FYLDE

NEWS

INSIDE QUIZ RESULTS * FEEDBACK

WHY JOIN PCS? LGBT+ History Month 2020

PCS Fylde AGM 27th

Feb

PCS FYLDE BRANCH

Twitter @PCSFylde

Web www.pcsfylde.com

FaceBook

www.facebook.com/pcsfylde

Mick and Grant’s Pumps and Pants Quiz III – the results Mick and Grant back with the answers to the quiz about Pumps and Pants,

the timing of which coincided with the further relaxation of the dress standards at Warbreck (has anyone seen any tailored shorts in February yet)?

Answer 1

The Plimsoll line is found on a ship

Answer 2

Training shoes or trainers are more commonly called sneakers in the USA.

Answer 3

Court Shoes are also called Pumps (or a Pump Shoe) in the USA

Answer 4

Andy Stewart wrote “Donald where’s your Troosers”.

Answer 5

Genoa is the Italian city where Jeans got their name

Answer 6

If we say something is really pants, we probably mean it is really rubbish

The winner who received a mystery prize was Katherine Eccles from Fleetwood. Well Done

Micktor Meldrew I don’t believe it Quiz! results I don’t believe it! Mick here with a answers to my comedy quiz, I am funny

Here are the answers. Answer 1

David Renwick wrote the original One Foot in the Grave

Answer 2

There were 6 series of “One foot in the Grave”.

Answer 3

Angus Deayton was the “Have I Got News For You” presenter who was regularly in One Foot in the Grave.

Answer 4

Eric Idle sang the theme tune to One Foot in the Grave

Answer 5

In the episode "The Valley of Fear", Victor found a frozen cat in the freezer. Answer 6

Portugal was the setting for the 1993 One Foot in the Grave Christmas Special.

The winner who received a mystery prize was Stephen O’Malley from St Annes Well done, Mick

Dear Colleagues,

LGBT+ History Month

To mark LGBT History Month, PCS North West LGBT+ Network will be hosting a North West Regional Social on Tuesday, 25/02/2020, from 19:00 at the Lisbon (Victoria St.) in Liverpool City Centre

All LGBT+ members are welcome to join! The event is an opportunity to socialise with members from other branches and learn a little bit about LGBT+ history.

Kris Hendry, Proud National Chair will be quiz master and the evening will be very relaxed and an opportunity to begin the preparations for Pride events in the North West.

Look forward to meeting you all.

Mary Doolin

On behalf of the North West LGBT+ Steering Committee.

Please send your answers to Duncan Griffiths, Room A208R Warbreck (or e-mail Duncan Griffiths - details in the GAL) to arrive no later than 27

th Feb 2020

The winner will receive a mystery prize.

Please remember that Branch Executive Committee members cannot enter/ win the quizzes

Mick and Grant

Question 1

Which Valentine released Christmas Alphabet in 1955? Was it?

A) Mickey B) Peter C) Fred D) Henry E) Dickie

Question 2

Johnny Valentine and Greg Valentine were involved in which sport?

A) Horse Racing B) Formula 1 Grand Prix C) Handball D) Wrestling E) Yachting

Question 3

Which Valentine’s performance in the 1950 West Indian tour of England is celebrated in the Victory Calypso? Was it?

A) Alfred B) Fred C) Henry D) Richard E) George

Question 4

On which race course is Valentine’s Brook. Is it?

A) Ascot B) Epsom C) Chepstow D) Haydock Park E) Aintree

Question 5

2020 is a Leap Year, what according to tradition can women do on 29th February. Is it?

A) Sing B) Dance C) Propose D) Leap E) Divorce

Question 3

On what day of the week is Valentine ’s Day in 2020 (which is a leap year)?

A) Tuesday B) Wednesday C) Thursday D) Friday E) Saturday

Mick and Grant’s Valentine’s Quiz Mick and Grant back with a Valentine’s quiz. We know that the members love to see our faces popping up from time to time in the Newsletter, however,

even they deserve a

day off every so often.

Here are the questions.

1 A voice

Winning better terms and conditions at work is best done collectively, and being in PCS gives you a voice. Research shows unionised workplaces enjoy better pay and conditions.

2 Advice and support

Our union is there for you at work when you need it – reps can refer to our full-time officers and legal team for advice, if necessary.

3 Legal and financial advice

Access to our free, confidential legal helpline covers many personal matters for your family. Free financial consultation and free debt advice are also available.

4 Free will-making service

One free will for you and your partner saves money in legal fees. Members can also nominate someone to receive a death benefit payment of £1,663.

5 Insurance deals

A wide range of free or discounted insurance deals are available, including home, vehicle, travel, pet, health and accident cover.

6 Chance to learn

Training, learning and professional development opportunities are available, including life-long learning – such as GCSE English and Maths – or trade union education.

7 Networking opportunities

Being in a union gives you the chance to meet colleagues from your workplace and others. It’s an opportunity to get involved in a movement that truly impacts on people’s daily lives.

8 Political influence

The PCS Political Fund allows us to campaign politically on decisions being made that affect our members. PCS also has a parliamentary group of MPs to help us lobby on vital issues.

9 Financial support

We set aside money every year to help members facing severe financial hardship, which can be applied for through our benevolent fund.

10 Discounts

Members get exclusive deals on a whole host of things, including shopping, and leisure activities like hotel stays, holidays and days out.

Not a member? Register to join online today.

10 Benefits of PCS Membership

Alistair’s GREEN PIECE

The United Nations Climate Change Conference or Cop 26 will be held in Glasgow from 9th to 19th November 2020. The UK are joint presidents this year with Italy but, as yet, we do not have a president for the conference following the sacking of Claire O’Neil due to her not being seen as being prominent enough. Favourites for the job are Zac Goldsmith and Michael Gove.

What is COP?

The COP, or Conference Of the Parties, is the annual conference of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and it the supreme decision making body of that convention. It is attended by national ministers and heads of state.

Why is COP 26 important?

The Paris Agreement at COP 21 was an agreement for all countries to limit their emissions in order to restrict global temperature rise to less that 2oC. It also contained a 5 yearly mechanism for countries to upgrade and update their climate pledges. COP 26 is the first opportunity for countries to make these pledges. It will also allow countries to react and respond to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report which resets the safe level of temperature rise to 1.5oC.

Why is it being held in the UK?

The UK is recognised as one of the leaders on climate change in the major economies. Margaret Thatcher was the first leader of any major nation to call for a UN treaty to address climate change, over 30 years ago. The UK also introduced the world’s first legally binding commitment to cut emissions when introducing the Climate Change Act 2008. Despite this the UK has never hosted a climate change summit before.

What is PCS doing?

PCS has a Green Forum every November and it has been decided to hold it this year in Scotland during the COP. There is expected to be a march held on Saturday 14th November and PCS members will be encouraged to attend this along with the forum delegates will also be attending. The forum is planned to be held from Friday 13th November, dependent on availability of hotels, so if you would like to attend you may wish to apply for this day in advance.

The PCS North West Disabled Members Network

The Network was formed to bring together disabled PCS members across the NW region to counter the isolation faced by many and discuss of interest to those members in relation to the bargaining, campaigning and organising agenda of our union.

Here are some quotes that I’ve gathered, that may help us re-think or change our viewpoint or see dis-ABILITY in a different light. I found the story at the end by chance it’s really worth a read.

“There is only one way to look at things, until someone shows us how to look at them with different eyes.” ~ Pablo Picasso

“[by] this most sorrowful way I was compelled to tread, I learned respect and reverence for every human mind. It was my child who taught me to understand so clearly that all people are equal in their humanity and that all have the same human rights. None is to be considered less, as a human being, than any other, and each must be given his place and a safety in the world. I might never have learned this in any other way. I might’ve gone on in the arrogance of my own intolerance for those less able than myself. My child taught me humanity.” ~Pearl S. Buck, The Child Who Never Grew, 2nd edition

“There is no greater disability in society, than the inability to see a person as more.” – Robert M. Hensel

“Being unconscious is the ultimate disability.” – Jessa Gamble

“Employers have recognized for some time that it’s smart business to have a diverse workforce – one in which many views are represented and everyone’s talents are valued. Well, disability is part of diversity.” – Thomas Perez

“However difficult life may seem, there is always something you can do and succeed at.” –Stephen Hawking

The problem is not the person’s disability…The problem is society’s view of the person’s abilities. ~ Unknown

For more details contact Mary Doolin PCS NW Region for further details: Maryd@pcs.org.uk

2020

DWP Fylde Branch

Proudly Present:

The 2020 Annual

General Meeting

Date: Thursday 27th February 2020.

Venue: The Warbreck Canteen.

Time: 3.00PM

(Details of time for the meeting plus travel time will be issued nearer the date of the meeting)

For further details contact:

Mick Daniels

Fylde Branch Organiser

Room C112R, Warbreck House

Ext: 3186 (01253 331186)

IMPORTANT NOTICE

The views expressed by our columnists do not necessarily reflect

those of the PCS Union. If you agree or disagree with any of the content of Fylde PCS News then exercise your

right of reply by emailing:

jonathan.bamborough@dwp.gov.uk

This is YOUR Newsletter

Have Your Say!

Time to change law on sexual harassment Almost 7 in 10 (68 per cent) people think the #MeToo movement has allowed people to be more open about sexual harassment, according to a new TUC poll.

This number is highest amongst women (72 per cent) and young people (78 per cent).

But the union body says that despite higher levels of awareness, cases of sexual harassment remain alarmingly high. It is calling on the government to introduce a legal duty on employers to actively prevent sexual harassment at work. TUC research found that more than half (52 per cent) of women – and nearly two-thirds (63 per cent) of young women aged 18-24 years old – have experienced sexual harassment at work. There is no legal requirement for employers to prevent sexual harassment happening in their workplaces. Instead, it is up to the victim to report it after it has happened.

The TUC wants the law changed so employers have a legal duty to make sure that their workplaces are harassment-free – by taking simple preventive steps like carrying out mandatory training for all staff and managers and having clear policies.

It says this would shift the burden of dealing with sexual harassment from individuals to employers. This would change workplace cultures and stop the problem once and for all, says the TUC.

TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said: “The #MeToo movement has helped people speak more openly about sexual harassment. That’s a good a thing. But talking about the problem isn’t going to fix it. The government must stop dragging its feet and change the law.” She said ministers should take immediate action, adding: “Employers, not victims, should be responsible for tackling harassment at work.” New guidance from the arbitration service Acas says non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) should not be used to prevent someone from reporting sexual harassment in the workplace.

Question 1

Which band were “Unleashed in the East”? Was it?

a) Rainbow

b) Judas Priest

c) The Scorpions

d) Iron Maiden

e) AC/DC

Question 2

Biff Byford was the lead singer of which band? Was it?

a) Saxon

b) Iron Maiden

c) The Tygers of Pan Tang

d) Tank

e) Samson

Question 3

Samson released the brilliant “Hammerhead in the wind”. But who was the lead singer of Samson.. Was it.

a) Jack Bruce

b) Bruce Bruce

c) Bruce Forsyth

d) Bruce Willis

e) Bruce Dickinson

Question 4

Who was the lead singer of Rainbow on the Album “Rising”. Was it?

a) Graham Bonnet

b) Bruce Dickinson

c) David Lee Roth

d) Dio

e) David Coverdale

Question 5

What was the colour of the “snake”, in one of David Coverdale’s bands. Was it?

a) Pink

b) Black

c) Purple

d) Green

e) White

Question 6

Who was the original lead singer of Iron Maiden. Was it?

a) Paul Di’Anno

b) Biff Byford

c) Dio

d) Rob Halford

e) Bruce Dickinson

Please send your answers to Duncan Griffiths, Room A208R Warbreck (or e-mail Duncan Griffiths - details in the GAL) to arrive no later than 27th February 2020

The winner will receive a mystery prize.

Please remember that Branch Executive Committee members cannot enter/ win the quizzes

Kerrang Kerry’s Music Mayhem II Quiz Kerrang Kerry back with more music mayhem. My old band the Polyurethras split up, musical differences, man.

So I have formed a new band Polygon. It’s a play on words in terms of a parrot flying off.

Dig it dude. So crank up the amps to 11. Here are the questions.

Most people – including most transgender people – are either male or female. But some people don't neatly fit into the categories of "man" or "woman," or “male” or “female.” For example, some people have a gender that blends elements of being a man or a woman, or a gender that is different than either male or female. Some people don't identify with any gender. Some people's gender changes over time.

People whose gender is not male or female use many different terms to describe themselves, with non-binary being one of the most common. Other terms include genderqueer, agender, bigender, and more. None of these terms mean exactly the same thing – but all speak to an experience of gender that is not simply male or female.

Why “Non-Binary”?

Some societies – like ours – tend to recognize just two genders, male and female. The idea that there are only two genders is sometimes called a “gender binary,” because binary means “having two parts” (male and female). Therefore, “non-binary” is one term people use to describe genders that don’t fall into one of these two categories, male or female.

Basic Facts about Non-Binary People

Non-binary people are nothing new. Non-binary people aren’t confused about their gender identity or following a new fad – non-binary identities have been recognized for millennia by cultures and societies around the world.

Some, but not all, non-binary people undergo medical procedures to make their bodies more congruent with their gender identity. While not all non-binary people need medical care to live a fulfilling life, it’s critical and even life-saving for many.

Most transgender people are not non-binary. While some transgender people are non-binary, most transgender people have a gender identity that is either male or female, and should be treated like any other man or woman.

Being non-binary is not the same thing as being intersex. Intersex people have anatomy or genes that don’t fit typical definitions of male and female. Most intersex people identify as either men or women. Non-binary people are usually not intersex: they’re usually born with bodies that may fit typical definitions of male and female, but their innate gender identity is something other than male or female.

How to Be Respectful and Supportive of Non-Binary People

It isn’t as hard as you might think to be supportive and respectful of non-binary people, even if you have just started to learn about them.

You don’t have to understand what it means for someone to be non-binary to respect them. Some people haven’t heard a lot about non-binary genders or have trouble understanding them, and that’s okay. But identities that some people don’t understand still deserve respect.

Understanding Non-Binary People:

How to Be Respectful and

Supportive

Non-Binary Defined

Lorna Kennedy

Use the name a person asks you to use. This is one of the most critical aspects of being respectful of a non-binary person, as the name you may have been using may not reflect their gender identity. Don’t ask someone what their old name was.

Try not to make any assumptions about people’s gender. You can’t tell if someone is non-binary simply by looking at

them, just like how you can’t tell if someone is transgender just by how they look.

If you’re not sure what pronouns someone uses, ask. Different non-binary people may use different pronouns. Many

non-binary people use “they” while others use “he” or “she,” and still others use other pronouns. Asking whether

someone should be referred to as “he,” “she,” “they,” or another pronoun may feel awkward at first, but is one of the

simplest and most important ways to show respect for someone’s identity.

Advocate for non-binary friendly policies. It’s important for non-binary people to be able to live, dress and have their

gender respected at work, at school and in public spaces.

Understand that, for many non-binary people, figuring out which bathroom to use can be challenging. For many non-

binary people, using either the women’s or the men’s room might feel unsafe, because others may verbally harass

them or even physically attack them. Non-binary people should be supported by being able to use the restroom that

they believe they will be safest in.

Talk to non-binary people to learn more about who they are. There’s no one way to be non-binary. The best way to

understand what it’s like to be non-binary is to talk with non-binary people and listen to their stories.