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Olympic Partners…

WSM partners got into the Olympic spirit on the day of the opening ceremony for the 2012 Olympic Games by accompanying the torch on its final day downstream on the Thames from Hampton Court to Richmond. The Gloriana looked splendid as she set off with the flame in the early morning light whilst our partners Gavin, Simon and Paul and their guests Justin Roche, Paul Wood, and Ian Page were gasping for their first cup of coffee upon the New Southern Belle, chartered for the event by Merton and Kingston chambers of commerce.

Our vessel took up the lead position ahead of the Gloriana and we all clambered onto the roof section to wave our flags and bunting at the huge crowds lining the river banks all the way to Teddington lock where we became close enough to exchange banter with the land-lubbers on either side of the narrow waterway.

The champagne flowed as the Olympic Flame passed us to port at Richmond  accompanied by great cheers and a heavily listing boat as all on board moved across to share the sight and capture the moment on their smart phones. A large flotilla of smaller rowing boats and accompanying Police and RNLI craft followed in the Gloriana’s wake as we turned to return to Kingston Pier. What a tremendous start to our normal Friday morning – we should do it more often!

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amanda Menassa

Amanda graduated from Brunel University, with a joint honours degree, achieving a BSC and BA degree in Leisure Management and Television and film studies. Amanda started her career in a customer service role before joining the hotel group Le Meridien as an Events coordinator, she was in the hotel industry for seven years and during her time won an award from a major international airline for her outstanding attitude and dedication to customer service, which she achieved while working for the Rezidor hotel group in the position of Airline Crew Manager. Amanda has over 20 years experience in customer relations and event management.

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