Shrewsbury turns on the style to welcome Queen's Baton Relay
The Queen's Baton Relay was given a very warm reception when it arrived in the county.
Despite the sweltering heat, the crowds turned out in reasonable numbers to greet the baton-bearers as they took it in 200m turns to tour Shrewsbury before finishing at The Quarry.
There was a carnival atmosphere as each handover was greeted with rapturous applause and street entertainers, including a band at The Square.
The baton arrived in style by helicopter at Shrewsbury Sports Village in Sundorne before starting the relay into town from the Flaxmill Maltings. It included a ride on the Sabrina boat and a visit to Pengwern Boat Club before ending with a lap of The Dingle and an on-stage reception with civic dignitaries in The Quarry.
The baton is now only 10 days away from the Commonwealth Games, which start in Birmingham on July 28. The relay next heads off to Ironbridge, Telford, Lilleshall and Newport before leaving the county on its way to Birmingham.
Inevitably, given the heat, some of the baton bearers weren't able to make it, which was a great opportunity for Andy Smith, 39, who achieved the distinction of being the only baton bearer in the UK to complete three legs. He gladly took up the baton and the task from St Mary's Church to the Hole in the Wall pub opposite Market Hall.
"I set up the charity Smash Life UK after growing up in care to offer inspirational talks to young people," said Andy, who was nominated by his friend Richard Shaw.
Andy and his brother Matt were abused after being placed by social services into the care system.
Baton-bearer Barry Mason, 46, a youth worker from Kidderminster, has links with Shrewsbury through being a youth worker in the Wyre Forest. He ran a double leg of 400m uphill from Castle Foregate to Shrewsbury Castle.
"I did it with a sprained ankle," said Barry who was delighted to play his part in the day. "I drove to be here and it was a hot journey."
Among the many supporters were married couple Linda and Alan Jackson, both aged 65, of Castlefields in Shrewsbury. Mrs Jackson, born and bred in Shrewsbury, comes to every event in town.
"We also support the royals. It's just great that these things are organised in town," she said.
Married couple Isobel, 67, and Roy Sparks,64, were there to support their friend Rebecca Warren who was carrying the baton. Rebecca set up the covid vaccination programme at the Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital.
Ex-serviceman Mr Sparks, said they had just come back from holiday in Turkey.
"It's about the same temperature as Turkey," he said. "It's good to come back at the same level of heat and to have something like this going on."
Mrs Sparks said: "How lovely to have something like this in town."
Mr Warren, who works at Bayston Hill Quarry also said he was very proud to see local stone used to create Commonwealth Games venues.
At the Quarry, Helen Grime, 53, and her running partner Bill Cork, 59, were there because it was "it was too hot to do the usual Monday run". They also support events in the town.
The Quarry was filled with entertainers and refreshement stalls. The final parade saw community groups, including Shrewsbury Rugby Club, cheerleaders, flag wavers and stiltwalkers.
Entertainment was also laid on, with bands playing and a community singalong organised at 8.45pm.
The organisers were also delighted with the day.
Lisa Hampton, head of the Queen's Baton Relay was guiding the baton bearers to a great finish and the chance to tell their stories on stage to BBC Radio Shropshire's Paul Shuttleworth.
"It has gone really well today," said Lisa.
"We had such a warm reception. It is great to be back in the West Midlands and great to see everybody out supporting the baton bearers.
"There are 10 days to go to the Games and it is great to see people getting behind them and doing the region proud."
The baton has been carried across Africa, Asia, South America and Oceania ahead in recent months ahead of the games.
