Brentwood Cathedral enjoys Olympic Torch fever

Local people came out in their hundreds to see the Olympic Torch pass and share the fun at the Cathedral on Friday, kicking off a weekend of celebration.

Posted: 10 Jul 2012

It has been an Olympic weekend to remember at Brentwood Cathedral.

On Friday, the Cathedral was host to hundreds of residents and parishioners of all ages as the Olympic Torch passed right alongside the Cathedral in Ingrave Road. Hundreds of children descended on the Parish Hall where they made a special banner to welcome the torch, as well as their own Olympic torches, flags and medals.

For the adults there were plenty of refreshments and a special tour of the Cathedral, Song School and grounds introduced by the Bishop of Brentwood, Thomas McMahon.

As the excitement mounted, the Brentwood Royal British Legion Youth Band – resplendent in their red uniforms – took their place in front of the Cathedral and entertained the crowds with some thrilling playing.

Then on Sunday, a giant London 2012 logo created on the floor of the Parish Hall by Tim Brooking was covered with thousands of 5ps after every one of the four Sunday Masses. The biggest crowds were after the 9.30am Family Mass when dozens of children with cups of 5ps worked for over an hour to get most of the logo covered, leaving just a few patches to be finished off after the later services.

Fr Martin Boland, parish priest and dean of the Cathedral, said it was a wonderful weekend for everybody in Brentwood: “We were thrilled to be joined by so many local people to greet the torch on its journey through Brentwood. With the band playing, the sun shining and the children cheering it was a special moment when the torch came past. I felt Brentwood did the Torch and the Olympics proud.

“Then to be able to continue the Olympic fun for the children on Sunday rounded off a wonderful weekend of celebration for us. We are still counting the 5ps but it looks as if we might beat last year’s record for our annual 5ps event with over 8,000 coins covering the logo.”

Pictures: Dr Graham Hillman