There are four days left until the Olympics start in London.Over the last few weeks the Olympic flame has been carried around the United Kingdom. Everybody in these isles lives within a few miles of where the Olympic flame has been carried. There are 8000 Olympic torch bearers. The 8000 holes in the perforated stem of the Olympic torch represent every one of the torch bearers.
With four days to go until the Olympic flame is transferred to the Olympic Stadium in Stratford in the East End of London it is getting close to it's destination.Today it reached the London Borough of Merton where I live. It was scheduled to visit Wimbledon Tennis Courts this afternoon where Andy Murray and Venus Williams were waiting to take it in turns to carry it a short distance. Marilyn, Alice, Emily and myself stood outside the gates to Wimbledon Tennis Courts to see the Olympic flame arrive. Crowds gathered and built up in the roads and streets around the tennis stadium. Police and the Royal Marines were out in force.
Police helicopters buzzed overhead. A large blue bus arrived first with cheerleaders dancing on the top deck encouraging the cowds to sing along.Grey tracksuit clad security guards jogged into view and then there was the torch bearer in his white track suit with the flame held aloft. An exciting moment.Everybody cheered and clapped. The atmosphere was exciting Most of the torch bearers have been chosen and nominated by people in their respective communities for the good works they do for their communities. They are people of inspiration.
I was in London yesterday with Marilyn and my brother and sister in-law. We took a trip up and down The Thames on The Thames Clipper. The party atmosphere is really building in the streets of London. It is a very exciting place to be.
The Olympic Flame arrives at Wimbledon tennis Courts.
The Police and the Royal Marines provide security.
Crowds gather on the pavement outside of Wimbledon Tennis Courts.