What the Times said when the Torch Relay went through Hounslow town centre

Don't take my word for it. This is what jornalist Martin Fletcher says in today's national Times newspaper! Here is the full article.

Yesterday (24th Juy)  Hounslow was a place transformed — multicultural Britain at its richest and most vibrant
It is just one small flame, but it surely has magical powers. Yesterday, after processing around affluent Kingston, through the splendour of Kew Gardens, and past the riverside mansions of Richmond, the Olympic Torch reached Hounslow, a dreary expanse of westernmost London distinguished primarily by its utter lack of distinction.
You drive past Hounslow as you head out of London on the A4. You roar over its drab homes, bucket shops and cheap Asian restaurants as you land at Heathrow. In normal circumstances there would be no reason to visit, but yesterday it was a place transformed — multicultural Britain at its richest and most vibrant.
Thousands turned out to greet the Torch. Elderly Sikhs with beards and turbans, women in hijabs and young Rastas waved flags with fervour. They cheered as the Torch was born up the High Street by Sister Mary Joy, a nun who was Britain’s first firewoman and founded the Wormwood Scrubs riding centre for disabled and disadvantaged children. They whooped and screamed as she passed the Torch to the diminutive figure of Sai Singam, 12, chosen for his exemplary behaviour at school.
They were entertained by dhol drummers from Punjab, bhangra dancers and belly dancers, and Bollywood singers. They sashayed together in the sun-drenched street. They hoisted their children onto the shoulders of policemen and tried on their helmets.
For a few hours at least all differences fell away and the people of Hounslow were as one in their exuberance.
“There’s every race and nationality here, and we’re enjoying it together,” said Lester Sarmiento, 30, a Filipino barman watching with his four-year-old son. “It pulls the community together. Today everyone is smiling,” said Anthony Del Bono, an Italian-American from Brooklyn. “It reminds me of a Caribbean carnival,” said Carl McCarthy, 42, who came to Britain from Jamaica five years ago.
“The Torch is a massive opportunity for the nation to come together and show appreciation and national pride. We’re not just here to watch, but to say thank you,” said Murari Sharma, 70, a retired teacher who came to Britain from India as a student 45 years ago. “This is my country now, and the best thing about this nation is its tolerance.”
The Torch came and went in 20 minutes, but 20 years hence people will still recall the day that Hounslow was gilded by its flame.