Mrs Olympics keeps us up to speed....

23 July 2010

Guiding light - Jean's at home on her Olympic patch

If THERE was a pub quiz on the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Jean Jeffery win it hands down.

The 54-year-old has been conducting guiding tours around the Olympic Park for two-and-a-half years.

And if there is something Jean doesn't know about the Stratford site, it is not worth knowing.

Speaking at Newham Council's Olympic viewing gallery on the 22nd floor of Holden Point on Waddington Road, Stratford, Jean can barely contain her enthusiasm for the Games.

Petite Jean, who has lived in Newham since arriving from Guyana aged nine, told the Recorder: "The majority of people are excited by the Games.

"They are excited to see the big sites and I have to bring it to life. I think it helps that I have lived here so long.''

Jean added: "We had a reception up here recently. One woman came to me and said 'I'm from NASA (the National Aeronautics and Space Administration). If only my staff could deliver presentations like you do.'

"And we have had some people who, previously, were cynical about the Olympics. One couple came up and the man said 'I had no time for the Games but I've changed my attitude towards it'.

"I just feel that I have to give people value for money."

Jean joined the Town Hall staff 27 years ago, initially on a six-week contract, and was working in communications when she was offered the job of guide two-and-a-half years ago.

She said: "The first time I held the microphone I was shaking. I had no preparation and no training. At the same time I was given responsibility for the viewing gallery. If I'm going to do something, I have to go the whole hog."

In the early days this included explaining to visitors which piece of mud was going to which Olympic venue. But, as the Park nears completion, the buzz is getting stronger.

"It is going to be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for many people," said Jean.

"I keep a box under my bed with newspaper cuttings about the Games. I'm going to make sure my grandchildren get that box? Can you imagine the fun they are going to have taking it all out?"

Her efforts were rewarded when she was granted the Freedom of the City of London earlier this year.

Jean, however, does not believe her job should just be painting a pretty picture of Newham.

As well as showcasing the success stories in the area, she tells tour parties about the challenges facing the borough.

She said visitors appreciate her honesty about Newham's crime and deprivation problems, including in Plaistow where she lives.

The mother-of-two said: "My family are very proud. I have always been quite outgoing and energetic.

"I'm promoting the area where I have been living. I want everyone to know about us.