JUST a few weeks after removing a supposed permanent commemoration of the 2012 Olympics from the borough, Thurrock Council is now championing the pending arrival of the Commonwealth games baton to the borough later this year.

The decision by the council to embrace the coming games may be a sore point for those Olympic fans who were shocked and angered when Thurrock Nub News revealed the demise of the Olympic memorial in Blackshots last month.

Nevertheless the council is urging local people to get behind the pending two days of Commonwealth Games celebrations. Today (Wednesday, 11 May) the council announced that the Birmingham 2022 Queen's Baton Relay is confirmed to visit the borough during its final journey through England this summer.

The Queen's Baton Relay is set to travel the length and breadth of England for a total of 29 days, before culminating at the opening ceremony for Birmingham 2022 on 28 July 2022.

 On Friday, 8 July, Thurrock will officially welcome the Baton and a busy schedule of activities and events is planned.

During its time in Thurrock, the Queen's Baton Relay will visit the London International Cruise Terminal at the Port of Tilbury cheered on by local school children.

Council leader Cllr Rob Gledhill, said: ""We are delighted that Thurrock is able to play a part in the 16th official Queen's Baton Relay, and that the Port of Tilbury will have the esteemed honour of welcoming the Baton through the Cruise Terminal, as it continues its final leg around the UK before arriving in Birmingham for the Commonwealth Games 2022.

"Thurrock's motto "By Thames to All People of the World" reflects the important role the River Thames, Tilbury Docks and Thurrock continues to play in facilitating world trade, travel and communication. Tilbury is home to a number of historical events be it the rallying of troops against the threat of invasion in 1588 or the arrival of the first large groups of post-war Caribbean settlers in 1948 on the 'Empire Windrush', so I cannot think of a more befitting place to receive and pass on the Queen's Baton than Tilbury. I want to pass on my best wishes and say good luck to all the athletes taking part in this inspiring, multi-cultural festival of sport as they compete in the spirit of friendship and fair play."

Stuart Wallace, chief operating officer of Forth Ports and Chair of Tilbury on the Thames Trust said: "We are extremely proud and excited to be part of the Queen's Baton Relay on the 8th July. The baton will pass through our historic London Cruise Terminal which has played an important part of the community since it was built in 1930."

The Birmingham 2022 Queen's Baton Relay began at Buckingham Palace on 7 October 2021, when The Queen placed Her Message to the Commonwealth into the Baton and passed it to four-time Paralympic gold medallist Kadeena Cox, who had the honour of being the first of thousands of Batonbearers to carry the Baton.

 Since then, the Baton has visited Commonwealth nations and territories in Europe, Africa, Oceania. It still has further destinations in the Caribbean, the Americas, and more countries in Europe, including the Home Nations consisting of five days in Scotland, four in Northern Ireland and five in Wales, where it will finish on Sunday 3 July, before returning to England .

Phil Batty, Director of Ceremonies, Culture & Queen's Baton Relay, said: "Whilst the Baton has been travelling across the Commonwealth, we have worked closely with Local Authorities in England to devise a route that engages with hundreds of communities, passing sport venues, historic sites, local schools and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Yet the Queen's Baton Relay is far more than just a journey. It symbolises connecting people from every corner of the Commonwealth, celebrates Batonbearers who take on challenges, and marks the countdown the biggest sporting event in West Midlands history. And by the time the Baton returns to England for the final leg, 71 nations and territories will have already experienced the magic that comes with it.

"We hope that communities across the country join the excitement, attend events near them, line the streets to cheer on our incredible Batonbearers and celebrate the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games."

The Queen's Baton

The Queen's Baton for Birmingham 2022 was created in a West Midlands collaboration that fused art, technology and science. Made from copper, aluminium and steel, the Baton also features a platinum strand in homage to The Queen in her Platinum Jubilee year. It is also equipped with cutting-edge technology; 360-degree camera, heart rate monitor, atmospheric sensors and LED lighting.

For more information on the Queen's Baton Relay, visit www.birmingham2022.com/qbr.