Olympic Torch
- Thread starter ginlin
- Start date
Minimunchkins
Gold Member
I'm all for the games but I'm in the 'who cares' camp about this so called 'relay'. However, it really made me chuckle when there was the hoo-ha over the torches selling on e-bay. If they were that bothered about the over commercialism of it, why didn't someone suggest having a proper relay >>>>> the same torch should have started & finished after being handed over to each & every runner. It wouldn't have cost so much making so many in the first place (flip side - industry wouldn't have benefitted) and the single torch would have realised a decent amount for charity when it was auctiioned at the end.
Auburn
x x x
MadameLaMinx
Gold Member
I think the reason they have them like that is a fuelling issue. Obviously a torch can only burn for so long before it would need refuelling, and you would have to extinguish it before it was refuelled otherwise you complete the equation "member of general public + petrol + open flame x massive insurance claim = PR nightmare + compensation costing more than event costs to hold." As tradition dictates that the flame MUST be kept lit - it would be a messy old palaver if they had to stop every handover to put the torch out and get it refuelled and relit from the accompanying "back up" flame.
I quite like the fact that the runners were allowed to buy and keep their own torches. It's a rare keepsake that they can treasure to remember when they played their part (and hawk down the pawnbrokers when they are down on their luck).
MadameLaMinx
Gold Member
He had one because he was a torch bearer. I think they were £200 each. With 8000 bearers, I am not surprised they ask people to pay for theirs. I think there was a discount if you were in a low income bracket... *needs to check facts*
jaylou
Gold Member
I'm a bit of an old grump when it comes to the torch relay. It's been and gone through our area a few times over the last few weeks, but to be honest, I was so fed up with road closures and the tens of thousands of people turning up for the after events, that I didn't bother to go and see it.
There are so wonderful stories and I have no problem with the relay itself, it's great that it's come so close to so many people - I just didn't want to go and see it.
I am, however, exited about the Olympic Games being in our country - not just in London, cycling and sailing are two events I can think of outside of London.
There are so wonderful stories and I have no problem with the relay itself, it's great that it's come so close to so many people - I just didn't want to go and see it.
I am, however, exited about the Olympic Games being in our country - not just in London, cycling and sailing are two events I can think of outside of London.
bunnylovesalan
Proud Mama :)
The football is in Coventry, grr going avoid the big Tesco when it is on, pfft!!!
mrstaylor
Full Member
lsf666 said:I didn't even know this thread was here until Lynne mentioned it!
Well it came through Southend today and I snapped a piccie
Sent from my iPhone using MiniMins
It's nearly here then ! ( I'm near Stratford) it's going to be exciting, but very busy starting 3 weeks today!
donnajt
Addicted to Minimins!
Which school Emsie - as it was at my daughter's too yesterday x
MadameLaMinx
Gold Member
There's 8000 of them altogether Donna, one for each runner. The son of one of my daughters teaching assistants took part and he brought his in to show her class. They were super excited.
