September 2004

When the Borough Council governing the Tonbridge and Hildenborough area decided to fulfil the dream of an open top bus parade for double Olympic Gold Medallist, Kelly Holmes, they were quickly on the phone to the “PR Dept” of Tonbridge Lions Club.

Knowing that the streets would be full of Kelly’s admirers and well-wishers the Council asked the Lions to marshal the procession and assist with crowd control in the grounds of Tonbridge Castle where the presentations to Kelly would be held.

  The whole event was organised with unbelievable speed. 

Within three days the procession route was planned, road closures arranged, posters and leaflets were produced and distributed and media coverage arranged to make the people of the area aware of this special event. 

Tonbridge Lions rallied their troops and, with the help of some of their wives and a couple of prospective members, managed to have thirty marshals, in Lions tabards, on duty as Kelly boarded the open top bus at her home in Hildenborough. 

The media were there in force with TV camera crews, along with local and national press on a second bus, whilst a TV helicopter gave coverage from the air.  The walking Lions escorted the buses ensuring that the crowds were kept back far enough to allow safe passage of the procession.

  Latest estimates were that 80,000 people turned out to cheer the local hero through the streets that were heavily decorated with Union Flags.  As it was the final day of the school summer holidays, local children started to line the route two or three hours before the start of the procession. 

Tonbridge Lions were able to distribute 2000 hand flags which the Council had provided.

  As Kelly’s entourage entered the grounds of Tonbridge Castle the Lions lined up around the dais from where local dignitaries and Kelly Holmes made their speeches. 

During an hour or so of autograph signing, the Lions held back the hoards and controlled the flow of autograph hunters to Kelly’s desk.  Finally, before she was whisked away to a Private Civil Reception,  the Gold Olympian posed for a photo with a group of Lions and Lions’ wives.