A day we will never forget
Published on 6th July 2012
With an estimated 50,000 people lining the route in Waveney, Council Leader Colin Law believes Thursday's Olympic Torch Relay through the district was one of the most special events in living memory.
He said: "It truly was the most incredible event - something we will never forget. I cannot recall a day in my life when so many people have come to the town centre in Lowestoft to share in one special experience - and the pictures from around the district show exactly the same joy wherever to torch went. I could not be more proud of Suffolk, of Waveney and the amazing welcome we gave to the Olympic Torch and the Games."
Estimates suggest that, as well as the 28,000 in Lowestoft, there were 6,000 watching the torch in Wrentham, 3,500 in Reydon and 10,000 in Southwold. The torch's journey included a stop off at Lowestoft Ness, Britain's most Easterly point and a lunch at Saint Felix School just outside Southwold. Then, having left Saint Felix, the torch departed Waveney and headed in to Suffolk Coastal on its journey to an evening celebration in Ipswich and, as the crowds filtered away, Cllr Law was left to reflect on how the hard work that went in to organising the day really paid off.
He said: "Here at Waveney District Council a team have been planning this event for months and so much has gone in to ensuring it ran smoothly. The logistics of something like this are almost mind-blowing and we have worked closely with the Olympic Organising Committee, Suffolk County Council, Suffolk Police and other partners to help make it a day to remember. From the volunteer stewards to our Waveney Norse cleansing team - everyone has helped make it a perfect day."
