Things have come to a head, such that my colleagues who regularly volunteer with me are choosing not to return to the British F1 race. Not that anyone involved with the running of the event appear to give a toss
@scuderiaferrarif1.bsky.social @freemanlowell01.bsky.social

To be honest I was left feeling miserable. We treat our animals better. It seems to me that as far as the organisers were concerned we are a necessary evil. And it as not as if the drivers can be bothered to wave a simple thank you from their cars as they pass us.

Yet, if an incident occurred on or near your post, as it did for me, we are unable to call on or act on that experience as our every move and action is controlled centrally - and you can imagine how long that takes and the additional risks and delays it creates.

To qualify as a marshal for the British GP we are expected to hold a certain grade and have marshalled at a fair few events in the same calendar year. So you need a proven level of capability to be able to volunteer.

Food was provided, which was very thoughtful of the organisers, however the service was chaotic, with long queues often in the torrential rain and the food tent was, you guessed it, filthy - absolutely covered in discarded food containers.

Then there was the ludicrously few showers and toilets available, that were beyond filthy by as early as Friday evening. When the showers worked, they were invariably out of hot water.

Any sense of security (for belongings left unattended for long hours while we were on post) was completely undermined by finding members of the public walking freely through the campsite. Security guys were not unknown to have the odd fight amongst themselves, often while we were trying to sleep.

This is what I experienced. A campsite that was chaotic, with no structure or organisation, resulting in a free for all between marshals, security, race makers etc.

And they always caveat this with - “Go try it for yourself, make your own mind up”. So in 2024 I did just this - volunteering for the entire weekend, arriving on the Thursday before the event.

Too often we are treated with contempt and complete disregard for our own capabilities and indeed our own welfare. Let me give you an example. The British Grand Prix is frequently spoken of in less than complimentary terms by my colleagues.

As someone who has spent several years on the bank, I still find it shocking that the appreciation expressed above does not seem to extend to some of the biggest race event organisers.

Gosh!

No way!!! I was born on the following day!!
Almost twins!!

Love your style

🧡🧡🧡

See - told you