Greenwich 2012, please read this.

[ QUOTE ]
I am a Greenwich resident and have been to a number of the meetings and have kept involved as much as possible. I have very little time for Andrew Gilligan and his self serving scare mongering. I also am disappointed that there won’t be an equestrian legacy but we are where we are and I am delighted that I will able to be part of such an amazing experience.


Many residents are very excited to be part of hosting such a fantastic event and do understand that some areas of the park may be closed from time to time but ultimately it won't have a massive impact. I actually use the park every day to walk my dogs so I will be in a first hand position to see what's going on.


The residents are used to big disruptive events such as the London Marathon which has some 36,000 people stomping all over the park and running along its roads. Blackheath fireworks attracts 100,000 people to the heath. The heath regularly hosts circuses and fairs which use large lorries and host crowd parking, in fact as I look out of my window I can see one set up today.


The legacy for Greenwich isn’t horse related but it is great for the residents, http://www.greenwich.gov.uk/Greenwich/2012Games/OlympicNews/OlympicCountdownCelebrations.htm

I particularly like one local’s view that “the Olympics are an opportunity, not a threat, and that it is not “Our Park”: it belongs to the nation, and had been lent to us. “The least we can do is to lend it to the world for a short while for such a momentous event – even if it involves a bit of inconvenience.”

[/ QUOTE ]

That's a really useful insight, pootler, thanks! I for one find it difficult to follow the ins and outs and pros and cons as the debate seems to be so polarised, with positions entrenched on either side. I agree with christinao that you can't believe all you read in the press, but her stance could hardly be seen as neutral so I'm not going to be persuaded by her either! I think it's a shame that it is likely to be rather cramped (bit like HK looked), and that there will be no legacy. My preference tends towards Windsor where, as others have said, we are halfway there and the backdrop would still be awesome and thoroughly British. I don't see the XC going as an insurmountable problem: great strides have been made in ground management in recent years and it is possible to produce decent going on pretty much any ground, given a bit of time and plenty of money. In fact I ran there the second last year it ran, when it was sponsored by Emirates Airlines so the budget was pretty good: it came up very dry but they treated the ground tirelessly with machinery and watering and it rode great - there were no ground-related withdrawals in a high class field. Many of the problmes previously were due to a tight budget (2* events are notoriously difficult to finance) and the intransigence of park officials - neither of which should be such a problem for an Olympics!

But notwithstanding my personal preference, it's good to hear such reassuring comments from someone with a bit of an axe to grind so thanks again pootler
smile.gif
 
Yes but Tabledancer, some of the things mentioned by Pootler have no relevance at all. Blackheath (sadly) is not part of the proposal at all and the London Marathon is run on the roads. The major disruption to traffic and park users is about 48hours. Not really the same is it?
anyway, if it is unbiased you want, then you would have to read the document. Although having used the links above, i can see why no-one here is bothering to read the thing
smile.gif
and get their facts straight! There are dozens of other documents attached to it all pertaining to the traffic in and out of the park, the damage that will be done and as was said above the fact a great deal of it wont be repaired. this is the link for the actual proposal if anyone is interested http://onlineplanning.greenwich.gov.uk/a...Systemkey=62864
so far there are nine coments against and four supporting. That ratio does not support Pootler has said.
 
The European Champs this year in terms of attendance were a clear indicator of a London venue for the 2012 Olympic equestrian events. Greenwich & Windsor are both illogical choices in terms of ease of transport for spectators unless you are one of the one's who are thrilled it is "on your doorstep". The financial aspect of something that will leave no benefit except a memory is insane. Who wants to spend 3 hours to travel 2 miles arriving or leaving a venue? How many are going to be able to afford the inflated hotel prices in the area for the events to save daily travel?

Why oh why in this finicial climate if the UK is going to spend this kind of money in equine sport spend it on something that will leave NO legacy at all for future generations and potential Olympians in years to come? This money could be spent on a central location for a site that afterwards could be left for training, future competition use, etc. Stoneleigh Park, Hartpury, are just 2 that spring to mind. We had the opportunity here to create something really special, and beneficial for 2012 and the future.

It is usual to have the equestrian events away from the city location of the host nation. Why are they not having the sailing events on the Thames? Weymouth & Portland SC has been choosen and that is hardly close to London. But there again Princess Haya does not have her mitts on the sailing federation does she!
 
cefyl I made much the same point about access to the travelling public some time ago and was told basicaly that I was talking twaddle.

I wont be going any further than the red button on my television. Road and rail links ARE completely inadequate and Im not wasting my time and money battling them!
 
[ QUOTE ]
cefyl I made much the same point about access to the travelling public some time ago and was told basicaly that I was talking twaddle.

I wont be going any further than the red button on my television. Road and rail links ARE completely inadequate and Im not wasting my time and money battling them!

[/ QUOTE ]

I never said you were talking twaddle
mad.gif
- just that actually London isn't a bad place for public transport, far from it. And getting there isn't overly hard either once you're either on the motorway or a mainline station. And they're putting on more services during that summer anyway. Granted Windsor would be 100 x times more accessible than Greenwich but no one ever wants to drive on the M25 - can't have it both ways. I lived next door to the M25 for a year (and quite close to Windsor too) and I can count on one hand the number of times it was closed or at a standstill.

I just get annoyed when people see London as this anti-people, not easy to get around, expensive, dirty, populated city that why would anyone ever want to go there?

It's not expensive (well not in comparison to the South East), it's easy to get around and not that dirty either. Just typical that as soon as something's in London or around it, the majority of people throw their hands up in horror and go 'can't possibly go' - it's just not accessible, feasible, cost effective etc etc etc. Neither's Olympia but people still manage to go year on year and that includes people from abroad.
 
Maresnest, if you would care to check this map from the planning application, it clearly shows that the horse stables, support facilities, vehicle access, spectator access etc, etc will be held on Circus Fields, Blackheath Common, Blackheath. Greenwich Park itself will only be used for the competition itself.

http://onlineplanning.greenwich.gov.uk/acolnet/documents/20982_11.pdf

This area is also used as a holding area and exit from the Park for the London Marathon. Based on this map Blackheath will take the main brunt of traffic for the games, as I explained this area is well used to handling large events.
 
We attend several events in Windsor and the greater London area each year with competitive interests. If we did not have this interest we would not attend as spectators. 3 hours each way to go 2 or 3 miles in stop start traffic even at weekend - just as competitors getting on and off the venues.

Trains - how many people OUTSIDE of London will find train transport easy? Not from the North West - all trains to Euston then one, two or more changes to get to Greenwich. Travel time even by train is all comsuming. I can drive to London in 3 hours, by train it takes 3.5 plus getting to and from the stations. People seem to forget when singing the praises of London that when the time comes to the Olympics "you ain't seen nothing yet" in terms of sheer volume of traffic and people compared to an average day in the city. Believe me after attending 5 Olympics it is mind boggling.

My base point is: this money could and should be spent elsewhere where it is not wasted. As it is they are just pouring it down the drain no matter how wonderful / fabulous / central to London Greenwich is. As a taxpayer I object to this waste. Just take awhile to think how much financially we are contributing to this - you & I. Would'nt you like to have the opportunity as a rider / owner after 2012 to have a venue for future competitions of Olympic calibre? And your children, who as our future would be the real beneficiaries?

I have spoken to several riding clubs and the local BHS members in my area, probably a total of 200 who will not even consider attending because of TRANSPORT to the area. Now this is a small area. Multiply that country wide. How will the UK Greenwich promoters feel when they struggle to put bums on seats as happend at the Europeans this year? Will they have to offer last minute ticket sales at huge discounts again, greatly unfair to the few who had bought in advance.
 
'I just get annoyed when people see London as this anti-people, not easy to get around, expensive, dirty, populated city that why would anyone ever want to go there? '

At no point have I made any reference to the above and it seems to me from your posts that you consider anyone from the Shires to be some sort of wurzel with straw sticking out of every orifice.

For your reference I am an educated, intelligent, errudite and financially solvent woman with a MENSA IQ who is quite capable of coping with London traffic and lifestyle and to be frank I object to you trying to put words in my mouth .
 
[ QUOTE ]
'I just get annoyed when people see London as this anti-people, not easy to get around, expensive, dirty, populated city that why would anyone ever want to go there? '

At no point have I made any reference to the above and it seems to me from your posts that you consider anyone from the Shires to be some sort of wurzel with straw sticking out of every orifice.

For your reference I am an educated, intelligent, errudite and financially solvent woman with a MENSA IQ who is quite capable of coping with London traffic and lifestyle and to be frank I object to you trying to put words in my mouth .

[/ QUOTE ]

I meant in general - it wasn't aimed at you so don't turn it around and think it was aimed at you! Just some of the anti views on this thread which COME ACROSS as though London's a hell hole.

The people I've spoken to from the North, West, and further south all seem to have the same problem - well it's London so I'm not going. Fine if you're not one of them, but through my own experiences, that's the general consensus.

Oh and bar the Mensa part (what the frig does that have to do with anything) I too am the above.
 
[ QUOTE ]
We attend several events in Windsor and the greater London area each year with competitive interests. If we did not have this interest we would not attend as spectators. 3 hours each way to go 2 or 3 miles in stop start traffic even at weekend - just as competitors getting on and off the venues.

[/ QUOTE ]

To be fair - that happens at Hickstead and Badminton every year spectator wise.

[ QUOTE ]
Trains - how many people OUTSIDE of London will find train transport easy? Not from the North West - all trains to Euston then one, two or more changes to get to Greenwich. Travel time even by train is all comsuming. I can drive to London in 3 hours, by train it takes 3.5 plus getting to and from the stations. People seem to forget when singing the praises of London that when the time comes to the Olympics "you ain't seen nothing yet" in terms of sheer volume of traffic and people compared to an average day in the city. Believe me after attending 5 Olympics it is mind boggling.

[/ QUOTE ]

Hence the extra services which won't be enough but at least they're trying. They is only so much you can do with an aging underground network. Unless you want that re-built too? Euston to Greenwich is 30 mins roughly - that's not bad for getting across a capital city. It'll be worse for people coming from the south. Only plus side on that is that getting to London is less than 90 mins.

[ QUOTE ]
My base point is: this money could and should be spent elsewhere where it is not wasted. As it is they are just pouring it down the drain no matter how wonderful / fabulous / central to London Greenwich is. As a taxpayer I object to this waste. Just take awhile to think how much financially we are contributing to this - you & I. Would'nt you like to have the opportunity as a rider / owner after 2012 to have a venue for future competitions of Olympic calibre? And your children, who as our future would be the real beneficiaries?

[/ QUOTE ]

It's a good point and yes of course we must value the sport for future generations. However, after 2016 equestrian disciplines may well be removed from the Olympics. So any future site would only be being used for the WEG and how many times would be honestly host it? And the Europeans.

I can see the pit falls and IMHO it should be at Windsor but that won't happen. As shutting off a park bigger than Greenwich would be a mission in itself.
 
Pootler, i do beg your pardon, as i hadnt got to that part of the documents yet. But won't they will need an act of parliment to close part of blackheath, it is common land and cannot be closed to the public? And Blackheath was not in any part of the site plans revealed up until this point, so doesnt that say something about the truthfulness of what we have all been told so far? But i suppose they would have to do something because on the last feasibility study (amazing what you can find on the web if you look now), the lack of stabling meant the olympic equestrian events would have taken 15 days to complete, which would present a small problem as the rest of the games only take 14!!
And if they are going to use blackheath, why not put the xc course there? It is after all, the xc course that the objectors are mostly complaining about. and that would save the greenwich flower garden and the trees on the blackheath side of the park. But I suppose the tower blocks of blackheath not really such a good view
smile.gif
. and talking of which, surely the queens house will be obscured by the stadium?
and teapot, the journey to greenwich on public is not great. I am not finished with the huge tome of literature on the planning document but i have not found one yet that says rail links will be improved. Unless you are lucky enough to have good access to that part of the docklands light railway you will have to change at least once and probably twice. There will be no driving in at all. a bus shuttle service will involve a considerable walk I should think as all the major access roads will be closed and even if they allow shuttles through some of those, the walk will long enough. and the journey from any proposed parking place probably half an hour at least.
Which reminds me, christinao made a point about the veterinary treatment of any injured horses. I have no doubt that the newmarket practise concerned is outstanding but horse lovers couldn't support the journey from greeenwich to newmarket with a sick animal, could they? If they had site the whole thing at great leighs (close to the main site, excellent access and in possession of 400 acres of the surrounding countryside for the cross) then I could see that entirely, but not with the current plan.
 
I’m not sure why you think it is news about Blackheath being used, in all the information I have seen, this has always been the case. Hence I knew about the use of Circus Fields before I double checked on the consultation document!

I’m afraid I don’t know the ins and outs of the law so can’t comment on whether the Common can be closed to the public. Although by default areas of the Common are closed to the public for the annual firework display for safety reasons. So there has been a precedent set.

There aren’t any high rise council estates overlooking Blackheath Common, just million pound plus Victorian townhouses! But the views in Greenwich Park are incredible especially those overlooking Canary Wharf and the rest of London, offering some amazing iconic photo opportunities. Hence I guess they wanted to use the Park rather than the Common. It is also completely walled in so easy from a security point of view.

From what I can see of the XC route, it doesn’t go through the flower garden, it avoids this area – probably due to public pressure – which is good.
 
That is interesting to know Pootler as the plan I found on the web does have the course through the flower garden as it is the only place apart from the old paddling pool where they can have a water feature I suppose. Two water jumps are needed according to the IOC/FEI.
I think that closing part of the heath for the fireworks isnt probably the same in law as closing it for a long period and I think that that it will also have to be fenced. if you look at the IOC documents on requirements, it looks like it all needs to be secure. I remember when I was a kid there fi were fireworks on common land local to us (also ancient) and they just fence off that part but the fence is gone next day.
There have been a few published versions of the site plan and cross country course, if you trail through the web long enough you will find some and I cant find one that includes blackheath in it.
and really i do not think that the site should be about the view and if that is the best reason for damaging Greenwich beyond repair, then it is a very bad one.
here is a link to a course plan from October and you will see it does go through the flower garden.

http://www.gardenvisit.com/blog/2008/12/...tathlon-events/

I am getting really into this now!! much better way to spend an unexpected free day!
grin.gif
 
Yawnnnnnnn...yet another one who reads only "between the lines" of other's posts.

I said clearly that the 2 - 3 hour traffic crawl is at normal times, multiply that during Olympic time 10 folds. Yes I am well aware of the snarls for Hickstead and Badminton so again if you think that is bad add another 75% of traffic onto that. Get the picture? Maybe not as you speed read.

AND I never mentioned an alternate permanent venue would only be of use for A: Another Olympics - seriously you think the UK will get another Olympics voted in within the next 50 years???? B: WEG or Europeans. NO I said for future use, training, education, whatever but use week in week out.

London is a great city. No doubt. All well and good adding "extra" trains and public transport. For the overseas visitors and London residents. What about the rest of the UK who's only way of reaching London initially is by their own car? And again I ask the question why are other sports given venues way outside of the London area when they too would have suitable sites within the London catchment? And again the answer probably is because they do not have Princess Haya dictating their sport at international level.
 
I'm not brilliant with a map but if you look at a slightly more detailed map of Greenwich Park

http://www.friendsofgreenwichpark.org.uk/printmap.html

and the current planning application that shows the cross country route in red, it skirts alongside the flower garden but does not go in it.

http://onlineplanning.greenwich.gov.uk/acolnet/documents/20982_11.pdf

Public pressure seems to have worked in this case!

Having looked again to check, the flower garden is actually to the right of the perimeter fence (alongside Bower Avenue), so should be un-touched.

I am having a blonde moment about the way the perimeter fence works, it seems to cut through the course itself. I'm not sure what purpose it is supposed to serve?
confused.gif
 
I've spent 4 years being trained to read between the lines - can't help doing it on a forum.

So yes, traffic + Greenwich is a logistical nightmare BUT there IS public transport, unlike other potential sites. It's swings and roundabouts. No one will ever be 100% happy wherever it is. People in the south would moan if it was taking place north of London. The north moan about it being all in London etc etc. Where would you suggest putting it to keep the masses happy?

Future use to me includes prospective international events, not just basic training, every day use purely so the UK can compete on an international stage. Yes, the cost is going to be sky high for what will be brought down again after and Greenwich returned to its current state. So yes, I would prefer a long term training establishment. However, with government and lottery funds in the state they are in, it would be firstly built on a shoe-string, unless you want more borrowing to happen. Also, if I'm brutally honest, I'd actually far rather my hard earned cash going into funds with regards to the Ministry of Defence, troops abroad etc, more pressing issues at the current moment than into a facility that may not be used again in the next 50 years for an international competition that creates enough revenue to start earning money back.

Don't just blame Princess Haya and the FEI, might be worth also considering the fact the the current Olympic money pot is being put up by a labour government who don't take kindly to people riding horses in a top hat and tails, or jumping fixed fences.

Re: other sports. Name one location within the confines of London/M25 that will provide as good sailing as Weymouth will? Weymouth has some of the best water, waves, weather and current around the UK and it is pretty much home to the GB sailing team and set up hence why it'll be the base for the Olympic sailing. Plus tbh, sailing compared to say swimming, tennis etc etc isn't exactly the most supported spectator sport so again, they don't actually NEED to be as close. The die hard fans who will get sailing tickets won't mind going to Weymouth to see it.
 
[ QUOTE ]


Future use to me includes prospective international events, not just basic training, every day use purely so the UK can compete on an international stage. Yes, the cost is going to be sky high for what will be brought down again after and Greenwich returned to its current state. So yes, I would prefer a long term training establishment. However, with government and lottery funds in the state they are in, it would be firstly built on a shoe-string, unless you want more borrowing to happen. Also, if I'm brutally honest, I'd actually far rather my hard earned cash going into funds with regards to the Ministry of Defence, troops abroad etc, more pressing issues at the current moment than into a facility that may not be used again in the next 50 years for an international competition that creates enough revenue to start earning money back.

Don't just blame Princess Haya and the FEI, might be worth also considering the fact the the current Olympic money pot is being put up by a labour government who don't take kindly to people riding horses in a top hat and tails, or jumping fixed fences.

Re: other sports. Name one location within the confines of London/M25 that will provide as good sailing as Weymouth will? Weymouth has some of the best water, waves, weather and current around the UK and it is pretty much home to the GB sailing team and set up hence why it'll be the base for the Olympic sailing. Plus tbh, sailing compared to say swimming, tennis etc etc isn't exactly the most supported spectator sport so again, they don't actually NEED to be as close. The die hard fans who will get sailing tickets won't mind going to Weymouth to see it.

[/ QUOTE ]

Well in a few paragraphs you have completely contradicted yourself.

#1. I mentioned future competition use - national / international / inter-galactic whatever. AS WELL as training etc etc. Someone did moan about Hickstead and decaying facilities. Surely the UK deserves a world class permanent venue to rival those abroad.

#2. Northen lots moaning? No one has moaned just made completely rational observations that a more central England venue would be more accessable to the masses.

#3. Princess Haya's quote in H&H a while back was that "it would be Greenwich like it or not and that is her finaly say in the matter".

#4. You say name one location blah de blah....... EXACTLY the majority of voices opposing Greenwich!!! Your comparison to Weymouth & sailing has shot you in the foot on this one - this is excatly the same argument for the equine events to be held in a more suitable location. We are not the most numerically large spectator sport so do not need to be as close (as you said for sailing). Husband is a competitive sailor and there are several other venues far closer to London just as suitable - RNC & RAYC, Portsmouth for one.
 
[ QUOTE ]
Who wants to spend 3 hours to travel 2 miles arriving or leaving a venue?

[/ QUOTE ]

Doesn't seem to bother the thousands who go to Badminton on XC day each year...
wink.gif
 
[ QUOTE ]


#4. You say name one location blah de blah....... EXACTLY the majority of voices opposing Greenwich!!! Your comparison to Weymouth & sailing has shot you in the foot on this one - this is excatly the same argument for the equine events to be held in a more suitable location. We are not the most numerically large spectator sport so do not need to be as close (as you said for sailing). Husband is a competitive sailor and there are several other venues far closer to London just as suitable - RNC & RAYC, Portsmouth for one.

[/ QUOTE ]

I'd like to see an Olympic sailing event taking place amongst all the ferries and cargo heading through the Solent into Portsmouth (and Southampton) day in day out. Portsmouth's got SHOCKING parking too - it's bad enough when the football club's playing at home.

At the end of the day - I'd imagine the Olympic Three Day eventing will attract FAR more people in than Sailing ever would, hence why I presume the Olympic Committee want it in London.

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Who wants to spend 3 hours to travel 2 miles arriving or leaving a venue?

[/ QUOTE ]

Doesn't seem to bother the thousands who go to Badminton on XC day each year...
wink.gif


[/ QUOTE ]

That's EXACTLY my point too SpottedCat - it really doesn't seem to bother people (and we're talking near on 200 000 people on the Saturday of Badminton) so why would it bother people just because it's the Olympics? Ok, yes more volume etc but no one seemed to moan about the increased volume of traffic and longer queues when the Euros were at Blenheim. And access through Woodstock isn't exactly wonderful is it?
 
Thanks for those links pootler. pity that map cuts off the bottom of the park (queens house end) so I will go look in the documents for that part.
You appear to be correct about the flower garden which is a relief and also it is that part of the park where the densest most low hanging tree branches are so perhaps they will leave them .
But what i do notice on this map is the spectator entrance. One hope there will be another at the queens house end because that entrance would be what i would call mildly a significant walk from greenwich stations, though i am not sure how far Shooters hill station is (if it is still open and functioning, its been years since i was there) because otherwise people will be entirely relying on shuttle services.
I will be very interested to hear how the plan at WEG next year to park everyone bar officials off site and shuttle them in will work to compare, because it is a much shorter journey from the proposed car park to the horse park, than the london proposal (last i heard parking would be miles away) and the traffic in lexington is not as heavy, nor will there be numerous road closures round the area because the Horse park is slightly outside the city. so if it doesnt work there, here will be a million times worse.
 
Ho hum teapot yet another who does NOT read posts throughly. 2 - 3 hours crawl MAGNIFIED by the additional overload of the Olympic throngs. Badminton lines are nothing compared to the potential overload on the London transport in 2012. And how many of you would go to Badminton if it did not have the additional attractions such as the shopping?

Poor comparison to Blenheim, how does Blenheim relate to London? Simple - it does not.

Oh and you had better inform RYC at Portsmouth, Cowes, and the rest of the regatta organisers in the vicinty that they are in the wrong area for sailing. THAT WAS AN EXAMPLE!!! Shocking parking in Portsmouth - what about Greenwich then? You think that is honestly better? Would you like a list of other world class sailing venues closer to London that could easily cope with the Olympic class events without seeing another boat on the horizon?
 
The nearest train station will be Blackheath, a 10 minute walk to the park from there.

We also have the 02, a ten minute bus ride away that has parking to cater for the 20,000 seat stadium.

Charlton Football club is 5 minutes away from the park and regularly manages to cope with up to 27,000 arriving within a short space of time for football matches.

I would argue that compared to a lot of venues the transport links are very good and with local support such as the 02, dealing with the crowds via public transport will be fairly straightforward.

I have never heard any major complaints from people who do the London Marathon. The entrance to the Olympics will be in exactly the same place as the London Marathon start and we seem to do a pretty good job of it!

The more I think about it, the more I think Greenwich Borough was an inspired choice!
 
I havent logged on for a while but am so annoyed at the suggestion that Windsor would make a good location that ive come back on! here are the facts with windsor

-VERY VERY VERY FEW riders want it to be at Windsor. It is seen almost as a cursed place, under three different organisation teams it failed to run successfully and commercially and the ground was always a nightmare. windsor would leave no more legacy than greenwich as eventing will never return there... FACT.

Health and safety and preservation laws also rule that the public are not allowed to sit or walk underneath the trees... this legal problem makes it an impossibility.

Kerilli, i cannot understand why you wouldnt want it at greenwhich... as someone clearly as passionate about eventing, why would you not want eventing at the HEART of the olympics?? are you really putting conservation concerns first??!! personally i dont care about a few trees,,,, are you going to let this get in the way of the best PR opportunity ever

remember too that the olympic village is in the east end,,, a long way from windsor and the A4 which is always tricky. Most eventers think greenwich is the best thing to happen to eventing for decades... we really will be at the forefront of the world. I cannot wait.
 
[ QUOTE ]


Health and safety and preservation laws also rule that the public are not allowed to sit or walk underneath the trees... this legal problem makes it an impossibility.

[/ QUOTE ]

Since when? I've walked through, sat, read and studied in about 90% of that park and I never ever had a problem sitting and walking under trees
confused.gif
crazy.gif
 
I think its good that the olympics are being held in London. Its the capital city of Great Britain for goodness sake. Why would you want it held out the back and beyond?
Who cares about the traffic, the traffic will be appalling where ever you hold it. There will always be people who moan and pros and cons for different sites but call me patriotic but I think to not hold the olympics in london is just such a ridiculous concept.
Regards the eventing at Greenwich I can understand why the ecological damage would be a worry and to be honest with so much money spent it does seem a shame that it couldnt be spent on something permanent but no one has come up with an obvious viable alternative. Like I said pros and cons to each one! However knowing how hard it is to even leave a jump pole in a field without being bollocked by planning im sure as spotted cat has said that everything will be done to preserve the site.
In a way its amazing that eventing will be so march part of the hub of it all and really exciting.
I actually went to dinner quite a few years ago now with a friend of a relative who was on the comittee for the Olympics way before London won the bid, he mentioned then that London was being considered to host the olympics and that if they won then they would hold the equestrian events close to the city! When he heard that I was familiar with eventing he was asking my opionion on space! I wish I could remember more but it was at christmas time and I was drunk
smirk.gif
 
QR
I think it's great that the Olympics are going to London, eventing and all, and I'm going - via public transport.

Having worked in planning, I have faith in the planners!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top