A GRANDMOTHER has shared memories of the 1948 London Olympics and her views on 2012, as part of a research project to be archived for the future.

Marian Bedding, of Middleton Avenue, Chingford, recalls when she was 11-years-old, helping her mother and uncle to make security arm bands for the marshalls, stewards and first aiders working during the games.

The 71-year-old said: “There were no visibility jackets in those days, and security was nothing like today, but volunteers had to wear arm bands.

My uncle was a printer and my mum a machinest, so he would print them, I would put them together and my mum would sew. They were everywhere, all over the house.”

Mrs Bedding’s memories have been captured on video to form part of the 'East London Lives 2012' digital archive project being run at the University of East London, which is creating an oral history of the 1948 Olympics and studying how the 2012 Olympics is affecting people today.

The project leaders are seeking Waltham Forest residents with memories of the 1948 Games, or views on the 2012 Games or Olympic Legacy to take part.

Mrs Bedding recalls the 1948 games as uplifting people following the hardship of World War II, but said there was much less “hype” than today.

“We had no television in those days so there was less interest generated,” she said.

“It didn’t sink in what was happening because it wasn’t promoted so much. And we didn’t go to watch any of the games because we couldn’t afford it, money was very tight.

“But it gave most people a lift after the War, something to focus on. And it gave a lot of people, like my family, work.”

The former legal secretary was also asked about her views on 2012 and said she has mixed feelings overall about whether people from Waltham Forest and the four other host boroughs will benefit.

She said: “What concerns me is about what will happen afterwards. Possibly there will be a beautiful park but unless it is maintained it could become derelict.

“I just hope that afterwards people will be able to use the sports centres at a reasonable cost. To think of all that money being spent and there is so much needed in our areas.

“It gives everyone a boost, that is great, but I want to know that people will benefit from it afterwards.”

Project manager of East London Lives 2012 digital archive project, Dr Mary Smith, is appealing for more Waltham Forest residents to share their memories or their views on London 2012 or the Olympic park.

She said: “It’s really important for us to capture what local people think and learn about East London and the Olympics. We really enjoyed hearing Marion’s story and her connection to the Games in London and would really like other people to come forward.

“It can take five minutes or an hour to tell us what you remember or think, whatever time you have.

“This is a unique opportunity to become part of London 2012 history and to let us know what you think about the Games. This kind of project hasn’t taken place before in a host city and this is a unique opportunity to have your voice heard and recorded.”

For more information on East London Lives 2012 visit: uel.ac.uk/ell2012/ or telephone: 8223 2276