Marlow Children’s Torch Relay Event – what a success!

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On Tuesday 10th July,  Marlow Town Council held a Children’s Torch Relay in Higginson Park in celebration of the Olympic Games – the same day that the Olympic Torch visited Bisham Abbey as reported in our blog Photo Special

All Marlow primary school children (aged 4-11) were invited to take part in the free event. We have to say that this was a superb event, about which we have heard nothing but praise, so the organisations who helped deserve full credit! So, in addition to the Town Council,  hats off and thanks to –  The Rotary Clubs of Marlow, Café in the Park, Marlow Striders, Gordons Solicitors and Wycombe District Council and their Sports Development Team.

Children made their own Olympic torches in school, and then each child was invited to run a section of the park with his or her torch. As each child finished they received a gold medal handed out by Sir Steve Redgrave, the Town Mayor and Town Councillors.  The torches were entered into a competition, judged by the Town Mayor, Jocelyn Towns.  Winners were Fraser Whitfield with the gold, Sebastian Pepperell won silver, and Amy Swanborough took bronze.

Cllr Philip Ditchfield, of Marlow Town Council, said: “The torch relay was really inspiring, with more than 800 children taking part – and perhaps today we’ve seen some of our sporting heroes of tomorrow! Thanks to our very generous sponsors we’ve been able to provide a free community event for families, which has helped everyone get into the spirit of the 2012 Olympics”.

Marlow FM provided the music and local torch bearers, Jane Daly and Katharine Gourley, went around with their official Olympic torches so children had the chance to have a photo taken. Sir Steve Redgrave also brought his torch along as he took part in the Henley Torch event earlier that morning.

Children taking part received a picnic box including a snack and drink, courtesy of Café in the Park. There were free rides on the roundabout and a free bouncy castle, entertainers and face painters – ensuring lots of fun for families and friends.

Click on any photo for a larger version

Article author: Paul Merchant

About the author: Founded MyMarlow.co.uk in its original version back in 2000 - yes the internet DID exist back then. Brought up in Marlow, went to school here, now has children at the same schools. Quite clearly loves all things Marlow - hence spending over 2 decades doing this!

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The Olympic Torch at Bisham – 10 July

Olympic action at the Marlow Sports Club

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