Indeed a series of encouraging reflections could be drawn from our conversations.
'That’s it! A defensive buffer! It works! I knew a history degree would have some uses!' The triumphant call of a young open-air bar manager who, after two days of constantly adjusting to the weather, found the table formation that he needed. The layout that attracted and held onto sufficient numbers of racegoers to keep his young team busy.
'That disabled toilet is in the wrong place' commented a litter picker whose normal job is as a disability rights adviser.
This was typical of many conversations amongst the thousands of workers across the Knavesmire.
A crowd of seasoned professionals accustomed to large scale events supplemented by an army of casual employees; local job seekers; students and young people from around the world; office workers and professionals taking holidays in order to work as litter pickers or tote operators.
A group which included more than 50 St John’s Ambulance volunteers per day, working up to 12 hours at a time with professionalism and good humour.
In conversations with racegoers we had to admit our limitations. Despite any presumed special relationship with the Almighty we could not influence the weather, and if we could pick a winner would we not be better dressed and in the Royal Enclosure?
Natural conversations within large, good natured crowds happy to be at ease with one another. And we also played our part as photographers for a number of group shots.
As a chaplaincy team we were pleased and proud to be able to make our small contribution to the great success of the week. We also learnt a lot which we hope to put to good use in future large events. To that end I must say it was one of the most enjoyable training courses I have ever attended.
Colin Hockridge
Royal Ascot York 2005
Royal Ascot since 1711
So read the signs on York Race course as for the first time in almost three hundred years the meeting needed a new location.
It was also [as far as we know] the first time that a chaplaincy team has been part of this magnificent event. York Workplace Chaplaincy with local churches, supported by Rev. John Boyers and Rev. Mary Vickers of SCORE [The Sports Chaplaincy Charity] provided an on site team from 10am to 6pm for the whole five days of the meeting.
This was a first in many ways. There is no tradition of chaplaincy support to York Racecourse, none of the team members had any experience of this style and size of event, and the crowds of more than 50,000 a day broke course attendance figures.
Perhaps the uniqueness of the event spurred us to action. Some exploratory talks had already taken place with York racecourse with regard to chaplaincy provision for regular meetings.
York Workplace Chaplaincy provides support to the city council so we know the officer who worked with the Ascot team, and my colleague Chris Cullwick has been chaplain to York City Football Club for many years and is a member of SCORE. Chris was, then, able to present realistic proposals to the Ascot team who were very receptive and welcoming.
A team of eleven chaplains [six female five male] worked in pairs on four hour shifts walking the public areas. Mobile phone contact was maintained with the course office, and we were able to respond effectively to specific requests.
I suspect a sermon or two may be drawn from the story of the ticket tout who crossed himself at the sight of a two clergy team; from the two young waitresses who had never heard of Dicky Bird; or from the calm acceptance of an outside caterer unable to trade due to wind and rain, yet able to see within 200 yards thousands of potential customers.
