150th_Supplement

Newbury Weekly News - 150th Anniversary

Newbury Weekly News

Thursday, 2 March, 2017

2012: Olympic torch lights up Newbury

She said: “I hope it’s something she’ll remember for the rest of her life.” Karen Saunders from Greenham said: “It’s way better than I expected – lots of razzamatazz and a real party atmosphere.” Joy Cooper, also from Greenham, agreed: “It’s a fantastic atmosphere – and I’ve never seen such happy police officers! It’s lovely to see all the generations come together, from little children to grandparents.” Pattie Mhlanga, from Newbury, brought son Benjamin, aged 11 months, while her friend Irene Pettit took two-and-a-half-year- old daughter Ellie. Ms Pettit said: “I hope the children will remember this day and say ‘I was there’.” The licensee of The Monument in Northbrook Street, Neal Anderson, passed out free bacon sandwiches and the sun lifted spirits along the route. After the historic relay, families packed into Market Place to watch stilt walkers and urban sports such as skateboarding and stunt cycling, while others picnicked and carried on the party in Victoria Park.

11 July 2012 IT WAS Newbury’s time to shine. Even an hour before the torch arrived, crowds thronged Northbrook Street, three and four deep, while schoolchildren banged drums and waved flags. Police motorcyclists grinned and touched the outstretched hands of youngsters lining the route. Then came the last outriders and, finally, the torch. Newbury MP Richard Benyon, who was among the crowd, said later: “It was electrifying. The hairs on the back of my neck stood up. Newbury is an exceptional town and this was Newbury at its best.” Gillian Coles and Susan Smith from Newbury, who took the day off work at Berkshire Sensory Consortium Service, both agreed the relay was a “once-in-a-life- time event”. Employees from Bayer in Newbury took time out to witness the relay, including Emma Fountain, Angela May, Catherine Salt and Matt Willis. Mr Willis said: “This really is a major event for the town and it’s quite an experience to witness it first hand” Neil Tomlinson, the general manager at the Red House pub restaurant, Marsh Benham: “It’s a big day for the town and the turnout is incredible.” Imogen Frazer, the event manager at The Chequers Hotel, Newbury, said: “I’ve taken the day off because I think it’s important to support the town we love and work in and this is a fantastic event.” Jade Foster, from Speen, took daughter Jezzabell, aged five, to witness the relay.

The crowds lined the streets to watch the Olympic tor ch be ng carried through Newbur y, ith Clare Balding leading the way