~Burnley's Big Day!~
23rd June 2012
The Olympics is a truly global event. Doubts may have been cast over the integrity of some of those at the top of the Olympic chain of command and their apparent impunity. But London 2012 is here and now and the Torch Relay is giving hundreds of thousands of folk the opportunity to feel part of the proceedings. It's Day 36 and en route from Lytham St.Annes to Manchester, the Relay comes through Burnley.
Cameras & Flags
Scroll down for photos and a description of the walk....
Colbran Street, Burnley
I started my walk into town from Shackleton Street and walked down a typical Burnley street of terraced housing, Colbran Street.
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At Bank Hall |
Into Thompson Park |
The River Brun
Yesterday, Friday 22nd, was immensley wet and The Brun overflowed the channel at Bank Hall, leaving detritus on the path. Thompson Park's gates were locked, maybe closed due to the high water level?
Thompson Park
Really strange finding the park completely empty, but it was easy to get in and even easier to get out where the park's boundary railings have been demolished by a motor vehicle.
The Mile Straight
The Leeds & Liverpool Canal in Burnley. I walked the full distance and beyond to meet Manchester Road.
Chimney Pots
Another of Burnley's streets, proudly showing off their chimney pots.
St.Peter's Church
Our town's main church, St.Peter's is seen in front of a rather dark looking Pendle Hill.
Burnley Town Hall
At least it's not raining! I'm suitably early and should be able to barge some young children out of the way, if I need to get a better view.
Manchester Road, Burnley
Crowds are gathering. I settle for a spot next to the steward and soon enough he wandered off, leaving a good view of the Town Hall and The Mechanics, next door.
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Water Brass Band |
Excitement Mounts |
Nearly Time!
Water (the village in Rossendale) Brass Band provide pre-torch entertainment as the crowd builds in anticipation of the torch's arrival.
First Sight
Here comes 13 year old Liz Greenwood from Burnley. A champion fell runner and came 2nd in the junior mini London marathon, remember her name!
Mayoral Welcome
Miss Greenwood and Burnley's Mayor, Mr.Charles Bullas along with Mrs Irene Bullas. I'd rather overlooked the fact that even Olympic Torches need lunch breaks and I was obliged to wait another hour before the torch would pass my position.
Cheerleaders
The young ladies from Burnley FC put on a fine display to keep us entertained.
Burnley Group
More music from a local band, whose name I didn't quite catch.
Torchbearer 74
Martin Banks
I am quite sure that this is Martin Banks, member of the Bolton Mountain Rescue Team and a veteran of many marathons.
After The Torch
The crowd begins to disperse after the torch has disappeared up Manchester Road. How about that? In Burnley, mid-day Saturday, no rain, lots of happy folk - we must be doing something right.
Hammerton Street, Burnley
I had a wander around Burnley and was pleasantly surprised to bump into a torchbearer, revisiting the route she ran earlier in the day.
Lyn Robinson ~ Torchbearer 072
Her smile says it all!
Burnley Main Post Office
Lyn meets more torch enthusiasts and shares her experiences.
The hands and camera in the top photo belong to Mick Warn, but will he notice?
Take me back to the start ....