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| Friday, 14 June, 2002, 08:53 GMT 09:53 UK Countdown to relay race Alan Watkin takes the baton for Wrexham Organisers of The Queen's Jubilee Baton Relay are out in force across north east Wales. Teams of workers are marking out the route for the participants who will run on Saturday.
Wrexham has been selected as one of only three venues in Wales where the Commonwealth Relay will take place. The relay has been the traditional Commonwealth Games countdown since the 1958 Games in Cardiff. The baton, which contains a message from Her Majesty, will arrive in Wrexham carried by the manager of Wales' football team Mark Hughes. The former Manchester United striker will carry the baton along Hope Street and into Queens Square. Alan Watkin, Wrexham council's chief leisure, libraries and culture officer says he is looking forward to the event.
"It's going to be a fabulous day and for most people in Wrexham it will be the only time they'll get close to the Commonwealth baton." The Jubilee baton will travel within one hour's drive of 95% of the UK population. Event Director Di Henry said: "The relay is a very inclusive event and we are delighted to bring the Commonwealth Games Baton to communities right across Wales." As part of the weekend's celebrations, the Association of Voluntary Organisations in Wrexham has planned a huge community event. Different eras More than 60 groups will converge on the Llwyn Isaf green in the town centre to celebrate the Queen's Golden Jubilee. Amateur dramatic groups will re-enact the 50-years of her reign and stall holders have been encouraged to interpret the different eras. The free event will finish at 1700BST and the Jubilee relay run will begin at 1800BST. Nicole Brown, spokeswoman for the Queen's Jubilee Baton Relay, said: "The baton has attracted a lot of attention and enthusiasm across the Commonwealth. "That little baton has touched a lot of hands and some very important ones too." | See also: 29 Apr 02 | Wales 14 May 02 | Wales 10 Jun 02 | Scotland 11 Mar 02 | UK 11 Mar 02 | UK 26 Nov 01 | UK Internet links: The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites Top Wales stories now: Links to more Wales stories are at the foot of the page. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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