Huge welcome for the Olympic Flame in Bexley
24 July 2012
Over 100,000 people welcomed the Olympic Flame to Bexley this weekend (22 July). The borough is in celebratory mood following the fantastic torch relay event which showed off the very best of the borough and its residents.
No one was more delighted than Leader of the London Borough of Bexley, Cllr Teresa O'Neill who said: "Ever since it was announced just over a year ago that Bexley would host the Olympic flame there has been painstaking work and planning behind the scenes to make sure that this momentous honour for the borough would be a success.
"This was a real extravaganza of family entertainment and community spirit at its best.
"I am thrilled that so many turned out to offer their enthusiastic support along an eight mile route, which encompassed the borough's finest heritage and culture. More than 40 different community groups performed alongside professional entertainers to welcome the Flame - it was a wonderful occasion which will live on in the minds of all those who were a part of it for years to come.
"All in all I think everybody involved, from the torchbearers, residents and volunteers through to local businesses, police and organisers, can feel justifiably proud of the day and the fact that, together, we showed Bexley off to the world in such a positive light."
The Flame entered the borough across the Thames from Havering on a London Fire Brigade Boat into Erith Yacht Club carried by club member Aaron Reynolds. It was escorted by a flotilla of small boats that were crewed by junior sailors from the club.
Erith Yacht Club, Commodore, Geoff Pigott said; "The day was a massive success and a land-mark in the club's 112 year history. After lots of long meetings, months of planning and a tremendous effort by the members of Erith Yacht Club, the Council, and the local community groups who entertained along our part of the route, to prepare for the day the torch arrival went really well. It was very exciting to see our Youth Captain, Aaron Reynolds, at the front of the fire boat followed by the EYC youth sailors in perfect formation behind him. To quote one of our youngest members "it was smashing.""
From the club the Flame made its way along Manor Road out of Erith and towards Northumberland Heath. The entire stretch of the route was lined by cheering crowds of onlookers wishing the runners well.
Europa Centre Manager, Len Arnold OBE ran the stretch of the route outside Civic Offices he described the occasion in one word; "Unbelievable! I would like to thank everyone for coming out. I was very, very lucky to have been chosen." Len now plans to put the Torch on display at the new Europa Centre.
Torchbearer, Jane Smith from Dagenham was equally impressed with the day. She said; "It was a fantastic atmosphere and a great experience. The people of Bexley did us proud!"
Rakesh Kumar carried the Torch along Albion Road into the Broadway. He said; "Words can't describe how amazing it was. The people were so great, so passionate. It was a privilege to be here."
Sarah-Louise Casey, one of Bexley's Sporting Best team, ran along Danson Road with the Flame. She said; "It was just brilliant, superb!"
Nine year old Finley Davies watched the Torch pass by in the Broadway. Finlay, a student at Birkbeck School, Sidcup, said: " I'm really excited that this is taking place on my birthday. We got here early to get a good view!"
The Torch was carried into the Evening Celebration and onto the stage at Danson Park by former world heavyweight boxer Lennox Lewis.
Before Lennox arrived the crowd in the park had enjoyed entertainment from Rizzle Kicks , dancers Twist and Pulse, local youth musicians from BexFactor and Bexley's Community Choir and Iconix dance troupe.
Photos from the day, including those sent in by spectators along the way, are available to view by using the 'A day to remember' link on the right hand side.
