The Loos

I recollect that glastonbury was not scheduled this year due to a lack of toilets for hire. I hope conditions they unusually experience there will not be similar at Greenwich.
 
I'm not sure thats true Tallante, Glasto is only on every other year, and it was held last year?
 
Jo_x said:
I'm not sure thats true Tallante, Glasto is only on every other year, and it was held last year?
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Tallaante said: I recollect that glastonbury was not scheduled this year due to a lack of toilets for hire. I hope conditions they unusually experience there will not be similar at Greenwich.

That is an interesting point, however by comparison nothing compares with Woodstock Upstate New York 1969.

Parking was miles from the venue, although now probably referred to as a Gig.

There was no loos, absolutely nothing.

It was a most interesting experience to say the least. One I look back on recollecting all the flower power painted VW's, scantly dressed females and the rain. OH it rained alright at Woodstock, no wellie boots there - bare feet was the form. I tell my children that I was at Woodstock and I have to say they are modestly impressed, don't think the same will apply to Greenwich.

I must admit to something of a LOL imagining that Greenwich 2012 could be remotely compared to Woodstock '69! However if it rains............?
 
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Judgemental said:
Are there enough loos at Greenwich and what type?
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How on earth do you expect anyone on H&H to be able to answer that question? Unless you think LOCOG or the event managers are members of this forum.

Or is this just more drivel from someone who appears to be totally uninformed about the Games (and from some comments, uninformed about eventing as a whole) and just trying to dampen spirits about it because you don't agree with the location?
 
millitiger said:
How on earth do you expect anyone on H&H to be able to answer that question? Unless you think LOCOG or the event managers are members of this forum.

Or is this just more drivel from someone who appears to be totally uninformed about the Games (and from some comments, uninformed about eventing as a whole) and just trying to dampen spirits about it because you don't agree with the location?
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To answer your question, there are several posters who have clearly visited Greenwich Park in recent days and somebody I know to be there at this very moment has PMed me. So it is not unreasonable to assume that those who have visited and/or are actively on the ground, are able to report as to the loos.

On your second point, everybody is entitled to their opinion.

Normally I rarely stray from my comfort zone of the Hunting Forum, however this seems to be topical and interesting. Thus I will comment as I think fit, even if you perceive my comments to be drivel.

That said, we are talking about a sport that normally, in 100% of cases takes place in a rural environment.

Bearing in mind the ban on hunting under 2004 Hunting Act, which was largely enacted by urban attitudes and MPs, (which has 'dampened spirits' in the countryside) it is not unreasonable to question the merits of holding the Equestrian Olympics in a Suburban London Park.

Whilst I up flagging up the unfairness of attitudes dished out to the rural dwelling and working population, by the seemingly autocratic urban dwellers. Let us not forget the dairy farmers who have very recently had .04 pence per litre slashed off the price of milk on an ex farm basis.

I bet they would not consider my comments to be drivel, merely a person highlighting the way the countryside is so badly treated by a majority urban population.

The setting of the Equestrian Olympics in an urban environment, is a very good example of how those in the countryside are ridden roughshod over by the urban decision takers.
 
I know 2 people who have been at Greenwich helping out one way or another, and considering I am not really a member of the horsey set, I would imagine other people know loads!

It's not a ridiculous question, some people get quite anxious about toilet facilities, especially if you are pregnant or have bladder issues, think before you speak!
 
Judgemental said:
To answer your question, there are several posters who have clearly visited Greenwich Park in recent days and somebody I know to be there at this very moment has PMed me. So it is not unreasonable to assume that those who have visited and/or are actively on the ground, are able to report as to the loos.
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I know someone who was working on site at Greenwich this week and as all of the xc fences are not yet in place, I doubt the toilets are either:) Being on site does not mean you would be able to report on the toilet situation.

Judgemental said:
On your second point, everybody is entitled to their opinion.

Normally I rarely stray from my comfort zone of the Hunting Forum, however this seems to be topical and interesting. Thus I will comment as I think fit, even if you perceive my comments to be drivel.
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Of course everyone is entitled to their opinion! Whoever said they weren't?
Your opinion that toilets you aren’t going to be using are a big enough concern to warrant a whole topic is as valid as my opinion that the thread is drivel and another veiled barb at the organisers :)

Judgemental said:
That said, we are talking about a sport that normally, in 100% of cases takes place in a rural environment.

Bearing in mind the ban on hunting under 2004 Hunting Act, which was largely enacted by urban attitudes and MPs, (which has 'dampened spirits' in the countryside) it is not unreasonable to question the merits of holding the Equestrian Olympics in a Suburban London Park.

Whilst I up flagging up the unfairness of attitudes dished out to the rural dwelling and working population, by the seemingly autocratic urban dwellers. Let us not forget the dairy farmers who have very recently had .04 pence per litre slashed off the price of milk on an ex farm basis.

I bet they would not consider my comments to be drivel, merely a person highlighting the way the countryside is so badly treated by a majority urban population.

The setting of the Equestrian Olympics in an urban environment, is a very good example of how those in the countryside are ridden roughshod over by the urban decision takers.
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What on earth has milk pricing and hunting got to do with the Olympics?
I doubt most dairy farmers would consider your comments on toilets at the Olympics, at all, as it is totally irrelevant to the situation they are facing.

Olympic eventing is under a very real threat of being dropped from future Games due to the perceived views from ‘urban dwellers’ and ‘urban decision takers’ that it is too expensive and not mainstream enough and the fact it has been held away from the main Olympic site for the last few Games has not been viewed in a good light.

Also, I think that Olympic funding is not able to benefit private individuals which would rule out sites proposed by some people on here such as Blenheim or Badminton.

I would rather we had Olympic eventing smack bang in the middle of a city than no Olympic eventing at all! Wouldn't you?


Devonshire dumpling said:
I know 2 people who have been at Greenwich helping out one way or another, and considering I am not really a member of the horsey set, I would imagine other people know loads!

It's not a ridiculous question, some people get quite anxious about toilet facilities, especially if you are pregnant or have bladder issues, think before you speak!
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Again, being at Greenwich isn’t a green light for knowing about the toilets- or are the 2 people you know there able to shed any light on the toilet arrangements?

I really, really doubt they are going to expect people to squat in bushes and I imagine toilet facilities will be provided, the same way they are at other events.

On it’s own (and if the OP was actually attending the Games) it wouldn’t be a ridiculous question but it seems to be yet another negative attack on the Games from the same person.
Perhaps since the jet stream seems to be helpfully moving North in time to give us better weather for the Games, they are looking for another angle to moan from? ;)
 
Please see attached plan, freely available on the London 2012 website for details of toilets; http://www.london2012.com/mm/Document/Documents/Venue/01/24/12/55/KDVENUEGRPcrosscountry_Neutral.pdf

I am very sorry that I cannot state with 100% accuracy as to what type of toilets these are going to be. I would imagine that I, like most adults, would make the judgement that these will be some kind of portable/temporary type, much like the ones that visitors to most large events are required to use. I shall be aiming to use the "flattest" looking ones as temp toilets/portacabins slightly on the wonk make me feel very ill!

I have no doubt that the female toilets will be insufficient and that i will have to endure queues to use the facilities, but, ce la vie, when are there ever enough toilets???
 
Jo_x said:
I'm not sure thats true Tallante, Glasto is only on every other year, and it was held last year?
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Glastonbury has a fallow year where they allow the fields to recover a little every 5th year.

Last year off was 2006 so they should have had a year off last year but put it back because of the Olympics but media coverage was one of the biggest resourcing concerns not portaloos.

There will be queues for the toilets like at any outdoor event or festival; I suspect there will less alchohol consumption than a festival but not sure how a different crowd will feel about queuing.
Also it may be spread more evenly over the day, at music events you get a sudden rush when a band finishes and there is a short break.
 
Again, being at Greenwich isn’t a green light for knowing about the toilets- or are the 2 people you know there able to shed any light on the toilet arrangements?

Dunno haven't asked them????

I really, really doubt they are going to expect people to squat in bushes and I imagine toilet facilities will be provided, the same way they are at other events.

I am a professional at squatting , infact I would prefer that than a portaloo lol
 
just curious and im really not having a dig here but why are you interested in advance to know what type of loos the Olympics will be graced with OP if you're not going and wont be using them....is it some kind of loo spotting hobby?! :)
 
I've got team dressage tickets, and this was something that concerned me too, especially after realising how many people are going to be there!

Temporary toilets can be hit and miss at the best of times, so I hope they'll be OK and not become too grotesque, as I'm really squeamish about this sort of thing :o
The main reason I don't go to the really big music festivals, including Glastonbury, even though I can get free passes from work, is that I can't cope with the smell and sights of the loo situation! :eek:
 
lula said:
just curious and im really not having a dig here but why are you interested in advance to know what type of loos the Olympics will be graced with OP if you're not going and wont be using them....is it some kind of loo spotting hobby?! :)
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Lula delighted to answer your question.

I am still at a complete loss to understand why the Equestrian Olympics are being staged at Greenwich. To my mind it is the most illogical location possible, compared with say the National Equestrian Centre at Stoneleigh in Warwickshire, which is more or less the centre of the British Isles, give or take.

Absolutely nobody will provide me with any sort of explanation bearing in mind the very sensible locating of the Olympics in places, such as Montréal or Rio de Janeiro at their National Equestrian Centre.

So I concluded, that because this whole event is a major international show piece, run under FEI rules, the loos had to be of a very high standard. Indeed I read something sometime ago about 'posh' loos for outdoor events.

Knowing the state of loos at many equestrian events, especially if it is wet and muddy, coupled to the dreadful condition that those little blue and green chemical things get into, with the blue stuff, along with the rubber foot pump on the floor for hand washing, I thought that perhaps the powers that be, had determined that the loos should be connected to the main drainage system? Not an unreasonable analysis?

Therefore in order to do so they had elected to have an urban location for that possible reason, assuming Greenwich as a park is well served by local utility pipework etc.

Clever I thought, great proper flushing loos and with attendants, no running out of paper towels and soap. Absolutely super, folk will be impressed from around the world.

Finally, bearing in mind the next Olympics are in Brazil and the Ex President, was the most excellent President Lula, I hope you will be taking an interest in the standard of their loos too?:)
 
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haha - thanks for explaining that to me Judgemental. i now undertsand.

Despite whether the location is the most ideal for eventing or not, the Olympics is an international showpiece and as millitiger pointed out, an urban venue is a small price to pay to try to get it into the public limelight and keep it as an olympic sport.
 
lula said:
haha - thanks for explaining that to me Judgemental. i now undertsand.

Despite whether the location is the most ideal for eventing or not, the Olympics is an international showpiece and as millitiger pointed out, an urban venue is a small price to pay to try to get it into the public limelight and keep it as an olympic sport.
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I agree with you 100%.

I think you may have answered the question that has been bothering me, bearing in mind somebody might have posted or PMed me about this question of whether or not it was going to remain an Olympic sport.

They had better make sure the loos are up to urban expectations then:)

Of course this thread may cause equestrian organisers generally to focus on loo quality in the future.

I am not going to go into detail, but I am sure the majority of readers know that there are some pretty awful scenarios that they have encountered in that department at shows, events etc etc.

No no please, I am not seeking graphic detail...........
 
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Judgemental said:
Lula delighted to answer your question.

I am still at a complete loss to understand why the Equestrian Olympics are being staged at Greenwich. To my mind it is the most illogical location possible, compared with say the National Equestrian Centre at Stoneleigh in Warwickshire, which is more or less the centre of the British Isles, give or take.

Absolutely nobody will provide me with any sort of explanation bearing in mind the very sensible locating of the Olympics in places, such as Montréal or Rio de Janeiro at their National Equestrian Centre.

So I concluded, that because this whole event is a major international show piece, run under FEI rules, the loos had to be of a very high standard. Indeed I read something sometime ago about 'posh' loos for outdoor events.
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But millitiger did answer the question. They are being held where they are being held because the IOC says they need to be held somewhere like that. It's nothing to do with the FEI. Nor did LOCOG have much choice - tenders for the Games have to be submitted and contracts signed BEFORE the final vote and award. So if the competing cities don't give the IOC what it wants they don't get the Games. (Personally, that would have been my choice but whatever. . . )

Um, Monteal . . . .that was awhile ago. ;) And pre-Samaranch. The rules were very different then. Plus, if they did things now like they did a lot of things then, people's heads would explode.

Anyway, what's the point now? Are you still agitating to have the Equestrian events moved? Best of luck, a last minute complete relocation won't cost a penny, I'm sure. ;).

We all know full well why it's being held where it is. As above, perhaps the new question is how badly do we want horse sports, particularly eventing to stay in the Olympics?
 
Oh, regarding Rio, from what I've read the Equestrian park (along with venues for other sports) is essentially in a suburb of the city and the plan is to increase housing, retail outlets etc in the surrounding area and substantially increase transport links. So, in effect, the Games will be an excuse to expand the urban area and provide a social benefit after in addition to the legacy sporting venues.

If the eventing was held at Badminton, say, would you be okay with them increasing urbanisation and transport links in the area in order to fulfil the mandate?
 
Perhaps some actually going to the event would be kind enough to take photos of the toilet facilities to put J mentals mind at rest.

Although, being a real country person I'm sure he is well able to take a tinkle in a hedge if the occasion demands it or do hunts provide portaloo's at every hedge these days ?
 
horserider said:
Perhaps some actually going to the event would be kind enough to take photos of the toilet facilities to put J mentals mind at rest.

Although, being a real country person I'm sure he is well able to take a tinkle in a hedge if the occasion demands it or do hunts provide portaloo's at every hedge these days ?
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LOL

There are a wonderful selection of mobile loo purveyors, but this one caught my eye, well worth a visit to their gallery, I hope the pictures that horserider is suggesting will match my expectations:

http://www.posh-loos.com/portable-toilets-gallery.php

I would like to think that after this thread, those visiting will enjoy the best of 'loo-ins' and huge attention will be paid to loo management. Ideally no Qs!

It could be that this thread has provided a service for those attending.
 
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LOL


There are a wonderful selection of mobile loo purveyors, but this one caught my eye, well worth a visit to their gallery, I hope the pictures that horserider is suggesting will match expectations:

http://www.posh-loos.com/portable-toilets-gallery.php

I would like to think that after this thread, those visiting will enjoy the best of 'loo-ins' and huge attention will be paid to loo management.

Ideally no Queues!

It could be that this thread has provided a service for those attending.

Hopefully, those participating in this thread will give an account of their findings upon reconnaissance.
 
Sadly Judgemental, I think you'll be disappointed with the loos if those are what you have in mind! Think of your ordinary blue portaloo - nothing fancy but they do what they say on the tin. And there are plenty of them although there are bound to be some queues. But as I have to queue in my own house given that I have teenagers plus a husband with cycling magazines, I don't have particularly high expectations :D
 
Swirlymurphy said:
Sadly Judgemental, I think you'll be disappointed with the loos if those are what you have in mind! Think of your ordinary blue portaloo - nothing fancy but they do what they say on the tin. And there are plenty of them although there are bound to be some queues. But as I have to queue in my own house given that I have teenagers plus a husband with cycling magazines, I don't have particularly high expectations :D
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You will simply have to pose as a grandee on the main hospitality list, because I am sure they will have a posh loo or two?

Having to queue just spoils the moment and then to find, well how shall I put it,
no, I will simply allow readers minds to recollect their own experiences in those blue and green capsules.;)

I bet H and H did not anticipate a thread on this particular subject when this board was promoted.

However I would like to also bet there are dozens of folk who are saying he's made a valid point, not especially for the Olympics but for events generally.

There are never enough of the Blue and Green Capsules, as a result there are queues and they become somewhat unsavory.

If there are more than enough no problem, would you not agree?
 
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Swirlymurphy,

this is TIC and so please don't be offended, but it's occurred to me that your user name is strangely in keeping with the thread title! :eek::o:D

Alec.
 
Alec Swan said:
Swirlymurphy,

this is TIC and so please don't be offended, but it's occurred to me that your user name is strangely in keeping with the thread title! :eek::o:D

Alec.
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I'm not offended in the slightest :D although I might have to change my username now ....

And yes it would be lovely not to have to queue but that is a tad unrealistic I feel. Given the cost of putting these events on (and I'm talking about ALL equestrian events not just the events at Greenwich) providing sufficient loos for there to be no queues would be prohibitive.

I think it's fair to say that the loos will be fine, the wearing of wellies on the tube, the homemade ham and lettuce sandwiches, etc will all fade in importance when the event starts - the atmosphere is already amazing and will be stratospheric by XC day. Bring it on!
 
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