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A Piece of History

After 27 days of hearing the commentaries and reviews of the UK Olympic Torch Relay, I was very much looking forward to the spectacle reaching the North East. As I was unsuccessful in securing tickets to the Friday evening event, I thought I would show my support along with a few fellow Benchmarkers, and join the crowds on the doorstep of Benchmark HQ, as torchbearer Amy Priestley carried the flame through the city’s streets.

With the rain teeming down for the best part of 12 hours, we decided to enjoy a few cool beers in the warmth and shelter of our offices, while we waited to hear the celebrations start outside. 15 minutes before the torch was due to arrive we heard cheers and drums and bolted outside to take our place in the crowds. As we emerged we were slightly disappointed to see this “crowd” consisted of a mere dozen people, but our spirits rose again as the sponsors’ convoy drove passed shouting loud that the torchbearer was on her way. The break-dance battle on the balcony of Dance City provided welcome entertainment as we waited.

Meanwhile the rest of the residents of Newcastle and Gateshead were lining the banks of the Quayside, eagerly awaiting the arrival of the torch to the Tyne Bridge, where Bear Grylls was preparing to zipwire the torch to HMS Calliope on the Gateshead Quayside. I have since spoken to people who watched the zipwire and I do feel slightly jealous that I missed seeing it in the flesh. But I can say that not only are we now officially a part of history, we cheered the torchbearer on while standing only two metres away.

Today the relay leaves the North East, but I am sure all North East residents will agree that the three days of Olympic celebrations have been thoroughly enjoyable leaving us proud to be a part of the region.

All that’s left for me to say is good luck to Team GB. Just six weeks to go!

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Jennifer Westmoreland .