Queen 's Baton Relay coming to Cannock Chase

This month the Queen 's Baton Relay comes to Cannock Chase.

The Baton arrives in the District on Saturday 23 July, when it will pass through Rugeley, Hednesford and Cannock carried by 13 baton bearers.

Three of the baton bearers are local people: Shaun Middleton from Hednesford, Lisa Wilson from Cannock (and a Cannock Chase District Councillor), and Craig Corrigan from Rugeley.

The baton relay will commence at Wolseley Road in Rugeley at approximately 3.25pm. It will then make its way to Hednesford for 4.00pm, and lastly arrive in Cannock at 4.50pm. These times are subject to change.

To enable the baton relay to run safely, there will be some temporary road closures in Rugeley, Hednesford and Cannock. For more details on road closures please visit: www.cannockchasedc.gov.uk/queensbatonrelay

Rugeley Town Council is hosting an event in the town centre between 2pm and 4pm when there will be a variety of activities and entertainment throughout the afternoon including the official opening of the Mindfulness Garden in Brook Square in the town centre.

Hednesford Town Council, in partnership with the support of Cannock Chase Council, will have a variety of activities and entertainment in the town and at Hednesford park, between 2pm and 5pm.

Children and families can have a go at cycling with the staff from Inspiring Healthy Lifestyles and British Cycling as well as a competition for the best dressed bike. Spectators are being encouraged to decorate their bikes at homes and bring them along on the day.

To take part in a 'Create for the Commonwealth Workshop ', pop down to Hednesford Park on 23 July, between 11am - 2pm.

The local Armed Forces community will also be there to salute the Baton as it arrives.

Food stalls and entertainment are also available at Hednesford 's ?rst Grub Club from 12pm - 6pm in the park.

In Cannock town centre, Cannock Chase Radio will be broadcasting live from the bandstand between 2pm and 5pm.

Local emergency services, community organisations, individuals and voluntary groups will come together to welcome the baton into the town centre. Residents are invited to come along and join in with the celebrations in the town centres or anywhere along the route.

If residents have any questions about the Queen 's Baton Relay, temporary road closures or any other arrangements for Saturday 23 July, the Council is holding a drop-in session at Chase Leisure Centre, Stafford Road, Cannock, on Monday 18 July between 6pm and 8pm.

Councillor Adrienne Fitzgerald, portfolio leader for Housing, Heritage and Leisure said: “We are extremely honoured that the Birmingham 2022 Queen 's Baton Relay will come through our District as part of its journey. I hope that residents will line the route and give all our baton bearers a very warm welcome.

“This is a once in a lifetime event for Cannock Chase, there are lots of ways that residents can get involved and enjoy the excitement and come together as a community. ”

The Council need volunteers to help with this event on the day. If you want to be a part of local history and support the event email [email protected]

For more information on the Commonwealth Games Mountain Biking event taking place at Cannock Chase Forest (Birches Valley) on 3 August visit: www.cannockchasedc.gov.uk/commonwealthgames

The Council has been working closely with Inspiring Healthy Lifestyles and the local Cultural Education Partnership to develop a local 'Chase Community Games ' programme which will incorporate activities, events and legacy opportunities to celebrate the Games.

For more information visit www.cannockchasedc.gov.uk/chasegames

Pictured: Lisa Wilson, baton bearer