London Olympics 2012

No, we're not in them but we did have a coach trip to visit some of the locations the weekend before Easter.    Our visit was split between two days and we had a guided tour of the perimetre of the Olympic site (security precautions prevent direct access to the site at the moment), a visit to Royal Greenwich and a visit to the Royal Arsenal at Woolwich which will be the venue for the Shooting events. 

The main arena above has been made in part from recycled drainage pipes and can be altered to suit its new purpose after the Olympic Games.  Because the Olympic site was due to be built on industrial ground tonnes of toxic soil had to be removed, hence all public access will be at the level of the walkway with the purple buildings.  A surprising fact is that the site is bordered by the Victorian Sewage system devised by Joseph Bazalgette which forms a huge bank now called the Greenway from which we had our view of the site.

This wonderful tower is Anish Kapoor's ' Orbit', a sculpture specially designed for the Olympic location.  From our viewpoint we could see workmen hanging from the piped structure.  I think they were painting, a bit like the Forth Road Bridge.

'Visitors will be able to take a trip up the statuesque structure in a huge lift and will have the option of walking down the spiralling staircase.'  As the sculpture is higher than the Statue of Liberty the view should be tremendous.  If you follow the link for Anish Kapoor you will find further links and more information about this unique artwork.

Had we felt energetic we could all have had the experience of crossing the finishing line through this wonderful (drift)wood sculpture on the Greenway.  The organisers are keen to include the Arts in this special event and I was delighted to see an exhibition of mosaics by members of the BAMM

Above - work by Ann Bowles

Tom Green Flower Trail

Norma Vondee Singing Bird

Jan Waddington Flower Basket - Moody Blues

I liked the sculpture above but sadly didn't gather any information about it.
From this location we were taken to the Royal Arsenal by way of the Woolwich Ferry. 

This is one of the temporary buildings that will be home to the shooting events.

The trip across on the ferry was interesting!  I'm glad our coach had good brakes!

An unexpected bonus of visiting the Royal Arsenal was this sculpture at the end of an open plaza.

The sculptor is Peter Burke and it was very eerie walking among the figures.

Is it solid? Is it shadow?

I think I've exhausted Blogger and you so I'll end with this great slogan I saw in the bar at the Royal Arsenal.  The two heads at the bottom of the photo are playing Monopoly using a digital card machine as the bank.  Who would have thought?

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Posted in: Olympic 2012,Olympic Games,Olympic in 2012,Olympics 2012

Wimbledon Way project launched for Olympics 2012 tennis

A project to turn the route from Wimbledon station to the All England Club into a walking tourist attraction would bring the community together and give the borough a lasting Olympic legacy, it has been claimed.

The chief executive of Merton Chamber of Commerce, (MCoC) Diana Sterck, made the comments as she launched the Wimbledon Way proposal at the home the All England Club, but warned there was “only a year to do it”.

She said visitors would be guided along a marked route – which goes from the station to Wimbledon High Street and in to Church Lane – with “interpretation boards” along the way providing them with history, news and other information as they walk through three different zones.

Ms Sterck said the project – part of which must be completed in time for next year’s Olympics – would “bring the community together to embrace our heritage, the arts and the town’s connection with tennis”.

She said: “With an estimated 500,000 visitors to London, south London should benefit by providing a strong offer in relation to its accommodation, attractions and history and heritage.”

One of the zones, Victory Walk, would celebrate tennis events and personalities, she said adding the route could be dotted with public art installations and used year-round for events.

MCoC has secured some project funding from Young’s brewery, which has three pubs along the route – the Alexandra, Dog and Fox and the Fire Stables – and the Wimbledon Village Business Association.

It is also in the process of submitting a bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund for extra cash.

The Wimbledon Society and Wimbledon Film have also agreed to provide content and the group said it had support from the council and politicians.

Ms Sterck said: “With the support of Merton Council I know we can establish the Wimbledon Way as a permanent feature in SW19 and achieve the Olympic legacy for Wimbledon and south-west London.”

For further information visit wimbledongoingforgold.co.uk.

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Posted in: London 2012,London 2012 Olympic,London 2012 Olympic Coins,London 2012 Olympic Games,London 2012 Olympics,London 2012 Olympics Tickets,London 2012 Ticket Sales,Olympic 2012,Olympic Ticket,Olympics,Olympics 2012 Tennis,Wimbledon

Olympics 2012: Network Rail deal with union prompts calls for tube pact

Boris Johnson is facing calls to sign an agreement not to strike with the union RMT for the 2012 Olympics, after Network Rail has signed an agreement that reduces the threat of a strike next summer.

News of the agreement came as the London Underground said that two weeks of work stoppages in the pipe that motorists begins next Monday, was canceled. The RMT has rejected the request.

Network Rail and the RMT has agreed that any labor dispute during the games will be directed to the conciliation service ACA, without work stoppages that occur during these discussions.

Network Rail said: "In case of conflict, or time limit existing or new during the Olympics automatically referred to ACAS to decide, and industrial activities may take place while we are still in negotiations with ACAS."

An RMT spokesman denied that the agreement was an agreement not to strike because it "recognizes the continuing right to withdraw from the job."

Under the agreement, members of the RMT working overtime during the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games between July 27 and September 9, will receive € 500 in additional compensation. It is understood that the agreement applies to about 800 Network Rail staff who work overtime during the games.

An agreement by a long-standing dispute with markers and office workers, about 10,000 Network Rail employees receive a wage increase of 5.2% this year - 0.5% above inflation - an increase additional salary CPI plus 5% next year.

Bob Crow, RMT General Secretary said: "The package recognizes the important role that transport workers are expected to play during the game and rewarding financially, by protecting their trade union rights at the same time.

"At this time of austerity, we believe that the £ 500 allowance and 10% on the core is a good agreement and show that strong unions can provide to members."

Network Rail deal sparked calls for a similar deal for Transport for London, where it is expected the pipeline network to transport millions of stock a lot of hits during the game.

Caroline Pidgeon, the Chairman of the London Assembly transport, said: "They're going to find something for the Olympic Games can not be interference when we have the world watching us .."

Johnson Mayor of London said he did not crow when TfL RMT is a dispute. Two have yet to meet, because the Union was a kind of dispute with TfL Johnson was elected.

The mayor urged the government to consider legislation that would limit the strike by prohibiting any strike is not sustained by the vote of more than 50% of staff participated.

He repeated calls last week when the RMT voted two weeks in the driver tube ulosmarssien fired on two points.

London Underground said the operation had been canceled after a review of TfL motorists following the employment tribunal. Eamonn Lynch, Bakerloo line driver fired for violation of safety standards, has been found to be unfairly dismissed and return to TfL is "the role of non-driver," TfL said.

Mike Brown, director of the London Underground, said: "As we have always said, was set up mechanisms for individual disputes, and is a process that is followed here.

"After a meeting with management this morning RMT, the RMT have withdrawn their threat to strike and we have avoided serious disruption to London."

The RMT has denied that the strikes have been canceled. "The strike in the dispute victimization London Underground has not been canceled," said a union spokesman.

"We have not received any confirmation of the offer following the London Underground earlier discussions. If and when a written confirmation of all offers will be considered our executive and an explanation should be given RMT.

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Posted in: Olympic 2012,Olympic Games Tickets,Olympic Ticket,Olympics 2012,Olympics in 2012,Olympics Tickets for London 2012

What does the London 2012 Olympics mean?

London 2012 Olympics – Meaning and Importance

As the world waits for the biggest sporting event on the earth to begin, the people of London are overjoyed.  Apart from allowing them to show the grandeur and rich heritage of London, the people of London jolly well know that the London 2012 Olympics is going to bring a lot of all around development for London.  The entrepreneurs and business class are bound to gain a lot as there is going to be a great demand for consumer goods and tourism in general.

With the arrival of London 2012 Olympics, the industry in general is going to receive a great boost.  Already the construction and building industry of London has generated huge employment opportunities much to the delight of the locals.  Thousands of locals have been hired to construct the huge main stadium and also the other sporting facilities that are going to host the various sporting events.  The locals have also been employed to construct the various recreational centers with the most modern facilities and malls.

With thousands of sports enthusiasts expected to visit London to witness the London Olympics, the hotel industry is highly excited.  The hotels have already started making preparations to greet the sports enthusiasts.  The sporting event is so huge that it would require a lot of planning and dedication on the part of all those involved in London Olympics preparations.  Definitely, the limelight is on London and London needs to make the most out of it.

Now let us see, what the Olympics means to a sports person? It is the dream of every sporting individual to participate and win an Olympic medal in the Olympics.  Sportsperson consider success at the Olympics as the highest pinnacle of success.  No number of trophies or shields can match an Olympic medal.  In Olympic Games, apart from winning the medal for themselves, the sportspersons represent their respective countries and their chests swell with pride when they win a medal for their country.  The Olympic medal is the highest sporting honor for a sportsperson.

Now let us see what London Olympics means to the world in general?  Apart from sports enthusiasts, there are also travel enthusiasts who love to travel to different parts of the world and explore the cultures of different countries.  London is a wonderful city with plenty of attractions.  The rich culture and heritage of London, the breathtaking museums and ancient architecture are a sight to behold.  Definitely, the tourists visiting London would love these attractions.  Above all, you can also do plenty of shopping and spend time in the huge malls.

The social media would also be playing a huge role in the London 2012 Olympic Games.  Millions of sports enthusiasts would be keenly following and discussing the events.  They would also be posting comments on the sporting performances of the various sportsmen.  Plenty of sports videos and sports photographs are expected to be circulated on all the social media sites.  All these would definitely bring in new users to these social sites.  In short, London Olympics is going to benefit every sector of the industry, tourism, the people of London and the city of London itself.

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Posted in: 2012 London Olympic,2012 London Olympics,London 2012 Olympic,London 2012 Olympics,London Olympic 2011,London Olympic 2012,London Olympics 2011 Volunteer,London Olympics 2012 Tickets,London Olympics Stadium,London Olympics Tickets,Olympic 2012,Olympic in 2012,Olympic Logo

Volunteers for London Olympics 2012

How to become a volunteer for London 2012 Olympics?

If you really wish to be a part of the 2012 Olympic event in London, then you can enroll yourself in volunteer program to participate in London Olympic 2012 and Paralympics.  By involving yourself as a volunteer you can enjoy your favorite games as well as you can get closer to various sporting legends by helping them, and can be the part of thrill and excitement of London Olympics.  To make this event successful, London Olympic committee need around 70,000 volunteers.  Your background and community is no bar, also you need not have any previous experience. However, you must  have passion about volunteering and you must be at least 18 years old.

Volunteer jobs at the Olympics vary from directing people, crowd control, giving out basic information to game lovers.  They also need translators to help huge amount of foreign visitors.  You can find detailed information about the Olympics volunteer program on the official website of London Olympic 2012.  One thing you must keep in mind is that this job may not allow you to watch all the action.  For example, if your duty is on main gate controlling the crowds, then you can not enjoy the games.

There are two main recruiting authorities for the Olympic Games, one is Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) and other is London Organizing Committee of the Olympic Games (LOCOG).  If you are looking for a long term job at the Olympics, then ODA is the best for you.  Their task is not only developing the Olympic Game Park and village infrastructure but also making these facilities reusable after the games cease.  Hence there are a lots of contract and administration roles to make this event successful.

These organizing committees will train you as per their standard.  They expect minimum ten day’s volunteering commitment from you.  You have to attend at least three volunteer training sessions.  You should pass through security background check.  According to your skills, you will get a suitable role.  They have divided volunteers in two categories, specialist, and generalist.  Volunteers with previous experience and qualifications, such as medical or sport training will be qualified for specialist category.  On the other hand, generalist volunteers need no specific qualification and previous experience.  They may get their role in Olympic village operations, event service, and in uniform distribution.  To become a London Olympic 2012 volunteer, you can apply on their official website and add your name to the volunteering list.  With this, you will receive regular updates through email.

If you do not want to wait until the Olympic Games start, there are other ways to be involved in this event.  If you are a resident of East London living around the Olympic Games Park, you can involve in a volunteer program called ‘Changing Places’.  This program planned to help the local people to prepare their surroundings for the London Olympic Games.  This program will inspire peoples to modify public places like parks and motivate people to learn new skills.  They will also educate people to improve the local environment not only for the Olympic Games but even after the Olympics are over.  If you have any office-level skills, you can apply to become Trailblazer volunteer.  By this, you can help London Olympic 2012 committee by working for one day per week in their office for the Olympics and Paralympics games.

The volunteers will make the London Olympic Games happen.  So register your name at the official page for London 2012 Game Makers.

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Posted in: 2011 London Olympics Volunteer,2012 London Olympic,2012 London Olympics,London 2011 Olympics Volunteer,London Olympic 2012,London Olympics,London Olympics 2011 Volunteer,Olympic 2012

2012 London Olympics

The 2012 London Olympics will be an exciting event for many people. It is because they love watching the 2012 Olympics and at the same time want their country to win. Even the participants who will go for the 2012 London Olympic will want to give their best so that they make their country proud. But they need to very patient as a lot of hard work is involved in 2012 London Olympics. The athletes are constantly working to get perfection in the respective games that they are representing there. As the 2012 Olympics are being held in London therefore proper management is being done there. Lots of participants and viewers will be coming to attend the 2012 London Olympic to get a glimpse of the most prestigious games of the world.

Though there were various contenders for the 2012 Olympics but London won the race and now 2012 London Olympics will be held soon. The preparations have been started long time back as there are many things which have to be seen. All the arrangements have to be made for the 2012 London Olympic. The facilities should be world class so that all the people are satisfied. It is necessary that the 2012 Olympics are conducted in the best way and so the authorities need the help from other countries. The government together with the other ministers is taking care of all the small things for the 2012 London Olympics. Thus the 2012 London Olympic will set a new trend for all the other countries and the athletes.

Before choosing a location for the 2012 Olympics there were several issues which had to be considered. The organising committee has tried its level best to maintain the things in order. The grounds are being prepared for the different games of the 2012 London Olympic like the basketball, weight lifting, swimming, etc. Everything is put in to shape in order to complete the things at the right time. Thus in the end it can be concluded that the 2012 London Olympics will be a event that will celebrate the hard work of the athletes and the countries both.

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Posted in: 2012 London Olympic,2012 London Olympics,2012 Olympics,Olympic 2012,Olympic in 2012,Olympics 2012,Olympics 2012 mascot,Olympics in 2012,the 2012 Olympics