Jim doesn’t miss a beat at the Olympics

Stewkley resident Jim Munro, was one of the chosen few who took part in the spectacular opening ceremony of the London Olympics. The musician was one of an army of volunteers who was recruited to play the drums at both the opening and closing events that were watched by millions around the globe.

Here he talks about his unforgettable experience -

Standing there In my position on the night of the opening ceremony the realisation that I was about to take part in the most amazing show on earth finally hit me.

I had my first audition in February after answering an add in a national newspaper and was chosen as a pandemonium drummer and a secondary role as a drumming martial in the opening ceremony .

We had a fantastic team behind us, from Rick Smith, our music director, to Mike Dolbear, our drum teacher, who never lost patience with us and would mould us - a 1,000 people from all corners of the globe and all walks of life with Danny Boyle’s amazing vision - into a co-ordinated team that would play to the world .

After months of rehearsals, sometimes in the rain, and two dress rehearsals in front of family and friends, still nothing prepared me for the moment itself.

The exhilaration I felt as we hit our first beat, that reverberated around the stadium, and silence of the audience, was palpable.

The roar from the arena, as we hit our last beat and as the Olympic rings burned overhead, is a memory that will live with me for the rest of my life.

I had the joy of following the athletes around the track while drumming out dancing rhythms, the lighting of the Olympic flame and welcoming the world to London.

It was an amazing journey and I met some brilliant people there. Standing in the rain, and the endless bags of sandwiches, was worth every minute and more. For one moment I was in the greatest show on earth.

Related topics: