Read the July / August 2012 edition online - Ollerton with Marthall

About eleven o’clock we returned
to the Mansion , and another of my
preconceptions was dispelled. I had been
afraid we would miss the ambiance of the
crowds lining the streets in Knutsford,
but the hub-bub which guided back came
from hundreds of ultra-excited school
children from a wide area at our end of
Cheshire East - all drawn up as if on a
parade ground, each school decked out
in a different colour T-shirt emblazoned
with Olympic symbols.There was a
silver band, and choirs to entertain the
assembly. It was still raining, but we
were lucky enough to fi nd ourselves on a
lawn immediately in front of the house
with a cluster of local notables,including
our M.P. George Osborne, and our local
Borough Councillor, George Walton ,
this year’s mayor of Cheshire East, with
his consort, Veronica.
Chatting to the man next to me disclosed
he was the brother of the fi nal torch
bearer, who had been nominated as
a reward for many years teaching and
encouraging youngsters to to get actively
involved in sport.
When the torch arrived it was
particularly displayed to to the massed
ranks of children who went wild with
enthusiasm. I have to admit the scene
brought tears to my eyes, The entire
event was surprisingly emotional , and I
suppose very much in keeping with the
original Hellenistic tradition - even if
the weather was very British. !!
Photographs courtesy of
George Littler