South Gloucestershire Council

Published: 16/07/2012

South Gloucestershire Council launched the competition to encourage residents living along the relay route in Bitton, Longwell Green, Hanham and Filton to decorate their homes to welcome the Olympic Flame as it passed through our streets last week.

We would like to thank everyone who took the time to participate in the competition which really helped capture the Olympic spirit in South Gloucestershire.

Doris, who is 88, along with her daughter Mary were presented with a selection of Olympic Team GB goodies by Cllr Janet Biggin, Chairman of South Gloucestershire Council, for their brilliant efforts which included a life-size image of the Queen, a torch and some medals.

Mrs Clifford has lived in Southmead Road, Filton for 53 years after moving to Bristol from Cheshire in 1941 to play her part in the war effort. She said: “When we heard the torch was coming to our road we told everyone we were going to have a lovely view and Mary said we must do something. My theme was the royal balcony.”

Mary added: “Yes, as soon as we heard the Torch was coming we thought we had to do something special. Then we got a letter from South Gloucestershire Council about the competition.”

It took Mary two weeks to make the ‘royal balcony’ and all the decorations attracted a lot of attention. “I have never had my photo taken so many times with so many different people,” added Mrs Clifford. “Lots of school children have stopped and had their photos taken standing next to the Queen on their way to school. My husband would have loved it. He loved sport but died 23 years ago and I still miss him.”

After the flame went by, the ladies held a garden party with all their friends and they are set to hold another one this weekend to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee when their special queen is expected to make another appearance.

Presenting the prizes to Doris and Mary was one of Cllr Biggin’s first civic engagements since being sworn in as chair at a recent full council meeting. Congratulating Doris and Mary for their efforts, she said: “You have worked very hard with such inspiration to achieve what I see here today. It must have been a great moment to see the Olympic Torch last week. I am pleased to be here today awarding you this prize, perfectly reflecting everything associated with London 2012 as well as Queen Elizabeth in this her Diamond Jubilee year. Well done!”

The goodie bag contained a commemorative shopper bag, a tea towel, an oven glove, a mug, a London bus shaped tin of biscuits and a pen.

More images from the torch relay, including the royal balcony, are available on our facebook page www.southglos.gov.uk/facebook