Hampton Court cheers the Gloriana

Amazing, exciting, overwhelming, none of this describes the emotion I experienced with thousands of other people at 7am this morning.

The riverbank at Hampton Court is always a stunning place to be, but at 6am this morning the place was buzzing with people of all ages, shapes and colours, all stopping to take in the wonderful sight of the Queen’s row barge, The Gloriana which was moored near to the bridge.  

This time we had a stunning view with the early sun glinting on the gold decorations, unlike the last time when the view was obscured by torrential rain at the Thames River Pageant.

The crowds gathered in every available spot, even venturing into the river in some places.  The police divers moved into place before masses of rowing boats took up their positions under the bridge, ready to follow the Gloriana.  

Even the geese had rehearsed a synchronised performance to entertain the crowd.

My new friend waiting next to me spotted James Cracknell walking behind us and he very politely stopped to allow a photo opportunity.

A text came through to say the Olympic Torch had reached the maze, the press helicopter was overhead and flags were waving and oars were raised to salute the arrival.  It took a while to do the tour of the gardens and through the Palace and finally, our wait was over.  

I woke up this morning, hardly able to believe the day had arrived, now we were about to experience the most beautiful sight of the The Gloriana taking to the water with the massive cauldron containing the Olympic flame.  The sun even managed to break through the drizzly sky at this moment, creating a magical light for this spectacle.

Following behind the magnificent barge, the little row boats joined the procession along with the police diving boats, RNLI and pleasure launches, it was a bit like a mini Jubilee Pageant with better weather.

The British are normally such reserved people and suddenly this Olympic Torch Relay has enabled us to share our excitement with strangers, showing Britain at it's very best.  The cheering, the emotion, the excitement was uncontrollable.  We felt privileged to be part of this great event, I had no idea that you don't need to be a sports fan to feel the power the Olympics can generate in bringing the world together.

Boris was right Olympomania is now at fever pitch.

And then it was all over, and I felt like I had been part of a magical dream.

The Olympic Flame

On a perfect summer morning and you might wonder why the residents of this pretty market town are gathering on the streets at 8am. 

Families, dogs, and office workers quickening their pace as they head to vantage points across town, everyone smiling and with an air of eager anticipation.  Soon windows are thrown open and heads appear to catch a glimpse, the police take up their positions and suddenly someone spies a runner in grey rounding the corner, it is one of the Met Police security team, cheers ripple through the crowd, this is it, the Olympic Torch is on it’s way.

Every police motorcyclist, cycling paramedic and official gets a cheer and even this police car with their cuddly toy – Olympic mascot!

The warm-up vehicles appear with happy young people waving, cheering and handing out their promotional goodies. Complete strangers standing side by side want to share the moment, more of the runners of the police security team cycling past, beaming with smiles and announcing it is moments away!

The bright yellow media bus appears on the corner and there he was. A shiver of excitement was felt as the iconic flame passed by me, just a couple of inches away. The torch bearer for this section, I’m sorry I can’t give a name to him, looked so proud, you could see his concentration, trying to take in every second of this historic moment.

 

But it was all over so quickly, so I darted along the back of the crowds and across town whilst the Torch and the team took a route through the centre of the shopping centre.  Arriving just in time to run up to a footway across the one way system and see another Torch Bearer running down the hill and greeting the next person waiting to accept the ‘kiss’ from his torch.

This chap just didn't want his moment to finish

Spectators make their way back into the shopping centre

Off went the Olympic flame in the direction of Richmond upon Thames and Kingston upon Thames was left to enjoy a spectacular performance from the Seoul Cultural Centre.

It is difficult to say why, but this experience has been highly emotional and will certainly be a lasting memory.  Maybe it is just that sense of community and happiness which we don't often experience in suburbia and a genuine feeling feeling of warmth.

Tom Jones can still wow his audience

The gloom of another rainy summer's day is suddenly lifted as the blustery wind raises the curtains through the open window and the dulcet tones of Tom Jones enter the room!  Not a thoughtless housewife with her radio turned up too loud.  This is the real man himself, not far away from me.  Wednesday is turning out to be a rather good day!

I have to admit I can't actually see the lovely man at the moment.  He is rehearsing for his performance at Sandown Racecourse this evening.

He is one of the old timers who, at the age of 72, has still got the voice to belt out all the old favourites and give his audience a thoroughly entertaining night out.

SHINE London Marathon

Time to start a bit of serious training for the SHINE London marathon http://shine.cancerresearchuk.org/events/london-2012

Last year, The Darlings and I took part in this night time walk through London and it was such a rewarding event, we are signed up for the 2012 walk which starts at the old Battersea Power Station.

Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think I would be taking part in a challenge like this, but we have lost too many very dear family and friends to many forms of cancer, so I thought it was about time to help raise money for the tremendous research which has managed to save, or the extend lives of cancer sufferers.

The six mile walk on Sunday went quite well, we were back home in 90 minutes and not too many aches today.  It will be easier once the Olympics are over and we do not need to negotiate the endless 'packs' of cyclists who are enthusiastically riding the route.  We will be marooned in our area for the two days over the weekend of the cycling road race!

I am so excited!

I'm so excited.  The sky is BLUE.  Really deep summer blue with the odd fluffy whisper of a cloud.

Considering it is mid July I shouldn't be surprised, but this year just ten minutes of weather like this is so uplifting.

I know there are dismal clouds out to the west with yet more of a soaking to match the downpour this morning, but for the moment I am going to soak up those glorious warm rays.

Mrs. Murray has an amazing son

Photo: Rex Features

Every parent could feel the pain with Mrs. Murray yesterday. But she was determined to turn around the disappointment and end the day on a positive note, raising a glass of bubbly to toast the courage and determination of her son.

Photo: Simon Stacpoole/Offside

The normal icy composure of Judy Murray crumbled, while she listened as her son took the microphone from the BBC's Sue Barker.  He bravely fought back the tears to thank all his supporters and recognise the pure genius of the man who had just won the title of Wimbledon Men's Singles Champion for the seventh time.

Photo:  PA

Andy Murray made history by reaching the finals in SW19 and played like a champion, but could not break the skill of the ever gracious Roger Federer.

Photo: AP

The Scot, who has been given a reputation of being surly, gave a touching speech which left his audience choked with emotion, if not joining along with his tears.

Photo:  Murray Saunders

This outpouring of emotions must be giving a tremendous boast to his popularity, now that the sporting public have witnessed just how grateful he is for their support and his determination to succeed in the pursuit of his first grand slam victory.  No longer can the press describe him as miserable, cold and aloof, he showed great warmth and generosity in defeat and won over hearts around the world.

Photo:  PA