Memories from our Commonwealth Games Volunteer
The first time I met all the volunteers and the team
leaders was in the briefing room in a large marquee. The first person to introduce
himself was Team Leader Jon Marshall Events Service Manager better known as
House 1. He then introduced Fiona Richmond, whose job was Events Service-Front
Of House Manager, or House 2. Then he introduced us to the other team leaders.
“I
loved it when the games were on, the whole area looked fresh and clean, I know
that was because the road sweepers and road cleaning gangs were on duty more.
But just look at it now! It would be nice if everyone took pride in the place
now and didn’t throw down their rubbish just anywhere, it’s such a
small thing not to drop litter but it makes a huge difference.”
Bridget.
Jon invited all the team leaders to come to the front of the
room to organise the volunteers into their teams. I was in Team South, along
with seven other volunteers our team leader was James O’Malley.
During the Games we joined him in the team information booth, there were three
of us in the info booth and we were responsible for lost and found property,
and also providing support and assistance to wheelchair and pushchair users’.
“I
have nothing but praise for the team effort during the Commonwealth Games. Even
though I am a Mancunian and still reside in Manchester I was one of the people
who thought Manchester couldn’t do it! But on this occasion I was pleased
to be wrong.”
Mary
Another day I was working with Joe another team leader on Team Bus, my job here was to check through bags, assist the spectators and direct them to where they needed to be, i.e.; Table Tennis or Squash Centres.
I cannot possibly name all the people I worked with but here
are a few of the friends I made and of who I have fond memories; Delphine McDermott,
Sue Lightfoot, Jo Krasij, Raz, Sarah Williams, Sarah Jenkins, Sarah Norris,
Andy Marshall, Heather Mosley, Tony Maher, Kirsty Walker, Clair Dickinson and
Louise Asten.
We all exchanged names, ‘phone numbers and Email addresses so we can keep
in touch with each other.
To everyone involved in the Commonwealth Games, You were the best Team in the world!
"I
was both dreading and looking forward to "The Games", dreading, because
I thought the traffic would be horrendous, roads would be closed off making
it near impossible to go anywhere and all the extra people flooding into East
Manchester would be just to much to cope with. I was looking forward to it because
it would be a whole new experience, though I hadn't been able to get any tickets
for any of the events, I could still enjoy it on television. I'm pleased to
say all the fears I had were unfounded. It was just brilliant! I can't say anymore
than that, just brilliant!"
Sue
