And it's gone... Olympic torch leaves Bolton following wonderful scenes

6:40am Friday 1st June 2012 in Local Photograph of the Author By Jessica Bell, Health reporter

THOUSANDS of people braved the early morning to wave farewell to the Olympic Torch in Bolton.

Hundreds of enthusiastic schoolchildren lined the town hall steps from 5am to wave the torch off as it made its way through Bolton town centre, to Horwich and onwards to Chorley on day 14 of its tour around the country.

The Mayor of Bolton, Cllr Guy Harkin, told the crowds in Victoria Square that it was a “proud day for Bolton”.

“It has been our moment to shine over the last 24 hours and I have really enjoyed it.

“This morning we wave goodbye to the flame but it leaves behind an unforgettable legacy.”

Bolton swimmer Antony Evitts, aged 16, proudly carried the torch down the steps to deafening cheers from the crowd and an explosion of colourful streamers over Victoria Square.

Hi proud mum Tara Evitts said watching her son walk down the steps with the torch was “more than I could have ever imagined”.

“I am so proud and there were so many people there, it was wonderful,” she added.

Cllr Cliff Morris, leader of Bolton, said the torch relay had been “wonderful”.

“I am proud of our town and everybody else should be proud of it too. This has been Bolton at its best, it has showcased Bolton and it proves that we are the friendliest town in the country,” he added.

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Canon Slade pupil, 14-year-old Charlotte Mikolajewski, said standing on the Town Hall steps as the torch arrived was a”once in a lifetime experience”.

“I was so happy to be there in front of so many people, it was such a good atmosphere and when the torch came on the stage it was really exciting.”

The Torch is travelling the length and breadth of the UK before the Olympic Games.

Bolton was chosen as just one of seven places in the North West where it would be overnight — a huge honour for the town.

As Olympic swimming silver medalist Martyn Woodroffe got closer yesterday, more and more people flocked to the square to catch a glimpse of the Torch.

Children and adults started jumping up and down and erupted into applause and cheers as Mr Woodroffe waved to the crowd from a raised platform.

Homemade Olympic Torches, Union flag hats and flags were waved as the Torch arrived to an appropriate fanfare from Once Corus Brass.

As the bearer descended from the platform to leave the square the applause got louder.

Several people had tears in their eyes as the athlete left.

Within minutes the long awaited moment was over and the delighted crowd started to disperse. Father and son duo Graham and James Edgington drew the attention of a number of people from the crowd to continue the party atmosphere with a rendition of New York, New York.

As the event drew to a close used flags and red, white and blue streamers — dotted around the square — left people with a lasting reminder of the once-in-a-lifetime occasion.

Organisers of the Olympic Torch relay estimate 95 per cent of the population live within one hour of the route.

It started its 70-day journey on May 19 and will end at the Olympic Stadium on July 27, when it will light the cauldron during the opening ceremony of the Games.

The Torch will have been carried by 8,000 torch bearers by the time it reaches the stadium in Stratford.

Comments (22)

7:49am Fri 1 Jun 12

william Lyons says...

it was very good to day william i like it to much on last night i went to wcing it in bolton town and bolton school it was good all the kids i like it mums and dad from william Lyons
it was very good to day william i like it to much on last night i went to wcing it in bolton town and bolton school it was good all the kids i like it mums and dad from william Lyons william Lyons

8:25am Fri 1 Jun 12

mintshaker says...

Are these pictures of the torch on Wigan Road on its way into Bolton, not leaving Bolton?
Are these pictures of the torch on Wigan Road on its way into Bolton, not leaving Bolton? mintshaker

8:35am Fri 1 Jun 12

JIMMT COLLINS says...

william Lyons wrote:
it was very good to day william i like it to much on last night i went to wcing it in bolton town and bolton school it was good all the kids i like it mums and dad from william Lyons
william lyons age six
[quote][p][bold]william Lyons[/bold] wrote: it was very good to day william i like it to much on last night i went to wcing it in bolton town and bolton school it was good all the kids i like it mums and dad from william Lyons[/p][/quote]william lyons age six JIMMT COLLINS

8:39am Fri 1 Jun 12

JIMMT COLLINS says...

so how much did it all end up costing the good people of bolton.
hate it or love it we all pay
oops just gone over another pot hole
so how much did it all end up costing the good people of bolton. hate it or love it we all pay oops just gone over another pot hole JIMMT COLLINS

8:42am Fri 1 Jun 12

Nananne says...

Looks like a lot of people enjoyed it Jimmt - pity you didn't
Looks like a lot of people enjoyed it Jimmt - pity you didn't Nananne

8:43am Fri 1 Jun 12

tommy says...

JIMMT COLLINS wrote:
so how much did it all end up costing the good people of bolton.
hate it or love it we all pay
oops just gone over another pot hole
There's always one. Always one nimby moaning about 'money spent'.

I take you stayed at home grumbling about your council tax while your neighbours all headed outside to celebrate a once in a lifetime occasion.

I think a few hundred people up at 6am on Chorley New Road seemed to disagree with you, you bitter old man.
[quote][p][bold]JIMMT COLLINS[/bold] wrote: so how much did it all end up costing the good people of bolton. hate it or love it we all pay oops just gone over another pot hole[/p][/quote]There's always one. Always one nimby moaning about 'money spent'. I take you stayed at home grumbling about your council tax while your neighbours all headed outside to celebrate a once in a lifetime occasion. I think a few hundred people up at 6am on Chorley New Road seemed to disagree with you, you bitter old man. tommy

9:58am Fri 1 Jun 12

PDY says...

I agree with Jimmy Collins about the total waste of money that the Olympic torch "procession" has become. All the compulsive "flag waivers" are the same people who stand out in the rain when the Queen rides by to show some sort of misplaced loyalty to a system that bleeds them dry and has little or no thought or feeling for their lives. At a time when services are being cut and people are losing their jobs and homes isn't it coincidental that the media and the politicians are trying to make us feel better with a show of jingoism. We are a third rate power desperately trying to give the impression that we are not. If we believe in our "national identity, which all this nationalist sentiment would suggest we do, then start to vote for politicians who really would put the Great back in Great Britain. But, knowing what Britain has really become in this multicultural, inclusive society, we will continue to vote for the people who keep us on our knees, the Establishment, the people who push the Olympics and the Queens Diamond Jubilee down our throats. Twenty First century "opium of the masses!!!!!!!!!
I would like to say to "Tommy" who criticised Jimmy, that a couple of hundred people on Chorley New Road hardly constitutes mass support.
I agree with Jimmy Collins about the total waste of money that the Olympic torch "procession" has become. All the compulsive "flag waivers" are the same people who stand out in the rain when the Queen rides by to show some sort of misplaced loyalty to a system that bleeds them dry and has little or no thought or feeling for their lives. At a time when services are being cut and people are losing their jobs and homes isn't it coincidental that the media and the politicians are trying to make us feel better with a show of jingoism. We are a third rate power desperately trying to give the impression that we are not. If we believe in our "national identity, which all this nationalist sentiment would suggest we do, then start to vote for politicians who really would put the Great back in Great Britain. But, knowing what Britain has really become in this multicultural, inclusive society, we will continue to vote for the people who keep us on our knees, the Establishment, the people who push the Olympics and the Queens Diamond Jubilee down our throats. Twenty First century "opium of the masses!!!!!!!!! I would like to say to "Tommy" who criticised Jimmy, that a couple of hundred people on Chorley New Road hardly constitutes mass support. PDY

10:52am Fri 1 Jun 12

hoboh2o says...

tommy wrote:
JIMMT COLLINS wrote:
so how much did it all end up costing the good people of bolton.
hate it or love it we all pay
oops just gone over another pot hole
There's always one. Always one nimby moaning about 'money spent'.

I take you stayed at home grumbling about your council tax while your neighbours all headed outside to celebrate a once in a lifetime occasion.

I think a few hundred people up at 6am on Chorley New Road seemed to disagree with you, you bitter old man.
A few hundred out of a Bolton population of thousnds? hardly a ringing endorsement for splashing out council tax when folk are losing their jobs so Morris and his minions look good is it?
The South and London get the main event we get the crumbs as per.
[quote][p][bold]tommy[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]JIMMT COLLINS[/bold] wrote: so how much did it all end up costing the good people of bolton. hate it or love it we all pay oops just gone over another pot hole[/p][/quote]There's always one. Always one nimby moaning about 'money spent'. I take you stayed at home grumbling about your council tax while your neighbours all headed outside to celebrate a once in a lifetime occasion. I think a few hundred people up at 6am on Chorley New Road seemed to disagree with you, you bitter old man.[/p][/quote]A few hundred out of a Bolton population of thousnds? hardly a ringing endorsement for splashing out council tax when folk are losing their jobs so Morris and his minions look good is it? The South and London get the main event we get the crumbs as per. hoboh2o

10:53am Fri 1 Jun 12

Lundavra says...

I watched the Torch Relay entering Bolton online. It's a pity it was rather spoilt for a time by a large bunch of youths who positioned themselves between the torch and the media vehicle so the torch was hardly visible at times and possibly some of the torch bearers did not get an official photograph taken by the photographers in the media vehicle. They completely ignored the attempts by the escort party which had to be increased to the largest number I have seen so far, Eventually they seemed to reduce the distance between the torch bearer and the media vehicle to stop anyone getting in the way.

I have seen quite a bit of the relay and this was the worst behaviour that I have seen.
I watched the Torch Relay entering Bolton online. It's a pity it was rather spoilt for a time by a large bunch of youths who positioned themselves between the torch and the media vehicle so the torch was hardly visible at times and possibly some of the torch bearers did not get an official photograph taken by the photographers in the media vehicle. They completely ignored the attempts by the escort party which had to be increased to the largest number I have seen so far, Eventually they seemed to reduce the distance between the torch bearer and the media vehicle to stop anyone getting in the way. I have seen quite a bit of the relay and this was the worst behaviour that I have seen. Lundavra

11:06am Fri 1 Jun 12

Horwich Observer says...

Good to see so many people out early along Chorley New Road this morning. Events like this bring the community together, even if it is at a cost.
Good to see so many people out early along Chorley New Road this morning. Events like this bring the community together, even if it is at a cost. Horwich Observer

11:17am Fri 1 Jun 12

poppy79 says...

For the few people who are moaning about the cost of the torch coming to bolton and the jubilee you should be ashamed. it does not matter if you are not a fan of the olympics or of the royal family, why not try to think of it another way. These are occassions when an entire community can get together to celebrate events that should bring us together. A time when it does not matter from which culture you are from or which religion you believe in but a time for everyone, and yes even you moaners, to get together and have a common aim. Bet you will enjoy the additional holidays though wont you.
For the few people who are moaning about the cost of the torch coming to bolton and the jubilee you should be ashamed. it does not matter if you are not a fan of the olympics or of the royal family, why not try to think of it another way. These are occassions when an entire community can get together to celebrate events that should bring us together. A time when it does not matter from which culture you are from or which religion you believe in but a time for everyone, and yes even you moaners, to get together and have a common aim. Bet you will enjoy the additional holidays though wont you. poppy79

11:39am Fri 1 Jun 12

macauley says...

JIMMT COLLINS wrote:
so how much did it all end up costing the good people of bolton. hate it or love it we all pay oops just gone over another pot hole
how many pot holes?.ha ha.
[quote][p][bold]JIMMT COLLINS[/bold] wrote: so how much did it all end up costing the good people of bolton. hate it or love it we all pay oops just gone over another pot hole[/p][/quote]how many pot holes?.ha ha. macauley

11:58am Fri 1 Jun 12

macauley says...

bringing the community together,a load of bull.go out in bolton over the weekend then we will see.p.s.well said jimmt.
bringing the community together,a load of bull.go out in bolton over the weekend then we will see.p.s.well said jimmt. macauley

12:11pm Fri 1 Jun 12

saj70n says...

Its a big con Left Bolton at 6am was in Southport by 7am now something is wrong there, it takes 45 min by car looks like they all must have sprinted there
Its a big con Left Bolton at 6am was in Southport by 7am now something is wrong there, it takes 45 min by car looks like they all must have sprinted there saj70n

2:27pm Fri 1 Jun 12

Macca1512 says...

saj70n wrote:
Its a big con Left Bolton at 6am was in Southport by 7am now something is wrong there, it takes 45 min by car looks like they all must have sprinted there
Perhaps they fell through a time jump pothole
[quote][p][bold]saj70n[/bold] wrote: Its a big con Left Bolton at 6am was in Southport by 7am now something is wrong there, it takes 45 min by car looks like they all must have sprinted there[/p][/quote]Perhaps they fell through a time jump pothole Macca1512

4:37pm Fri 1 Jun 12

Lundavra says...

saj70n wrote:
Its a big con Left Bolton at 6am was in Southport by 7am now something is wrong there, it takes 45 min by car looks like they all must have sprinted there
Not what is shown on the Torch Relay website

06:06 Bolton
06:42 Horwich
07:20 Chorley
07:55 Euxton
08:17 Croston
08:39 Burscough
09:04 Ormskirk
10:08 Southport

How do you know it was in Southport at 0700h? The lead vehicles of the convoy might have been there then but they probably left Bolton before 0600h or might not have stayed in Bolton overnight.
[quote][p][bold]saj70n[/bold] wrote: Its a big con Left Bolton at 6am was in Southport by 7am now something is wrong there, it takes 45 min by car looks like they all must have sprinted there[/p][/quote]Not what is shown on the Torch Relay website 06:06 Bolton 06:42 Horwich 07:20 Chorley 07:55 Euxton 08:17 Croston 08:39 Burscough 09:04 Ormskirk 10:08 Southport How do you know it was in Southport at 0700h? The lead vehicles of the convoy might have been there then but they probably left Bolton before 0600h or might not have stayed in Bolton overnight. Lundavra

5:38pm Fri 1 Jun 12

Winston"2+2=5"Smith says...

PDY wrote:
I agree with Jimmy Collins about the total waste of money that the Olympic torch "procession" has become. All the compulsive "flag waivers" are the same people who stand out in the rain when the Queen rides by to show some sort of misplaced loyalty to a system that bleeds them dry and has little or no thought or feeling for their lives. At a time when services are being cut and people are losing their jobs and homes isn't it coincidental that the media and the politicians are trying to make us feel better with a show of jingoism. We are a third rate power desperately trying to give the impression that we are not. If we believe in our "national identity, which all this nationalist sentiment would suggest we do, then start to vote for politicians who really would put the Great back in Great Britain. But, knowing what Britain has really become in this multicultural, inclusive society, we will continue to vote for the people who keep us on our knees, the Establishment, the people who push the Olympics and the Queens Diamond Jubilee down our throats. Twenty First century "opium of the masses!!!!!!!!!
I would like to say to "Tommy" who criticised Jimmy, that a couple of hundred people on Chorley New Road hardly constitutes mass support.
Well said PDY, the masses fall for any old tosh that's waved in front of them to distract them from the problems around them caused by the ruling classes.The romans called it "bread and circuses"

Don't worry people, coronation street and the football will be on later....baa baa baaa!
[quote][p][bold]PDY[/bold] wrote: I agree with Jimmy Collins about the total waste of money that the Olympic torch "procession" has become. All the compulsive "flag waivers" are the same people who stand out in the rain when the Queen rides by to show some sort of misplaced loyalty to a system that bleeds them dry and has little or no thought or feeling for their lives. At a time when services are being cut and people are losing their jobs and homes isn't it coincidental that the media and the politicians are trying to make us feel better with a show of jingoism. We are a third rate power desperately trying to give the impression that we are not. If we believe in our "national identity, which all this nationalist sentiment would suggest we do, then start to vote for politicians who really would put the Great back in Great Britain. But, knowing what Britain has really become in this multicultural, inclusive society, we will continue to vote for the people who keep us on our knees, the Establishment, the people who push the Olympics and the Queens Diamond Jubilee down our throats. Twenty First century "opium of the masses!!!!!!!!! I would like to say to "Tommy" who criticised Jimmy, that a couple of hundred people on Chorley New Road hardly constitutes mass support.[/p][/quote]Well said PDY, the masses fall for any old tosh that's waved in front of them to distract them from the problems around them caused by the ruling classes.The romans called it "bread and circuses" Don't worry people, coronation street and the football will be on later....baa baa baaa! Winston"2+2=5"Smith

2:01pm Sat 2 Jun 12

Kenipetwoman says...

Not bothered about the torch being in Bolton, it doesn't change anything. Anybody drove down daubhill recently to see the masses of bunting flying.......Not! Racist if youask me
Not bothered about the torch being in Bolton, it doesn't change anything. Anybody drove down daubhill recently to see the masses of bunting flying.......Not! Racist if youask me Kenipetwoman

10:34am Mon 4 Jun 12

Lucy182 says...

hehe love it when people moan over anything
hehe love it when people moan over anything Lucy182

11:30pm Mon 4 Jun 12

macauley says...

do you meen moan over nothing because thats what it is nothing.
do you meen moan over nothing because thats what it is nothing. macauley

9:36am Wed 6 Jun 12

berushka says...

Some good points here, both for and against; people generallly like an excuse to line the streets and cheer, even if they don´t really care why, and then there are those who have no interest whatsoever about the olympics. Whichever side you butter your bread, one might ask the question, who is footing the bill for all this, the buses, attendants, meals, accomodation and local council expenditure to provide local Policing, bunting, council official dinners etc.? If the Olympic committee wants everyone to endure their little rituals, then they should fund all of it and use a bit of the vast amount of money they have, instead of all the five star trips to applicant countries, assessing this that and the other, with the obligatory hotel,big car,fancy dinners and lady friends along to ´help´ with paperwork! Just one big hipe, expensive but soon forgotten.
Some good points here, both for and against; people generallly like an excuse to line the streets and cheer, even if they don´t really care why, and then there are those who have no interest whatsoever about the olympics. Whichever side you butter your bread, one might ask the question, who is footing the bill for all this, the buses, attendants, meals, accomodation and local council expenditure to provide local Policing, bunting, council official dinners etc.? If the Olympic committee wants everyone to endure their little rituals, then they should fund all of it and use a bit of the vast amount of money they have, instead of all the five star trips to applicant countries, assessing this that and the other, with the obligatory hotel,big car,fancy dinners and lady friends along to ´help´ with paperwork! Just one big hipe, expensive but soon forgotten. berushka

9:41am Wed 6 Jun 12

berushka says...

And bye the way, the torch did travel partof on some paarts of the route by bus, because, according to some jobsworth, it ws behind schedule. Read ´we didn´t want to miss the big free dinner, and anyway, it was raining and we don´t want to get our expensive costumes wet. Imagine the original athletes asking for a raincoat in ancient times?!!
And bye the way, the torch did travel partof on some paarts of the route by bus, because, according to some jobsworth, it ws behind schedule. Read ´we didn´t want to miss the big free dinner, and anyway, it was raining and we don´t want to get our expensive costumes wet. Imagine the original athletes asking for a raincoat in ancient times?!! berushka

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