The Torch II

The good thing about there being 8000 Olympic torches running around the country is that almost everyone who wishes to, can pose with a genuine 'as used on the Haverhill leg of the torch relay' Olympic Torch. Needless to say, the nation's primary schools are flooded with them. 
Having said all that, it was great to hold and pose.

The Torch

The Olympic torch passed through our area this week.

We were unable to get into Norwich last night to join the thousands thronging the streets in the sunshine to see the relay.

This morning Hen and I sneaked out of the house at 5.30am to go to Hethersett to join in their very special Olympic torch moment.

Hethersett has a population of 5000 and had organised more Olympic themed events during the past  three years than any other town, city or village in the United Kingdom. Along with that they have a most excellent fellow called Shane Hull who suite simply pestered the Olympic organising committee with reports of all the the events the village had organised.

He also pestered them, quite simply to bring the torch to Hethersett.

Early this morning the village got it's moment. I'm no cynic but I am a grown up.
Even so, this morning I shed a tear of pride.
I'm sure it was pride for the villagers of Hethersett, Mr Hull and his like. I'm sure part of that tear was being there with my son to witness a very special moment of ordinary people power or maybe just because I love the fact that we had all got our of bed to support and cherish this moment.

The Olympics means quite a bit more to me now.

(Look closely at the photos from the local press. In the top one, on the extreme top right? Hen on top of my shoulders.  In the bottom one still atop my aching but happy shoulders? Hen!)

Faux pas

Me, at a science thingy.

Oddly enough, the moment I started talking the whole room seemed to go quiet. 

Woman approaches me and says "hello! Alex, How are you? It's great to see you!"

(at this point the room quietens)

"Oh hello! Wow! Hello! great to see you too. (I turn to my boss)

Carole, this is Linda, we were both on the same headship interview, the one were neither of us were appointed Grrrrrr! (I ACTUALLY SAID GRRRRRR!). Wow, Linda and I spent  alot of time locked in rooms together and being all strung out and interview crazy. How are you Linda? Who are you here with?"

"I'm not Linda"

"Yes you are"

"No I'm not"

"Oh god I am so sorry. You look a lot like LInda"

"I am not Linda"

"OK Who are you?"

Fortunately the answer to my last question turned out to be along the lines of "A really nice person with a forgiving nature" although she did not actually say that.