Torch relay

Wealthy London boroughs paid less for Olympic Torch Relay – investigation

London boroughs with the poorest populations paid more to host Olympic Torch Relay events, while more affluent boroughs spent nothing, according to an investigation by Help Me Investigation users. Waltham Forest spent over £250,000 whereas Westminster incurred no costs. Government data … Continue reading

Raided reserves, extra staff, and lots of bunting: how did your council foot the £13m torch relay bill?

By Carol Miers, Juliet Ferguson and Paul Bradshaw Funds intended for maritime festivals, economic development, council reserves and food markets were among pots which were raided to pay for torch relay bills, according to an investigation by Help Me Investigate … Continue reading

Olympic torch relay investigation now available in Kindle store

Our ebook 8,000 Holes: How the 2012 Olympic Torch Relay Lost its Way has now been published in the Kindle store. All proceeds go to the Brittle Bone Society. Tell your friends – or gift it!

LOCOG loses track of Binstead’s Wheelz

Binstead and Martin, London Mini Marathon.  Jack Binstead (U14) and Collette Martin (U17) in the Wheelchairs Mini Marathon on 17 April 2011. Taken from Birdcage Walk by Snappa. For the book 8,000 Holes: How the 2012 Olympic Torch Relay Lost … Continue reading

How to: identify mystery torchbearers

Despite the promise of 8,000 torchbearers “all with inspirational stories”, hundreds of Olympic torchbearers have been listed on the official Olympic Torch Relay site without any nomination story at all. We’ve identified dozens who share their names with senior staff … Continue reading

Olympics citizen reporting hub to launch in June with day of free workshops

A hub that hopes to build a “sustainable group of citizen journalists” will be offering free workshops at its launch on June 29th. Tickets here. #media2012, in partnership with 3D Native, is launching its West Midlands hub with an unconference … Continue reading

Nottingham torchbearers – mapped

With Nottingham punching above its weight in being the second largest source of torchbearers, I thought I’d show where Nottingham folk will be carrying the torch. The full data is available here. If you can do anything with it, let … Continue reading

Who are the torchbearers?

A 101-year-old former marathon runner and multiple world record holder will be the oldest man to carry the Olympic torch, according to an analysis of data on over 6,000 torchbearers. Fauja Singh announced his retirement from marathon running shortly before … Continue reading