Three Torchbearers 2012

The Olympic Torch Relay 2012

I have saved this blog entry to share as close as possible to the day that the torch reaches its destination!

We were very lucky to have the torch come through Somerton and on a beautiful morning with the town decorated with flags and bunting, we lined the streets waiting in excitement for the torch to be carried through the town.

I decided to paint a watercolour painting to give to our local junior school - this event is now a part of our town's history and this was also my way of thanking the school for adding to the atmosphere in the town square with the Morris Dancers and Samba Band.  Indeed, over the past couple of years, Monteclefe Junior school has organised some amazing celebrations for the town for both the Royal Wedding and Queen's Jubilee.


 It came to me that the painting would be even more special if each of our three wonderful torchbearers would sign the painting and the first destination was Wiltshire for Kelly Farley-Thompson.

Kelly's nomination story

She has been providing support to the British Armed Forces for many years, both as a Soldier herself and working as part of the General Dynamics United Kingdom Limited team delivering communications capability, and fund raising for both Help For Heroes and Combat.

 I then drove the painting to Bridgwater next for Jason Hedaux, (whom the painting was loosely based on) to sign the painting.  Jason very kindly and patiently spent time with the children of Monteclefe Junior school letting them hold the torch and have their photograph taken.

Jason's nomination story

Jason has worked relentlessly to provide interschool and community links to clubs and events for our pupils. We are a small rural school and without his committment to sport many of our children would have missed out on the opportunity to compete on a friendly or competitive level.

And last, but not least, we had a meeting for the last signature in
Langport Car Park!!!  Thanks Darrell Vickery.  I am very grateful for his patience with my many texts trying to arrange a convenient time and place.....thank you!

Darrell's nomination story

Darrell voluntarily donates hours throughout the year to encourage and train girls to play hockey and cricket at Taunton Vale Sports' Club.

Thank you to the three wonderful torchbearers who carried the torch though our town and I'm hoping that the children of Somerton, both present and future will enjoy the painting.

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