The Queen’s Baton Relay will visit the North East this week during its final journey through England before appearing at the opening ceremony for the Commonwealth Games.
The 16th official Queen’s Baton Relay is being held ahead of the start of the event in Birmingham on July 28, and celebrates communities across the Commonwealth during the build up.
After making its way up the country, the baton will soon arrive for a two-day tour of the North East, visiting Saltburn-by-the-Sea, Redcar, Middlesbrough, Stockton-on-Tees, Darlington, Durham, Seaham, and Sunderland before heading to South Shields, Whitley Bay, Blyth, Alnwick, Gateshead, and Newcastle.
As the Baton arrives in Darlington on Thursday, schools, communities and family and friends of the eight nominated Batonbearers are invited to line the streets to officially welcome the Baton.
Read more: Commonwealth Games: When the baton relay will visit the North East
Spectators are expected to gather to clap and cheer as the inspiring Batonbearers begin the Relay at Abbey Road Primary School at 1:30pm, where the baton will then make its way down Abbey Road to Duke Street, on to Skinnergate, then High Row before arriving at the market square for the final celebration to conclude the day’s events.
Crowds will then be entertained with stunts and tricks as Team Extreme provide a special performance to culminate a momentous occasion in the town.
Who is taking part in the relay?
One of the Batonbearers taking part in the route is Scott Morland, aged 53, who was nominated for his part in building a well-loved Darlington lawn bowls club from 13 members to 120.
With the help of Scott, the South Park club have also developed an inclusion programme reaching out to ethnic groups and the LGBTQ+ community to encourage everyone to take part.
Scott’s hard work and dedication has also contributed to the creation of two new teams, a women’s team, and after acquiring new equipment, a wheelchair bowling team allowing the club to not only expand but giving an opportunity to some who may not have had the option before.
Another inspiring Batonbearer from Darlington is 33-year-old Natasha Levy who was nominated for her contribution to grass roots netball and fundraising for her local community.
Natasha was recognised for her dedication to providing a local, welcoming netball club for all ages and abilities. Natasha also coaches, umpires, and plays as well as organising and taking part in a variety of fundraising events for local charities including the towns food bank.
Councillor Jonathan Dulston, leader of Darlington Borough Council, said: “This is an incredible opportunity for Darlington to take part in a such a memorable and exciting event.
“We are immensely proud of the local Batonbearers who have been identified for their outstanding achievements in our communities and look forward to celebrating this on Thursday. There’s some great entertainment planned, so please do join us as we mark this fantastic occasion. “
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