Media Release : 13 April 2012

We are looking for volunteers to help the Police and Council Officers steward this historic event.

"This is a chance to get involved in the excitement of the Olympics at a local level," said  Councillor Johanna  Howell, Cabinet member for Community and the Voluntary Sector at Wealden District Council. "There has already been a tremendous amount of interest from local schools, with over 2,000 children expected to cheer the runners on at the two Wealden Olympic Torch venues. The torch will be coming through Wealden just ten days before the London Opening Ceremony so we are expecting public interest to be reaching epic proportions.

"Local volunteers will be needed on 17 July to ensure the event is safe and enjoyed by all. They will be invaluable in helping supervise the torch relay route and event parking. We will provide training sessions to ensure everyone knows what they have to do on the day, and every volunteer will be able to see torch as it passes through.  We welcome applications from all sections of the community.  Will you be free to become part of it?"

Route Stewards and Parking Stewards for Crowborough will need to be available from 8.30am to 3pm on 17 July. Crowborough will also need Gate Stewards who can be available from 11am to 2pm. Route and Parking Stewards for Pevensey will need to be available at  Pevensey for 1.30pm to 6pm on 17 July. Volunteers must be over 18 and have the use of a mobile phone.  They will be supplied with a high visibility garment and identification. Evening training sessions will be held at Crowborough on 29 May and 14 June, at  Uckfield on the 7 June; and at Pevensey on 18 and 20 June.

Application forms (doc) are available for downloading or by emailing active@wealden.gov.uk or telephoning 01323 443520.  Completed forms must be returned to the District Council by 5pm on Friday 11 May.

There are many ways to join in the celebrations for the arrival of the Olympic Torch.  The London Organising Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, LOCOG, is asking homes along the Relay Route to plant red, white and  blue flower displays in their front gardens and encouraging spectators to paint their faces gold, silver or bronze.  If you prefer the kitchen to the sports field, you may like to bake some special Olympic treats to share with other spectators.  Or organise an Olympic Sports quiz at your local club or pub.  You can find many more ideas about making Tuesday 17 July a day to  remember by visiting the Local Leaders page of the LOCOG web site and sign up to become a Local Leader.

Wealden District Council has been awarded an Inspire Mark from LOCOG, the organisers of the 2012 London Olympics for its summer Active Wealden Days, inspiring young people to enjoy games and take up new activities. 

More information of the Olympic Relay Route and torchbearers can be found on the LOCOG website