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Issue 4

July/August 2010

NKDC's can! 10

Can refuse trucks fly?

The magazine for NKDC staff

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atnkis your magazineatnk is produced by the NKDC Communications Team for all Council officers and is available in electronic or print format. The cost of producing the magazine is offset by advertising from local businesses.

If you or your team would like to appear in the next edition please contact: Communications@ n-kesteven.gov.uk 2467 Communications Team North Kesteven District Council District Council Offices Kesteven Street Sleaford Lincolnshire NG34 7EFPrinted by:

The views and advertisements within this magazine do not necessarily reflect the views of their employing authority or their organisation.

Printed on 100% Recycled Paper

insideA fitting tribute to a much-loved staff member has been unveiled 6

A day in the life of Policy & Performance Manager Esther Watt 7

Our refuse operatives join forces with the RAF 8

NKDC Tennis Championships report 12

What's on guide 14

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We all know that the times ahead will be tough with the Chancellor prescribing a number of bitter pills that we may all have to swallow.

In his drive to ensure public finances are brought back into balance, George Osborne outlined a number of measures in his emergency Budget statement in June.

NKDC Chief Executive Ian Fytche wasted no time in trying to make sense of the message, but said it could be months before the implications are clear.

Meanwhile there will be staff consultation events for everyone to discuss

future priorities. They will take place in the Council Chamber, Sleaford, on July 19 and 20 at 2pm; on August 3 at 10am; and there will be a future event in Metheringham.

The impact of the announced tax increases and spending cuts will affect everyone:>> A two-year pay freeze for public sector workers earning over £21,000 from April 2011, with £250 for those earning less than £21,000 in each of the two years.>> A spending review to be announced on 20 October with average cuts across Government departments of 25% over

four years from April 2011. >> Government policy developments related to benefits; council tax; planning: regeneration and economic development: standards; waste management; housing; public sector pensions; sport, arts and culture.

NKDC Chief Executive Ian Fytche told atnk: "We don’t know yet what this means for NKDC.

"In recent weeks, Alan, Karen and I have been working with Executive Members, Heads of Service and Unit Managers to ensure we are ready to meet the challenges that lie ahead."

NK issues response to the BudgetTough times ahead, but we're all in it together

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12News

The watchwords

for 2010 might be 'change', 'transition', 'deficit' or 'England...1...Germany...4'!

The new coalition government is moving to introduce new policies, focused on localism, public service reform, political reform, deficit reduction and economic recovery.

At NK we are working on scenarios and options for members to consider in the autumn, recognising that it will be a challenging time for everyone.

Alan, Karen and I recognise that many people will be concerned about the challenges that lie ahead. Our commitment is to ensure that everyone has the chance to have their say, and that the process is fair, open and transparent.

In the meantime, we can be confident that NKDC is delivering excellent services which make a difference for residents and

businesses across the district. This gives us a

strong base upon which to build over the next few years.

Ian Fytche

Imagine a summer’s day on which millions of us sit down to have lunch together – in the middle of our streets, at community venues and common ground.

It’s called The Big

Lunch and it is taking place on Sunday 18 July at any time and place to suit you.

Last year’s was a huge success with more than 8,000 lunches involving almost one million people.

People came together with food, music and decorations they grow, cook, or make themselves to break bread together.

Fancy a Big Lunch this summer?

Those members of staff who also live in the District may have noticed a difference in the way their newsnk is being delivered.

The June edition was the first delivery under a new contract that directly employs local people to walk door-to-door.

This is a more effective and efficient service giving more complete coverage (99.8% delivery success in June) than previous distributor

(80%) and reducing environmental impact while supporting the local economy.

With NK being such a spread-out district,

a small percentage of copies are delivered – as previously – by the Royal Mail as this is more sustainable and cost effective than having an agent driving a long way with just a few copies.

As ever the Communications Team, who produce newsnk, want feedback so we can improve the service. If you have comments email: communications@ n-kesteven.gov.uk

Reduced costs, 99.8% delivery success and reduced environmental impact for council paper

New distribution for NewsNK

thebiglunch.com

News

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Pat-Test LincsCompliance made easy!

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Two health charities close to the heart of North Kesteven District Council’s new chairman are her choice for support during the coming year.

Councillor Mrs Sue Howe aims to raise money for Diabetes UK and Candles, a charity set up by two Skellingthorpe cancer survivors to support the pioneering work of Prof

Oleg Eremin at Lincoln Hospital.

Cllr Howe said the Candles founders’ £500,000 success in five years was inspirational and the importance of raising funds for cancer awareness was illustrated by the brave battle of the late Cllr Mrs Duncan.

Mrs Howe’s mother had been diabetic for 46

years and while work was progressing to find a cure it was ‘important to raise funds in the hope of making that breakthrough’, she said.

Cllr Howe has identified eight events towards her fundraising aims, with an NK Proms night on 23 July. Tickets and details can be obtained from the Chairman’s Office.

New Chairman names her charitiesFollowing the General Election count in May, Acting Returning Officer and NKDC Chief Executive Ian Fytche has praised everyone involved.

Ian said those engaged in the run-up, on the day in the 89 polling locations, and at the count where 56 counters flicked through 59,609 voting slips had done ‘a fantastic job’.

Praise for Elections staff

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News

Record-breaking attendance at this year's DiscoverNK stand

Battery boxesA box for recycling old batteries is now available for staff to use for dead batteries and is located in Business Support.

Guidance updateChanges have been made to the Summary Child Protection Guidance which sets out procedures for where staff may be concerned for the welfare of a child they may encounter during their work. The full guidance can be found on the intranet.

'Eco' your houseThe Sustainability Team is offering the use of an energy monitor for free for a month. The monitors show you how many watts of electricity any particular appliance is using and how much that costs. Contact Bonnie Fricker or Diane Jarvis for info.

In Brief

The sky really was the limit for North Kesteven as RAF Waddington’s record airshow attendance learned more about the services and schemes the Council provides for residents and visitors.

In addition to the NKDC stand, which was promoting the DiscoverNK brand, scores of children made

badges and general issues were discussed with the public – the four refuse trucks servicing the airshow were used as a form of marketing on the move.

The Council has launched a 'The Sky’s the Limit' branding campaign in association with RAF Waddington, which offered a high impact reinforcement of

the Council’s commitments.Over the two days

more than 1,000 people visited the NK stand which was staffed by Tourism, Countryside Access, Sustainability and Communications Officers – and where despite the long hot feet-aching hours much fun was enjoyed by all. The sky's the limit p8

NK soars at Waddington Airshow!

The radiance of former customer services team member

Bernadette Gordon continues to shine at NKDC with the dedication of a stained glass panel in her memory.

The series of panes pieced together by the Reflections Stained Glass Group from Heighington has been

placed within the big window at the central staircase leading up from the Sleaford offices’ reception.

When she unveiled it, Council Chairman Cllr Sue Howe talked about

Bernadette’s sunny disposition.

“As in the window there can be stormy skies, but like Bernadette the sun will always shine through,” said Cllr Mrs Howe.

She detailed how the red was reminiscent of Bernadette’s lipstick which she was never without, how she was like the light which shone through.

Bernadette, from Heckington, was a

popular and highly regarded member within customer services. Since she lost her battle against cancer three years ago, the team has worked to raise money for a trust fund for her children.

Members of her family, including her children, were present as were her parents and members of the Reflections group who created the commission, including Fred Footitt who at the age of 90 returned from a heart attack to complete his panel.

Reflections was set up in 1995 with assistance from ArtsNK and nurtured by Nick Jones and his team.

A fitting tribute to former a much-loved customer services member has been unveiled at NKDC offices

Heart of glass

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NKDC officers; Chairman Cllr Howe; the Reflections Stained Glass Group: and

Bernadette's family unveil the window

“Like Bernadette the sun will always shine throughCllr Mrs Susan Howe

Feature

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If ever there was one person who has her finger on the pulse,

ensuring the corporate health of the Council is in good shape, it’s Esther Watt, Policy & Performance Manager.

There are many strings to Esther’s bow, as she oversees scrutiny of policy and decisions; carries out research for Task & Finish groups; manages performance information; co-ordinates roll-out of Performance Plus; involves herself with external assessments; surveys and consultation; and she now has oversight of Equality & Diversity.

Somehow among all of those conflicting demands she maintains a cheery smile and encouraging manner.

Scrutiny is a key area of work for Esther and her team in the Policy

Office. This basically involves close liaison with the three Scrutiny Panels made up of the 37 Non-Executive

Members and the Task & Finish groups set up to probe specific topics.

On performance, Esther manages all of the information on indicators, ensuring relevance and accuracy and compares achievement against targets. Performance Plus "is my new toy", she says, which she is introducing to help managers input and process information and flag up areas of underachievement.

She also has oversight of the Viewpoint Panel – the 1,200 residents

whose views are sought on various services and subjects – of the many surveys that go out from the Council and of the wider ResearchNK function which next year will step up a gear for the 2011 Census.

Sounds exhausting? "It's a varied role – but I love it!" she says.

Policy & Performance Manager Esther Watt has her finger on the pulse of all things corporate

A day in the life

Feature

Esther Watt

Feature

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Members of NKDC's Refuse Team and RAF Waddington's 8 Sqn

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NKDC's refuse team teamed up with the RAF for an unusual photoshoot

Joining forces

Imag

e: St

eve H

ill

As part of a new campaign to promote council

services, refuse vehicles will be displaying some radical new billboards over the summer months.

The campaign was launched at the Waddington Airshow on 3-4 July, where NKDC provided its usual refuse and recycling services.

The Waddington Airshow is the RAF’s largest airshow – which this year saw visitor numbers in excess of 150,000.

With a heavy presence at the two-day show, NKDC refuse trucks advertised the amazing service they provide, while also pledging support to the country’s armed forces by carrying a surprising advertising campaign line on their vehicles.

The photoshoot was produced in partnership

with RAF Waddington, who provided an E-3D Sentry AWACS aircraft for the occasion; as well as pilots from 8 Squadron free of charge.

Tourism is a large part of North Kesteven’s economic development, as is aviation, so the Waddington Airshow was the perfect opportunity to launch the campaign and show visitors from around the world what we’re made of.

Communications Manager Pip Batty said: “We had a great time working on this campaign – it was hard work getting it all organised, but it all came together in the end!"

The refuse vehicles at the Waddington Airshow looked fantastic with the new posters on the side, and were well-received by the public – as well as service personnel at

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Continued p10

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Feature

RAF Waddington and beyond. Station Commander Richard Powell was particularly impressed with the posters as well as the Refuse Team's usual stellar service over the weekend.

The focus of the campaign is to celebrate the work of the District Council’s refuse operatives, as they really are the heroes of the council, providing the one service everyone recognises as an NKDC service.

It is hoped that the campaign will

also be used to encourage recycling at the District's many RAF bases.

RAF Waddington Station Flight Safety Officer, Flt Lt Kev Booth, said: “Promoting this campaign in time for the Airshow is a great way of combining the message

Take to the skies: one of the final poster designs, which will be displayed on the side of NKDC refuse vehicles over the coming months

Continued from p9

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Tourism Marketing Officer Laura Meadows tells us about the things she couldn't be without

Desert Island Discs

Music1. Guns and Roses - Sweet child o' mine 2. Newton Faulkner - I need something 3. Black Eyed Peas - I gotta feeling4. Katie Tunstall - Suddenly I see5. U2 - With or without you6. Queen - Don't stop me now 7. Shania Twain - You've got a way8. Meatloaf - Two out of three ain't bad

BookDan Brown's Digital Fortress

Luxury ItemPhotograph of me, my partner Rob and my cat Tula!

What would you have picked? Communications@ n-kesteven.gov.uk

to dispose of rubbish responsibly and stressing the importance of flight safety.

"These fantastic posters on the sides of the refuse trucks were a great reminder to all our Airshow visitors to dispose of litter responsibly”.

Keith Burns, the Station’s Environmental Officer, said: “RAF Waddington is delighted to help our local council to promote this very important community matter.

"Like all our local RAF bases, as a good neighbour, we take the business of refuse and recycling very seriously”.

The photoshoot went off

without a hitch, despite the huge amount of variables in play. At one point there was concern the shoot would have

to be abandoned due to a jet having to land on the runway we were on!

The Communications Team would like to thank to all involved in ensuring the photoshoot went smoothly, especially Nina Camm, the team from the Metheringham Depot and RAF Waddington.

“We're delighted to help NKDC promote this important matterKeith Burns, RAF Waddington

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Sports

Mike ' Nadal' Lock and Luisa 'Sharapova' McIntosh

stormed the NKDC Annual Tennis Championships to win on 28 June.

Forging a cross-departmental alliance after her elevation to Corporate Strategy, Mike and Luisa regained their TennisNK crown.

The mighty pairing won the inaugural fixture before being knocked out in 2009’s first round. So this year, despite the departmental divide, Mike and Luisa were back for vengeance.

Outstanding efforts from NKDC staff were thwarted by the powerhouse of 'LockIntosh', who went on to win the final match in a nail-biting final against Victoria Allen and Neil Christian.

The match was not without its controversial moments. On more than one occasion Alan

'You cannot be serious!' Thomas stormed off court in protest of an umpiring decision; while during the Communications Team's game, Mike Lock tried to distract the competitors by heckling them.

With Alan's temper under control, and some serious-looking pre-match team talk, Team CMT's strategic approach to the match defeated Janet 'Venus' Williams and team mate Neil 'Suntan' Pope, just back from his honeymoon at the Quarter Final stage.

The tension was palpable as Semi-Finalists Emma Maplethorpe and Luke Sims crashed out during a highly dramatic match.

Former winner Ian Fytche was unable to defend his title due to an unforseen incident involving a fast-moving cricket ball and his foot, and spent the

match in the Royal Box eating a ham sandwich.

His former tennis partner Victoria Allen displayed some of her previous sporting finesse by making it to the final with new partner Neil Christian.

But they were no match for the lean, mean, ball-hitting machine of 'LockIntosh', who won 7-3.

With characteristic dignity and poise, victorious Luisa – the only player to be a partner in two teams – said it had been an ‘absolute pleasure to work across departments’.

“I think it’s the only way forward in striving for world peace and harmony,” she said.

Thanks to the match's organiser John Gibson, for such sterling umpiring.

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Staff channelled their inner-Navratilova to turn out in style – some more than others – for the annual NKDC Tennis Championships

Game, set and match!

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Events

Let's Play Records!The Hub, Carre Street, Sleaford, NG34 7TW17 July - 4 AugustThis exhibition uniquely uses vinyl records as a platform to revive social exchange through exciting and innovative projects. LPR! will explore album art and vinyl record collecting. thehubcentre.info 01529 308710£ Free

Djembe Drumming ClassesNorth Kesteven Centre, Moor Lane,Lincoln, LN6 9AXEvery Tuesday African drumming workshops for both children and adults will be led by Njega Sohne. Various prices apply. 01522 883311

Lincoln Summer GalaBrayford Waterfront, Lincoln31 July, 10am-6pmThis year's gala will feature children's activities, music and dance acts, boat races, craft stalls and much more. lincolnbig.co.uk/events

SO Festival 2010, Skegness22-25 JulyDon't miss the magical flying drummers that are Transe Express to Plasticiens Volants and their parade of gigantic inflatable sea creatures. Boogie Woogie legend Jools Holland also performs. sofestival.org

The Wind in the WillowsYork Theatre Royal, St. Leonard's Place, York, YO1 7HD

22 July - 21 August This summer, nature will take

over York Theatre Royal’s building as the foyer is

transformed into a magical, grassy woodland. Have a picnic on the lawn before entering the auditorium

in the round. yorktheatreroyal. co.uk

AtNK takes a look at some summer events

What's on

Art

Music

Theatre

Events

Let's Play Records at The Hub

filmnkForbes' Film Review

Kick-Ass

Kick-Ass is adapted from the tongue-in-cheek, self-referential comic by

Mark Millar and John Romita Jr. It’s a comic about a comic book geek, full of humorous little asides and snide allusions to other comics. The film

adaptation captures this tone perfectly, resulting in a funny, intelligent, and

blisteringly violent ride. The film turns the comic book genre on its head and

then kicks it in the behind.Kick-Ass is released on

DVD in September.

Iron Man 2

The first Iron Man movie set the benchmark for comic book

adaptations. Iron Man 2 ups the ante in terms of action, characters, and

references to Marvel’s Avengers, a 2012 film that will unite Iron Man,

Captain America, Thor and the Hulk. There are perhaps too many threads in the movie. Despite this, however, it’s very entertaining, and to fans of

the comics, or those who are looking ahead to The Avengers, there is a lot

to get you excited.Iron Man 2 is released on

DVD in October.

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Starters Charlotte Robinson Principal Planning Officer, Joint Planning Unit

Suzanne Roberts Principal Planning Officer, Joint Planning Unit

Jon Fox Planning Policy Team Leader, Joint Planning Unit

Anne Goldsmith Development Plans Officer, Joint Planning Unit

Juliette Thomas-Cousins Development Plans Officer, Joint Planning Unit

Sarah Rayney Planning Technician, Joint Planning Unit

Terry Atkinson Repairs Officer

Pamela Carter Cleaner, Communities

Helen Eaglen Accountancy Manager, Business Management

Matthews Adams District Environmental Health Officer, Regulatory Services

Matthew Holden Development & Engagement Officer, Communities

Leavers Leigh Pocha Customer Services AdvisorCustomer Services

Marion Robertson Administration Assistant, PECS

Keith Bailey Support Services Manager

Rod Adcock Refuse Driver

Kirsty Ward Performance Assistant, Corpo-rate Strategy

Victoria Plater Member Services Officer

Nora Hernon Customer Services Advisor

Mark Cozens Shared Services Programme Director

VacanciesMember Services ManagerMember Services OfficerSupport Co-ordinatorsPlanning Policy Team LeaderAdministration Assistant (JPU)

What does your new role entail? To ensure the CSP is successful in establishing a strong brand and achieving its mission statement of making North Kesteven a safe and enjoyable place to live, work and visit.

What attracted you to the role? I spent the last three years reading in psychology and criminology. I wanted a job that would ideally use my degree.

What are you enjoying so far? Well first and foremost my job! I have also enjoyed meeting many of the staff while getting lost in the building!

Tell us a few interesting facts about yourself...The last two summers I spent three months working in the USA on an American summer camp, teaching wilderness survival.

Q&A Matthew Holden Development & Engagement Officer for the Community Safety Partnership

Find out who has joined NKDC and who is departing for pastures new...

People

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