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Crowds expected for Saturday celebrations

Release Date: 10 September 2012

On Saturday 15 September, Peter Reed, our district's Olympic Gold Medal winning rower is being honoured with a reception and open-top bus tour between Stroud and his home town of Nailsworth. Following his success in the coxless fours at the London 2012 Olympic Games, Pete now has two Olympic gold medals as well as five World Championship medals.

In the morning he will be recognised for his achievements by local dignitaries at a reception hosted by Stroud District Council and shortly after midday will appear on the Subscription Rooms balcony in Stroud to make a brief speech before making his way onto the forecourt in front of the building to mingle and sign autographs. As part of his speech, Peter will acknowledge the work of the Stroud and District Access Group, which is holding a Liberty Festival at the same venue to improve disability awareness. The event includes wheelchair basketball, wheelchair dancing, a deaf comedian, a sign along and a sign language workshop.

Stroud District Council chairman, John Hudson, said:

'We are delighted and proud of Peter's achievements. The Olympics proved to be an enthralling spectacle and it has been extra special to have a gold medal winner on our patch. I hope that the spirit of the Olympics and the continuing momentum of the Paralympic Games will encourage people to turn out for this victory celebration and the Liberty Festival.'

Crowds are expected to line the streets as Pete boards an open-top bus at 1245, which will then make its way down Russell Street, Rowcroft and onto Bath Road (A46) on it's way to Nailsworth for around 1.15pm. The bus will then do a circuit along Market Street, Old Market and back onto Fountain Street before making its way to Nailsworth Town Hall at 1.45pm where a barbecue will be held for the local community.

Mayor of Nailsworth, Steve Robinson said:

'We are delighted to welcome Peter back to his home town and we look forward to celebrating his outstanding achievement in winning his second gold medal.'

Pete will also be making an appearance on the Forest Green Rovers pitch at half-time and will be staying to watch the second half of the game against Alfreton Town.

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