HUNDREDS of Monmouth school children got up close and personal with the Commonwealth Games Queen’s Baton as it stopped in Monmouth yesterday (Wednesday, 6th September).

The baton is making its way to the Gold Coast, Australia for the 2018 Commonwealth Games and its stop in Monmouth was part of a four day tour through Wales.

The Monmouth School for Boys Sports Ground was buzzing as students from Overmonnow, Kymin View and Osbaston Primary Schools watched a number of baton bearers run past them.

The bearers consisted of athletes young and old, all with a connection to Monmouthshire. Leading the way was former Monmouth School for Boys pupil and team Wales cyclist Lewis Oliva who will be competing at next year’s games.

Monmouth Comprehensive student Dylan Hughes took the baton for a run. As a member of Down Syndrome Swimmers GB he represents Great Britain at galas across the world.

The youngest bearers were Welsh trampolinists Lawrence Johnson and Zoe Cripwell who shared the carrying duties around the track.

Also receiving support was European canicross champion Rowan Saxton who was joined by his dog and canicross partner Henry.

Canicross is a sport that involves cross country running while connected to a dog by a bungee and at just 15, Rowan won the under 18 European championship.

Carrying the baton was a team effort the Haberdashers’ Monmouth School’s Girls netball team who were crowned Welsh U18 champions in March.

The final lap was completed by former Monmouth School for Boys pupil Peter Barnes in a greenpower car which he helped to build.

Other bearers included former professional cricketers Andrew Jones and James Boiling, former Wales and British and Irish Lions rugby international John Bevan.

Terry and Valerie Howells were baton bearers, having first met as programme sellers at the 1958 Commonwealth Games.

The rowing contingent were represented by Nick Hartland, Kate Callaghan, Pippa and Will England and Pip Christie. All are former Haberdashers’ Monmouth School pupils.

Bill Owen MBE also carried the baton for his contribution to Welsh and British Cycling.

For more information and photos buy the Beacon on 13th September.