Olympics

Yesterday the Telegraph reported on the route the Olympic Flame would take to London next year. On the day the 1948 Olympics came to London my husband decided that we would get up early to see the torch bearers who were carrying the flame from Dover through Kent and Surrey into London. We rose at 4 a.m. My mother thought we were crazy but she should have been used to her son-in-law doing unusual things. We were young and excited at this great event after all the drabness of the war.
We started off on our bikes at about 4.30 a.m. to cyclethe 15 or so miles from West Dulwich in south east London due south to Godstone in Surrey where there was to be a handover by torch bearers. These runners had been travelling in relays throughout the night and people had left their beds to applaud them as they ran by.
I think we got to Godstone before 6 a.m. (bear in mind these are my memories from more than 60 years ago) and joined the crowd waiting for the runner to arrive. We clapped enthusiastically when he appeared. In a moment the flame had been passed on and it was all over.
We cycled home for breakfast and as my husband had miraculously purchased tickets for the opening ceremony we made our way to Wembley. We probably went on a No.3 bus to Oxford Circus and then on a crowded Metropolitan line train to Wembly. When we reached the stadium there were hundreds and hundreds of people. Everyone was in holiday mood. It was extremely hot. We found our seats. I don't know what the tickets cost.
King George VI and Queen Elizabeth (later known as the Queen Mother) were there and I believe old Queen Mary (George V's widow) although I really only remember seeing the King as he made a speech of welcome. There were lots of speeches then the athletes marched into the stadium. They came from lots of different countries, some in colourful native dress and were mostly men. Guns were fired in salute and then the last torch bearer ran into the stadium. He ran up a huge number of steps with his torch to light the fire in the cauldron at the top.
I suppose today's youngsters would think it was a very tame affair but we thought it was wonderful.