Simeon Brody
It's a buy time of year for entertainers, as there's more work happening than in the spring or autumn, so I'm working every weekend and occasional weekdays. I've also got quite a lot of paperwork, replies to booking letters for gigs coming up later in the summer, and the rain means that the garden is growing well, mainly the weeds and hedge, so things to do there. Then there's my usual composting collections too. But I'm under pressure because as well as these, I've volunteered myself into the position of main organiser of York Green Festival, which takes place on 29th July, and there's such a lot to do. My main problem is doing the risk assessment.
I should be good at risk assessments, as I have an Environmental Health qualification, and we did RAs, and I do one - in my head - before each of my performances as 'Professor Fiddlesticks' at children's parties and family festivals. I did a written one for the British Juggling Convention for a parade of 1000 jugglers through York a few years ago, and was told that the Police said that it was a good one. Risk assessments are really important, as if you take care of health and safety, with this at the top of the agenda, and you have a healthy and safe event, everyone has a good time. If something goes wrong which could have been prevented, everyone will remember the event for all the wrong reasons. It is important to remember that risks can be reduced but not eliminated, and that H+S is part of being 'Green and Sustainable' as accidents and incidents waste money, resources and even lives.
So I was disappointed to have my first attempt at a risk assessment rejected by the boss of Festivals in York, being told it was nowhere near acceptable. So I've been working hard on it, putting in a 'method statement' and trying to work out a schedule and stewarding plan... this is the first festival I've organised and I haven't got a lot of help. I cannot complain though, as I thought York needed a Green Festival and I've done most of the organising so far, with assistance with the websites (http://ygf2007.blogspot.com/ and www.myspace.com/yorkgreenfestival) and fundraising (the Co-op have come to our rescue!) and a few other bits. I like a challenge! I love festivals, and look forward to this one...
Many of the best things in life are connected with volunteers and their work. You know that if someone isn't being paid to do something, but they are doing it for the love of it, then it's a bit more special than if it's just someone's job. Volunteering is very satisfying too, it gives people a better quality of life... even though I'm not feeling this very much at the moment, just under pressure to deliver and keep the show on the road!
My 'Green Tip Of The Week' is to offer to help someone who's doing something worthwhile. They might be very grateful, and you might feel really good. It's worth a try!
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