Wednesday 23 May 2012

For sale - one Olympic torch

Well, not really, I'm afraid. Because I don't have one. Titch and I rather fancied parading through the streets of Devizes as Olympic torch-bearers, but sadly, we weren't invited.

But - what I want to know is, why the furore about people who want to sell their torches? How many people can honestly say they would turn down (the rumoured) £150,000 for something they will never use again? And there are just so mnay times you can show it to your grandchildren ("oh, not that old torch again, Grandma!").

The other thing I want to know is, who, in these times of austerity, is actually going to BUY these torches?

I just don't get it.

20 comments:

  1. Well in the unlikely event that I got my hands on one, I'd flog it (don't know anyone who'd want to buy one though) :-)

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  2. I think you're supposed to say you will give the money to charity - and then it's okay!

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    1. Yes - that seems to be the case, Maggie, tho' I might be tempted to keep some of it!

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  3. There are plenty of people with more money than sense.

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  4. Not such austere times for everyone, I suppose.

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  5. I'd definitely flog it, but I think the likelihood of my being offered one to parade (considering my lack of sporting prowess) is extremely slim!

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    1. I think there should be at least one writer (or at least an "ordinary person") carrying a torch, Biddy. To represent the vast majority (ie me!).

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  6. I agree with Dream it, then do it. The rich get richer while the poor get poorer.
    K

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    1. Yes. It's a self-perpetuating, thing, isn't it, Kay?

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  7. I'd definitely sell it if anyone were willing to buy it.

    I also have to say the picture of your little grandson makes me smile every time I click on your blog. He is gorgeous, absolutely edible.

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    1. Thnks, Joanna. He is edible! And charming, with beautiful manners, and eats anything (the last time I saw him, he was eating olives and humous for lunch!). But Terrible Twos is/are imminent, and the signs are all there...

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  8. I believe the torch bearers have to pay for the torches they carry - if that's the case selling them on afterwards seems perfectly reasonable.

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    1. I'd no idea they had to pay for them. In which case, you are absolutely right Patsy!

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  9. Definitely would sell it on - but chance of owning one is remote!

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  10. I've just read it up: Torchbearers are chosen from thousands of nominations on the basis of their selflessness and community spirit. Each torchbearer is issued with their own torch and uniform and can choose to purchase them for £295.

    I wonder what happened to those that didn't choose to pay? Were they given it anyway, or refused? All very odd.

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  11. Just caught up with your comment, Maggie. I agree. The whole thing is crazy!

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