We wish a fond farewell and happy retirement to our longest serving member of staff, Head of Security, Dan Blyghton who has been at the QEII right from the start.
His keen eye for detail, keeping up with the latest trends and dry sense of humour have all been key to keeping the building, clients, delegates and staff safe during this time.
We asked Dan to talk us through some of his highlights and most memorable moments from his time at the Centre and to find out about his plans for retirement.
What was your role when you first started working at QEII, and how has that role changed over the years?
I started as a security guard supervisor in 1985, having previously worked at no.10 Downing Street before being promoted. I used to work on the airport-style security we had at the entrance, but that was relaxed after the Good Friday agreement and the scanners were taken out. They were brought back when 9/11 happened, but now we’re just as vigilant without being as in your face and now as head of security I’m responsible for all operations.
You’ve been part of QEII right from the beginning – how do you think the centre has changed and developed in that time?
We’ve become much more commercially successful, there have been great upgrades to the building in recent years which is down to the management team and Mark’s vision. The original design for a government centre wasn’t really feasible for a commercial centre so we’ve had to create back of house areas, cloakrooms and storage spaces. Furniture was expected to stay in situ, so different layouts and how spaces could work wasn’t considered, which it is now.
What have been some of the most memorable events that have been held here?
We’ve had such a huge variety of events here, from hosting EU summits to hosting the BBC Sports Review of the Year for nine years, which was always a great event. It was held in the Churchill with drinks on the 3rd floor, then a BBC staff party afterwards. Getting Paul Gascoigne out of the building was quite a challenge after he’d had a few, with all the autograph hunters waiting out the front.
For many years held the after-parade reception for the Association of Jewish Ex-servicemen and women (AJEX). One year I met a guy who escaped Nazi Germany, joined the British Army, went back to fight, was captured and sent to Auschwitz. He escaped from there, and then went back to fight again with his unit, which was an incredible story. His friends brought him along to the event here and I spoke with him after lending him my phone to call his son.
What’s the most challenging scenario you’ve had to deal with?
There was an invasion by the campaign against the arms trade in the 80s, where we had protesters laying down in the foyer that had to be removed. They were suited and booted and had come in to ask for a show round before beginning the protest, that one was challenging
In all the time you have worked at the QEII, what’s the most unusual thing you’ve seen or heard?
In 1990 we had the Scottish Rugby squad race through our security scanners at 3am – crawling through the scanners in their kilts, worn traditionally!
What did you love most about working at the QEII Centre?
The variety of the job and the fact that no day is ever the same. Each day we get different delegates and events in the building, and they all have their own unique safety and security needs.
What were your greatest achievements at the QEII Centre?
I would put this down to one single achievement that covers my whole career. Despite some close calls we have maintained a safe and secure environment.
What will you miss most about the Centre?
The camaraderie and friendships you make. The staff all get on well and it feels a bit like a family, especially with some of them having been at the Centre almost as long as I have!
What is the most amusing situation you have come had to deal with at an event?
At the BBC Sport Review after party, I came across a couple engaged in oral sex and had to remind them that the lift lobby was not the most appropriate place for this.
What are your plans for retirement?
Make the most of the time I have to myself, especially indulging my Grandchildren!
I have some projects lined up including converting part of my garden to grow fruit and vegetables and I am also looking to take a more active role with my branch of the Royal Marines Association to collect for our various charities.
But most of all I’m looking forward, as a pensioner, to holding up queues of busy people by asking inane questions of bus drivers and supermarket checkout staff.