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.
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| Keep Calm...and follow the finger! |
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."
" 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!
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| 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:
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!
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!
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