Day 1

So my first proper day of shifts as an EVS (Event Services) team member is over. I feel like an athlete in training.  Can't say I really enjoyed the day.  The shift began at 2.00, after the usual queuing to find out our teams for the day (and to be given our first gift -they think such things as a little black book will motivate us to keep coming back) then a hike through the Olympic Park which is vast to be briefed by the team leader (missing most of it).  I was in the blue team which I think is the largest.  Our star jumping, group team leader led us off, back to Stratford Gate where we had entered the Park.  The team leaders stepped forward and shouted out roles and requested volunteers.  Those who had worked the previous days knew the best shifts and took those immediately but when photography was called out, of course, I leapt at it.  From 3.00 until 6.00 I stood at the main, Stratford Gate, on the Bridge, in the lane assigned to sponsors and corporate hospitality guests, asking everyone who walked in and immediately began taking photos of the Olympic sign and the stadium, if they wanted me to take a photo for them with them in it.  I must have used every type of camera and phone to do this.  Nothing memorable to report. Everyone was very nice and happy to be there and trusting to hand over their camera to a stranger.  I saw one girl who was throwing herself into the job and welcoming everyone into the park and was also accumulating phone numbers from the army staff. One American guy said if the rest of the day continued with people like me then it would be the best ever.  At 6.00 I was allowed a one hour meal break with the others in my team - two who barely spoke and a guy called Justin who is called Jane at weekends; he had lived around the world, trained as a medic and spoke fluent French but please don’t get the wrong idea - I am not with interesting people. 

We diligently reported back for duty only to find most people had disappeared into the venues.  We suggested the team leader find us other duties.  So two of us were assigned to ticketing.  I had not had the scanning training due to changing roles and actually was not very good at it.  It was really hard turning away many people, often from abroad with no more time, who had tickets for another venue, seen the event but travelled over specially to see the Olympic Park.  At least we were all consistent in turning them away.  All of them wanted to complain to the team leader and many did.  One persistent couple complained to the Group Team Leader who then proceeded to let them in! As ever - those that shout loudest! So much for consistency.  At 9.30 the team leader went home leaving us alone.  As usual our shifts had been duplicated  with security (same top but black trousers) getting paid, so when one person was coming in every 10 mins I decided to leave the work to those getting paid at about 10 pm.  Took an older guy with me who had travelled from Derby to do this and we walked out.  He gave me a kiss on the cheek as we said goodbye at the station - the nicest thing that had happened to me all day.  It would have been meeting up with Claire and Rob or Elaine whose texts I had unfortunately missed to say they were there and could we meet.

As for the weather, it started out dry and fairly warm then whilst we were on the main bridge taking pics, there was a sandstorm, the guests were entering, shielding their eyes whilst my hair was blowing around making me look like Amy Warehouse.  Then it became very cold and Stella obviously had not anticipated a cold  British summer night designing little wind breaker jackets.

Will I last? I doubt it.  Especially as this morning someone who is following my blog sent me another to read about how they are meeting famous people and athletes, getting into venues and having a great time.  I feel like I'm in the Rank and File and easily replaceable.  Hard to push yourself to do 14 hours with no fun!