I was there to carry out my Venue Specific Training because Sock Monkey will be part of the security team at the tennis competition at the Olympics.
Once I eventually found the mythical Gate 20 (it said "Car Park" on entrance) I went through the security checks (in what they have nicknamed "Fort Apache") and was directed to a hospitality suite above Centre Court. There were hundreds of us.
After a cup of tea and a biscuit we were shown the inspiring film they have shown us at every training event. It still brings a lump to the throat. Then we were addressed by the general manager, Kelly and the sports manager Clare. They told us about how they have fixed the grass so quickly after The Championships a mere 3 weeks ago, they told us Olympic Tennis facts (such as the last winner of the mixed doubles was a survivor from the Titanic - its that long since mixed doubles were played at the Olympics). They also told us how every bit of internal communications has had to be ripped out and replaced so that it is the same as the other venues. We were also given a map and shown where the staff restaurant is, the entrance gates and where we have to send people if, God forbid, the place has to be evacuated, the security announcements (I'm saying nothing about those). Then we had our guided tour. The place was crawling with soldiers and sniffer dogs.
My superviser, Clare above (left)
The first place they took us to was Centre Court. Sock Monkey has never been to Centre Court before so naturally I was thrilled. "Don't touch the grass!" We were that close. They took us there first because we don't have access to the field of play and were told, "We knew you'd want to sneak in".
The grounds were in full flow of being transformed from The Championships to the Olympic Games with the Olympic livery everywhere and the Rolex clocks all covered up. Rolex doesn't sponsor the Olympic Games. You can't buy Pimms at the Olympics because they aren't a sponsor either. You can buy a 'Fruit Cup' though...
We walked all around the ground twice, being shown everything we need to know. Sock Monkey has been to Wimbledon three times before so it was funny to see the place empty apart from staff, army and volunteers.
It was a brilliant way to spend a Saturday afternoon and I got really enthused and excited. This was the first time. For the last few months I've been thinking that volunteering was a stupid idea.
On my way home I actually felt a bit proud to be wearing my accreditation (ie security pass - I wouldn't have got into the grounds without it).
So Saturday 28 July 2012 (tomorrow!) I shall be meeting and greeting the spectators. Need to leave home two hours before a Sock Monkey normally arises so that will be fun!
Game, set and Match!
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