Amesbury Olympic Fever:

Olympic Flame comes to Amesbury & Sir Geoff Hurst awards Olympiad Medals

Sir Geoff Hurst MBE secured a unique place in the history of football when he became the first and over 45 years later, still the only player to score a hat-trick in a world cup final.

Knighted in 1998 and inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame in 2004, Sir Geoff holds a special place in the hearts of football fans and has become an iconic sporting figure.

Naturally there was great excitement amongst the winners of Amesbury’s various olympiad competition winners when we learned that Geoff had very generously offered to present the medals in person.

Amesbury Druid Frank was there and was awarded a medal for his winning entry into the photo competition that was taken using his iPhone. It goes to show that you do not need a fancy camera to take a nice photo these days. Below: Franks Picture :-)

Right: Sir Geoff arriving at the lovely Amesbury Abbey

Left and below: Andy RT with Geoff

Around: The people gather

Andy Rhind-Tutt talking with Geoff Hurst. It should not be understated just how much Andy has achieved both in his year as Mayor, and since, as part of Amesbury 2012 and as a councillor. He has brought the community together; scouts, retired people, families, Druids, Christians, the local Army regiment. This is a golden opportunity to give Andy all the credit due to him. These pictures speak volumes.

Pictured left: Stewart Allen, Scout leader 1st Boscombe Down.

The 1st Boscombe Down scouts and guides took us up on our invitation to compete in the ‘Stone-age games’ at the Amesbury Carnival this year and imaginatively and courageously applied themselves against rival teams that included both the mighty Fire Brigade and the Druids.

These delightful young people are a credit to the scouting movement and to their community. It was very rewarding to see them deservedly receiving their winners award in the grand setting of Amesbury Abbey from Sir Geoff Hurst.

Mayor Jan above with Geoff and Andy presenting medals

Above: Frank receiving his medal. Below: Scouts receiving medals. These Photo’s by and copyright to Chris Pethick 2012

Below: AMESBURY 2012 GOLD MEDAL WINNERS                                            Photo’s by Chris Pethick

Here comes the flame !!

After the awards ceremony at Amesbury Abbey, we wondered towards the town to join the crowds there in order to see the Olympic flame pass through Amesbury.

The 32nd regiment Royal Artillery volunteered to run parking, marshal the streets and they joined in with the rest of the community to cheer the athletes along. We applaud their help and community spirit.

Photo by and copyright to Chris Pethick 2012. (Thanks Chris).