MORE than 20 organisations have joined forces in Dorset to orchestrate the smooth running of the sailing competition and associated events for the London 2012 Games.

The London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games has been described in organisation and resource terms as ‘the largest single project undertaken in the UK for over 70 years.’ A series of working groups in the county, collectively known as the Weymouth and Portland 2012 Operations Group, have the responsibilities of transport, visitors, culture, health and safety, communications, safety and security and volunteering.

Key contacts for each of the groups will be bringing insight to their activities through a weekly column in the Dorset Echo.

Here’s Jacqui Gisborne, regeneration and tourism officer at the borough council, who has a communications role within the Weymouth and Portland 2012 Operations group: WITH just 484 days to go to the London 2012 Games, preparations in Weymouth and Portland are gaining pace.

Progress is being made on development of the Chesil Beach Centre extension, with architects and engineers drawing up detailed plans for work to start in the early autumn, with a view to completion by summer 2012.

Supported from the Heritage Lottery Fund and other public and private finance, this long awaited project will be a good 2012 legacy Portland and its many visitors.

Last week saw further interest in Osprey Quay, with a focus on marine business opportunities, as the Wessex branch of the British Marine Federation met at the sailing academy to hear about Games time plans and to see regeneration projects underway, following site visits to Furzy Cliff and the seafront.

Discussions about health and safety on the proposed Weymouth beach Live Site and Port management demonstrate the wide range of planning issues that have to be considered for the anticipated number of visitors to the Borough in 2012, by both land and sea.

Local businesses may be interested to learn about the 2012 advert regulations that will be in place locally, during Games times.

The regulations which are designed to prevent ‘Ambush marketing’ are currently out for consultation.

Demonstrating how the ‘Olympic Family’ comes together...three journalists who will be covering Rio 2016 were hosted in the Borough - they were fascinated to see the Olympic sailing venue in operation and to see the impact of regeneration projects and legacy benefits already being achieved.

To keep up to date with the latest local news to host the sailing events for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, sign up for a free e-newsletter at www.dorsetforyou.com/dorset2012 Finally some readers may be watching BBC 4's spoof on the Olympics ‘Twenty Twelve’...the script writers seem to be on the ball as some of the incidents are rather too close to reality!!