AS THE Olympic torch makes its way across the country, the countdown for the games themselves is getting closer.

Taking place from Friday, July 27 until Sunday, August 12, the London Games promises to cap off a memorable year for the nation and it all starts with an opening ceremony which includes a parade of the athletes taking part and a stunning artistic display that has been created by Danny Boyle and features 15,000 participants. To celebrate the Games, Churches Together in Lower Earley and East Reading has teamed up with local businesses and Wokingham Borough Council for a fun community event which includes a screening of the opening ceremony. “The nation is gearing up for the Olympics – it’s going to be massive,” said the Revd Jon Salmon, priest in charge of Trinity Church, Lower Earley. “To mark and make the Games all the more memorable we are partnering to create an exciting and fun event for the local community.” The event will take over part of the District Centre in Lower Earley with the Opening Ceremony to be shown on a massive screen in the Loddon Valley Leisure Centre’s sports hall. Throughout the evening there will be a whole range of fun games and activities from Zumba to face painting and a massive barbecue, all located throughout the Leisure Centre, The Earley Retreat and Trinity Church. Local community groups and organisations will be present.“Do put this exciting and memorable community event in your diaries,” Jon added. “This is an event for all ages and all the family, and will – for all the right reasons – help you remember in years to come where you were the day the Olympics started in the UK.”It starts at 6pm on Friday, July 27. The opening ceremony starts at 9pm. Tickets cost £5 for families, £2 for adults and £1 for under 16s. Under fives get in free. Entry includes the barbecue, a soft drink and participation in all activities. They will go on sale in local venues soon. The main organising partners are WBC, Loddon Valley Leisure Centre, ASDA Lower Earley, Churches together in Earley and East Reading, The Earley Retreat and The Head Partnership, with support from Earley Town Council. “We want to encourage a legacy for community activity and development in Lower Earley and we look forward to welcoming you on July 27,” Jon said.

For more details, contact Jon Salmon on 07840 494072.