Former Camden mayor Barbara Hughes signs up to be London 2012 Olympics volunteer
Thursday, 1st March 2012
Published: 01 March 2012
by TOM FOOT
THERE was romance in the air in 1948 when a young Barbara Hughes walked hand-in-hand down Wembley Way with her boyfriend to watch marathon runners at the last London Olympics.
More than 60 years later, the 81-year-old, who went on to become Camden Mayor three times, wants to make sure London 2012 is just as magical.
She has signed-up to be one of Camden’s volunteers, helping tourists and promoting “events”.
She said: “I remember going to the last London Olympics.
“I was taken by my boyfriend, he was Greek Cypriot – my father wasn’t very happy.
“I remember he was very excited about it – I think the Greeks won the marathon and he was thrilled.
“We’d just been evacuated from Parliament Hill School. It was easier being 17 then than it is today, though.”
Ms Hughes added: “I’ve always been interested in the Olympic Games ever since.
“We’ll be giving out information at certain sites: Holborn, St Pancras and Inverness Street.
“We will be the eyes and ears of people’s problems, making people feel welcome.
“If you’re in London, I think people should get involved.”
Camden Olympic volunteer applicants must “be comfortable with fairly long periods standing or walking”, be “proud to represent Camden Council and have a “positive, can-do spirit”.
Anyone aged over 18 can apply and applications should be in by June 2012.
To download a form visit www.camden.gov.uk/welcometheworld or call 020 7974 6457.
