James Rose Entry 3

Saturday 27th July 2013: Sainsbury's Anniversary Games (Day 2)

Saturday 27th July 2013 was my third-time volunteering as Park Champion but it was somewhat different from my previous shifts.  I had an air of deep joy whilst having a heart-aching desire to go back one year when I was in the final rehearsal before performing in the Olympic Opening Ceremony.  The Sainsbury’s Anniversary Games brought back a lot of memories causing my emotional landscape to fluctuate dramatically!  It was my first time since London 2012 at walking across Bridge B towards the stadium.  Plus, that morning, I had to pick up another accreditation in addition to my NewhamActive ID laminate.  My hairs stood on edge as I approached the stadium whilst smelling that London 2012 smell.

That day was different – I can only talk for myself, but it felt that our volunteer roles that day were more crucial than ever.  Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park was hosting the Open East Festival as well as the Anniversary Games both of which needed the assistance from us – the Park Champions (cue the heroic music whilst we stand with our hands on our hips)!  I was asked to go around the park to collect feedback for this blog as well as a report I write for the volunteer team.  So I did my usual thing of going around with my assistant speaking with my fellow volunteers to see how they felt about what they were doing.  A lot of us were constantly being asked by the visitors for directions to the nearest loo.  This seems to be an overarching theme running throughout the events this summer.  One thing is for certain; there is always a lot of urination going on at these events!

In between interviewing volunteers, I was excited to find two of the vehicles which were featured in the Paralympics Closing Ceremony truck invasion.  Actually, I performed close to the ‘THE BEAST FROM THE EAST ‘  (I think that is what it’s called anyway!); a fact which called for a photo of me posing in front of it!

As the day went on, my role changed when I put myself forward to distribute water to volunteers.  As with any large-scale events, despite how much planning is done, things can go in another direction, and this is the beauty about working at these types of events – anything can happen.  And that is exactly what happened!  There was suddenly a need for somebody to ensure that water got around to the volunteers.  I found myself filling that need.  Boring?  Nope.  I knew that I was being useful, so I got on with it!  My fellow volunteers were pleased when they saw water coming their way!

By this time, it was time to go home before the mad rush started of the crowds exiting the park.  I went home only to prepare myself for the next day back at the park!

Thanks,
J

James Rose Entry 2

Saturday 20th July 2013 Electric Daisy Carnival

Volunteering at the Electric Daisy Carnival (or EDC for short!) was very different from helping out at the Mumford & Sons concert two weeks prior.  Different crowd, different energy, and a totally different feel!  I was put on pathfinder duties where I stood outside the park holding a massive foam hand pointing and directing visitors towards the park entrance.  Call me crazy but this was fab as I always wanted to handle a foam hand so this was the day to fulfil that desire.  It was exciting, but not too exciting because that would be weird!

This also bought a challenge – yes, holding a foam hand can bring exciting challenges – read on, and you’ll understand!  I was given a right-handed foam hand (say that five times quickly!) which meant that I had to hold it in my right-hand in order for the finger to point in the right direction.  Right?  I tried other techniques involving wedging my foam friend in between my forehead and my glasses or holding the foam hand on my lap balanced on one of its edges.  Alas, neither of these worked.  I finally settled on holding it in my right hand.

Everything was electric – people were coming past wearing the most preposterous and amazing colours.  Shocking pinks, greens, and yellows, paraded by as we smiled and waved.  One fellow volunteer I spoke with, “V”, said how nice it was to be out in the sunshine facilitating people having a good time.  It had that summer holiday feel to the day.

Some passers-by made a point of playing dumb in order for them to ask us for directions which was a laugh!  After our arduous (!) shift, we were given free tickets to the EDC which was amazing.  I initially headed for the “Disabled” platform viewing area which was almost
deserted.    However, after finishing my packed lunch containing the
most fantastic yoghurt-topped flapjack I’ve ever had, I joined the crowd in front of the main stage.  It was much more intense feeling the beat through the ground surrounded by other crazy-mad peeps!

After two-hours of dancing, I decided to head back home early to beat the crowd of eighty-thousand.  It was a fabtastic day and I am soo looking the next event!

Thanks,
J

Yahoo Wireless 2013 Newham Volunteers 14/7/13- by Alister Albert

Sunday 14th July 2013- 29 degrees Celsius

A tad "cooler!"

So another major event has come and gone in our rapidly transforming borough, again validating that Newham moves on to becoming a key destination for all sorts of enthusiasts, in London…the UK…in Europe! The Yahoo Wireless festival brought in a huge amount of music tourism to this area and I'm certain that in the future more great events like this would continue to be hosted here at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. "A vibrant new commercial district for London" one of the banners flying on the perimeter of the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park reads and another mentioning that this is "London's most exciting new business address." I think these plainly describe the transformation that Newham has undergone.



Keep Calm...and follow the finger!

Our Park Champions remained cheerful and validated their title for braving the scorching temperatures, with lots or sun tan lotion and fluids- mostly the freebie water received! Thanks Nancy and all the management team for assembling a fantastic squad of young and older Park Champions who magnificently attended to the needs of visitors in their almost neon candy pink and baby blue shirts!

  
Yusuf, a first time volunteer I managed to interview said he totally enjoyed the experience. Apart from enjoying the musical superstars, his highlight was “being able to help the members of the public.” Of course he’d say that! But wait, he was absolutely genuine! Don’t believe me? Read it from the man himself, as he further explained what the highlights of his experience were:

"I was able to engage...with many of the spectators and they were able to share their experiences with me; informing me about the artists they had seen and who they were looking forward to seeing.  Similarly the atmosphere was amazing and everyone seemed very energised and in good spirits especially when [Jay-Z and Justin Timberlake] performed.

Also, being able to work with highly motivated individuals. The whole team was very diverse and comprised of many different individuals of different [backgrounds] but with the common goal of doing their bit for the local community. Considering it was my first [go at volunteering with this group], I felt like I had worked in the team for a lot longer as everyone was welcoming, friendly and helpful.”

Good job again Nancy and Co! No need to feel bashful, here’s another from Park Champion Mary who stated how beneficial she thought the experience and why she would definitely consider volunteering again:

" I think the [Park Champions initiative was] great [and] I would volunteer again...It gives people the opportunity to gain more skill[s] or up-skill, which can be used when applying for jobs. It also gives an opportunity to explore different career paths, training opportunities and an excellent opportunity to attend some great events." 

This is definitely the message and positivity the management team would like to spread. Not only is volunteering helpful to those who need the assistance, whether it be at an event like Yahoo Wireless, or reading to kids at the school on your doorstep for an hour, the benefits to both the giver and receiver are immense. Hopefully the newly trained Park Champions who worked this weekend will spread the good vibes about volunteering in Newham!



Self dubbed "Little and Large" take a few seconds for a photo opp

So I’m here again at the main stage and guess what? Rhianna just popped out for a surprise guest appearance! Totally unexpected! Not sure about the supposedly quickly put together outfit she wore, but hey, that’s why she is who she is! “We gon’ run this town tonightttt!”…And that they did! Myself and other Park Champions deeply enjoyed the performances of the weekend. It was an absolute blast!

Quick joke:

The funniest thing I’d seen for a very long time happened just after Rhianna got on stage. Some bar staff guy who was walking in my direction decided he needed to play a game. He took a 20p coin out his pocket and started to play “heads or tails”…with himself! Surrounded by hundreds of people in this section near the right side of stage, this dude flipped his coin!

Attempt 1- I have no clue what side it landed but he was not pleased. (I also have no idea what the consequence of it landing on heads or tails was but it sure seemed like he couldn’t leave his spot until it landed where he wanted it!)

Attempt 2- another look of dismay! Then the coin dropped, he thought it got lost. Seemed almost tragic if he couldn’t find it, as he searched frantically on the sandy ground. When he did manage to find it, he flipped again.

Attempt 3- ...SUCCESS! He happily put the coin in his pocket, saw I was watching him, smiled and walked off! I don't know about you but that was weird, comedic and almost cartoon-like! Only in Newham!

Vibrant and diverse I think it’s called!

Below are a couple of pics from this hot weekend. Will be back here soon to let you know what else the Park Champions are up to!

Yahoo Wireless 2013 Newham Volunteers 13/7/13- by Alister Albert

Saturday 13th July 2013- 30 degrees Celsius.

 “99 problems"...And the sun was one!…for some anyway

Day 2 at Yahoo Wireless and again the weather is fantastic! Today’s weather hit a 30 degrees Celsius high! It’s definitely as close it gets to me actually feeling the sun’s heat, almost like being in the Caribbean! I'm sure you've heard that when the weather is great people are happier and smile more and even wear more colourful clothing? That was definitely the case this weekend! Vibrant is the word! Only if it could be summer-ish all year round!



I think she was using it to hide away from the sun...Must be!

It is a gift and a curse though; many of the Park Champions stood in their spots in the sun for hours and had to remain strong and prove their durability by remaining cheerful and helpful as genuinely possible. Poor Nancy though, the Lead Officer in charge of the Park Champions, she was knackered! She and her team (What’s up Hannah, Stella, Kolsuma, Habs, Liz and Co!) put in so much work into making sure that the Champions were taken care of and equipped to fulfil their roles. I’m not even sure she managed to see any of the performances! All this hard work was shown in the warmth and excellence of the these selfless Park Champions, helping to lighten the mood and guide everyone along.

...She did eventually flash her smile! :)

Never a dull moment when volunteering in Newham!

A couple of Volenteers showing just how much they're enjoying the experience!

The Park Champions were here again at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park surrounded by lovely music, friendly faces of the mall and park staff and energetic festival goers.

Everyone enjoyed the day’s line-up and to this point the Park Champions have not reported any major issues surfacing. Due to this success, it allowed everyone (Champions and most importantly spectators) the opportunity to enjoy the outstanding music. Emeli Sandè is now on at 8pm in the evening and she was amazing. After seeing her perform at the Games Ceremonies last year, here I was still in awe of that crisp, CD/MP3 quality tone of her voice in a live performance; such a flawless singer! Despite that, we could see a bunch of restless people who I’m sure were all waiting for the  Wireless veteran and main act, Jay-Z, who would be making his third appearance at the Wireless festival since its start in 2005.
 

Emeli Sandé performing on Saturday evening.

It might be me but the crowd tonight at the main stage is undoubtedly larger. Lots more traffic and believe it or not, looking a lot more energised as well! This proved to be hard for some of the younger Park Champions throughout the day apparently, as I was told a few had a tougher time maintaining those smiles, energy and proactivity witnessed on the first day. This was quickly attended to by Team Leaders and more experienced Park Champions, who ensured they motivated their colleagues to keep their passion and energy up. That involved fun activities like singing and creating songs to be informative and also entertain the gathering queues of spectators, who flowed through the mall and Park. This level of teamwork definitely needs to be commended, as the older, passionate volunteers who “love what they do” did not want the Park Champions, at any time, to be seen as a group lacking energy and not smiling. Undoubtedly a resilient and supportive bunch!

After a break from note-taking, chatting and soaking in the electricity of Jay-Z  finally coming on and lighting up the stage with new hits off the Magna Carta- Holy Grail album (which made up the abbreviations MCHG used on stage for those who didn’t notice or know)  the tone was set for the night….He was electric! There’s a reason why he was pleased to repeat the new album was already #1 in 59 different countries! The guy is a genius with the mic! More Jay-Z at Wireless 2014 please!

With most Park Champions done for the day and changed out of their pink or blue t-shirts to relax and enjoy the entertainment, I shall shut my iPhone’s notepad app and enjoy the rest of this night. The music’s energy has inevitably caught on! Will be sure to inform you of tomorrow’s happenings…

“I don’t pop molly, I rock Tom Ford!” (MC-HG, Track 3 look it up!...Stay away from drugs kids…You’re welcome!)

Ali-out!

Yahoo Wireless 2013 Newham Volunteers 12/7/13- by Alister Albert

Friday 12th July 2013- 26 degrees Celsius.

“On your mark…”

With the transformation of the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park nearly complete and almost ready for future public use, the events for the Park during the Summer of 2013 will test the readiness of Newham as a major venue host and hopefully prove that the success leading from the outstanding Olympic festivities of 2012 was not a fluke.

Coming back to the park for me specifically, as a previous volunteer cast member of the Olympic ceremonies was definitely nostalgic. Firstly when coming into the stadium entrance and seeing the twisted steel structures of the ArcelorMittal Orbit Tower and the now world famous Olympic Stadium up close again was almost as breath-taking as seeing them the first time!

The steady stream of spectators walking in and around Westfield Stratford City and then into the Park's upbeat atmosphere (absolutely not as busy as July 2012, mainly because it was still just 3pm and the main act- Justin Timberlake- is set to headline at 9pm) was also a pleasure to see. The anticipation of a good show very apparent on their faces. They looked really excited, similar to those moments during Summer 2012.

Also looking at the stadium itself, it seemed like in the distance I could almost see the fireworks and the sight of the several colours of national flags seen during those glorious weeks last year. It all came rushing back to me, as I walked in and gazed upon the vastness of the Park; almost like it was an automatic mental photoshopped image. I haven't entered the stadium yet though, no one has anyway, apart from ground staff and other VIPs, but I imagine that would be equally overwhelming.
 

Park Champions Manager Nancy Whiskin clarifying the day's instructions

When the 3pm Park Champions shift came to sign in and assemble for their briefing you could feel the sense of excitement coming from the group. I can safely say that volunteerism is alive and well here in Newham! With the Way Finders, Team Leaders and foam fingers all ready, they were sent off to their previously agreed locations to greet, assist and direct the festival goers to where they needed to be. Placed at most entry and exit points around  Stratford station, along the “Rusty Bridge”and along the Street and Chestnut Plaza areas of Westfield Stratford City mall, the Park Champions, with their smiles and knowledge of the area helped guide spectators to the queuing sections for entry to the Park. From the pictures below you can see they enjoyed doing it too, with most taking the opportunity to flash their biggest smiles and interact with any and everyone who needed assistance! A job well done I can say!
  


Park Champion in action giving an explanation to spectator

   


Park Champions helping with "way finding" on the Rusty Bridge

 



All SMILES! Another Park Champion helping at one of the escalators near Stratford tube station

From the amusement park atmosphere and that really high sky ride that spun people round, to the endless array of food, drinks and thousands of gorgeous people around, it's hard to even think that a couple of years ago people thought the concerns of the weather, hosting costs and transport efficiency could affect the success of the Games and a legacy would be hard to develop...Boy were those naysayers wrong! The 2012 Games delivered against all expectations and apparently has continued to do so…so far anyway, with everything running very smoothly at this large event.

It's only one year since the Games, but not only is the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park paying itself off in more ways than one (or so I'd like to think) but it’s also doing its part in shining the light on these awesome Park Champions and helping make Stratford and the East destination #1 in London. For music lovers at least this weekend, Stratford is without a doubt the hot ticket destination right now! It's all happening here!

Stay tuned for more of the sights and sounds from our Park Champions from the Yahoo Wireless 2013 music festival!

James Rose Entry 1

My name is James and I’m an ex-London 2012 Ceremonies volunteer performer.

This year, I am volunteering at the newly-named Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.  I’m the Park Champion Blogger (try saying that quickly five times), and I’ll be writing up posts as and when I volunteer (generally, fortnightly).  Welcome to my first blog post!

Saturday 6^th July 2013

It was my first-ever day as a Park Champion at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.  It was hot, dry, and one of those days where you just want to chill-out.  My journey from Winchester to Stratford was really smooth and also quite entertaining; It  looked like  it was going to be a great day!

I didn’t know what exactly my Park Champion role would entail nor what I should expect from the day.   I met the volunteer management team who issued me with a lovely pink t-shirt, cap (same colour), and a bag containing other goodies!  I instantly felt at home when I met my fellow-volunteers – all fresh, new, shiny faces, keen and eager to help anyone out.  My job that day, as I found out, was to observe and write this blog which you’re reading now!

Yup he's Glowing! The aptly named Mr. Rose!

So, I wandered round the park with my assistant, meeting and observing my fellow-volunteers as they helped visitors around the park.  I even found myself assisting three girls to decide on what acts they’d like to see and where to go to see them.  Although, there was only one stage so it was a pretty easy call to make!  I see our roles as being there to facilitate other people’s fun, whether it’s through stewarding, assisting with event management, or anything else really – our job is to maintain the flow of positivity within this enclave of entertainment, a.k.a. Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.  There were approximately 60,000 visitors that day, all of whom were full of the jollities of life!

I met Sonny-Chan who is an ex-London 2012 Gamesmaker, and is volunteering at the park all summer.  He remarked “The park is like a second home, as I only live two stops away. The place has changed from a derelict site to something of value. I plan to come back next year, once you start this, you can't stop! I have made a lot of friends since the Olympics.” 

Lesley – another very excited volunteer said that she’s been volunteering at the park four times so far.  She said “I’m finding it fab!  I enjoyed going right to the front to watch Ben Howard perform. I watched Bruce Springsteen last week which was amazing!”  You go girl - rock it out (no, I’m not looking for a job on the X Factor)!  It’s worth mentioning as well that Lesley – like all other volunteers – work, as well as play extremely hard!

So, after talking with soo many fantastic volunteers and visitors with my assistant taking notes for me, I managed to get into the VIP area to watch Mumford & Sons whilst eating my volunteers’ packed lunch.  I was relieved to find no Nature Valley bars or mini tubs of Pringles.  There’s nothing wrong with them, but I ate many of these last year during rehearsals, and you can have too much of a good thing!

 
Signing off now, but I’ll aim to write in two weeks time!