[Wed 30 May 2012] Olympic Torch in Stafford

supernova

Well-Known Forumite
There was something in the Express & Star about the route the torch will take thru Stafford, and it seemed to suggest that it will not actually be lit at certain points. Does anyone know whether it will be lit as it goes down Newport Rd past the Castle?
 

henryscat

Well-Known Forumite
I'm a bit late to this thread, but have to say I am completely unexcited by the prospect of the Olympic (Jamie and his magic) torch passing through Stafford. Fortunately I happen to be on leave so can stay at home and ignore it all as much as possible. All seems an enormous waste of money and a lot of unnecessary disruption to me.
 

flossietoo

Well-Known Forumite
There was something in the Express & Star about the route the torch will take thru Stafford, and it seemed to suggest that it will not actually be lit at certain points. Does anyone know whether it will be lit as it goes down Newport Rd past the Castle?
Hi, the torch is carried by relay through specific population centres or points of geographical/cultural interest. It travels between those points by vehicle. In Stafford itself, the first relay point is around Thorneyfields Lane. From there, right through Stafford and out on the Stone Road, it is carried by relay.
 

Wolfenrook

Well-Known Forumite
Would anybody like to volunteer to give my dad a slap with said Olympic torch? Ok, the story:-

One of our daughters has to go for her 6 monthly spinal surgery on Wednesday at Birmingham children's hospital, she has to be there for 8 am, and it's usually after 5pm before they release her afterwards (it's a day procedure, 2 small cuts, they turn 2 bolts then stitch her back up).

We now live in Wolverhampton as you folks know. My parents live in Barlaston. So none of us live in or near to Stafford... The route does not go through stafford, even for my dad to get home in the evening. In fact, all he has to do is jump on the M54 for a very short time, then on the M6 coming off at the Eccleshall junction, then a short trip around the ring road to the A34. Now this would put him the other side of the closure even if it was going to be DURING the closure. As it is, it's more likely going to be getting on for 7pm by the time he even gets close to Stafford.

But nooo, he's moaning that "it's going to be hard getting home" for him. I pointed out that the route is NOWHERE NEAR where he's going, and will be done when he has to go home anyway. Nope, apparently the official site and Stafford BC site have it all wrong as he saw a sign on the A34 near Barlaston stating that the A34 will be closed all day on the 30th May.....

Just thought I would post this "amusing" anecdote, before going off to bang my head against a wall....

As to the Olympics etc, I could possibly care less, but I'd have to try very very hard. I find athletics etc painfully boring, and think the whole thing is a massive waste of money in times where money is short and the government is making spending cuts and trying to save money here there and everywhere. Thank heavens we had the sense to deliberately field an absolutely rubbish offering for Eurovision eh? ;)

Thank you for taking the time to read my venting. lol

Ade
 

Withnail

Well-Known Forumite
TBF to the old chap, the 'knock-on' effects are likely to be awe-inspiringly awful - just because the roads will 're-open' at six doesn't mean that the poor barstards on them will be going anywhere in any sort of a hurry.

I'm sorry to say it but i'm with your old man - if you don't actually need to be on the road, stay off it. Regardless of where, when, how etc.
 

highguyuk

Well-Known Forumite
There will lots going on in the town prior to the Olympic Torch passing through including a parade - I've not seen this advertised anywhere though?
 

Withnail

Well-Known Forumite
http://www.staffordbc.gov.uk/whats-on-events/thecircusonparade

Celebrating the arrival of the Olympic Flame.

Market Square Entertainment from 3pm - acrobatic gymnasts and ribbon dancers on stage and astonishing aerial act on the 10 metre high arch.

Circus Skills Workshops from 3pm in the Market Suqare and Crabbery Street - plate spinning, juggling, stilt walking, uni-cycling and much more.

The Circus on Parade from 4pm starting outside The Post House on Greengate Street - breath taking balancing acts, spectacular stilt walkers, roller skaters, clowns, fire jugglers and amazing acrobats will join local school children, community groups, sports ambassadors and dance troops in this celebratory parade.

http://www.staffordbc.gov.uk/live/Documents/Leisure Services/Circus-Parade.pdf
 

Lucy

Well-Known Forumite
There was something in the Express & Star about the route the torch will take thru Stafford, and it seemed to suggest that it will not actually be lit at certain points. Does anyone know whether it will be lit as it goes down Newport Rd past the Castle?
It starts at the castle entrance. I have suddenly become excited about this, we have a competition at the golf club tomorrow so are all going to watch from there.
 

Lucy

Well-Known Forumite
Erm, I'm unsure why you ask, but our competition is followed by a 3 course meal, so if you want to join 50 drunken women...
 

Joshua Dodd

A few posts under my belt
I want to know why they are closing roads milessss away from where the relay is. According to signs from Penkridge to Stafford along the a449 on the j12 roundabout road closed 30th May, I didnt stop to see what else it said but I was a bit confused.
 

flossietoo

Well-Known Forumite
"Come into Stafford, join in the fun" say the Council. I've just seen a warden slapping a ticket on a car whose owner has flown a flag and clearly decided to join the fun. What's wrong with Stafford? THAT'S what's wrong with Stafford. And why I'll be watching the torch in Newport.
 

Timeflies

The Weatherman
"Come into Stafford, join in the fun" say the Council. I've just seen a warden slapping a ticket on a car whose owner has flown a flag and clearly decided to join the fun. What's wrong with Stafford? THAT'S what's wrong with Stafford. And why I'll be watching the torch in Newport.

But surely the arrival of the torch doesn't mean a parking free for all?? Is Newport offering free parking on a day when the parking will be at a premium???? Why would anyone want to drive into Stafford today anyway, half the roads are closed?!?
 

flossietoo

Well-Known Forumite
Newport ALWAYS offers free parking! The council tried charging and had to take the machines away two weeks later after a campaign orchestrated by the traders and the local paper. The thinking is that they want to encourage people into the town, to support local business. I had to drive in to Stafford for work. And as soon as I could, I drove right out again.
 
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