Olympics 2012 | Hainault Forest

HISTORY OF HAINAULT FOREST

OLYMPICS 2012

During 2005 the International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced Britain had won the bid to host the 2012 Olympic Games. London narrowly beat the favourite Paris in the final vote after several rounds of elimination. This would be London's first time holding the event since 1948 and was celebrated as a "momentous day" by then-Prime Minister Tony Blair. London Mayor Ken Livingstone had overseen the winning bid and hoped it would usher in much-needed redevelopment for the East End of London. As part of the project a temporary military camp was set up in Hainault Forest containing personnel responsible for keeping the Olympics Games secure.

Hainault Forest was one of several locations across London where Military personnel would be based. Preparation work began on 1st June 2012 with new paths appearing near the main entrance soon afterwards.

Security concerns surfaced after the 2011 England riots and some countries worried about safety. Several former police officers became critical of security firm G4S concerning staff shortages, but the shortfall was made up with the deployment of 3,500 extra armed troops to guard Olympic venues. The games would pass without incident.

The British Army uses Snoozebox hotels, for temporary, modular, and versatile accommodation at large events, work sites and deployments. They can be erected, dismantled, and moved quickly, making them ideal for temporary needs. They are built from modified shipping containers providing comfortable lodging with en-suite facilities.

The camp in Hainault Forest was put in an area historically known as "Lord's Pond Fields", a location prone to getting waterlogged. Heavy rain in June and July became a hindrance. Several lorries making deliveries got stuck in mud causing chaos and a temporary car park marked out several times became too wet to use. The original plans had to be revised but in the end the problems were overcome.

Naturalist Brian Ecott spoke to BBC London reporter Ayshea Buksh at the Global Cafe about the disruption to Hainault Forest. Other locals and camp personnel also gave their thoughts about the ongoing work to the TV camera. Roy Meekings (white shirt) and Sidney Parker (brown cardigan) are also present.

The footpath near the Global Café closed, the only alternative route required a long walk to reach the lake, not very helpful to those with disabilities. This became a problem for Sidney Parker, 85, who could barely walk even with the aid of two sticks. He visited the lake to feed the swans and ducks daily for over 25 years even in inclement weather and could usually be seen seated near the lake. Sid spoke to the Camp Commandant and after several promises he was presented with a buggy and driver who would take him to the lake daily courtesy of SnoozeBox.

2012 Olympic Torch handover in Forest Road

The Olympic flame arrived in Cornwall from Greece on 18th May 2012 on a British Airways Airbus A319 named "Firefly". Over the next 70 days 8,000 people were involved in carrying the torch through Britain starting from Land's End.

On July 22nd the Olympic Torch passed through the Borough of Redbridge. It left Redbridge Cycling Centre in Forest Road at 7.19am and headed towards Barkingside, then Gants Hill and Ilford. Peter Comber was up bright and early to watch.

The London Olympics was widely considered a success for inspiring sporting achievements and accelerating major urban regeneration in East London. Great Britain had 530 athletes competing in the games and finished third on the Medal table. Britain won 65 medals; 29 Gold, 18 Silver and 18 Bronze.

It took a couple of years before the area between Foxburrow Road and the First Car Park became fully accessible to the public again. It is now a wildflower meadow with paths cut through it and has never looked lovelier!

Written by Raymond Small. Thank you to Mike Rumble, Brian Ecott and Peter Comber for their contributions.

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