The iconic flame made its way through its way to Bournemouth from Poole on the 13th July and remained overnight in Bournemouth before heading onto Christchurch on Saturday 14th July. Dr. Debbie Sadd, Dr. Dorothy Fox and Alexis Major, all from the School of Tourism had the opportunity to carry the flame as it made its historic journey.
Dr. Debbie Sadd and Alexis Major carried the torch the previous day as it came through Chideock and Bridport.
When asked about the experience of carrying the torch, Debbie commented:
“Wow, what a day! The rain poured down but I had a smile on my face for the whole run. For me it was the fourth best day of my life (after getting married and my children being born).
The bit that got to me the most was when I was told I was the only person in the world holding the Olympic Flame at that moment – I nearly cried it was so emotional.
There was a great camaraderie between the other runners on the day too and the Torch Protection Team were wonderful, very calming and reassuring.”
Dr. Dorothy Fox carried the torch as it came through Weymouth on Friday 13th before it spent the evening in Bournemouth.
Bournemouth Council had lined up a wide range of celebrations that 12,500 people managed to see on the beach.
Local children from Bournemouth Sings kicked off the programme with a specially written song Waves and Elbow’s One Day Like This.
Next up were Samsung’s DJ and dancing street crew, before Twist and Pulse and rapper Wretch 32 performed.
The atmosphere was electric as Charlie Rogers, 16, raised his torch to light the cauldron. The evening was topped off with a fantastic firework display that lit up the watching crowd.
We will keep you up to date with any more exciting news from the School of Tourism and the London 2012 Games this summer.