Villages get set for Olympic Torch Relay

Villagers in Hartpury and Staunton and Corse are getting ready to welcome the Olympic Flame into their villages.

On Thursday 24 May, the sixth day of its journey, the Olympic Flame will come into our district from Gloucester along the A417. It will enter Hartpury at around 9.20am and be carried through the village before getting to Corse and Staunton at about 9.35am. The torch will then go on to Ledbury.

Hartpury Church of England Primary School is starting the school day an hour earlier so children can watch the event.

Head teacher William Greenwood said: “We’re all really looking forward to the Olympic Torch Relay coming right past the school. We will be lining the road outside the village Post Office run by Victor Smith who has kindly provided Union Jacks for every child to wave.

“After the convoy and Torch Bearer have been welcomed by our cheering and singing and have passed through the village we’ll return to school where the Friends will have prepared an Olympic Breakfast of bacon rolls and hot dogs for all the pupils, families and friends of the school.

“Our celebrations of this memorable occasion will continue throughout the day including the children making their own commemorative replica torches.”

From 8am on the day the Royal Exchange pub will be firing up its barbecue and selling sausage or bacon baps and veggie burgers. It will also have hot and soft drinks on sale.

District Councillor for Hartpury Cllr Philip Burford said: “I am very pleased the Olympic Torch is coming to the Forest of Dean district in Hartpury. It should be a good day and a day that will go down in history for Hartpury.”

Moving up the A417, Staunton and Corse Church of England Primary School is planning more Olympic fun with all children dressing up as a country taking part in the games.

Head teacher Jennie Dwight said: “We have a special Olympic themed day to celebrate the Torch Relay travelling past our school. The older children are planning activities for the whole school and even lunch has an Olympic menu!

“It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity for the children and we want to turn it into a whole day of fun that the children will always remember.”

Pre-school children from the Countryside Day Nursery in Corse will also be cheering on the Torch Bearer.

Nursery Principal Grace Raines said: “The children are very excited about it. On the day they’ll be doing relay races and ball games – lots of physical activity. At the moment they’re very keen on identifying the different flags on the bunting we have put up!”

The Swan Inn and the Staunton Garden Centre are also both opening early to serve Olympic inspired menus for visitors. 

District Councillor for Redmarley, which covers Corse and Staunton, Cllr Peter Ede added: “Everyone’s taking part. It’s great the torch is travelling through Corse and Staunton and is something we probably won’t be seeing again in our lifetime. People of all ages are excited and I hope everyone thoroughly enjoys the experience – I’m sure they will!”

Further information to help you plan your visit to the event can be found at www.fdean.gov.uk/go/london2012.