The whole of Hounslow was out today to welcome the Olympic Torch on day 67 of the Relay around Britain. Eager anticipation was on everyone's face as we heard it had arrived in Brentford and would soon hit Hounslow High Street......
Indian drummers created atmosphere and the union jacks were out in force - a number of years ago the union jack in Hounslow would have been a sign of the BNP and other fascist, racist groups - I remember refusing to allow a past lodger to hang out his union jack bedspread on the washing line as it would have been too provocative and inflammatory. Now the flag has been reclaimed from the far Right and can be waved as a sign of national support - even I was waving one!!
Everyone was dressed up and there was a real party, carnival atmosphere in this multi-ethnic London neighbourhood where I have lived and taught since the early eighties - everyone was chatting to each other and cheered when the torch came past - you can just see it in the collage below (top right) behind the security...
I have never seen so many local houses, streets, parks, and people decorated with flags, bunting, union jacks galore...
...And the fun continued with a Family Day in nearby Lampton Park....
Listening to the strong beats of this fantastic brass band aptly called "Brass Roots".....
And finally a big thankyou to this gentlemen who set himself up on Lampton Road simply to serve cold water and hot chai to passersby - totally free of charge....
This day will be remembered for not only when the Olympic Torch arrived and travelled through Hounslow, but also for when summer and smiles finally arrived in London this year - after at least 6 weeks of non-stop rain.....Now we are just waiting for the Games to begin....
