Call Sign March 2012
Page 17
Two years ago this mag was invited to tour the Olympic site. Now
On Friday 10 February along with journalists
from other magazines, Call Sign was invited to
with the Games almost here, we were asked back. We sent Board
tour the Olympic site in Hackney.We arrived at
member Tom Whitbread to take a look...
2.30 on a cold but sunny afternoon and after
passing through the security desk, were shep-
CALL SIGN AT THE OLYMPICS
herded onto a coach with a guide who was to
point out the many buildings although the
guide soon broke the microphone and we had
to try to hear above the ultra-noisy diesel
engine and constant bumping of the speed
humps.
As we toured the complex watching builders
trying to complete their tasks before this sum-
mer's event, I was amazed at the size of the
buildings. Firstly we had to pass through the
security cordon and have the coach checked
by a sniffer dog; due to the freezing cold weath-
er that afternoon, as soon as the dog had com-
pleted his task he jumped up into the handler's
arms to keep warm!
The first building we came across was the
main Olympic stadium. We were told that this
had been more or less completed and was now
having its cosmetic makeover. After passing this
Anish Kapoor's `Orbit' against the backdrop of the Olympic Stadium
massive structure we came to the Anish Kapoor
designed `Orbit' - Britain's tallest sculpture at 114
could then have heard the tour guide!
outside either that or to stop any shot putters
metres high, which gives a view across the
We were then told by LTPH Director John
losing track of direction and smashing the glass!
entire park and London's skyline.
Mason that they were looking into ways with
We saw the only warehouse left on the complex
We continued past the Aquatics Centre and
which to work with Dial-a-Cab and other radio
from the original Hackney industrial sites; it has
Water Polo arena, the shame being that we
circuits (plus private hire) to give instant mes-
now been renovated and will be used during
were not allowed inside any of these buildings,
sages regarding the state of traffic and opening
the Games. We were shown apartment blocks
so I can only report on what the outside of the
of any roads drivers can use during the games.
where athletes will be residing and which will
buildings look like, which many people can see
It was an interesting afternoon, but could
later be converted to homes for local residents.
as they pass on the roads that run parallel with
have been much better had journalists been
The tour continued showing us landscaped gar-
the complex. The only difference was that we
allowed off the coach and seen inside some of
dens, which included the River Lee and the
could see the immense size whilst looking out
these attractions. It would also have helped
canals and the use of recycled bricks from the
of the coach windows.We then passed the bas-
make a better and more informative article...
old warehouses.
ketball arena,Velodrome and BMX track.
Then it was back to the start where we were
Tom Whitbread
We saw the massive media centre, being told
asked if there are any questions. I enquired why
DaC Board member
that it has no windows; I gather this is to stop
we hadn't used an electric coach, which would
reporters being distracted by any movement
have been environmentally friendly and we
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