Stewards waiting early morning 

Nicki Whiteman of Radio Berkshire broadcasting from beside me 

Here it is at last 

 Wow! I did it. I saw the torch come through Reading. It was an early start but I am so glad I went. I got there before most of the crowds and asked whether 2 torches would be meeting along Broad Street. A lovely lady organiser said that she couldn't tell me but if I sat just outside John Lewis that would be a good place! So I grabbed a cup of coffee and sat and watched the day unfold. It was a perfect place for people watching and before long I was joined by Nicki Whiteman from Radio Berkshire. She was very chatty telling me about her day yesterday with the torch and her husbands day - he is a police officer and he had been out on the streets. The time past quickly watching the stewards getting ready and the crowds arriving. Soon the torch bearer arrived with her torch and was greeted by her family. She walked around waiting for the flame to arrive giving lots of people the opportunity to touch the torch. 3 police vans drove through closely followed by the outrider on his bike. And then the cheering began and the banging on plastic drums which had been given out to the crowds. There were children waving flags and balloons and enough people to make a crowd but not too busy so that people couldn't see - perfect. Lots of men were there in their suits on their way to work. 


The lady carrying the torch along this stretch was a 73 year old who had had cancer. She had been nominated by her daughter : "Mum is a warn embrace and shoulder to cry on for friends and large family alike."

It was so lovely to see her proud smile as she carried the torch. I was so glad to be in such a great place to see it all and so clearly without any pushing or shoving. 


It is a moment I will treasure for ever. Another forever memory. 

Bike outrider 

2 more torch bearers 

and there it goes