Olympic Torch Relay

So on the 9th July 2012 the Olympic flame passed through Oxfordshire. My friend and I decided to mark this occasion by going to Blenheim Palace. What better backdrop to watch this once in a lifetime opportunity. We got there at about 11:30 as we wanted to go inside the Palace and have a wander around the grounds. There was nobody there really just a few tourists. The red carpet was laid and they were doing the sound tests. The torch wasn't due to arrive at the Palace until 15:55. When we got back to the main courtyard about two hours before it was due there was a definite increase in numbers.

About 1.5 hours before the torch arrived we went to pick our spot. Right by the steps to the Palace opposite the red carpet and of course at the front. As time went on more and more people arrived and eventually it was absolutely packed. We had no idea what Woodstock was like but seeing the news it was clear that it thousands of people had turned up to line the route of the torch. We were in our own little bubble inside the Palace grounds. We were handed the lyrics to Land of Hope and Glory and a flag.

Eventually we could hear cheers and looking up the courtyard we could see a person in white running down towards the Palace. It was here! It seemed to take an age for the runner to make it down to the steps. In reality it probably didn't take that long at all. She ran up the steps and it was here that the next runner put her torch to the flame and did the 'kiss'. We obviously got to see the now famous police officers escorting the flame in their grey track suits. The Duke of Marlborough made a speech and did three cheers then other 'important' people made their speeches. I was looking around taking it all in and notice that the police officers had two lanterns with them carrying the spare flame. Then came the moment for us to sing as the flame carried on its journey. The next torch bearer made her way slowly as the crowd sung. I would have but I didn't know the words and I was crouched on the floor so people behind me could see. My friend was stood up with the lyrics, that was my excuse anyway.

I didn't see any other VIPs but I did spot Douglas Hurd the former MP. The Prime Minister was apparently around but I didn't see him.

At the same time as feeling very privileged to have been in the position to see the Olympic flame in such amazing surroundings I feel it wasn't as exciting as I thought it would be. I don't really know what I expected to feel but I wasn't overwhelmed by the whole thing. Of course it is a once in a lifetime opportunity and I am pleased I was able to witness it. It definitely will be a story to tell when I am in my twilight years.