Marlow Torch Relay

In this event organised by Marlow Town Council, Rotary acted as marshalls together with running group Marlow Striders and 'policed' six points of entry two at a time, little ones first.  We also managed the judging of the torch competition.  The judging was done by Steve Redgrave and the Town Mayor.

Thunder and lightening and a deluge of rain suggested not only life threatening conditions for Rotary stewards and setup teams but near disaster for the Children's School Torch Relay.  However, just like a magic torch, the clouds blew away and the sun came out in readiness for the onslaught of crazied children bearing fire and energy with their mad torches.  All were ready to race a lap of Higginson Park and enter their self-made Olympic fire lighters into a competition judged by Steve Redgrave and two other previousl real torch bearers.
 
Success and enjoyment abounded as 800 children - four year olds to teenagers - were carefully managed onto the course to all win a 'real' olympic medal and a picnic box of food for the effort.  Mothers were elated and highly complimentary at the fun time their little hyper fire lighters had. Despite being covered in mud from head to toe they were left energised and inspired.  Thankfully the weather held and the torches were judged by celebrities.  The only problem of the day was repatriating torches to the children from the pile of over 800.  When asked to describe their torch - 'The orange one with the flame at the top, please' !!!