Streets lined for arrival of torch

THOUSANDS of Droitwich residents lined the town’s streets to greet the arrival of the Olympic flame last Thursday (May 24).

The flame visited the Spa as part of its 70 day tour of more than 1,000 UK destinations as part of the Olympic Torch Relay which began on May 19 in Land’s End.

The flame was carried by torchbearers, each with their own inspirational story to tell, through Bewdley, Kidderminster, Droitwich Spa, and Fernhill Heath before arriving in Worcester.

A total of 10 torchbearers completed the Droitwich section including Droitwich residents Dawn Bayliss, Ellen Evans and Trevor Griffiths and George Brunt and Pam Jones from Bromsgrove.

The flame began its Droitwich journey at the junction of Ombersley Way and New Chawson Lane before it made its way down Ombersley Way towards the Saltway roundabout.

Torchbearers then crossed the roundabout onto Covercroft, Ombersley Street East and Victoria Square before crossing the roundabout onto St Andrew’s Road.

The flame then turned right and headed up Worcester Road where the Droitwich section of the relay came to a close at the junction with Primsland Way.

Teenagers Sam Spencer and Droitwich Spa High School sixth-former Matthew Drury were among the torchbearers in Fernhill Heath as the flame made its way to a packed celebration at New Road in Worcester.

In addition to the torch relay, residents also enjoyed an entertainment extravaganza organised by Wychavon District Council in Victoria Square.

Live music from W Factor finalists, demonstrations and performances from local community groups, street entertainment and various other information stands from local groups in the area formed the backbone of the festivities.

Wychavon District Council chairman Coun Richard Morris, said: “The Olympic Torch was eagerly awaited on routes through Droitwich and Fernhill Heath and what a wonderful, carnival occasion it was.

“Congratulations to all our Olympic Torchbearers who included Dawn Bayliss, Trevor Griffiths, Matthew Drury, Pam Jones and Sam Spencer,” he added.

Buy photos» Torchbearer Nicki Yates meets Wychavon District Council chairman Coun Richard Morris (s)

Buy photos» Jordan Kiely (right) and Holly Whittall (left) with Torchbearer Chris Day on the Worcester Road in Droitwich. Picture by Fran Kiely

Buy photos» Patriotic residents turned out in their thousands to welcome the arrival of the Torch. Picture by Wychavon District Council

Buy photos» Chairman of Wychavon District Council Coun Richard Morris joined Droitwich Mayor Coun Anne Taft for the celebrations. Picture by Richard Morris

Buy photos» Thousands lined the streets to await the arrival of the Olympic Torch. Picture by Wychavon District Council

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