So much has happened this past month.It feels like an unending,glorious dream!First,we had the fantastic DIAMOND JUBILEE celebrations with Her Majesty and Prince Philip's visit to the AVANTI HINDU SCHOOL.That brought immeasurable joy and pride to Harrow.A memorable day which will be etched in our memories forever!Marvellous weather made it all the more enjoyable.The local Police worked hard and made it all go like clock-work.

 

We savoured every bit of the historic celebrations.The nation owes a huge debt of gratitude to all those,in particular the METROPOLITAN POLICE SERVICE,who made sure that despite tight security,they never impinged on the fantastic arrangements and joy-filled atmosphere.It was a celebration par excellence.The Queen and Prince Philip reciprocated their love for the excited crowds who had braved the rains,by taking on the inclement weather ---standing defiantly on the top deck of the Glorianna.Something we will always remember with much fondness.

Hot on the heels of the Jubilee,we had the last minute preparations,including a few hiccups pre- Olympics.Thankfully, these were quickly put right and we were back on top.The eyes of the world were fixated on the United Kingdom,making security for the Games,for Londoners and all the Olympic venues a top priority.

 

It has been such a relief to see the huge numbers of personnel deployed for this very purpose making the Olympic experience truly enjoyable, as envisaged.Our Police officers are working non-stop and many from Harrow are working flat out to help keep London safe.It is a monumental ,ongoing challenge.The MUTUAL AID we are all tapping into has proved very useful.We are seeing police officers from various parts of the UK patrolling the Town Centre and Wealdstone.I am sure Harrovians are making them feel welcome.The Armed Forces and Emergency Services are also doing their bit.We hope to make full use of them for the Paralympics as well as for the Annual Notting Hill Carnival,at the end of August.That is no mean task.

 

With all this going on in the background,the OLYMPIC TORCH was on its way to Harrow!Everything suddenly seemed to turn to GOLD.WE all watched excitedly,as this golden flame travelled the length and breadth of the land ---8000 miles in total---to finally get to us on WEDNESDAY 25 July.

 

I had the good fortune to meet with OLYMPIC TORCHBEARER Joanne Hyams,as she started her run at 915am from the HERITAGE MUSEUM ,Headstone Manor,Harrow,on a beautifully sun-drenched morning.The crowds had been gathering since 8am.The place was agog with excitement.It was a fabulous occasion with so many children and people from allwalks of life.The OLYMPIC FLAME went onto the International Siddhashram Hindu Temple in Wealdstone,past the milling crowds at the Harrow Civic Centre,through the heart of Harrow--our Town Centre.

 

At every point,the crowds swelled and got deeper but our police kept things moving smoothly.We gave chase and managed to see it pass the Harrow School on the Hill,where many had gathered along the roads in every imaginable spot.Harrow was bathed in PURE GOLD as the sun shone brightly.It is impossible to recount the sense of excitement and sheer joy experienced.The feeling of a mass picnic in progress!Seemed like everybody was there.In fact, almost half the population of Harrow turned out to greet the Olympic torch.

 

Harrow is very fortunate to have had such excellent arrangements in place,truly making this a red-letter day for everybody to enjoy.This historic day was rounded off by a special celebration held in the evening at the Heritage Museum.Thanks to the dedicated efforts of our Police and the Harrow Council ,the Olympic Torch's passage through Harrow was a resounding success.

 

Our appetites had been whetted!We could barely wait for the Opening ceremony on 27 July.What a fabulous event and fantastic lighting of the Cauldron by seven youths.Very inspiring and a real treat for the soul!To top it all,team GB is winning,all the way!!WE HAVE STRUCK GOLD. What more could we want?

 

 

It's RAINING GOLD and seems to be getting better day-by-day.Of course,we have our fingers crossed.Keeping the Games and London secure are very much top of the agenda.Great Britain is feeling "great"at long last.The "feel good factor"has finally got under our skin.Just for once,let's put dark thoughts behind us and revel in the glorious golden aura that has enveloped our teams.Let's bathe in the warm golden waters of success ---raking in one golden medal after another.Harrow like the rest of the UK ,is in the grip of OLYMPIC FEVER.

 

Let's hope our run of good luck continues and that we have a safe and successful Olympic season.

 

Hearty congratulations to all Harrovians who have won Olympic medals and done us proud!