What a week

Home now after one of the best, varied, stimulating, fun and thought provoking weeks of my life. I am currently watching the closing ceremony of the Olympics and getting a little emotional. I have been extremely privileged to work with the best group of drivers, controllers and spectator assistants. Together we have provided the best transport system I think this country has ever seen. Although there have not been the expected number of spectators we have ensured they all had a fantastic experience even before they had seen any sailing events, and even on the day with no wind they all left with smiles on their faces. So what next? it is back to work in Bath from tomorrow but I hope to take,in part many of the processes that were in place in Weymouth and try and ensure all my passengers journeys exceed their expectations. Obviously there will be the tickets, journey times, traffic to contend with but I hope the experiences of Weymouth and London will show what can be done given a little effort and a hand shack with 'thanks mate for today'. I have a few photos which I have put on Facebook. You can see some here
 https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151331816100884.567904.627560883&type=1&l=0aa11d405b

If you want to see some more details on the operations in Weymouth this is an excellent source
http://fecx1news.blogspot.co.uk/2012/08/guest-blog-now-its-all-over-your.html

The week so far

Here we are with three days to go. I have enjoyed my time here more than I expected. Amazing though it may seem this is the longest I have been away on my own so that has been difficult at times,It has though been a privilege to work with some great people and be in some way involved in people being able to be a part of the greatest show on earth. Yesterday was a little of a downer because of the lack of wind, hence no sailing. However, everyone I saw seems to have enjoyed the experience and many will be back today when hopefully they will see more Team GB medals.

First Day

First day of driving down in Weymouth and a pretty relaxed one. Have an hour coach ride to work and back which is across some pleasant countryside. Was a little nervous driving new routes in a 'strange' town but it all went well. Great to have a large team loading and unloading, also great to have so many smiling faces looking at me, certainty puts you in a good mood.Traffic was fairly heavy today as it was surfing today. Only problem was a bus fire on the bridge, not one of ours and only minor. So more of the same tomorrow.

Training Day

Back from a long training day in and around Weymouth. Lots of information to take in and been round all the routes we will be driving, including diversion routes. I just hope I can remember them all. However, the working is pretty relaxed and everyone seems happy to help.The bus fleet is all '12' plate Volvo B9 which of cause makes for a pleasant drive. I will upload photos to my Facebook account.

New Wine & Olympics

A week until New Wine starts and two weeks until the Olympics. I have to say I am getting a little bit excited about both. I will only be at New Wine for one week although Fiona is stewarding both weeks. I am a little disappointed not doing both weeks but as I am driving in Weymouth during the Olympics I am not able to take three weeks off in one go. This will be the longest time I have been away on my own, although I used to work away from home three days a week. This will be six days, or more if things overrun.However, technology has moved on and with mobile phones, Skype etc I will be able to keep in touch. I will try and keep the blog updated.

Olympic Training

As you may know I was selected to drive during the Olympics and will be working in Weymouth. Today I had my first training course which was about the Olympic values. I have to say my first thoughts was ' I know all this, as I work with people every day' However, the day was a real eye opener and did take me out my comfort zone. It also struck me that it has all suddenly become real and just what I will be doing in enabling people to watch something they may have spent a life time dreaming of. What a responsibility! I also get 7 hours towards my  Driver CPC

Driving at the Olympics

As you may know I volunteered to work at the Olympics. I have now been told I will be working at the Weymouth Park and Ride. I have to say when I heard I was a little disappointed until of course I realised it's by the sea, and in August. I don't anticipate much free time to sit by the sea, but having worked in London in August I know what it can be like. I have to attend a training day where I assume I will find out more information.