During the last week I have completed 6 shifts at London 2012 host venue of Old Trafford in my secondary role in Uniform Distribution. The week started very well meeting lots of new gamesmakers who were doing the same role and those who were working else where at the venue the last group of games maker I met were everyone collecting their uniform in readiness for their first shift. A number of roles need to be carriedout in the department and each of us had a n opportunity to experience each of them. All gamesmakers collecting there uniform was required to obtain their games time accerditaion at VAHO ( Venue accreditation help office). Nice they had this they could gain access to uniforms and let past our security guard, Mark, supplied by the football club. Firstly they would have the bar code on the acceridation scanned and the advised if they had to have a full fitting of we're picking up a man pack (manually packed for the p.c. Amongst you) or they needed a full fitting in the fitting rooms. There are only two fitting rooms with no mirrors to speed up the process, the theory being that if it feels comfortable then it should look good. Once all fitting was complete or man pack collected then a quick scan through checkout and the gamesmakers were on their way. Issued with a cap, water bottle, uniform care guide, pocket book, pen, bag, 2 polo shirts, 1 jacket, 2 pairs of trousers, 2 pairs of socks, 1 pair of very nice trainers, and a gamesmaker Swatch watch which came as a surprise to most. As each day passed the department became quieter and quieter until a very busy Saturday ( my day off). On Friday I had an opportunity to work in VAHO as they were very busy and u informs was quiet. Although I wasn't trusted with the computer system and the authorisation of the accreditation I did work along side the other gamesmaker doing these duties and along side UK Border Agency who were on hand to check the eligibility of the Foreign Nationals who had turned up to work with contractors such as G4S or other paid work. A number of staff were turned away as they were not approved to work. Every person I had the pleasure of meeting with were all a delight to deal with and the team of gamesmakers I worked along side were out of this world. I came away with heart warming stories of games makers offering places to stay during their shifts and one girl getting a job thru a meeting with a fellow gamesmaker. I had the benefit if meeting a gamesmaker who lives not far from me and has offere me a lift to the games which will save on travel expense as well as travelling alone. I now have a weeks wait until my next shift at one of the teams hotels, can't say where though :-(

Staffing Support

While Steve has been more than busy dealing with uniforms and accreditation for fellow Gamesmakers at Old Trafford, I have been twiddling my thumbs waiting for my accreditation/uniform and venue specific training.

4th July and I receive an email asking if I wished to be considered for Staffing Support Operations. Let me think about that for a minute........yep, course I do!! So I had to complete a brief statement to say why I would be suitable for the role and press 'send'.

A 2 week wait and I have found out that I have been accepted! I'm absolutely over the moon about this.

The role entails supporting the Staffing manager and fellow gamesmakers on the Last Mile team. I will be checking in Staff, distributing equipment and supporting the Wayfinders as necessary. The downside is that there will be early starts and late finishes and my shift roster will change. But this is a great role and opportunity so when I have to get up at 3am, I won't be moaning too much ;-)

If you need any sun screen, water, radios etc then I'm your man!!

Role & Venue specific Training in one weekend

Steve has had a very enjoyable and informative weekend completing RST and VST at Old Trafford. First was the uniform distribution training in the main Concourse of the Old Trafford stadium where a group of ten were given a very thorough run though of the role and all the types of question we may get asked. Included was a session on using the radios at Olympic venues. Getting our hands on the uniform for the first time was very exciting with a small surprise of having a Swatch watch with games Maker printed around the strap. The following day (Saturday) was VST which included a presentation on more critical information and a tour of the ground where key LOCOG personel delivered specific information in some areas of the stadium. Following a coffee break all the Functional Areas split and had some Role training, some were required to stay the full day fortunately I was only there for half the day. We were issued with a comprehensive doping control manual which needs reading and digesting prior to games time and exchanged some critical role and personal information. Tomorrow will be my first shift as a Gamesmaker at Old Trafford issuing uniform and enjoying my time with some fantastic like minded Gamesmakers. See you at games time.

It's all happening for Gamesmakers.

Steve and I are bracing ourselves for a busy few weeks. Whilst busy wrapping everything up at work, we have had dates and times for our Olympic accreditation and uniform collection. Steve will soon be at work issuing the kit at Old Trafford and also carry out his venue specific training oop North too.

Last Wednesday I popped down to a very hot and humid Hackney college to receive a bit more info regarding the role of a Last Mile Wayfinder. It was quite a busy session with about 70 gamesmakers in attendance. The two presenters delivered a very light hearted and enjoyable session. If you've not been to an RST event yet, make sure you can spell your name using sign language (hint, hint).

The Hackney Community College RST Centre.

August is going to be a busy month for me as I have to go to UDAC to collect accreditation and uniform on one day. Two weeks later its time for venue specific training at the Copperbox in Olympic Park.

Hot off the press is that I have been asked to submit a request to join the Support Operations team, which is designed to support the Wayfinding team in the important role on the 'Last Mile'. Consider the email sent, fingers crossed, I'll get a chance to take part in that team.

Thats all for now, we'll post more info as we get it.

Ian

Torch Relay in Shropshire

As the Olympic Torch Relay moves back into Sunny Shropshire, the Big Screen at Telford College is showing the relay as it passes through. It will visit Oswestry, the County town of Shrewsbury and the picturesque Cressage. From there it passes through the lovely village of Much Wenlock which was the origin of the modern Olympic games as we now know it (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-18252601) From there hundreds are expected to welcome the flame along the roads through Broseley, Benthall and to the Birthplace of the Industrial Revolution, where the historic Ironbridge spans the River Severn.

We have been fortunate to have been blessed with some gorgeous weather and thousands lined the route as it passed through this beautiful county. Our students at TCAT have been able to watch and get updates on the torch relay as it travels through the country on the many widescreen TV's we have installed in the College Rendezvous area.

I think that now the whole country is realising that we are the hosts for this event and it is going to be a brilliant spectacle. We've even got the Queens Jubilee celebrations this weekend as another reason to celebrate this very special year.

I don't know about you but I'm getting more excited by the minute!!

Regards,

Ian

Olympic Torch Route

To get our students in the mood for the Olympics, TCAT is now showing the BBC Torch Cam on a couple of wide screen TV's within the College's student Rendezvous area. No doubt it'll go on the massive multi screen when the torch comes to Sunny Shropshire as it winds it's way through Ludlow, Shrewsbury, Telford & Newport. Not forgetting Much Wenlock of course, where the Modern Olympics started all those years ago.

You too can follow the Olympic flame around Britain by clicking on the link  http://www.bbc.co.uk/2012/

It's quite addictive viewing in a strange way!!

The Torch Route through part of Shropshire.

Gamesmaker RST

News hot off the press.......an email has landed in my inbox regarding Role Specific Training for Last Mile Ops down in Hackney for either the 26th or 27th June. I'll be seeing most of you early morning on the train going south.

Ian