The Queen's Baton for Commonwealth Games makes quick stop at Stonehenge
It's in the South West today (Tuesday 5th July)
Last updated 5th Jul 2022
The Commonwealth Games' Queen's Baton has made a flying visit to Stonehenge this morning.
The relay across England got underway yesterday in Dorset, with it restarting today in Devizes.
However between that, the baton made a quick trip to see the sunrise at the Stones.
Former Major Sally Orange, from Salisbury, was there to hold it.
A spokesperson for English Heritage said:
"English Heritage was delighted to welcome the Birmingham 2022 Queen’s Baton Relay team to Stonehenge this morning as the baton makes its way across England ahead of the opening of the 2022 games later this month."
After the Stonehenge trip, it then made its way to Devizes to carry on the relay.
Starting in the Market Place, it was taken on a journey through the town on a horse drawn dray towards the Kennet & Avon Canal.
From there, it travelled on a canal boat and on foot down the tow path towards the famous Caen Hill Locks.
There was seven baton bearers there, all chosen for their contributions to their local community.
Kathryn Marygold, who has Worster Drought Syndrome and Autism, opened the relay.
She said:
“I was really excited and proud to be selected as a Batonbearer for the Queen’s Baton Relay. It was great to start the baton off on its journey today and I really enjoyed going on the horse and dray through Devizes.”
After Devizes, the baton headed out of Wiltshire towards Bath.
Cllr Richard Clewer, Leader of Wiltshire Council, said:
“We are honoured that Wiltshire has welcomed the Queen’s Baton Relay and it has been great to see so many people come out and support the Batonbearers as they made their way through Devizes today.
“Now we look forward to the start of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games and would like to wish good luck to all of the local Wiltshire athletes who have worked hard to represent their country. We would like to wish you every success.”