Olympic Spirit

It has been a bit of a shock to the national psyche that the Olympics did so well. I was far round the world for most of the time they were on, but even at that distance it was clear that the Games were popular, fun, and successful. It was a great Games, as well, for Team GB - or to be more accurate (thinking of our N.Ireland friends) Team UK.

One of the surprises was how addictive the television watching seemed to become - lives were on hold for the duration. And no harm done! I suspect that fast food outlets up and down the land did well too.

Now it is Paralympics time - and all seems to be going well again.

Sainsbury's were doing their bit this afternoon to honour the occasion, with a real live Olympic torch. Customers could queue up to have their picture taken with the torch - but since that mainly appealed to children I applied my Safeguarding training and asked the Sainsbury's lady to jump in between shots so that I could show you.