.1111
...Celebrity Protection & Tour Security
...Providing physical security designed to
...meet the threat to individuals or groups
...working within potentialy hostlile
...environments.

CASE STUDY
GREENWICH FOUNDATION
JUNE 2009

The Client
The Greenwich Foundation has been established as a registered charity to look after the Old Royal Naval College's magnificent buildings and grounds for the benefit of the Nation. On the grounds host a variety of events attracting thousands of visitors to the site. Defensa staff supplied the security and stewarding for the “Henry VIII” event held within the Old Royal Naval College grounds.

Event History
With the departure of the Navy from Greenwich in December 1998, responsibility for the Old Royal Naval College passed to the Greenwich Foundation, which had to signed a 150-year lease in July of that year. With vital assistance from the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Department of Culture Media and Sport, and the Ministry of Defense, a major £34-million programme of works was undertaken to convert the buildings for their new uses and to complete an initial repair programme.

The Henry VIII Days was created To celebrate the 500th anniversary of Henry VIII’s accession and coronation, inviting the public to visit the birthplace of Henry VIII and the former site of Greenwich Palace, the Old Royal Naval College for a weekend of Tudor-themed festivities.

The event, organised by Greenwich Council, was part of the Story of London celebrations and was a free event suitable for all the whole family. This event was part of a month-long celebration of the city's past, present and future, which took place throughout the whole of June 2009. Organised by the Greater London Authority in partnership with a host of organisations across the capital, it was aimed at tourists and Londoners alike, with events and activities in every borough.

Our Solution
Defensa were pleased to have been awarded the security and stewarding requirements for such a prestigious client. Due to the demographics of this event ,customer service played an important role ensuring the event was a safe and pleasant experience for all attending.

Event Build & Break
During the build process Defensa security staff integrated with the in-house security at the Old Royal Naval College, all event vehicles were searched and directed by Defensa staff allowing the in-house staff to carry on with normal duties. Our staff also protected all concessions and event specific areas where expensive equipment was held. These staff lived on-site for the duration of the event build, strike & break.

Show Days
Defensa created a security control room along with senior site management to coordinated the security for the event in accordance with the client’s requirements. Staff were deployed in the following roles; crowd safety stewards, event response teams, access control, bar and licensed area security with a management team overseeing the safety of the 20,000 members of the public within the grounds. Defensa have since been asked to act as the security consultancy for all future events to be held within the grounds.

Results
The event not only due to the sheer numbers it attracted but with the indepth attention to detail regarding the history of Henry VIII created an enjoyable weekend for all the family. It offered a wonderful opportunity to learn first hand about Henry and Tudor life.  The event gave individuals and families the opportunity to Meet Henry VIII, Catherine of Aragon and members of Henry’s court; watch his mounted hunting parade and his master falconer challenge each others’ hunting abilities; cheer on their favorite knight in foot combat; join in Tudor dancing and feast at a Tudor food court in the extensive grounds of the College. Defensa are looking forward to working with the Greenwich Foundation again in 2010.