Swanage Rotary Help with Olympic Torch Relay

The Olymic torch came to Swanage on Friday the 13th and large crowds were there to greet it's arrival. along with many other organisations, Swanage Rotary was asked to help marshall the event. So an intrepid band set off to help whilst other members of the club helped provide a vantage point for some older citizens to get a view of the procession.

President David Frankham was delighted the club were able to help. "it's been a great year for Swanage thus far" said David. "We in Rotary want to be in the heart of our community so helping out seemed to be the natural thing to do".

There was a large police presence which thankfully was only needed to entertain the children with their sirens. One senior Rotarian (who asked to remain annonymous) said that he hadn't seen as many police in Swanage since Neil Hardy's birthday party turned nasty!

David was also quick to thank Mo Andrews who, along with other volunteers, set up a tee party in Herston for several senior citizens to enjoy the proceedings. "With all the crowds it wasn't going to be possible to get our group into town" said Mo. "So we thought why not have a picnic in Herston and ensure everyone can get a good view".

The torch bearer pictures is Emma Willis. She runs a voluntary organisation called 'Shine Cancer Support' for over three years. "I set up this organisation following my own diagnosis and treatment for Breast Cancer in 2006" said Emma. Shine is aimed at younger adults with any type of cancer. "I have developed this over the last three years to the situation now, where we have nearly 100 members and I have formed a volunteer group to develop our services further and we will shortly become a registered charity". Emma was walmly applauded by the crowds as she brought the torch up from Swanage town centre.

Despite forecasts to the contrary the weather remained dry and a good time was had by all.