Osmington

VILLAGERS in Osmington celebrated the torch coming through their village with a three-day party.

Resident Ian Shannon kicked off festivities by donning a red coat and mounting Surprise, Craig Farm Dairy’s own white horse, to recreate the village’s famous symbol.

Ann Daniel, 65, from Bournemouth, said she could not believe the day had finally arrived.

She added: “It’s a really amazing experience.”

Daughter Ruth was on hand for support as Mrs Daniel took the flame through the village, and children from Frome Valley and Broadmayne First schools waved and cheered.

Melanie Austin, headteacher of Broadmayne, said: “The children are really excited and this has only been made possible by the people of Osmington.”

West Dorset District Councillor for the area Teresa Seall said celebrations will last until Sunday evening, with a beer festival and entertainment at the Sunray Inn.

She said: “It’s an absolutely brilliant atmosphere, with people coming from all over to have a fantastic time and raise money for village activities.”

Mrs Daniel ‘kissed’ torches with Carmel Ryan, 44, in the centre of the village.

Mrs Ryan, a beat police officer from Southborne, said she was ‘elated’ to have carried the torch.

Her husband Julian said: “It was a really nice atmosphere and we’re so proud of her.”

THE whole community came together to throw a big party to welcome the torch.

At the village hall there were cakes on sale all day for charity and outside the village was dressed to impress with colourful flags featuring the Union Jack and sea creatures.

Torchbearers Colin Fry and Lisa Devine had a fantastic welcome, we people cheering them on.

Mr Fry, 70, from Ferndown is a popular ex-police officer who was nominated for his charity work.

He met up with 1948 torchbearer Alfred Barrett at the village telephone box where they shook hands and had pictures taken together.

Mr Fry’s family and friends were out in force to support him. His son Steven Fry said: “It’s a real honour for everything he has done.”

Dorset Torch Ambassador Peter Hyde said the torch was a chance for the community to get involved in the Olympics.

He said: “It’s amazing, we are a small village off the main road. We are honoured it came through.”

The village party went on for the rest of the day yesterday and torchbearer Lynne Connor, who is from the village, but ran in Preston joined in her hometown celebrations and hugged Miss Devine when she finished her leg of the relay.

Wool

HUNDREDS of people gave a boisterous welcome to the three inspirational torchbearers carrying the Olympic flame through Wool.

School children waving flags, choir singers, pensioners wearing Union Jack hats and Royal Armoured Corp Training Regiment (RACTR) soldiers were among the revellers.

Resident Ciss Meaden enjoyed a double celebration as it was her 81st birthday. She joked: “The crowd have all turned out for me.”

Lieutenant Nick Groome of RACTR accompanied a group of new recruits, just arrived for basic training.

He said: “We thought this was the opportunity of a lifetime.

“We’re part of the local community and we wanted to come out and represent.

“The Army’s playing a big part in the Olympics so it’s nice to show our support at every stage.”

Liam Dowden, aged 12, of Weymouth was cheered by the crowd and his proud family as he carried the flame with the Olympic Rings dyed on to the back of his head.

The Crossways pupil, nominated by a teacher for his ‘never-giving-up attitude and good behaviour’, said: “I’m really happy.”

Torchbearer Rowan Findler, aged 15, of Bere Regis did the next leg, before passing the flame to Richard Veres, aged 20, of Budapest who held the torch aloft to train passengers as he waited for the crossing.