From left to right: Philip Benham (North Yorkshire Moors Railway), Councillor Joan Lovejoy (Mayor of Pickering), Councillor James Fraser (Ryedale District Council), Hannah Cockcroft (Paralympic athlete - Double world champion wheelchair racer), Gary Verity (Chief Executive of Welcome to Yorkshire and Chair of Yorkshire Gold) - photo courtesy of NYMR
As we mentioned in our recent blog the Olympic Torch will be visiting many cities, towns and villages in Yorkshire and the Humber on its passage around the UK which ends in London for the opening ceremony of the Olympic and Paralympic Games. During its journey the Torch will travel by various means of transport as well as being carried on foot. But Yorkshire has really struck lucky as two of the forms of locomotion will be locomotives – or rather on board trains being pulled by locomotives.
On Monday 18 June, the North Yorkshire Moors Railway will take the Olympic Flame from Whitby, one of Britain’s favourite seaside resorts, aboard one of its steam trains. The Flame will leave the North Yorkshire coast to travel through the beautiful countryside of the North York Moors to the historic market town of Pickering. It seems rather fitting that the Torch will be travelling through countryside very much associated with outdoor exercises such as walking, running, cycling and riding as part of its journey to the premier competition for all things athletic.
Flying Scotsman from the National Rail Museum Pictorial Collection
Philip Benham, the General Manager of The North Yorkshire Moors Railway said on hearing the news that the NYMR would be involved, “This is a fantastic opportunity for the Railway to unite with the communities of North Yorkshire, in welcoming the Olympic Flame to our region and supporting those who have been chosen to run as Torchbearers. It is a great honour to have been selected as one of the host locations and we look forward to sharing the excitement of the Olympic spirit all the way along the line.”
And local councillors are delighted too. Cllr James Fraser, Member Champion for Sport for Ryedale District Council, said, “I am absolutely delighted that Ryedale residents will have the chance to see the Olympic Flame and witness the spectacle of the Olympic Torch Relay.”
Sebastian Coe, Chair of the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games added: ‘We are thrilled to confirm that the North Yorkshire Moors Railway will act as a host location for the Olympic Flame, extending an invitation to the people in Yorkshire to welcome the Olympic Torch Relay during its journey around the UK. This is the UK’s moment to shine and I want to encourage people across Yorkshire to start planning how they can be part of this once in a lifetime opportunity and show their support for the inspirational Torchbearers chosen to carry the Olympic Flame as we count down to the start of the Olympic Games.’
The Olympic Flame will be carried from York to Thirsk on Wednesday 20 June 2012 by the majestic Flying Scotsman. This glorious engine was built in 1923, having been designed by Sir Nigel Gresley and in 1934, the Scotsman was the first locomotive to officially break the 100 mph barrier. It did its bit during the Second World War carrying passengers and troops the length of the country – though it had to forgo its Apple Green livery for the more austere black, but when the war ended it returned to its original colour. Later, after the railways were nationalised the Scotsman was briefly blue before again changing colour to Brunswick Green in which colour it remained until its retirement in 1963. After several changes of ownership involving a stay in the United States and Australia it was saved for the nation in 2004. It is currently being restored, and should be back in service in spring 2012. The Flying Scotsman has travelled approximately 2½ million miles and given useful service to millions of passengers in its lifetime and is now an object of pleasure for new generations.
Flying Scotsman from the NRM Pictorial Collection
The Chief Executive of Welcome to Yorkshire and chair of Yorkshire Gold, Gary Verity, said: “We are delighted that the Torch will visit two of Yorkshire’s most prestigious railways. It is going to be a fantastic occasion for everyone and it will be wonderful to see the flame travelling on the Flying Scotsman from York to Thirsk and between Whitby and Pickering on the steam trains of the North Yorkshire Moors Railway. Being able to host the Torch over six days will give us a wonderful opportunity to profile and showcase our county to the world.”
Find all the places in Yorkshire and the Humber through which the Olympic Flame will be carried here.
And for Whitby hotels or Pickering B&Bs to stay in during this time, check out Hello Yorkshire’s accommodation.
