2003 Complete Diary
TRAINING DAY 1 march 12th 2003 Thursday
Arrive 8.50 am
The day went very well mostly learning the past history of Alton towers and what we can as staff
offer the company. Loads of team working involved in this day which was hard work but got
through it ok.
12.30pm dinner..
1.30pm back
more about Alton towers how we can create magic moments for the customers.. made some real
good friends that day
day ended 4.pm
TRAINING DAY 2 13th march 2003 Friday
Arrived 8.45am
Today is going to be customer service day learning how to cope with complaints and aggressive
people
9.30am we were handed out a booklet to fill in through out the day. We were put into teams again
and some team working skills.
10.30am break
11am back to learning so much to take in but very interesting
12.30pm dinner
1.20pm back to learning, now we were on about aggressive customers and then on about how we
can make them happier by the staff being happy. Rest of afternoon was loads of learning and very
intense
End of training day 2 at 4pm
Training Day 3 Saturday 22nd march 2003
8.45am start
Well this is the vital training day and tomorrow will learn where im working and whom I will be
working with
9.30am it all starts we are put into groups yet again and handed some paperwork and for the first
2hrs playing silly games to get to know each other
11.30am had to go and walk round the park finding some answers to a list of questions.
12.30pm back and then dinner
1.30pm back to learning. Did some more group work this was to see how we each act within a group
environment?
2.30pm some paperwork
3.pm filled in a question air about the day and asking for our views
3.30pm home time
Training Day 4 March 23rd Sunday 2003
Not used to doing anything on a Sunday so im bit tired today lol
8.45am arrived there
9.30am we all had to go into the park and form a big circle and greet everyone so we got to meet
the rest of the staff, strange but it worked
10.am back inside and we were put into a new group and had to come up with a commercial about
a product this was tricky but working within the team it went very well.
11am break
11.15am back to more paperwork and then we were split up and had to go to the areas we were
going to work in and we were shown how the arcades work in ugland and then taken to merry
England and shows the arcades there and games. Was very interesting
12.30pm dinner time
1.20pm back to training area. Had to do a few more hours of teamwork
3.pm we were spilt up again and we were finally told where we were working and we had to go to
the area and learn about the games. UG LAND GAMES ASSISTANT ahh well should be fun
4.pm the end of all the training
The start of my working at Alton towers
As you will gather I can not go into much detail about the training days and also when I start my
diary I wont be able to go into every detail about 80% of the job will have to remain out of my
diary, the main info will be the best I can to describe the daily events..
April 5th (Saturday)
I should have started today but they changed my day to Monday 7th which is a good job as its
going to be busy there on the first day..
Day 01
April 7th Mon 2003
Started work 12pm at UG LAND was put straight on a game called Soakasourous think that’s how
its spelt ill correct spelling when I find out.
It’s a game with water balloons there are 4 targets each with its own catapult where you put your
water balloons then you try to hit the target opposite you and if you have a mate he or she can
be standing there getting soaked. Its good fun but the worst part is as being a staff member I
had to fill up the balloons with water think I got soaked more times than the customers.
Tomorrow I should be starting on the microphone so that’s going to be interesting.
The end of day 1
DAY 02
April 8th Tuesday
started at 10.30am today, was put onto the barn in ugland where they have the rock shot and
sabertooth shy The rock shot is one where u have to throw balls into certain colour holes and each
colour represents a certain size prize, the sabertooth shy is slightly different you have 4 balls
floating in the air and you have bean bags to through at the balls to knock them off the stream
of air. I was shoved in the deep end and had to watch both of them until about 12.30pm.
12.30pm had dinner break
1.10pm was put back onto soakasaurus till about 3.15pm which was ok
3.35pm was put onto the basketball game on Ug Land which I kind of liked was bit quiet though.
5.20pm had to go into the soakasaurus and fill up some balloons for tomorrow.
6pm caught bus back
End of day 2
Day 03
April 9th Wednesday
Started today at 12pm which was nice.
Straight away I was put onto yet again soakasaurus think I know that game like the back of my
hand lol.
3.15pm finally got my break lol
3.45pm was put onto the basketball game again but this time it was busy and im getting my
confidence slowly and its only been 3 days, think by end of next week ill know all the games and
be able to operate each of them feeling confident.
6pm caught bus home
End of day 3. (Only 212 days left to do)
DAY 04
April 10th Thursday
10,30am start again which isn’t bad so my first game to go on was of course sokasauraus yet again
which was quite busy as some of the schools have broken up.
12.30pm after dinner break I was put onto sokasaurus yet again lol lol they must think I love that
game
3.40pm after 2nd break I went onto basketball where it was very busy indeed.....
Park closed at 5.30pm today and staff bus 6pm.. So left ug land at 5.50pm and got to bus stop
at
5.55pm so I made it
Went to Sainsbury’s after to do some shopping..
END OF DAY 4
Day 05
April 11th Friday
got weekend off which is nice
12pm start today so should be ok.
12pm guess where im working again lol Soakasaurus well there till about 4pm then spent the last
hour in the barn on rock shot and sabertooth shack luckily this time there were 2 of us on there.
5pm the rides closed
Managed to get to bus stop at 5.25pm which was relaxing lol
DAY 06
Monday April 14th 2003
Started at 10.30am
Well quite busy but nothing to strenuous lol more soakasaurus and basketball through the day.
Not much else happened really rides closed at 5.00pm
DAY 07
Tuesday April 15th 2003
Started 12pm
Defiantly deciding on transferring to merry England find it a bit lonely in ug land and think im
coming down with a cold
Was on basketball and helped out on bungee jump collecting money off customers
Not much else apart from the last hour 5pm till 6pm I was sent to merry England which I loved
DAY 08
Wednesday April 16th 2003
Started 10am
Told Chris I want a transfer to merry England so he asked the other line managers
Went up to ug land to start work and chatted to Bart and the others and went on basketball..
at 10.30am Chris came up to me and asked if I wanted to spend the day down merry England so
I said yes just to see what its like.
was first put on tin cans, then after dinner went onto grab a bag which is the most boring job but
you get to see and chat to some nice women there as everyone walks through there past grab a
bag. Then after my break went onto the tin cans which was way to busy. The whole day went real
slow and seeing as the rides did not close till 6pm I was not finished till 6.50pm so the day really
dragged on so I have decided not to move to merry England.
DAY 09
Thursday 17th April 2003
started yet again at 10am but was glad to be back in UG LAND Chris was taking over yet again
as Bart is off and my cold is getting worse my throat is starting to hurt.
Another day on sokasaurus and basketball that seems to be my main job now but the day went
fast which was nice.
DAY 10
GOOD FIRDAY April 18th 2003
Started today at 12pm which was a very good job as it was bloody busy
Was put straight on basketball but everyone seemed to be winning which is a pain in the but as
we won’t make any profits this way. After dinner went onto ug basher for the first time which
was not bad but my voice was all croaky due to this cold so I was only on there for 30mins then
went onto sokasaurus for rest of day the rides closed at 6pm
NIGHT TIME..
My soar throat is real bad hope it gets better by Sunday or ill has to ring in ill Sunday
Went to Zanzibar with some of the Stafford staff at Alton towers Joanne and Emma were there
the two girls who I met at the main interview.. And one lad who came along also. Was a good night
danced the night away and had a real good laugh. Emma is real nice and so is jo but she has a
fella. Stayed there till about 2.10am
DAY 11
Easter Day Sunday 20th April 2003
Was supposed to be working today from 10am till 6.30pm so missed out on 8 ½ hr wages I rang
in ill this cold is really pissing me off I hope im back in tomorrow
DAY 12
Wednesday 23rd April 2003
Went back to work today, the day went real well and I was missed
Were real busy about 18,000 people in the park..
DAY 13
Friday 25th April 2003
Day in again and even more people in the park and it’s full of kids
Was put on Bungee jump taking money and weighing people which are real good fun.. And easy
Rest of day was in soakasaurus and helping other staff
DAY 14
Monday 28th April 2003
Well a good start to the day it’s raining like mad. And my job starts at 10.30am. I was put on
soaka for a few hours where I took £30 and it was raining. After my break I was put onto Bungee
Jump for the rest of the day and to me it was the best day at work so far
DAY 15
Tuesday 29th April 2003
10.30am again and were straight on soaka for 2 hrs then was put onto UG BASHER as they are
training me on microphone. Then after my dinner I was in Cred Street all day which I loved as it
was empty there so I ended up chatting to the other staff up there.
DAY 16
Wednesday 30th April 2003
Start at 12pm.. First thing I was on at 12pm was Cred Street where the tweenies are lol. The
morning started off quite nice and warmish.. But by the time my break had started it started to
rain. I went on break with Tasha.. After my break at 2.30pm I was put onto basketball. It
started to poor down with rain and I had to stand there at the basketball.. It even started to
thunder as well. Then I was put into the barn with rock shot and sabre tooth shy which was better
as it’s indoors.
I ended up finishing at 5.30pm so had 1hr to wait for bus and got home about 7.20pm which was
nice.
DAY 17
Thursday 1st May 2003
Start again 12pm Start of shift went ok was put on rock shot and sabertooth shy could not get
many people to play the games but I tried.. Then I was put onto the basketball which did better
then after my dinner break at 3,30pm I was put onto extreme games the bungee jump and bungee
run where I spent the rest of the day and I really enjoyed myself..
Got back to Stafford and managed to vote on time which was a bonus lol
DAY 18
Friday 2nd May 2003
Start at 10.30am.
Rained all day which was a pain but made the job more fun and challenging, we still had about
5,000 people in the park which was not bad. was put straight on to the rock shot game and had
to use the microphone to get attract the peoples attention to come play the game.
I also had my first review with the line manager just to see how im getting on and gives the chance
for the line manager to tell me what im doing wrong and needs for improvements.. Im doing ok and
not much to improve on which I am happy about.
So far this week I have started to enjoy the job a bit more not like a few weeks ago when all I
could think about is quitting.
Next week will be busy as its bank holiday Monday and then tue and wed is going to be busy to
DAY 19
Monday 5th May 2003
Well a bank holiday Monday as most people get paid tipple time we don’t we only get £4.35hr as
the entertainment industry don’t get paid extra time.. 10am start and the park closed at 5.30pm
so a long day and did not get home till 7.30pm Was put onto Extreme Games all day which I liked.
the bungee jump and the bungee run taking the money and chatting to the customers all day... a
nice easy day.. there were about 9,000 people in the park..
DAY 20
Tuesday May 6th 2003
A 12pm start today but good news park closes at 5pm was put onto basketball and bungee and
soka today so a varied work load lol
DAY 21
Wednesday 7th May 2003
Well a whole month working at Alton towers who could believe it lol
started at 10.30am and straight onto basketball as we were short staffed, Chris the line
manager for the day gave me some magic miles for all the hard work.. I was sent to open cred
street for the first time, I ended up staying up there all day which was nice because I bet it was
a real nightmare in ugland with the short staffed. I also had to close cred street which was
another task but with Stuarts help I did it..
DAY 22
Thursday 8th May 2003
Started at 12pm which was nice but was put straight onto Cred Street which was ok but annoying
as I did that yesterday. managed to work 4hrs none stop without a break as they were short
staffed.
apart from that a good day chatted to loads of people which was nice. and was a sunny day and
5,200 people in the park..
Rides closed 5pm so got home 7pm
DAY 23
Friday 9th May 2003
Started 10.30am and ended up on Bungee Jump and run again today all day which was relaxing..
loads of kids from Scotland and Ireland were there, over 5,200 people in the park
DAY 24
Monday 12th May 2003
started at 12pm and was put on rock shot and hover ball all day..
Got my tickets for tomorrow’s family and friends evening won’t be a staff bus till 9pm which is a
pain but at least ill be in park having fun.
DAY 25
Tuesday 13th May 2003
Started at 10.30an went straight on cred street which was nice and relaxing then at 1pm I was
on my first break for 40mins.
came back 1,40pm and went straight onto bungee jump and run, it started raining off and on so
the jump and run were closed then open every time the rain started and stopped. Had my second
break at about 4pm then after that I went down to soka till 5pm then spent 30 mins trying to
close ug basher lol
6pm start of Family and fun night nearly got the 6pm bus home but missed it so went into park
hoping the 9pm but was going to turn up. was good fun there, met up with Joanne and hung around
with her for the rest of the evening. went into ug land and met up with Bart and Chris and stu
lol brought some chips and milk shake and sat eating them in ugland which was nice as in working
hours we cant do that lol.
8pm left the park and went to HQ till bus comes, me and Joe were wondering if the bus was going
to turn up lol then at about 8.30pm Simon turned up and so did Kristy and then James and luckily
the mini bus turned up which was nice.
Got home 10pm so today was away from Stafford 7.40am to 10.pm = 14hrs 20 mins
only paid from 10.30am to 5.45pm 7hrs and 15 mins
well over all had a good day so I aint complaining well not much. thank god ill be home by 7pm
tomorrow lol
DAY 26
Wednesday 14th May 2003
Started at 10.30am
Started on the basketball which I like. had a good laugh with the other staff members on the
other games. had dinner break at about 12.30pm then came back and was put onto the UG
BASHER which I normally try to avoid but today I loved it. I managed to cope ok but a few weeks
ago I hated it. the only one now I aint been on is the DINO DERBY but soon ill be put on it. after
I get trained on that then I have been trained on all games so I should like the job more.
the rest of the afternoon I was on sokasaurus but had no customers there so that was easy.
A nice sunny day rained earlier.
DAY 27
Thursday 15th May 2003
started at 10.30am. was put straight onto basketball again which I did not mind. had quite a few
customers mainly women which was fun. had dinner then back but was put onto sokasaurus with
kerry which was also good as I aint worked with her for a few weeks so gave us chance to have
a laugh and chat. then she had to go so I was left alone for the next 2 hrs filling balloons up and
waiting for my break lol. I managed to get my second break then after that I was put on the
barn. Bart the line manager then made me in charge for the next 15mins so I had full control over
the staff lol I did enjoy it. then after that just helping staff close then home so a real
interesting day
DAY 28
Friday 16th May 2003
Start today at 12pm but rides close at 6pm so wont be home till 8pm.
well a good day and a brill week at work for once. I enjoyed all the work and the week went quite
quick, today it was raining all day and I was put straight onto the basketball and then after my
dinner I was on soka which was very busy even in this weather, then another break and then on
ug basher till about 6pm. some real good people in the park today, there was about 12,000 people
today.
This morning on the staff bus when we got to work the police were searching the buses for staff
members with drugs, 2 of our staff were taken off the bus, they were not arrested but some
others off other busses were sacked.
DAY 29
Monday 19th May 2003
Start at 10.30am the start of week 7
Well woke up this morning and was very ill so phoned in sick, I must go in tomorrow need the wages
or ill struggle to pay rent.
DAY 30
Tuesday 20th may 2003
Went to work and everything was ok I started at 12pm, then started work and felt all dizzy but
I managed to survive the day.
Was on sokasaurus then after break was put onto ug basher where it started to poor down with
rain the rest of the day..
DAY 31
Wednesday 21st May 2003
woke up this morning and my cold had gone from ok to worse over night, so had another day off
which I cant afford really so hope im better for tomorrow, if not then im going to doctors.
spent day in bed nearly all day. until about 6pm then went on net.
DAY 32
Thursday 22nd may 2003
Went to work finally, started at 12pm the rides closed at 5.30pm. started off in cred street
which was ok but very busy as there were loads of kids around, on school trips. After my break
I was put onto the barn, rock shot and hover ball which was ok. there was around 11,000 people
in the park today and about 6,000 of them were school kids on a trip
DAY 33
Friday 23rd May 2003
Started at 10.30am, was put onto cred street but as soon as I opened it I had to shoot it and
come back to ug land. was put on the most depressing game of the area. the lucky dip game. aka
lucky dippy saurus.. was on there all day apart from breaks of course, made altogether £138.00
on there which I hope was ok. nothing much else happened today had a laugh and did not have any
nasty customers which was nice. just loads of parents with the kids.
rides closed at 5.30pm.. got home 7.30pm
TONIGHT BIG BROTHER 4 STARTS ON TV,.......
DAY 34
Monday 26th May (Bank Holiday)
Working today and the start of a school holiday week so going to be busy
Started at 12pm the only 12pm this week, weather was ok for once, not much rain till later in the
day. was about 11,000 people in the park
DAY 35
Tuesday 27th May 2003
Started at 10am, Bart was in as normal. was put onto basketball for the first bit of morning, the
weather was warm it started raining a little but it stopped then nice rest of day. was put onto
ug basher for a few hours, then after rides closed I left UG Land at 6.50pm only leaving me
10mins to get bus which I just about made. was slightly pissed off.
DAY 36
Wednesday 28th May 2003
Started yet again at 10am Chris was in and so was stu..
was put on ug basher all day from 10am to 4pm had break between that though, but caught bad
sunburn which was irritating, then to make things worse Chris sent me down to Merry England at
4.30pm till 6.50pm which I hated but at least a bit more pay I guess. just made the bus again..
DAY 37
Thursday 29th May 2003
Started today at 10.30am started ok, opened up cred street which was cool then after dinner
break bumped into Chris at HQ, went back with him on sky ride. was then put onto lucky dip.
after second break I was asked to do the accounts, counting all stock everywhere, at this point
I felt sick and nearly was all over the stock but managed to get some of the job done, then was
sent to soka to fill up balloons. managed to get to bus stop at 6.30pm lucky the bus was a few
mins late or I would have missed it. so far so good, but I need to sort out how im going to get
home if I miss the bus as its bound to happen one evening.
Also today Alton towers had a special visitor Adam Woodyatt who plays Ian Beale in the UKs top
soap Eastenders
DAY 38
Friday 30th May 2003
Started again at 10.30am was a very good day for a change and very busy. Started on Cred
Street, which was very busy then after dinner back on cred street, then after second break was
on basketball which was very good fun. Last thing was a pain though at 6pm some Russians started
spending about £40. on the basketball they were annoying but they spent all the money so was
good in a way. they only won 3 snakes so we made a profit. got home about 8pm
DAY 39
Monday June 2nd 2003
Start of new week and now start at 11am..Not a bad day, started on basketball had loads of
customers then in afternoon went onto lucky dip for the rest of the day, we only now get 1 break
for dinner and that’s it as the rides close 5pm every evening apart from Friday when its 5,30pm
DAY 40
Tuesday June 3rd 2003
Started at 12pm today, spent all day at cred street which was a nice change, all day there as
well.. rides closed at 5pm
DAY 41
Wednesday June 4th 2003
started at 11am barts last day as line manager as he is on holiday till next Thursday. spent all
day on Extreme Games, (bungee jump and run) a real good day had loads of fun and made a new
female friend named Rachael she is nice and seems pleasant.
DAY 42
Thursday June 5th 2003
Started at 12pm not much exciting happened was put onto Ug basher, and the barn, not the best
of jobs but kept me busy. rides closed today at 5.30pm
DAY 43
Friday June 6th 2003
Spent the day yet again on Extreme Games but today it was real busy did over £500. which was
cool. but now they are changing the prices lower to make more people go on it. was real busy also
had to use a microphone but after 10mins the battery dies on me lol. park closed at 5.30pm
DAY 44
Monday June 9th 2003
Started at 11am but thought it was 12pm lol so I lost 1hrs wages.. was put onto cred street
which was ok but boring
rides closed 5pm
DAY 45
Tuesday June 10th 2003
started at 12pm today which was correct. was put onto lucky dip for the day which was good fun.
rides closed 5pm, it was very busy today also
DAY 46
Wednesday June 11th 2003
was put back onto cred street again but only for the morning. did ok but could have been busier.
the rest of day I was put onto extreme games, then back on cred street then sent to court yard
which was new to me. was put onto dragons duel, bit like dino darby but with water pistols, and
then moved onto token toss until I had to get bus so earned some more wages lol.
rides closed today at 5.30pm
DAY 47
Thursday 12th June 2003
Well started at 12pm again and was put onto cred street as Chris told me that when I go there
it makes the most money. was there for 30mins then it got very busy and was visited by the
gypsies which was a nightmare as I had to watch them and they were conning me like mad, and
tried to steal some teddies and I was on my own,. this made me wound up for hours. told Chris
then he put me onto basketball which was busy but I was happier, then I swapped on lucky dip and
was even happier lol so at least I went home not wound up lol
rides closed today at 5,30pm, did the cred street accounts at end of day which was very nice and
I avoided going to soka to fill up baloons, I have to admit Chris the manager on this day is brill
he listens and is a good friend, and seems to understand how I feel about the work and what probs
I have with the job, just wish Neil was so understanding lol..so that’s another day over and done
with lol.. tomorrow is fri 13th so god knows what will happen..
DAY 48
Friday 13th June 2003
started at 11am not a bad day bart was back from holiday so he was in charge again.. luckily he
was in a good mood. I was on lucky dipp all day.
rides closed at 5.30pm
DAY 49
Monday 16th June 2003
Been at Alton towers now for about 10 weeks Bart was in and so was Chris so the day went ok.
it’s the last week of the 5pm rides finish, so it’s going to be busy from next week onwards. Was
put onto Lucky Dipp and the weather was quite hot
Jordan was on the park so another famous person to visit the park.
DAY 50
Tuesday 17th June 2003
yet another day and my hay fever is playing up and the heat is bit to much, was put onto Lucky
dipp again which was ok I made about £139 today another hot day but we did have a nice rain
spell
rides closed at 5pm
DAY 51
Wednesday 18th June 2003
middle of another week yet again lol was put onto Ug Basher all day and made about £269 from
11am till 5pm. had a good day really, think im getting used to the microphone on ug basher.
rides closed again at 5pm.
DAY 52
Thursday 19th June 2003
started at 11am and had to spend the day on X-Treem Games Bungee jump and run. was ok
Rachael was there so had someone to talk to and chatted to some of the customers. slowly getting
used to using the microphone there as it’s more scary as there are about 1,000 people walking
past quite often but im getting used to it.
my hay fever is still playing up so need to get some tablets and an inhaler for the asthma.
DAY 53
Friday 20th June 2003
Phoned in and had day off so I could get to doctors to get my tablets and inhaler, did nothing
much else apart from pc
DAY 54
Monday 23rd June 2003
Started at 11am and went straight to Cred street for the day had to put up with the tweenies
which was fun as im starting to get used to the area allot more now.
DAY 55
Tuesday 24th June 2003
Spent the day on X-Treem Games (bungee jump and Run) coped alwright with it which I likes also
used the microphone allot more.
DAY 56
Wednesday 25th June 2003
So far this week its been hot and I started today at 12pm was put onto lucky dipp then in soka
for the last hour or so, met a few new staff members today some are real nice so got to get used
to them. also one of my mates working there has handed in his notice so it’s his last day Friday.
DAY 57
Thursday 26th June 2003
Started to open up cred street with Kerry but then I was asked to come back to UG LAND where
I was put onto barn, I had to shout and get people to have practice shots on the games, worked
well for a short while, then I was put onto soka the rest of the day. nearly ended up in Merry
England but managed to get out of it.
DAY 58
Friday 27th June 2003
Started today at 9.30am as I was helping the managers set up a new game near the black hole.
took about 1hr to move the things which was a laugh. so got paid from 9.30am to 6.30pm which
aint bad. was put onto UG Basher first then was on basketball rest of afternoon then was put onto
barn then back onto basketball lol and it was soaking wet as it had been raining on and off all day
so got home clothes soaking wet still
DAY 59
Monday 30th June 2003
Start of yet another week and a very wet day indeed. started at 11am and was put straight onto
cred street well until about 1pm then had break. then after break was put onto barn with the new
rock shot game which is not bad, then I was put back into cred street to close it up.
DAY 60
Tuesday 1st July 2003
Not even half way through the season and its coming up to the summer holidays. started at 11am
again and today Bart was in charge started early than normal but was not paid for it, had to help
Chris broad. was put onto barn all day which was strange as the new game took a bit to get used
to after yesterday.
DAY 61
Wednesday 2nd July 2003
Was put onto UG basher all day which was an experience I will never forget, got used to the
microphone which is a bonus can now call people across without being embarrassed which is a big
thing lol. made over £450 all day which aint bad as it was a 6pm ride close
DAY 62
Thursday 3rd July 2003
Was put onto barn all day and had to go out into ug land street and shout and call people across
and offer them practice shots on Hover ball which was ok for once as I didn’t mind. don’t know
how much I made but was ok I hope, Chris was in charge and helped collect the cash boxes and
clean the barn. also found out that im working my first Sunday so that’s going to be an experience
ill never forget lol.
DAY 63
Friday 4th July 2003 INDEPENDANCE DAY USA
Started at 11am Bart (Neil) was in charge started off in cred street in the morning and took over
£25 in 2 hrs which was pretty bad so luckily I was on UG BASHER after my break which I am
starting to get used to. in fact I like it on there think im ready for Dino Derby on the next quiet
day. Im defiantly getting used to the microphone there and my confidence is getting stronger
which im very happy about.
DAY 64
Sunday 6th July 2003
Had to work today from 11am to 6pm so going to be a long day. started off on lucky dip and wow
was it busy, people everywhere didn’t know who to ask to have a go at the lucky dip. there were
around 18,000 people on park so not really that many but it looked busy to me. had break and
then went onto Ug Basher for the rest of the day and I loved it lol loads of people playing and
spending money. I did survive till 6pm and was happy that I worked a Sunday gives me the chance
to see what it could be like in the summer holidays when it’s going to be busy every day till sept
3rd.
DAY 65
Monday 7th July 2003
back to normal and an 11am start and a 5.30pm finish. was on cred street first thing which was
nice after yesterday was on there till about 2pm then had my first break, then was put onto
basketball then after second break was on lucky dip for an hour and took loads of money. then
helped out on soka. was a good day and so far a good few days
DAY 66
Wednesday 9th July to August 2nd days 94 to 216
Due to certain circumstances I had no pc so could not get onto net to update my diary, I apologise
but here are some of the things that have happened within them 30 days..
I now am going to stick out the job till nov 2nd, the week before the summer holidays was very
busy as there were loads of school trips, but the first week of the holidays was very quiet and
the weather was rainy and sunny.. im more confident on the microphone and I like the job
better..
DAY 95
August 1st Friday 03
Way past half way now working at Alton towers and things are going ok, only a day left till I get
the week off which I am looking forward to..
August 2nd 2003 to August 10th 2003
The week off well exactly 8 days lol so me happy, did loads on the week and luckily my pc was
sorted out so was back on net in the week. managed to get some sort of social life back again,
but the week went to fast and ill soon be back at work, I did get offered another job but I turned
it down as I want to continue at Alton towers.. the week was very hot and had the hottest
weather ever so was glad I was not working this week, also it was my 34th Birthday on the 4th
august which was fun..
DAY 96
August 11th Monday
Back at work and start at 11am wonder what the day will bring.. the day went ok was first put
onto basketball then was put onto hoopla and coconut shy which is new. the day went quick and
loads of nice friendly customers had a very good day..
DAY 97
August 12th Tuesday
Started at 11am yet again today I started in cred street but only for about 1hr then after dinner
was on Hoop-la and coconut shy yet again a repeat of Monday the weather was bit to warm and
was on the game from 1pm to 5.30pm within 2 hrs I had a headache and hated it there.. was glad
to get on the staff bus.. the boss has changed our start times yet again, now we start at 10am
instead of 11am he wants to see if we can make any more money in that hour, but with the 7pm
finish coming up its going to be long days 9hrs work that’s £4.25hr x8 = £34. x 5 = £170. which
is allot better than the £140.00 im getting I suppose.
DAY 98
August 13th Wednesday
Was ok started 12pm and finished at 6pm nothing really exciting happened
DAY 99
August 14th Thursday
Was put onto Hoop-la and Coconut shy yet again then onto barn and basketball.. looking forward
to tomorrow day off
DAY 100
August 16th Saturday
First Saturday I have worked at Alton towers... was put onto Hoop La at 11am and did not get
a break for 5hrs 45mins which is bad as it was sunny, then was put onto basketball then onto
barn.. did £4,200 and 12,970 people in park
DAY 101
August 17th Sunday
Another day and another weekend vanished lol, was on Extreme Games all day and the first day
of the 7pm close so got home about 9.30pm.. did £979 on extreme games so get magic miles for
that and games did £4,200 again so making budget perfect.
DAY 102
August 18th Monday
Broady yet again as manager today I started at 12pm which was not that bad but was put onto
basketball then hoop la till the end of the day, just about made budget today
DAY 103
August 20th Wednesday
yet another 7pm finish arrggghhhh but at least I have Friday off. Bart is back at last and it’s
a 10am start.. was on basketball then hoop-la most of the day, was not busy either which made
a change
DAY 104
August 21st Thursday
Another 10am start but today went real slow because I know I have tomorrow off.. spent most
of the day like yesterday on basketball then hoop-la but when I was on hoopla it was hot and had
no water which made it pretty bad.. still less people than yesterday
DAY 105
August 23rd Saturday
Another weekend working which I hate but at least we had Bart instead of Chris today as
manager, bit of a quiet day customer wise, did basher, basketball, barn today which was not bad
DAY 106
August 24th Sunday
Sunday’s nooooo I never want to work a weekend again. well today was even quieter than
yesterday, but was happy as I got bank holiday Monday off and then after sept 1st it’s back to
5.30pm’s yippeeee.. ok loose out on some more money but it’s the hours.
Day 107
August 26th Tuesday
Back in at 10am Bart was in not feeling to well.. spent most of the day on basher and hoop-la.
yesterday they had only 8,300 in the park and today must have been busier like most bank
holidays, they don’t come in on the Monday but come in on tue and wed thinking its going to be
quieter but it aunt. thank got that this time next week its back to 5.30pm.. these 7pm’s are going
slow and by 6pm time goes slower. Jo is back on the bus I have missed her as she has been on
holiday the past 2 weeks
DAY 108
August 27th Wednesday day 150 of 216
Start at 12pm...
DAY 109
August 28th Thursday
What a bad day to work at Alton towers, it was raining all day and I was outside all day, basher
then basketball then basher again and as well as being wet it was very cold so by 5pm I was
shaking with being cold and could not use the microphone. so not a very good day.
DAY 110
August 29th Friday
the last day of me working the summer holidays hurraayyyyyyy... so no more 7pms for me till the
end of October. today went very well, started on hoop-la and then after dinner basketball then
lucky dipp..
DAY 111
September 1st Monday
back to the 5.30pm ride close today.. was still busy though as some kids were still off school for
a few days, we had about 12,000 people on the park.. was on hoop-la for the morning then on
basketball the rest of the day so was not that bad
DAY 112
September 2nd Tuesday
Another 5.30pm and still busy must have been about 10,000 people on park... loads of kids still
causing trouble.. was on basketball then cred street then basketball today..
DAY 113
September 3rd Wednesday
Now back to the 5pm ride close which is going to be strange.. today we had just 5,300 in park
which was a shock.. was on basketball then in the barn the rest of the day..
DAY 114
September 4th Thursday
Was an ok day Borady was in charge.. hardly any customers in the park 4,900 that’s all lol.. so
by 4pm we were trying to find some customers to play on the games..
DAY 115
September 5th Friday
Was yet another quiet day in the park. was put onto cred street then basher which was good fun
then the last hour was on Hoop-la but I survived lol
DAY 116
September 8th Monday
Another week and only 7 weeks to go till end of season.. only about 7 members off staff every
day this week as it’s a B gate which means about 3-6,000 people on park each day.. today we had
5,600 which were not bad.. cred street and hoop la was closed today.. had to spend the last 2
hrs in merrie England which was not too good
DAY 117
September 9th Tuesday day
another day and today we had 5 staff lol so cred street and hoop la closed again. 5,200 people
in park.. was an ok day but spent all day on UG BASHER..
DAY 118
September 10th Wednesday
Graham was in charge today which was cool as he is a good laugh.. and tasha likes him loads but
she got sent to court yard though.. today about 4.900 people on park which is pretty poor..
DAY 119
September 11th Thursday
Broady was in charge and being a pain as usual.. he is a good friend but a pain for a boss.. was
sent to black hole arcade and games as 4 staff did not turn up and one walked out lol.. was on
floor walking then on black hole basketball which was a nightmare then on plate smash which was
better then for the last hour and a half back on floor walking, not a bad day really.. at least I
was away from broady..
DAY 120
September 12th Friday
Bart is back in charge which was nice.. was on basketball then basher then barn then back on
basketball which was nice think there was about 5.300 on park today..
DAY 121
September 15th Monday
Starting all this week im in at 11am and we finish 5pm every day.. just 6 weeks to go until
finished. had a new started Sam Coffey she seems ok.
DAY 122
September 16th Tuesday
Yet another day and Bart is in charge and stu has come back from hol.. mainly on basketball but
the weather is kind of warming so uncomfortable.. things are ok just looking forward to the end
of season fireworks and Halloween.. had another starter lol Amy and wow she is nice..
DAY 123
September 17th Wednesday
Bart and broady in charge today which makes a change. was shifted around from game to game
a bit to cover breaks.. not a bad day
DAY 124
September 18th Thursday
Graham is in charge today which is ok but think im going to be sent to somewhere, luckily I was
not sent anywhere.. mainly on basketball and basher..
DAY 125
September 19th Friday
A real good day in ug land first thing was someone had to go to x-cite games so Bart asked us
to think pick a number and when he came back in the office he said a number and who ever that
number was got sent, and Dave Finney got picked.. anyway I tried to go for the £20. on Ug
Basher but only made about £220. should have done £300 to get the bonus but hey I tried and
Bart was impressed with what I made.
DAY 126
September 22nd Monday
Started at 11am the day was a B gate so expecting about 6,000 only got about 4,200 hoop la and
cred street were closed again this week.. was put onto most games but at end of day was sent
to merrie england which was ok I suppose
DAY 127
September 23rd Tuesday
Was supposed to start at 12pm but went up early so started at 11am was on Extreme games which
were cool as I aint been on there for ages..
DAY 128
September 24th Wednesday
Im sure I got the 216 wrong lol ill have to check it out.. started at 11am was on basher all day
which was fun.. finished at 5pm and was sent yet again to merrie england. which was ok..?
DAY 129
September 26th Friday
it’s another 12pm but lucky I got there at 11am as I stated at 11am.. was on basher all day made
about £222 all day 5,400 people on park and was busy so was a good day
DAY 130
September 27th Saturday
Working a Saturday noooooo I don’t do Saturday’s lol.. but it was good fun.. met up with loads
of people I aint seen since summer hols.. well was on Basketball then after dinner UG BASHER
made over £365 which was busy as there was over 16,000 people in park which was very busy..
DAY 131
September 29th Monday
these 5pm’s close are getting rather depressing, now we are only getting in about 3,500 a day in
the week.. and cred street is closed and so are hoop la and soka so only a few games for me to
go on for the day
DAY 132
September 30th Tuesday
Basketball and basher lol that’s all I been on today,, they have sussed out a new system to send
people to merrie england they put our names in a box and someone picks out 3 names and they have
to go.. suppose its fare
DAY 133
October 1st Wednesday
Only one month to go and the cold weather has started to arrive which is a pain but we will have
to get used to it.. was sent to merrie england with the new system of picking staff..
DAY 134
October 3rd Friday
Working the next 3 days which is a pain.. did ok on the games was on Extreme Games all day which
was fun I miss it on there all my friends are there working on it..
DAY 135
October 4th Saturday
Again was on extreme games but Bart did not turn up till 10.10am so started a little late but had
another great day on king six.. it started to rain so had to go back to ug land for 2 hrs till it
stopped was put on soka and ug basher till it cleared up..
DAY 136
October 5th Sunday
Broady was in charge so I chose extreme games again which got me away from him.. it rained
again but this time I stayed with the staff on king six lol
DAY 137
October 7th Tuesday
Back to work again the weather is cold now which is nit very good to work in and all we had in was
2,400 and was sent to merrie england agian which was not bad
DAY 138
October 8th Wednesday
Was on basher all day was not good lucky broady went up to merrie england instead of me. did
rubbish money wise
DAY 139
October 9th Thursday
Today was ok got on better with Serena the one from New Zealand who I like... was on basketball
and basher then end of day merrie england.. on the way home on the bus a bird hit the front
window and made a nasty crack in the screen, we all jumped.. was the highlight of the journey
DAY 140
October 10th Friday
Nearly the weekend which is nice.. England plays Turkey tomorrow so going to go to mates to
watch it.. was on basketball all day which made a change Bart was on today and so was stu the
main boss.. did ok on basketball could have made more money but had a good day laughing and
getting on with other staff.. the journey home was more exciting today though as when we got
to utoxeter the bus completely broke down. so we had to wait for an Alton towers bus to come
and pick us up lol we got home about 8pm..
DAY 141 TO 144
Monday October 13th to Thursday 16th October days
another week of A gates which should be fun. Was mostly on Ug Basher and basketball all week,
nowt much happened so I have compressed the whole working week into one sentence lol...
DAY 145
Saturday 18th October
working another weekend but this weekend is the start of the Halloween spooktacular at Alton
towers which is going to be good. had broady ion charge today which was ok as stu was here also..
10am start and a 7pm finish but ug land closed at 6pm so had to help out in office.. was on ug
basher and basketball and barn today so had a variety, also was nearly trained on Dino Derby
which I want to avoid lol.. walked to HQ with broady at the end of the day and it was pitch black
but looked so nice going to have to take some photos before I leave..
DAY 146
Sunday 19th October
only 2 weeks to go so in face the days left are wrong lol it should be 216 not 229 ohh well ill
change it.. was working again today saw my final week rota.. I got next weekend off and working
mon to fri but not the final two days so im going to ask about working them.. would like to do oct
31st then nov 2nd have a days break from fireworks.. anyway broady was being his usual bad self
as he was in charge once again and he won the £50.. was on ug basher and basketball all day..
DAY 147
Tuesday 21st Oct
Back at work today and what a start the bus was 1hr late and when I got there at 9.50am I had
to go straight to work as we started at 10am.. the day went ok Serena managed to get a lift with
Simon so at least she got to work.. and I saw the last week’s rota.
Sunday not working, Monday not working, Tuesday - thu 10am - 7pm, Friday 10am till 9pm.. sat
off. sun last day 10am - 10pm
DAY 148
Wednesday 22nd oct
Was an ok day started at 12pm so went to green room to find people to talk to.. was put onto
basketball and ug basher then was sent to merrie england from 4pm to 6.30pm.. ride closed at
6pm.. met a nice couple in the morning chatted to them they were real nice.
DAY 149
Thursday 23rd Oct
was put onto extreme games which I liked then after 2 hrs was sent to court yard games and was
there all day.. was on token toss all day
DAY 150
Friday 24th Oct
The last day of the week and the next 3 days off.. was ok was in Ug Land all day, was put into
sokasaurus for the first time in ages and the water was freezing cold but closed it after 2 hrs
then was on basher till dinner then was in barn then back on basher lol so did a mixture..
DAY 151
Tuesday 28th Oct day 211 of 216
back in today at 10am not so bad really now I have heard about what fireworks is like.. I was on
basketball and basher all day and it started to get dark at 4,30pm so by the time 6pm came it
was really dark at the ug basher and was very creepy but cool.. i certainly like Alton towers in
the dark..
DAY 152
Wednesday 29th Oct day 212 of 216
not long now till the end of this diary.. was yet again put onto basketball in the morning then
basher again at night just like yesterday.. at least it was not raining today..
DAY 153
Thursday 30th Oct day 213 of 216
only 3 working days left inc today.. was put onto basketball then was on basher then cred street
then helping stu with the paperwork as broady was not in as he was ill and Bart had his day off.
today went very well I think.. I enjoyed it.. also today was the day the 50 scousers were in park
the juveniles, but they did not cause any hassle as far as I know off..
DAY 154
Friday 31st Oct (HALLOWEEN) day 214 of 216
((most haunted live on living TV hope mate records it for me))
Bart should be in today..
Well the start of my very first firework day working here, the morning went ok started on
basketball there were two of us there as it was quite busy.. then after my dinner was on lucky
dipp which is a very poor game indeed.. by about 1pm it was very busy in the park. then after my
second break I was on ug basher until 6pm and ug land kept getting busier and busier all the time..
after 6pm I was knackered but was sent to merrie england to work the rest of the evening, did
not like the idea of going down there to work but had to.. at 7pm the fireworks started and wow
they were good, I took loads of photos within 20mins and took loads of photos through out the
day of the ugland game staff.. I ended up finishing at 9,15pm so worked from 10am to 9.15pm
= 11hrs 15mins that’s about £50. in wages and I got to do it all over again on Sunday. but I have
to admit the buzz I got from watching the fireworks I did not mind working there till 9.15pm..
the staff bus was at 9.30pm and got home 10.30pm..
DAY 155 (FINAL DAY)
Sunday Nov 2nd day 216 of 216 (FINAL DAY)
Well what a day, started at 10am handed in my other spare uniform and took a spare set of
clothes.. was put on basher all morning which was not bad, took some photos this morning of tasha
and Stacy which was very nice,, also one of Amy coffee.. after dinner I was on lucky dipp then
after break was in barn then basketball.. managed to stay in ugland all day and not get moved
anywhere which was nice. finished at 6.30pm and went to HQ for the rest of the 3hrs.. got
changed then handed in the rest of the uniform.. on the bus back everyone was taking photos of
everyone and we had a good laugh.. I managed to get a few photos of Serena and Kristy which
was nice. also tonight before fireworks will young was on the signal 1 stage singing...
That’s the end of season 2003 at Alton towers now all that needs to be done is wait till next
season when I will be back there hopefully..