vivacity voice - january 2016

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THE PUBLICATION

FOR VIVACITY STAFF

& VOLUNTEERS

JAN 2016

Get involved and add content to the Voice contact Hayley HuntEmail: [email protected] or Phone: (01733) 864 266

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Follow us on Twitter @vivacitypborovivacity-peterborough.com

The festive season has come around again. There is plenty to celebrate over the last 12 months and still more to look forward to in the months to come. Christmas is traditionally a time associated with celebration, charity and new birth which is reflected nicely in this edition of the Vivacity Voice.

It is always a time for celebration when members of staff reach an important milestone in their service to Vivacity. We have a number of reasons to celebrate this year in recognising long service awards of both 25 and 40 years! We also welcome several new births into the Vivacity extended family and celebrate the five year anniversary of our charitable trust; which through you our staff continues to enrich lives through our programme of inspiring events and services.

The New Year customarily brings with it an

opportunity for re-invention and positive change; a journey we embarked on in November through the Vision and Values Programme. I would like to thank all staff and volunteers that have chosen either to be involved in the transformative workshops, who intend to apply to become a Customer Service Ambassador or just by taking the time to complete the staff and volunteer questionnaires. We can and will be great by working together in the year to come. I look forward to celebrating with those of you attending the Sports Christmas Party on 2 January 2016 and wish all our staff and volunteers an enjoyable break over the holiday period and a happy New Year!

ContentsForward Thinking 1 Whodunit

Celebrating You 2-5Jon Marsden 40 years long service award

Jo Henderson 25 years long service award

Claire Steels

Andrew Playle

Announcements 6New Arrivals & Newly Weds

Vivacity & You 7Vivacity Childcare vouchers

Volunteering 8Unsung heroesExclusive offers

Kevin Tighe, CEO

Forward Thinking

In the library… with the box of chocolates?A mystery customer left a thank you card with chocolates and a gift card at the front desk in October 2015.

The envelope was addressed to the Library Manager and the card is from a lady called Salima Ahmed. We don’t recognise the lady as a regular customer and we’d love to get back to her to be able to say thank you ourselves.

The card reads ‘Many thanks for a lovely library service’.

If anyone can shed some light on who the customer is we’d love to hear from them.

PLEASE CONTACT sam.coleman@ vivacity-peterborough.com if you can help us get back in touch.

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It was always my intention to work in a public facing role and an 11th hour decision stopped me joining the Metropolitan Police force as a cadet in 1975. Much to the dismay of my parents the promise of a fun filled summer season at the Lido convinced me life had more to offer a 16 year old at that time and all thoughts of a different career path quickly disappeared.

At a time when the Leisure industry was rapidly expanding in the City, new career opportunities emerged and I steadily progressed through a range of front line roles at various cultural and leisure venues in the city. With supportive Managers and hard work, combined with formal study to gain professional qualifications I quickly moved into supervisory and managerial roles at various locations. Irrespective of my roles I learned very early on the importance of good customer service in all its forms and I derive great pleasure from working with customers on a 1:1 basis or en-masse to help make their experience the best it possibly can be.

Whilst my career gradually grew to become more strategic I have never been able to leave behind my eye for detail. I know this can be infuriating but I know what good and bad look like and experience tells me that the “devil is in the detail”. Like many, I also know that customers have long memories and we only have one chance of making the right impression. Whilst Sport and Leisure has always remained a passion, my career has taken me in many directions managing also a variety of public services including: Parks & Landscape, Cemeteries & Crematoria

Children’s play and Recreation services. Periodically I have also been called on to manage Arts, Libraries, Heritage and Twinning services which I have found equally enjoyable. Fortunately, all of these services focus on customers and I can truly say that I have assisted people from the cradle to the grave.

I have been fortunate throughout my career in meeting and working with many extremely talented people. Our work is diverse, can sometimes be challenging and without doubt ever changing. Even though you think you’ve seen everything the public can throw at you it still provides the odd surprise which keeps you on your toes, and can often put a smile on your face. I’m almost at the point where I could write a book on the last 40 years of Culture and Leisure in Peterborough but will save that for another day.

I do however still find it strange when customers occasionally tap me on the shoulder and tell me I taught them to swim and they’re attending with their grandchildren – it’s only then you wonder where the last 40 years have gone. I look forward to the next chapter in my career…

Jon Marsden - 40 years

Long Service award40 years is a long time in any one’s life and having joined the Council’s Leisure and Amenities Department in 1975 for a few months to earn a bit of pocket money, I’m still here, albeit with a different company logo on my name badge.

Celebrating you




Jon as part of the Peterborough Festival team, 2009.

Thank you to the Central Library Archive Service for locating the pictures of Jon and Jo in their previous roles.

The archives service preserves and provides access to all kinds of useful archive information and materials about Peterborough. It’s not only a great resource, it’s a great way to learn about the city’s history. Come and try it for yourself.

Jon at the opening of the Lido summer season, 1990.

Jon supporting development in sport on behalf of Peterborough City Council, 1999.

JON IN HIS

TRUNKS

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Celebrating you

I began my time with the company 25 years ago at Orton Library. This was in the pre-dawn of technology; there were no mobile phones, computers were clunky and chunky and the internet was practically science fiction. If you wanted to know something you couldn’t Google it, you asked a Librarian!

I have always loved books so working in a library and promoting reading really was my ideal job. Back then libraries were a hive of activity, each had at least one or two librarians and customers queued out the door on a Saturday morning to exchange their books!

To become an ‘official’ library assistant I had to study for a Library and Information Assistant course which was one of the most memorable moments of my life; visiting Cambridge University Library and seeing their rare book and illustration collections; it was an amazing experience.

After a few years I moved to Bretton Library where I got my first taste of working on a mobile library van. When the permanent vacancy was advertised I jumped at the opportunity, it was the best decision I had ever made.

The mobile library was and to some degree still is an oddity, visiting both small villages and stops in the city, you really do meet a broad range of people who all share a love of reading. My initial concerns that “would I be able to drive the mobile?”...was soon laid to rest. I’d like to say that I never scraped or hit anything but that would be a lie! Luckily it was always inanimate objects like bollards.

A few years and two sons later, I decided to job share and became the Mobile Library Supervisor and Outreach Co-ordinator which introduced me to the Library Link service we provide to housebound readers, but unfortunately this post was made redundant

so I returned to work at the Central Library.

As you may know I now work part time in the Volunteering Office and I have to say “I love it!” No two days are the same and I really feel as though I am helping volunteers find a role that not only they will benefit from but also that Vivacity gets the extra help required to provide the very best service.

I have always been fortunate that I have worked with wonderful people who have made my work a pleasure to do therefore I look forward to my next 25 years ...well maybe 25.

Jo Henderson - 25 years

Long Service award

Jo was an avid quizzer; she annually resumed the same position at the staff quiz, shown here in 1992 and then 1995.

Another valued colleague also achieved their 25th year milestone but has asked to remain anonymous. We would still like him to know that we value his

contribution to the business on a daily basis.

Expecting to receive a tablet, smartphone or computer this Christmas?Downloadable e-books and e-audiobooks from Vivacity Peterborough Libraries

E-BooksThe library has a collection of over great 3,000 titles, covering a wide range of fiction genres, including books by best selling authors such as Lee Child, Philippa Gregory, James Patterson and Ken Follett. There are also some children’s and non-fiction titles.

E-audiobooksOn offer are e-audiobooks from three different suppliers and there are now nearly 750 titles for you to choose from. These are currently adult fiction and they include recent titles by top authors. They’re great for the car or while you’re out walking.

Interested?To access all of the collections please visit the Online Services page of the libraries website and choose which service you wish to use. You will need to register to use each collection. Then you can browse the catalogues, borrow, download and enjoy your chosen titles anywhere, anytime.

vivacity-peterborough.com/libraries-and-archives/online-library-services

FREEDOWNLOADS

4 Find us on Facebook /vivacitypeterborough


Celebrating you

Claire Steels, Bringing home the gold!In the last issue of the Voice we shared with you the story of Claire Steels. A studio instructor and Personal Trainer at Vivacity Premier Fitness, who was on her way to Adelaide to compete in the ITU Duathlon World Championships for Great Britain…

Since then Claire has competed in Australia and returned back to us as a Duathlon World Champion in the sprint race age group 25-29!

Claire completed a 5km run followed by a 20km ride and further 2.5km run in a remarkable 1 hour and 6 seconds. In fact it was so impressive she beat her second place competitor by a whole 93 seconds. Claire described the moment she was presented with her medal as ‘pretty awesome’ as she stood on the podium alongside her Great Brian team mates Harriet Enoch and Rebecca York who placed second and third.

The route was a run along the river Torrens followed by a 10km loop on the bike - which she and her competitors completed twice. The course boasted some stunning sites including the Adelaide Oval an iconic sporting and events arena.

Claire’s success means she has now qualified to go to the European Championships in Germany next year and her victory in Adelaide

has seen her pre-qualify for the sprint distance at next year’s World Championships in Spain.

Despite her immense success it certainly hasn’t gone to her head. “I plan to move up to the standard distance next year, meaning committing more time to my training. I have come such a long way considering I only began racing this year. If I apply myself and put in the hours and miles of training then I believe I can achieve things I never thought possible” said Claire.

“Representing GB was a great experience, it was great to be part of the team and support all of the other athletes and it’s something I hope I can continue to do for a few more years. It still doesn’t feel real that I have actually won, I am so proud of everything I’ve achieved and so grateful for all of the support I have had” she added.

With the help of her friends, family and Vivacity colleagues, Claire managed to raise two thirds of her £3000 target. She was also fortunate to be supported by local companies such as Rutland Cycling who lent her a pair of £3000 wheels – which helped her race to victory!

Vivacity are extremely proud of Claire’s success and would like to wish her all the best in her future endeavours. Her talents have brought a unique edge to her Studio Cycling Classes and her PT clients can now boast about the fact they are being trained by a world champion!

Our company has teamed up with Microsoft on this great offer. You can purchase the new Office software for your home device for only £9.95.

Just use the Program Code below (this code is specific to our agreement) and your work email.

Click here for details: www.microsofthup.com/coworker_gb

Microsoft HUP Program Code: 62B69D8FBD

Microsoft software available: Office Professional Plus 2016, Office Home & Business 2016 for Mac, Project Professional 2016 and Visio Professional 2016

Enjoy!

Staff Discount

Microsoft Office 2016

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Celebrating you

Andrew Playle

Reaches elite status yet again!

Back in August Vivacity gym instructor Andrew Playle reached ‘Elite’ status as a Les Mills® BodyPump® instructor and now he’s done it again, achieving ‘Elite’ status in his other Les Mills® discipline – BodyBalance.

Bodybalance is a yoga based strength and flexibility class which improves your mind and body and participants are guaranteed to leave the class feeling calm and centred.

Andrew first began working at Vivacity 4 years ago as a gym instructor and in this time his confidence and ability has grown phenomenally. Andrew’s talent was first spotted by his colleague, Emma Anderson who urged him to take up teaching the popular fitness routines.

His latest success was achieved on his first submission attempt where he was tasked to meet two main aims set by Les Mills. Aim 1 focussed on his technique, the alignment of his body and the correct delivery of the routine whilst aim 2 saw him being judged on his teaching style, personality and his ability to communicate with his participants. Both areas of which Andrew excelled.

Andrew’s presence in the gym can’t help but raise a smile and he is popular with customers and staff alike. Vivacity is proud of his achievements and there is no doubt that Andrew will continue to better himself and the delivery of our services to our gym customers.

Experience one of Andrew’s classes at Vivacity Premier Fitness or at the Regional Fitness & Swimming Centre, where you can also find him on the gym floor.

Exclusive staff discount: 20% off EE line rental...

EE is delighted to offer council staff a fantastic 20% discount off the monthly line rental on all new 12 month and above handset, tablet, SIM only and mobile broadband products.

This includes the latest handsets and tablets by Apple and Samsung. This offer is available to all employees plus up to five of your friends and family. There are just a couple of key things to remember:

• Each employee and up to five of your friends and family are entitled to this 20% discount offer, this offer applies to new contracts to EE only

• This is an online offer only via ee.co.uk/perk

• Your company discount code must be entered at the checkout stage

Your Company Voucher code is: employee20ptcc

See what great deals we have available today and visit ee.co.uk/perk to take advantage of this great 20% discount.

Start Date: 16/10/2015



Our very own comedian and Cultural Marketing Assistant Sandy Wardrop tied the knot with his stunning bride Lindsay on 1st November 2015.

The nuptials were held at the beautiful Anstey Hall, Trumptington attended by family and guests, followed by an escape to the warmer climes of Sharm el Sheikh for a relaxing honeymoon.

Sandy said “I couldn’t be happier, it was a wonderful day and we were incredibly lucky to have been unaffected by the airport closures on our honeymoon”.

Sandy Wardrop

Congratulations to Sean Nolan our Business Development Director who married his beautiful wife Catherine on 5th September at Barnsley Town Hall.

The reception was held at their favourite restaurant, The Cadeby in South Yorkshire, where they celebrated with family and friends. They honeymooned at a luxury hotel in the beautiful town of Elounda on the island of Crete.

Sean said “We had a fantastic day and an amazing honeymoon, the only problem is that Catherine now wants the same standard of holiday every year!”

Sean Nolan

WinnerCongratulations to Peter Acton, volunteer at the Museum on winning the Queensgate Vouch-ers for completing the staff travel survey. Thank you Peter, and those vouchers will come in useful this time of year!

Congratulations to Dr. Anna Sexton from our Archives service, who after 4 years hard work recently finished her PHD in Philosophy!What a super achievement.

Announcements

Congratulations to Barry Buckingham (from our Mobile Library service) and his wife Karen on the safe arrival of their baby girl Robin Eleanor Buckingham.

Born at Peterborough City on 27th September 2015, weighing a healthy 8lb 1oz. Barny is also delighted at the arrival of his

new sister as he has now become a big brother.

Barry Buckingham

Claire Hardy, Head of Cultural Development, and her family are delighted to announce the safe arrival of Flora Beatrice Arabelle Hardy, born at 10.57am at Peterborough City Hospital on 9th November, weighing 7lb 13oz.

Flora is currently making her debut at Vivacity sites across the city, but also can commonly be found in the pink section of John Lewis.

Claire Hardy

Congratulations to Sarah Wilson, our Archaeology Development and Collections Manager, and her partner Elie are please to announce the birth of Thomas Joseph Hughes, born at 11.42pm on the 9th November- just 18 minutes before his due date.

He arrived very swiftly at Addenbrooks Hospital much to the surprise of the on looking midwives!! Thomas was a healthy weight 7lbs 13oz and continues to get bigger by the day.

Big brother Joshua seems equally as proud of the new addition to the family.

Sarah Wilson

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Vivacity & You




Vehicle Tax RulesVehicle tax or SORN can’t be passed on when a vehicle changes hands.

You must tax it before you use it.

gov.uk/vehicletaxrulesAlways ensure you use the official GOV.UK website.

Scheme 1: Salary Sacrifice Scheme

This scheme is open to all members of staff enabling parents to make substantial savings against the cost of their childcare.

By opting to take part of your salary in childcare vouchers (this process is known as ‘salary sacrifice’) you can take advantage of tax and National Insurance (NI) savings.

How much of my salary can I take in Childcare vouchers?

You can choose to take up to £243 per month of your salary in childcare vouchers if you are a basic rate taxpayer, as this is the maximum tax and NI exempt voucher value. See below if you are a higher or additional rate taxpayer.

How much can I save?

The exact amount you can save will depend on your individual circumstances, i.e. whether you are a basic rate or higher rate tax payer. However, as a guide it may be possible for you to save up to £933 per year if you are a basic rate taxpayer, up to £623 if you are a higher rate taxpayer and up to £606 a year if you are an additional rate taxpayer.

Scheme 2: The second scheme is open to employees earning below spinal point 32 and we can provide additional childcare vouchers on the following scale:

SCALE SUBSIDY PER CONTRACTUAL HOUR WORKED

SCP 1 - 17 £1.00 per contracted hour worked

SCP 18 - 28 £0.80 per contracted hour worked

SCP29 - 31 £0.40 per contracted hour worked

There is no cost to the employee at all for this scheme, it can also be run alongside the Salary Sacrifice Scheme as well to maximise the amount of childcare vouchers you receive.

Vivacity childcare vouchers schemes

Vivacity operates two childcare vouchers schemes

Terms & Conditions: To join a childcare voucher scheme you must be the legal guardian of the child for which the childcare vouchers are going to be used to pay the care of. Additional childcare costs will need to be paid direct to the childcare provider in the usual way. • The subsidy is provided on contractual hours worked, or the number of hours per week the child/children are in childcare for (whichever is the lesser amount).

For any further information, please contact [email protected]



Exclusive Offers - vivacity-peterborough.com/benefits

Terms & Conditions: The discount applies for services as advertised • Discount is only available to the Vivacity Sports PLUS Card holder • Members must produce their Vivacity Sports Plus Pass to obtain discounts • Applies only to services/products consumed by the card holder only • Some services may not be included in the discount • T&Cs apply, please check with the Management of the venue for full details • Management at each venue reserve the right to refuse discount • Vivacity discount cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer

THE WOODMANTHORPE WOOD

Volunteering

£50 off your administration chargesSee www.belvoir.co.uk/vivacity-

lettings-offer or call 01733 321500

TOPO GIGIO’SCOWGATE

Get 15% off award winning skincare for male athletes!

Quote “vivacity15” at the checkout on www.reactivbodycare.com

Get a £10 MOT when you quote the account code: VIVA001

& the voucher code: VIVA8833Simply call 01733 340 212

10% off your total billCall on 01733 267 601

Private Health Insurance 18% discount on Private Health Insurance

Call 0800 980 4601

10% off all food & drinkSee Topo Gigio’s or

call on 01733 685 657

20% off all food(Not available on Sun or Bank Holidays)

Call 01733 565392

Enjoy 25% off room hire, food & drink (bought in the restaurant)

Call on 0800 056 0591


I’ve been interested in the Romans in Britain since I was a child, and back in the 1970’s I did a D of E Award Expedition to walk the length of Hadrian’s Wall, it wasn’t until I retired that I had the time to develop this interest properly.

About four years ago I became a member of the 9th Legion Hispana Roman Living History group here in Peterborough and became involved with Vivacity through participation in the Peterborough Heritage Festival. The festivals are great fun, but they only happen once a year, and there are only a small number of other events to attend. I began to feel frustrated that I have all this Roman Armour and Equipment, plus a collection of Roman Religious artefacts, coins and other objects which I only get to use and talk

about a few times a year. So, I thought, why not offer my services as a “live exhibit” in the Roman gallery at the Museum?

After discussion with Stuart Orme and Gill Benedikz it was agreed that I would attend every Tuesday (apart from personal holidays) between 10 am and 4 pm and I have now delivered almost 40 sessions! The time has flown by - most members of the public are great; they are pleased to have a live person to speak to about objects in the gallery, they enjoy having the opportunity to try on the armour and handle the weapons and they are fascinated by the religious artefacts.

Children in particular enjoy this interaction and many of them are attentive, inquisitive and knowledgeable. Based on this

experience I have developed a series of talks that I can deliver to school parties visiting the museum but also I can go out to schools, youth groups or other organisations like historical societies.

The school talks are great fun. I do them ‘in character’ as a Roman Soldier and tell the story of the Roman invasion of Britain and the Boudicca revolt. The children will often prepare for my visit by making costumes and dressing up as Soldiers, Senators, Gladiators and elegant Roman ladies. We concluded a recent visit by forming up in the playground and practicing Roman Army Battle Drills!

The children always have loads of questions - too many to list here, but my favourite is

“Are you really two thousand years old?”

“ARE YOU REALLY TWO THOUSAND YEARS OLD?”UNSUNG HEROES

Martin Owen

Vivacity’s live Roman exhibit

vivacity voice - january 2016

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