The Olympic Torch In Shropshire

On Wednesday the 30th of May we watched a little bit of history as the Olympic Torch Relay came back into Shropshire and continued along the Welsh Boarders. We watched the torch near Morda School with our dear friend Helen. My god children watched from behind the school railings. Aaron was given a few hours off school to watch the torch passing through. It was short and sweet but well worth watching as the torch makes it journey all around the country before reaching its destiny, once in London the torch will open the Olympic games. We are looking forward to the opening ceremony of the games.

Oswestry Town Awaits The Torch 

From 8 o'clock this morning, the streets of Oswestry began to fill up. By 8:45, every vantage point was taken. Dance music echoed from the walls of Tudor buildings.

School children with their own cardboard torches, were bubbling with excitement. Flags were draped everywhere - Union Flags, crosses of St George, and the Welsh Dragon. And there was still an hour to go !

Crowds were entertained by a local dance troupe. Occasionally a police outrider would pass through prompting a brief fizz of anticipation.
Finally, at 9:40 the torch arrived on the outskirts of town, on the Gobowen Road. Even here, there were crowds as the Olympic Flame was taken past the old railway works.
Meanwhile, half a mile away the bells of St Oswalds Church began to peel, signalling that it was almost here.
People were hanging from the windows of the Wynnstay Hotel. Children came out onto the steps of Oswestry School.
 In a small border market town, at least 20,000 people had come out to welcome the flame.
When it turned the corner: a huge cheer. Most people only saw the flame for 20 seconds. But it was wortThe Vicar of St Oswalds, resplendent in a Union Flag dog collar, talked of his pride in Oswestry.
"The town always comes out for this sort of event. We are really very good at coming together and celebrating!".

And then it was all over. After two hours of build-up, the streets cleared. Children returned to their classes, and the shops re-opened.
A butchers shop started to cook breakfast on the pavement.
Oswestry's moment in the spotlight had passed, but those who witnessed it knew it was a once-in-a-lifetime occasion.