The Queen's Baton Relay

Glasgow host the Commonwealth Games 2014

This year the Commonwealth Games are to be hosted in Glasgow & there has been a real buzz about the games in Scotland.

The Queen's Batons Relay tradition symbolises the coming together of the commonwealth nations to prepare for the games.  This year the baton will visit 70 nations & territories, cover 190,000km and involve 1/3 of the world's population!

Out of the 288 days it will take to make this journey it will be in Scotland for 40days visiting many towns & villages.  When my mum heard the baton would be passing through our home town she wanted to watch it go past.  I was more than a bit sceptical, but would do anything to make my mum happy.

I went online to find a time & place we could attend (unfortunately my work meant she would miss it in her town).  I choose Johnstone a town 20mins from where I grew up, where the baton would stop in the square for a photo shoot & there would be entertainers & a kids show.

Taking up positions

It was an early start to get there, parked & in position awaiting the baton, which I was told sticks to a tight schedule each day.

We got a great spot on a bench (mum doesn't walk well) & out came the camera.  The sun came out & the music went on.  Crowds slowly started to gather with kids on summer holidays excited to get a free flag.  

We were told where the baton would pass so we switched position & mum got her phone at the ready!

As the crowds lined the street, there was waving of flags & cheering for anyone who ran down the middle.  Everyone got a cheer including the police, stewards & a camera man!

Finally ~25mins LATE, the baton took centre stage! I think I managed to get some good shots.

We moved to watch the photo shoot & then made our way back towards the car the suddenly we were right behind the baton & Clare Grogan getting interviewed.

She then turned and with escorts making a path through the crowds she past right in front o me.  I could touch it!  Many others did, but my hands were desperately trying to catch a great photo!

It was a fab morning out with a great atmosphere.  It's so nice to cheer & whoop & wave flags, something we just don't do enough.

Plus I was getting into practice at cheering on the bearers as our niece is a dedicated swimmer & although she is not old enough for these or the next games she firmly has her eye on 2020!

Did you know the baton contains a message from the queen to be read out at the games?    

Has the baton visited your area?