Olympic Torch comes to Essex
Thousands of spectators refused to let the unpredictable weather
stop them celebrating the journey of the Olympic Torch through
Essex.
Photo: The Olympic Torch
More than 170 torchbearers helped carry the torch across the county
on Friday, July 6 and Saturday, July 7, 2012 as part of its 70 day
journey across the UK on route to the opening ceremony in
London.
Spectators flocked to towns all over the county to watch the torch
travel through Colchester, Hatfield Peverel, Heybridge, Maldon,
Rayleigh, Southend on Sea, Hadleigh, Basildon, Grays, Herongate,
Brentwood on Saturday and Chelmsford, Harlow, Waltham Abbey,
Newport and Saffron Walden on Sunday.
Photo: Essex Police cyclists 'high-five' the
crowd
Extra resources, including Pcs, PCSOs and more than 80 special
constables, were called in to help ensure the celebrations went
safely.
Children and adults lined the route, cheering on the
torchbearers, Olympic convoy and even ‘high-fiving’ police
motorcyclists. As the torch travelled 12 miles across Southend just
before lunch time on Saturday, spectators were also able to greet
Essex Police’s cyclists from the Operation Velo team.
Photo: John Bowman lights the Olympic cauldron at Sparks will Fly
at Hylands Park
Three people with close connections to Essex Police
carried the torch. The first was Pc Alan Bowen from Leigh
neighbourhood policing team. The 40-year-old who has worked with
Essex Police as both a special constable and regular officer for 20
years, carried the torch from Lymington Avenue to Belfairs Drive in
Leigh just after 1.30pm on Saturday. He was nominated by his wife
because of his continual efforts to make the community a safer
place to live.
Next was John Bowman, the husband of a former Essex Police
sergeant who died earlier this year after a long challenge with
cancer. He carried the torch into Hylands Park in memory of his
inspirational wife Kirste Snellgrove who worked in the training
department at Essex Police College. John was the last torch bearer
to carry the flame in Chelmsford as it entered the Sparks
Will Fly event for its overnight stop.
Photo: Former Chief Supt Jed
Stopher
Former Chief Supt Jed Stopher had an early start on Saturday, July
7, 2012 to carry the torch from Church Street into the High Street
in Chelmsford. The 49-year-old was nominated by his wife and staff
at Broomfield Hospital after helping to raise thousands of pounds
for an intensive care unit as the leader of the Essex Police
Marathon Team.
Chief Officer of Essex Police's Special Constabulary Leon Dias
said: "The special constables are very proud to be involved in what
is a historic event for Essex and delighted to be working for their
community."
Assistant Chief Constable Sue Harrison said:"We would like to
give a special thank you to the crowds, who were very happy,
orderly and had a great community spirit. In Essex there were
some of the biggest crowds supporting the Torch Relay so far,
despite the rain.
"There was a wonderful atmosphere and they also turned out in
force at Hadleigh on Friday in support of the Olympic venue in our
county.
"I am really pleased that local schools allowed their pupils along
the route to experience this unique event.
"Appreciation also goes out to all district and unitary
authorities, Essex County Council and all our other partners who
have worked very well together to ensure Essex could enjoy this
special occasion.
"My final thanks goes to all Essex Police officers and staff who
have worked hard to support the Torch Relay route through
Essex."
