Village News Issue 79 September 2012 Page 2 The …

1 Village news Issue 79 September 2012 Page 2 The Olympic Torch AT LEE VALLEY WHITE WATER CENTRE On Saturday 7th July, Day 50 of Olympic Flame journey, it came to its closest point to Theydon Bois. A number of villagers from Theydon including Village news Editor Tony Ames were invited to see its progress down the rapids at the Lee Valley White Water Centre just 4 1/2 miles away. Tony takes up the story - the site is very impressive, being situated in a new landscaped parkland setting, including path and bridge networks to enable spectators to have access and view the events.

2 A new facility building houses reception, caf , changing rooms, shop, offices, temporary spectator viewing for around 12,000 spectators, equipment storage and water pump and filtration. The venue will open again to the public after the Games. Spectator seating will be removed and the venue will return to providing a leisure attraction for canoeing and white water rafting and a competition venue for elite events. The gates opened at am and with my camera at the ready, I took my seat in one of the stands. The view of the purpose built slalom course for the Olympic white water canoe events was quite dramatic.

3 The main competition channel is an international and Olympic standard 300 metre canoe and kayak slalom course. It and the shorter warm-up course empty into the warm up and cool down lake. Initially we were entertained by members of the GB Olympic team practicing hard for the forthcoming Olympics. Not a sport for the faint-hearted I decided. By about 9am, the crowd had built up and the air of excited anticipation in the air was so tangible you could feel it creeping along your skin. The announcer told us that the torch had arrived at the White Water Centre and we saw the raft in the warm-up/finish pool.

4 The torch carrier was British junior team canoeist Zachary Franklin, who held the flame aloft as the British men s rafting team was taken up by the boat conveyer to the start pool. Then from the top of the course the torch raft made its way down the rapids In the photo, Zachary realises the flame has gone out, but nothing is announced. The turbulent water makes sure the torch is fully extinguished. Village news Issue 79 September 2012 Page 3 Most spectators were not aware that the flame had gone out and nothing was said.

5 Then, the diplomatic announcer ignored the problem and asked everyone if we would like to see the torch run again. Of course we would and with bearer Zachary's best efforts, the Eternal Flame survived this time, as evidenced by the front cover of Village news . Note - Later in the news an Olympic spokesperson said - 'It is not uncommon for a flame to go out and this can happen for a number of reasons. In this instance it was due to water being splashed into the boat from the slalom course. It was relit from the mother flame, which is kept in a specially designed miners lantern and successfully taken down the course on the second attempt.

6 WITH LES & JOS IN THE TORCH RELAY Jos Farquharson and Les Snellin both took part in the Olympic Torch Relay on Friday, 6 July. Jos, aged 12 and from Graylands, won a competition at his school, where he had to write about why he deserved to carry the Torch. Jos described his sporting achievements and help he gave to the younger tennis players at Theydon Bois. Les, aged 12 and a bit more, was nominated by his son for his community work in Abridge and at Theydon Bois LTC, where Les has coached for over a decade and is one of those ever-helpful members who keep a club going.

7 Jos carried his torch through Colchester at am, with Les following on in Brentwood at pm. Everyone at Theydon Bois LTC was very proud that they represented themselves and the local community in such a fine way, and congratulate them both. The Olympic Torch (continued) Village news Issue 79 September 2012 Page 4 In this years Rural Community Council of Essex competition for the Best Kept Village Theydon Bois won first prize as the best kept Village in our class.

8 Parish Councillor Mike Hannibal received the award on behalf of our Village and thanked all those who contributed to us winning the award in 2012 . This included, our team of volunteer litter pickers, (pictured below on a litter pic on 2nd Aug, together with Kevin our street cleaner and Parish Councilors) with members of the Horticultural Society for our planters, Nick Greiner for all his work at the Cemetery and Allotments and our thanks also go to our hardworking and amiable street cleaner Kevin. The strong contribution from these and others makes Theydon a pleasant place to live and makes sure we always do well in this and other competitions.

9 Theydon was runner up in the 2010 Best Kept Village Competition and we have previously won the competition in 2007 and 2004. Theydon Wins Best Kept Village Award 23 Forest Drive, Theydon Bois, CM16 7HA Telephone 01992 813951 Email: Website: Tel: 01992 560056 311 High Street, Epping, CM16 4DA James Sear Estate Agents is a family business with unrivalled local knowledge and experience. James Sear is a Fellow of the National Association of Estate Agents and has been selling homes in the area for 36 years. If you would like a free valuation or advice about selling or purchasing property please contact our office.

10 We look forward to hearing from you: High quality affordable dentistry in a friendly relaxed environment. New patients welcome. Dental hygienist service available. Tooth whitening and cosmetic treatments available. Dental implants. Denplan approved practice. Call or email us to make an appointment to suit your needs. Village news LEAD SPONSOR Village news Issue 79 September 2012 Page 5 Village news Issue 79 September 2012 Page 6 Parish Council Chairman Report As this is the first Chairman s column since the May Elections, I will focus on welcomes, thanks and farewells.