As the first competitive day gets under way, it has occurred to me that the Olympics have played a significant - yet, subliminal - role in my life over the past few years. For example, on the day after it was announced that the bid had been successful, I was delivering a new mini-bus into central London; and, as a consequence, was affected by the severe disruption caused by the terrorist bomb attacks in the capital. Interestingly, it isn't beyond the realms of possibility that the actual bus which was ripped apart may well have been one of many I had delivered throughout London on earlier occasions (before and after photos below).
Later, because two (1) (2) of the garages into which I delivered buses were located in the area which was to become the Olympic Park, I witnessed the early stages of the process which would change a derelict area of the East End into something far more attractive. Subsequently, as the years passed, other subtle changes came to pass; not least in the area of Surrey where we live - where very welcome improvements to road surfaces where carried out in readiness for the cycling road races today and tomorrow.
Another reason I've been conscious of the Olympics has been the fact that I live within the area covered by the BBC London regional television channel. So, for quite a few years, games-related issues have featured in news reports on an almost daily basis; and I have to say it seemed somewhat disingenuous of them to be so obsequious after last night's Opening Ceremony - having broadcast almost anything their reporter could lay his hands on which might discredit the event.
