National events ignite local spirits

摘要

Northumberland seems to have been experiencing an uplift in community feeling recently, with the arrival of the Olympic torch following hot on the heels of the Queen's Jubilee. The villages around here have been covered in flags and it has been ratheruplifting. A bit like Christmas, but with far less tat. I am seriously beginning to think we need a flagpole. The reaction to the Olympic torch has been particularly (and to me rather unexpectedly) massive. Thousands lined the streets of Berwick, Bamburgh and Alnwick. Yes, Bamburgh - a seaside village with a magnificent castle and about 10 parking spaces. Where did all those people come from and where did they park?