the police but do not know whether anything was done.
Posted by John Kane on 28 June 2012 at 22:39