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Canforth on the edge of the bay which during the age of steam was once one of the engine sheds on the historic west coast
mainline railway between London and Scotland. Now with its Conforth station heritage centre.
The historic villages of Bolton the Sands and Hesbank where once stage coaches and travellers began
their journeys across the treacherous sands of Morkham Bay and Morkham a once thriving traditional British seaside resort
retaining its magnificent promenade views across the bay to the towering peaks of the lake district
and the inspiring loon valley and historic Georgian Lancaster with its mighty castle and priory
towering over the beautiful river loon and its bridges. It's St George's Keyside reminding us of the days of sailing ships
of the once prosperous port trading with Africa and the Caribbean and of its slave trade with the Ashton Monument
in Williamson's Park testimony to the entrepreneurial spirit of its Victorian industrialists reaching into the blue blue sky
Morkham Bay attracting tourists from far and wide and one of the sunniest places in England
but not on the 22nd of June 2012 the day that the 2012 Olympic court relay came to town
the rain poured down all day and the wind howled but that did not dampen the public enthusiasm along the route
and they turned up in their thousands to cheer the runners along
arriving first in comfort it was enthusiastically greeted by the town's giants Astrid and Antonio
and hundreds of local people and school children
for one short moment in time the eyes of the world were on the town
8,000 torch bearers had been chosen around the country for their inspiration or service to their local community
people who have made a difference and deserve recognition from their personal achievements
and all nominated by their communities or by the 2012 Olympic Games main sponsor
it was day 35 of the Olympic torch relay exactly halfway around its epic 8,000 mile journey around the UK
some of the torch bearers in Carford were Timothy March
who had raised lots of money for Rhett's children's charities
and 20 year old Ben Carr from Schatt
although having learning difficulties himself he is a carer for his mother who has physical and mental health problems
and 62 year old Inspiration P teacher and lecturer for nearly 30 years Jim Lavin
and he enjoyed showing off the torch to Conference Mayor Caroline Higginson
my name is Sheila Jefford and I've been a torch bearer because my daughter nominated me because my partner died of cancer last year
and I've been a torch bearer for almost 30 years and I've been a torch bearer for almost 30 years
and I've been a torch bearer because my daughter nominated me because my partner died of cancer last year
and it's been a very emotional time and it's a year ago today since he came out of Lancaster Hospital for us to nurse him at home
and I just think it's lovely that I'm doing this today for him
my name's Matthew Pryor I've nominated by my mum for all these sports coaching him
did at high school and looking forward to the whole day
the flame is lit several months before the games using the sun's rays and a parabolic mirror in the Temple of Hera in Olympia, Greece
that was where the original Olympic Games were held
tradition has it that a fire was kept burning there to honor Zeus the supreme ruler in the Greek pantheon
but the idea of a torch relay was originated for the 1936 Olympic Games in Germany
and well these pictures were taken on 9th of May 2012
this year's torch is full of symbolism
there are 8,000 circular holes to represent the 8,000 miles that the relay will travel
and the 8,000 people who will carry it and their stories of personal achievement and contributions to their communities
it has three sides to represent the three times that the UK has hosted the Olympics
1908, 1948 and 2012
also the three words in the Olympic motto, faster, higher and stronger
and the three Olympic values, respect, excellence and friendship
the British design and built torch is one of the tallest yet it's the lightest
as you can now gather the Olympic torch is in the middle of a substantial convoy
but how many vehicles are needed to escort one torch on the individual 300 yard runs
the answer, over 40, plus nearly 200 people
after leaving Carnforth the convoy then headed through Bolton Sands
where 44-year-old Raymond Porter from Haslinden took over the torch
and then on to Hespank
there were over 15,000 young people who enthusiastically lined the route
and none more so than the pupils from Slangwethers primary school
they'd got to school early and then walked all the way down the canal bank
to be in position an hour before the torch arrived
and during the gales and the torrential rain
to see 18-year-old Eleanor Peacht carry the torch through the village
you should have been sitting in A level
my name is Eleanor Peacht and I was nominated by my PE teacher
for all my football coaching that I've done and worked for the Downsports in summer
and also worked for the disabled people, I can't wait
she passed it on to Philip Lee who had been nominated for his work
in securing funding for a youth football team in Hesham
the torchbearers had to be at several collection points throughout the UK
well before their actual running times
one such place was Morkan Golf Club
and here the torchbearers were allocated their numbers and the sections that they're going to be running
our cameramen were there at 7.30am to see how it was done
and to record what the torchbearers thought
first we met with Roy Walsh who represented Great Britain as a Diver in 1956
and then became in Melbourne
I competed in the high board and springboard diving
and I'd like to wish everybody today
especially the torchbearers, I wish them all the very best
it's a pity about the weather but there you go
here the runners who would be carrying the torch
from Carnford through Bulkney Sands
S Bank Morkan and up to the lunch stop
at our Ladies Catholic College in Lancaster
will give them their briefings by local staff
before the run along Morkan's promenade began
a training session for several torchbearers
who would be running as a group and rotating the lead
every 60 yards or so
just to get them into the idea of passing the torch on the run
and it wasn't as easy as they thought
and then it was on to the bus
and out into driving wind and rain
to put the theory into practice
I'm glad I got this opportunity
because I never know, get chance again in life
but I'm very happy to torchbearer in London 2012
thank you
I'm very proud of myself that Coca-Cola
and Bestway together give me this opportunity
it's a lifetime opportunity
and I'm very grateful for them
and thanks for all of it
On to Bear
and to David Helm
David is only four feet and a half inch years tall
and suffers from brittle bone disease
but despite this he loves to take part in sport at school
what are you looking forward to Lord?
Well the whole experience really
carrying my torch and everything really
Morning my name is John Hargreaves
I've worked for EDF
I've nominated for my contributions to youth rugby
and pressing glass uppers
Whatever this gentleman is drinking I want some
the rain didn't seem to dampen his spirit
Was this a competition to see how many people
would cram into the town hall bus shelter?
and it was here at the town hall
that the convoy took a break to enjoy a warming cup of tea
and where the band had didn't play
and eventually 28 year old Carl Hill appeared on the promenade
and quickly ran into the town hall
and is a lifeboat crew on standby to rescue a drowned torch perhaps?
or do they have something or someone else in mind?
like hijacking Vicky Breyer?
Vicky is a carer who works for Beaumont College
in Lancaster looking after adults with cerebral palsy
she has been involved in numerous fundraising events
including Great North Run
and was nominated by her sister
the sponsor staff seemed to like her as well
or perhaps it might be the other way around
Danielle Giles hands over the flame to Vicky
as Vicky sets off for the Eric Markham statue
Danielle very gravely gets back onto the bus
and a well-deserved bit of warmth
at the Eric Markham statue which was sculpted by Graham Iberson
and opened by Her Majesty the Queen
Peter Moser was doing his best with his one land band
to keep the crowds entertained
the bearer of Lancaster, Councillor Sheila Denwood arrived
trying to control her wayward umbrella
then Vicky Breyer arrived with the torch
and this was the media opportunity of the day
and Vicky certainly gave them the pictures that they were looking for
I think the mayor had something to say about her time at the Eric statue
at the reception that she held later in Lancaster Town Hall
these few moments were remembered by many in decades to come
and the famous words of the Welsh comedian Max Boyce
I was there will be spoken by many and people today
to their own children of tomorrow
one of Markham's delights is the refurbished Art Deco Midland Hotel
and it was from the roof that we were able to see
15 year old charity fundraiser Manon Stiat
from Moonslow run past Markham Visitor Centre at the platform
Manon intends to raise money for the Teenage Cancer Trust
by running a half marathon soon
and as she says, I have chosen this particular charity
because I know some people who have experienced cancer
and I want to show them that I can help in any way that I can
by being able to run with the Olympic flame
I'm able to show people that all nationalities can join together
and celebrate the Olympics as a community
the turn project is part of Markham's regeneration scheme
turning down Central Drive takes us past Markham's railway station
and yet more highly enthusiastic school children
Sasha Kreitzer from London used to be a middle distance runner
and won several medals in the German Championships
he runs a weekly Adidas running club
and he says that to run with the Olympic torch is such an honour
he handed the torch to 18 year old Ambassador
for the Prince of Trust Dominic Grove
and waiting for him near the library was Sarah McLaughlin
Alderhay is the largest hospital for children in the UK
and Sarah works tirelessly for the Ronald McDonald House Charity
which provides home from home accommodation for families
to be near their children whilst they're in hospital
York Bridge waiting for the torch was a big man, Stephen Barnard
who comes from a place with a big name
a man who's sporting achievements, socially minded activities
and community involvement for as long as the place where he lives
he passes it over to Paul Shaw who in turn gave it to Catherine Ongdon Smith
Catherine is from Glasgow and is a trained Red Cross responder
and attended dozens of incidents
it was nice to see how many children of all ages turned out
for this once in a lifetime experience
especially the Lancaster Road Junior School
some of whom are really dressed for the occasion
Mike works for the NHS Trust and voluntarily created a successful health and fitness regime for it
Mike works for the NHS Trust and voluntarily created a successful health and fitness regime for it
he was on his way to meet Debbie Flood
whose mother turned up unexpectedly
My name's Debbie Flood
I'm originally from Yorkshire but now I live down in Reading where I'm rowing
so I was nominated because of the work that I did in the community
getting kids involved in sport that have been disengaged from school
on the Cusper Prison
but I'm also rowing in the Olympics
so this is the start of my little Olympic flame to the Olympics
Great Britain Quadruple Schools Raw, a 31-year-old Debbie, is from Gysley
and won silver medals at both the 2004 and 2008 Olympic Games in Athens and Beijing
she's part of the 2012 Team GB and hopes to go on better this year
it is surprising to learn that she began doing judo, chop-putting and cross-country running
and only took up rowing as an afterthought
Debbie handed over to Jack Hunter Spivey who we'll meet later on
but further along Morkham Road, Craig Birch was having a long, cold and wet wait
just willing Ben Cooper to turn up with the flame
I think that this policeman was not quite sure of which way to go so
he was probably just checking with Craig
Ben is a very active volunteer with youth sailing
which provides training and racing opportunities for possible future Olympic sailors
at last he meets up with Craig and the flame has passed on
21-year-old Craig is a keen athletics coach
and enjoys developing young people through sport
hoping to uncover Olympic stars of the future
then pass Rylans Estate, hand over to Doris Collins
and who in turn handed over to Victor Pearson
Here on the run-up to the lunch break of our ladies Catholic colleagues
the route was lined by thousands of young people
enthusiastically responding to the encouragement of the sponsors' teams
and that was despite the torrential rain
the noise was deafening
Victor Pearson has dedicated years of service to the Scout Association
and is currently the regional commissioner for the north-east of England
and the young people from our ladies Catholic colleagues
formed a Guard of Honor as she arrived
Well as you know this is a very very special day for our ladies
despite the atrocious weather
we're having a marvellous day
as we prepare to welcome the Olympic torch
we've been getting ready for this day for months and months now
lots and lots of careful planning, lots and lots of work with the media
and activities in school
so we're really excited and we just can't wait
In the school today we've really privileged to be welcoming the Olympic torch
stopping here for lunch
we've got a number of different activities going on
we've got all sorts of different tri-olympic sports
such as handball, blind football
activities that pupils don't normally get the chance to try
as well as Derek Redmond who's just delivering a speech as we speak
and all sorts of other things going on
we've got the Bay coming in
they're doing an outside broadcast from here
as I read your Lancashire
the Bay have got a stage on with some acts as well for lunchtime
it's just a really packed day and we're just all really excited
and really happy that the torch is passing through our school
After lunch the school forms another Guard of Honor
as Gail Knight from Oswatersl takes over torch bearer duties
she gained the honour because of the work she does for the over 50s and children
coordinating school play
as well as organising book clubs and musical talent evenings
and as she leaves the school
the torch relay is now heading through the centre of Lancaster
and still the rain falls incessantly
the convoy heads across Scurton Bridge
England's first large flat river bridge built by Thomas Harrison in 1783
It's going to stop raining in about five minutes
and waiting are more very wet but happy children
44-year-old Paul Hattisley from Morkham
received the torch from Kyle Patrick Looktung
who in January was diagnosed with Osgood-Schlatter disease
which affected his leg growth and caused severe pains in his knees
He's determined though to carry on running, playing rugby and doing karate
Two and a half years ago Paul was struck down with Will and Barry syndrome
which kills one person in 20 and leaves over 50% of people with disabilities
Absolutely, 110% behind him, so proud of him
He overcame quite a serious illness, just 40
Even the week after he came out of hospital he was off and running again
After six months of intensive physiotherapy
he returned to work
and he's now determined to run a marathon before his 50th birthday
Who nominated you Paul?
It was Heath and Tammy at work
I was in a few years ago
I was used to my arms and legs and didn't even get to walk again
anyway I pulled through so I got nominated for it
How did you feel about this?
Absolutely unbelievable
Brilliant, good luck to you
Thank you
20-year-old Rachel Fox takes the torch through Stonewall
I'm very proud for running with the Olympic torch today
It's something which means a lot to me and a lot to my family
especially my nan, she's very very proud
so I'm just a great thanks to everyone that's nominated me
The area around Dalton Square was packed
and the motorcyclists certainly had got into the spirit of the day
Ex-Miss Morkham, Laura Johnson produced one of the highlights of the whole day
When the convoy was stopped and the crew rushed away because someone was hurt in the crowd
she produced an impromptu performance which delighted the whole crowd
I don't think they wanted her to leave
It means a great deal for me to be running in the Olympic torch relay today
Friday 22nd of June through Lancaster
It's a once-in-a-lifetime event and it's really going to make history
and I'm really really proud to be running through my hometown
representing young people from the work with Police Cadets
Laura has been helping to run a voluntary Police Cadet course
As a nomination says, Laura is what the majority of young people are about
although sometimes in life it takes a young person like Laura
to show others how rewarding it can be
The youngest runner was 13-year-old Molly Newton O'Brien from Burton in Lonsdale
Last year Molly suffered three bereavements
and so threw herself into the school athletics to help her get over things
Despite having a fracture she completed two triathlons
and then helped her school team to gain promotion
She's a true inspiration to her classmates
Then it's on pass Lancaster Royland Fermi to the point around about
Student Josh Simpson is already a level 2 football association coach
and recently he has won the UK Championship in Freestyle Martial Arts
He hands the torch over to 76-year-old chairman of Pendle Forest Sports Club Raymond Townsend
Last year he was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Sports Award
and awarded a service to the Pendle area at his local newspaper Sports Awards evening
Next we come to a truly inspirational story, a story of courage and determination
Dave Watson from Preston is 25 and served in Hellman province in Afghanistan
and is a member of the first battalion in the Scots Guards
Whilst on patrol he stood on an IED which left him with no legs and only one arm
What he has achieved in the two years since is truly outstanding
But first, wheelchair bound Elaine Dolan and her husband set up a children's football club near Bolton
and now have eight teams, one of whom, the under tens, won their league last season
as she passes the flame over to Dave
Dave took part in the Paralympic Games in Stoke
and has also been over to America recently to do a similar games where he won two gold medals and a bronze
and also broke the record for the discus event
He should have been competing in this year's Paralympic Games, but injury has prevented him
What it means to me is a lot because I've represented my country in the army
and I'm doing it again by carrying the Olympic torch
He wanted to stay in the army, but they've kicked him out
and the question has to be asked, is this how we should treat these young servicemen and women?
They're putting their lives on the line for our country
Judging by the overwhelming response from the thousands who turned out to greet Dave, the answer is quite clear
Stephen Walker, the last torch bearer, also served in the army
and now raises money for help the heroes and the British Legion amongst others
The Mayor of Lancaster, Councillor Sheila Denwood, invited several of the torch bearers to come back to the Town Hall
and have some refreshment
Thank you everybody, thank you for coming on such a dreadful day
A wonderful day Sheila
Oh thank you, weather-wise
Right, as Eric Morgan would say, bring me sunshine
but we didn't have the sunshine but we had the smiles
and that's what counts
Okay, so I'd like to extend a warm welcome to you both from Lancaster City Council
and the communities of our district
This reception is our small way of thanking you for your participation in the torch relay
and also a chance for you to meet each other and swap experiences
As a last-ring memory, we also would like to take a photo view altogether
which we will do later and that would be brilliant
It might sound cliche
but today really has been a nice once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for us all
I hope you agree
I know many of you have come from outside the district
and I hope that your experience in our wonderful area has been good
and that you'll come back in future to visit us
We prepared a small gift bag as a token of our appreciation
so every time you have a cup of tea, you'll have something to remember us by
so I hope you enjoyed that when you receive your small gift bag
Finally, I'd like particularly to welcome and thank Doris Collins, the lady here
If you haven't heard, Doris is handing over her torch to the City Council
for us to retain on behalf of the entire community
I think at this stage, I think that deserves a round of applause
Thank you Doris, that is very well appreciated, thank you very much
This again will help us to keep the memory of this day alive and buried
and burning, not buried, burning the bright future for all generations to come
I'm sure Doris would like to pause for a photo opportunity
and that would be most welcome
Thank you very much everyone
Jamie, what does it mean to you today to be running in this pouring down rain
in the middle of Lancaster with that torch?
I just think it's amazing that I got picked to run with it
because only 8,000 people are doing it
And how come you were chosen to do it?
Because of my dedication to swimming, because I swam through school
And what did your mum and dad think about that day?
That she thinks good
Yeah, we're really proud of him
Yeah, fantastic, really good, for all of you
I was able to swim swimming in that, really good
Laura, since I last interviewed you in the school
I've heard a rumour that you've been dancing in the streets of Lancaster
Tell me about it
Yeah, dancing in the rain I think
Yeah, it was fantastic
I was just coming up past Dalton Square
And obviously I saw Lancaster Girls Grammar School there, which is my old school
So obviously I was just cheering the crowds and saying
Come on Lancaster, make some noise
And then the procession just came to a halt
So obviously I just had to just really wow the crowds
And show them the torch
And there was a lot of school children to the left of me
So it was just absolutely amazing
I feel so ecstatic and I've had such a good day
And I'm absolutely wet through
But it doesn't matter, it doesn't make a difference
Mr Mayor, can you tell me what it means to Lancaster
To have this torch here today?
Well I think it's brilliant, absolutely brilliant and fantastic
This morning we're at Morkham
The weather's dreadful, but we've all tried to keep a smile
And accept the problems that go with it
But it's been fantastic, you know, what a privilege
And I've held the torch in Morkham and Lancaster
So that's been great
And Mr Mayor, what do you think about the people who've actually run today
In this absolutely atrocious weather?
I think they've been brilliant, brilliant
My God, it took some doing to run in that rain
Because I had my robes on and I was drenched
But I wouldn't have missed it for a million years
It's been fantastic
Go on and give me those immortal words of very Morkham
Well like Eric says, bring me sunshine
I couldn't bring you sunshine but I've brought you rain
But it's been brilliant anyway
Well that was absolutely mediocre
Can we have a round of applause?
Again, one, two, three
