feb-march 2011
DESCRIPTION
The magazine for NKDC staffTRANSCRIPT
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Issue 7
The magazine for NKDC staff
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February – March 2011
The changing face of our offices Page 8
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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
insideDeputy Chief Executive awarded for long service 5Free swimming is back 6Your pull-out guide to staying healthy in 2011 8NKDC's Sleaford offices have a fascinating past 10
Meet The Hub's Head of Exhibitions Melanie Kidd 12Find out how NKDC is working to provide services across boundaries 14Q&A with new starter Tamara Walters 15
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The final awards of 2010, in recognition of staff diligence, determination and enthusiastic endeavours, were announced in December.
In October Jade Warren was awarded as employee of the month award for her fantastic leadership and organisation of Local Democracy Week events.
The team award went to the Local Democracy Week Team of colleagues from Democratic Services, Communities, Finance and Communications, who worked with students from eight secondary schools across the District, inspiring them to get involved in the
democratic process.Employee for the month
for November was Mike Lock, at the helm of a project to replace the Sleaford Swimming Pool.
Team of the month was the Post Team, described as ‘the elves of NK' – making sure vital information is delivered and collected.
Employee of the month for December was Michael Barnes
for 'his heroic journey in from Norfolk'. Not only did he make it to the office in treacherous weather conditions, he also attended court in Grantham to represent the Council.
Team of the month was the NK Refuse Collection Service who once again defied all the odds to keep the show on the road during the adverse weather conditions.
NK award-winners announced
Jade Warren and Mike Lock were just two of the award winners
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12News
Revenues Manager Mike Carr is the President of the East Midlands Association of the Institute of Revenues Rating & Valuation.
Mike was elected to the position last April and serves as President for a year. It is the President's privilege to choose a charity during their year in office, and Mike's has been the Alzheimer's Society.
On 4 February he handed over a cheque for £750 to the society, which is money raised at events held during the year.
Revs give back
All members of staff are involved in a budget consultation to identify savings that can add up to meet the £2.6m cut in government funding over two years.
While NKDC was anticipating a cut of around that size – representing around 30% in central support – it had expected the reduced settlement to be spread across four years.
Instead the impact is much more immediate,
affecting the next two financial years from April.
All staff have been briefed by the Corporate Management Team on the challenges ahead and all of the up-to-date information remains available through the intranet and heads of service.
Chief Executive Ian Fytche stressed that "from the Leader of the Council down, everyone is committed to minimising the impact on jobs".
In addition to an
ongoing £300,000 of corporate savings already identified by cutting back subscriptions, stationery, printing and software licences, £825,000 needs shaving off the budget for next year, growing to £1,685,000 in 2012/13.
Everyone has been asked for their input in plugging the funding gap which totals £1.125m and £1.985 in the coming two years. These should be considered and discussed in team meetings.
Staff help to identify savingsOpinions sought to meet government funding cuts
News
Top housing teamThe Housing Quality
Network has listed NKDC as a top performer based
on a basket of Performance Indicator scores. Head of
Communities Phil Roberts said: "Most of the top 25 are
arm's length management organisations (ALMOs),
but we are in there as one of the top nine councils
not operating an ALMO." Congratulations to the team.
Did you know?During the snowy weather
in December, on the NKDC website the 'NK Snow News' section had 4,689 users and as been viewed 5,468 times.
Badminton clubThe NKDC Staff Badminton
Club is now running. It takes place in the
Northgate Sports Hall from 5 - 7pm each
Thursday. For more information contact
John Gibson.
In Brief Falling snow, cotton-wool drifts in window corners, a sleigh-full of gifts and Santa popping up from the printer captured all of the expectations of Christmas for Chairman Cllr Sue Howe.
Cllr Howe said that with only three entries in the competition for festive office decorations, the task of judging was made all the harder for herself and Vice-Chairman Cllr Ian Cartwright MBE.
In addition to the winning entry put together by Gerry Mason and Brenda Starbuck in Housing Admin & Technical Support, the
Communications Team recycled old newspapers into paperchains, door wreaths and a Christmas tree and the Postroom put on a wartime festive spread complete with mashed potato and corned beef.
The presentation of the Christmas Plate to the winners and flowering plants to all entrants
was made ahead of December's carol service led by the William Alvey School Choir.
It's 'jingle all the way' for Housing Admin!
The new guide for visitors to the area has been launched by NKDC in association with the Waddington International Airshow.
The guide is an indispensable source of
information for visitors; but it is also a great read for local residents!
The guide is endorsed by a new website: www.heartoflincs.com. The new website offers essential and up-to-date information on
things to do in the district, places to stay, eat and drink.
Pick up your copy from Denise Spearman or the Communications Office now.
New NK visitor guide out now
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Gerry and Brenda receive their prize from Cllr Sue Howe
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News
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Forty years of keeping an eye on council cash earns Deputy Chief Long Service Award
Deputy Chief Executive Alan Thomas was awarded a Long Service award by Chairman Cllr Sue Howe at the Christmas Council Meeting, where former colleagues, Chief Executive Ian Fytche and Leader Cllr Marion Brighton OBE, lined up to pay tribute to his dedicated service and popularity.
Alan joined the engineers department with the County Borough of Swansea in 1970, switching to
the finance department of West Glamorgan County Council following reorganisation in 1974.
In 1980 he moved up to South Derbyshire District Council, then to South Somerset as deputy treasurer in 1983 and in 1988 he arrived at North Kesteven as Director of Finance, passing through various posts to become Deputy Chief Executive.
Ian detailed how, over the years, Alan has worked hard on the national
stage as an examiner for professional body CIPFA and on national elections and finance working parties.
“Having made a tremendous contribution to the life and reputation of this organisation, Alan is extremely well-respected here at North Kesteven, by Members, all our colleagues and partners as well,” said Ian.
Former Corporate Director Clive Redshaw said he felt ‘a strong sense of gratitude’ to Alan who was ‘loyal, professional and enthusiastic’.
Cllr Mrs Brighton spoke on behalf of all Members in saying Alan had been ‘fantastic and not afraid to give advice’.
When he arrived at NK in 1988 with his CIPFA qualifications to lead the finance department, he was ‘a breath of fresh air’
“He is an absolutely first-rate officer who I hope will be here for many years to come. We owe him a great debt of gratitude,” she said.
Alan said he was ‘absolutely astounded’ by the kind remarks: “I don’t want to hang up my abacus just yet, and I can’t think of any better authority to work for than NKDC.”
Alan Thomas awarded for long service
Alan was presented with the award by NKDC Chairman Cllr Sue Howe in December
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News
Information Services Technician Barry Howorth is running the Lincoln 10K once again this year on 3 April.
True to form he will be running the race in full American Football gear, complete with helmet.
"I received some great sponsorship last year, and am hoping for the same support again this year," he said.
All monies raised will go towards Barry's American Football Team and Cerebal Palsy Sport. The charity promotes and seeks to increase sport and physical recreational opportunities for people with a disability and Cerebal Palsy.
The charity provides sporting opportunities to all ages and at all levels.> To sponsor Barry contact him on x28109
North Kesteven has seen a ‘significant increase’ in the number of adults playing sport.
The district has achieved a 4.4% ‘significant increase’ in adult sports participation in the last four years.
The results come from the latest Active People Survey published in December by Sport England. They
measure the number of adults aged over 16 years who participate in sport and physical activity three times per week or more.
In 2005/06 when the Survey was initially published, North Kesteven had 21.6% of adults participating in sport, and were ranked 127th out of 237 district across England.
This figure is now at 26.0%, and they are ranked 26th in the county; an increase of 135 places.
Lincolnshire Sports Partnership has been working closely with NKDC, Lincolnshire CC, School Sports Partnerships and local sports clubs and coaches to increase and sustain participation in sport.
District sees increase in sports take-up
Children across the district of North Kesteven can start getting excited about swimming again thanks to a new ‘free’ initiative being introduced in the area by Leisure Connection.
Free swimming has been a huge success, with more than 200 people signing up since January.
The government scrapped free swimming
for under 16s last summer but NKDC has kept a limited scheme running in its leisure centres.
To register or for more information contact either:North Kesteven Sports Centre, Moor Lane,Lincoln LN6 9AX.T: 01522 883 311.Sleaford Leisure Centre,Eastbanks, Sleaford NG34 7ET. T: 01529 303081.
Free swimming makes a splash
Get sporty: the NK Tennis Championship 2010
Barry Howorth set to run Lincoln 10k once again
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News
Juliette Thomas-Cousins is the proud owner of a smoothie maker after winning the Love Food Hate Waste competition.
Jayne's Pantry served up tasters of Juliette’s Cheesy Veg one lunchtime to NKDC staff, who were also invited to pick up recipe cards and a food waste diary to help them identify ways of saving money and throwing away less food.
Since there was a great response to this competition Bonnie Fricker and Tamara Walters from the SustainNK Team will be producing a recipe book which will be on sale in the near future in aid of the Nomad Trust.
The Nomad Trust is a charity based in Lincoln that offers homeless people shelter, food, warmth and companionship together with guidance and support.
Love Food Hate Waste competition
Four apprentices in Business Administration have passed their Level 3 NVQs with flying colours.
The award of their Level 3 certificates marks the end of NVQ training for Jonathan Spencer and Morgan Butcher, while Robert Walter and Oliver Morley are now working towards Level 3, having achieved their Level 2 qualification.
Each of them carried out a placement with the Mouchel Learning partnership in Lincoln one day a week brushing up on legal aspects, corporate protection, data protection, computer use, document design and production, IT systems, working with others, spreadsheets and other matters relating to their specific jobs and Council business.
Their learning was
carried out at their own pace over 12-18 months.
Accountancy trainee Jonathan and revenues trainee Morgan will continue with further training as they continue their daily duties.
As they now work on their Level 3 NVQ courses Robert continues to carry out admin work for the Revenues Team and Oliver is administering claims in the Benefits Team.
NK apprentices put through paces
Trainer Rachel Wells hands out certificates to Jonathan Spencer, Morgan Butcher, Robert Walter and Oliver Morley
Level 3 NVQs awarded to Business Administration trainees
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Feature
Your annual guide to staying healthy 2011
Keep up-to-datewith what’s going on by visiting the wellbeing calendar in outlook
wellbeingnk
February
1
2
3 Badminton
4
5
6
7
8
9 5-Aside Football
10 Badminton
11
12
13
14 Health Check
15 Reading Group
16 5-Aside Football
17 Badminton/ Bowling
18
19
20
21
22
23 5-Aside Football
24 Badminton
25 Hoopy Loopy
26
27
28 Yoga
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thur
Fri
Sat
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thur
Fri
Sat
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thur
Fri
Sat
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thur
Fri
Sat
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thur
Fri
Sat
Sun
Mon
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thur
Fri
Sat
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thur
Fri
Sat
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thur
Fri
Sat
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thur
Fri
Sat
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thur
Fri
Sat
March
1
2 5-Aside Football
3
4
5
6
7 Yoga
8
9 5-Aside Football
10 Badminton
11
12
13
14 Yoga
15 Reading Group
16 5-Aside Football
17 Badminton
18
19
20
21 Yoga
22
23 5-Aside Football
24 Badminton
25
26
27
28 Yoga
29
30 5-Aside Football
31 Badminton
April
1
2
3
4 Yoga
5
6 5-Aside Football
7 Badminton
8
9
10
11
12
13 5-Aside Football
14
15
16
17
18
19 Reading Group
20 5-Aside Football
21
22
Hadrians Walk
23
24
25
26
27 5-Aside Football
28
29
30
May
1
2
3
4 5-Aside Football
5
6
7
8
9
10 Healthy Eating
11 5-Aside Football
12
13
14
15
16
17 Reading Group
18 5-Aside Football
19
20
21
22 Derbyshire Walk
23
24
25 5-Aside Football
26
27
28
29
30
31
June
1 5-Aside Football
2
3
4
5
6
7 Cliff Edge Walk and pub meal
8 5-Aside Football
9
10
11
12
13
14
15 5-Aside Football
16
17
18
19
20
21 Reading Group
22 5-Aside Football
23
24 WimbledonNK
25
26
27
28
29 5-Aside Football
30
August
1
2
3 5-Aside Football
4
5
6
7
8
9
10 5-Aside Football
11
12
13
14
15
16 Reading Group
17 5-Aside Football
18
19
20
21
22
23
24 5-Aside Football
25
26
27
28
29
30
31 5-Aside Football
September
1
2
3
4
5
6
7 5-Aside Football
8
9
10
11
12
13
14 5-Aside Football
15
16Lake District Walk
17
18
19
20 Reading Group
21 5-Aside Football
22
23
24
25
26
27
28 5-Aside Football
29
30
October
1
2
3
4
5 5-Aside Football
6
7
8
9
10
11
12 5-Aside Football
13
14
15
16
17
18 Reading Group
19 5-Aside Football
20
21
22
23
24
25
26 5-Aside Football
27
28
29
30
31
July
1
2
3
4
5
6 5-Aside Football
7
8 Kwick Cricket
9
10
11
12
13 5-Aside Football
14
15
16
17
18
19 Reading Group
20 5-Aside Football
21
22Yorkshire
Three Peaks23
24
25
26
27 5-Aside Football
28
29
30
31
January
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18 Health Check
19 5-Aside Football
20
21
22
23
24
25
26 5-Aside Football
27
28
29
30
31 Hoopy Loopy
November
1
2 5-Aside Football
3
4
5
6
7
8
9 5-Aside Football
10
11
12
13
14
15 Reading Group
16 5-Aside Football
17
18
19
20
21
22
23 5-Aside Football
24
25
26
27
28
29
30 5-Aside Football
December
1
2
3
4
5
6
7 5-Aside Football
8
9
10
11
12
13
14 5-Aside Football
15
16
17
18
19
20 Reading Group
21 5-Aside Football
22
23
24
25
26
27
28 5-Aside Football
29
30
31
atnk 98 atnk
Your annual guide to staying healthy 2011
Keep up-to-datewith what’s going on by visiting the wellbeing calendar in outlook
wellbeingnk
February
1
2
3 Badminton
4
5
6
7
8
9 5-Aside Football
10 Badminton
11
12
13
14 Health Check
15 Reading Group
16 5-Aside Football
17 Badminton/ Bowling
18
19
20
21
22
23 5-Aside Football
24 Badminton
25 Hoopy Loopy
26
27
28 Yoga
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thur
Fri
Sat
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thur
Fri
Sat
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thur
Fri
Sat
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thur
Fri
Sat
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thur
Fri
Sat
Sun
Mon
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thur
Fri
Sat
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thur
Fri
Sat
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thur
Fri
Sat
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thur
Fri
Sat
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thur
Fri
Sat
March
1
2 5-Aside Football
3
4
5
6
7 Yoga
8
9 5-Aside Football
10 Badminton
11
12
13
14 Yoga
15 Reading Group
16 5-Aside Football
17 Badminton
18
19
20
21 Yoga
22
23 5-Aside Football
24 Badminton
25
26
27
28 Yoga
29
30 5-Aside Football
31 Badminton
April
1
2
3
4 Yoga
5
6 5-Aside Football
7 Badminton
8
9
10
11
12
13 5-Aside Football
14
15
16
17
18
19 Reading Group
20 5-Aside Football
21
22
Hadrians Walk
23
24
25
26
27 5-Aside Football
28
29
30
May
1
2
3
4 5-Aside Football
5
6
7
8
9
10 Healthy Eating
11 5-Aside Football
12
13
14
15
16
17 Reading Group
18 5-Aside Football
19
20
21
22 Derbyshire Walk
23
24
25 5-Aside Football
26
27
28
29
30
31
June
1 5-Aside Football
2
3
4
5
6
7 Cliff Edge Walk and pub meal
8 5-Aside Football
9
10
11
12
13
14
15 5-Aside Football
16
17
18
19
20
21 Reading Group
22 5-Aside Football
23
24 WimbledonNK
25
26
27
28
29 5-Aside Football
30
August
1
2
3 5-Aside Football
4
5
6
7
8
9
10 5-Aside Football
11
12
13
14
15
16 Reading Group
17 5-Aside Football
18
19
20
21
22
23
24 5-Aside Football
25
26
27
28
29
30
31 5-Aside Football
September
1
2
3
4
5
6
7 5-Aside Football
8
9
10
11
12
13
14 5-Aside Football
15
16Lake District Walk
17
18
19
20 Reading Group
21 5-Aside Football
22
23
24
25
26
27
28 5-Aside Football
29
30
October
1
2
3
4
5 5-Aside Football
6
7
8
9
10
11
12 5-Aside Football
13
14
15
16
17
18 Reading Group
19 5-Aside Football
20
21
22
23
24
25
26 5-Aside Football
27
28
29
30
31
July
1
2
3
4
5
6 5-Aside Football
7
8 Kwick Cricket
9
10
11
12
13 5-Aside Football
14
15
16
17
18
19 Reading Group
20 5-Aside Football
21
22Yorkshire
Three Peaks23
24
25
26
27 5-Aside Football
28
29
30
31
January
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18 Health Check
19 5-Aside Football
20
21
22
23
24
25
26 5-Aside Football
27
28
29
30
31 Hoopy Loopy
November
1
2 5-Aside Football
3
4
5
6
7
8
9 5-Aside Football
10
11
12
13
14
15 Reading Group
16 5-Aside Football
17
18
19
20
21
22
23 5-Aside Football
24
25
26
27
28
29
30 5-Aside Football
December
1
2
3
4
5
6
7 5-Aside Football
8
9
10
11
12
13
14 5-Aside Football
15
16
17
18
19
20 Reading Group
21 5-Aside Football
22
23
24
25
26
27
28 5-Aside Football
29
30
31
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Feature
In the summer it's blissfully cool, in winter it’s Baltic and all-year
around it’s characterful, but have you ever wondered how the Lafford Terrace part of the Council offices came about and why it is there are quirks like cooking ranges in the cellars and wallpaper in the attic?
Lafford Terrace was always intended to be a landmark building; architecturally quite removed from the local style in order to give its inhabitants a greater social standing.
All the books give a date of 1856, but that is now known to be incorrect. Town Historian Dr Simon Pawley said Lafford Terrace was begun in approximately 1851 and was not completed until the 1870s.
There were seven dwellings in the completed terrace, of which Nos 5-7 – the ones nearest to the river – were first, followed by No 1 nearest Eastgate, and then Nos 2-4 in the central section.
There were long gaps in the construction phases, especially
between the early 1850s and the late 1860s and the internal roof structures clearly show these different phases.
The terrace was the work of eminent town builders Kirk & Parry, built to rent out to wealthy upper-middle class tenants: doctors, solicitors, annuitants and people of independent means.
It was seen as a ‘most ambitious middle class housing speculation’ at the eastern extremity of Eastgate which, as WEA student Charles Ellis described, "attracted the rentier classes, often from outside Lincolnshire".
In 1871 only two houses were occupied, one by Dr John Boot, and Miss Elizabeth De la Cour who is listed in the 1872 Whites Directory as operating a school for boarders.
From 1896-1922 Miss Campbell is listed at No 2, but the spinsters Miss Coupland and Miss Nickolls who were house-sharing in 1896 and 1900 had moved on by 1905 when there was no listing, to be followed by Arthur Drury Piper in 1913 and William Eustice St John Jennings in 1922.
No 1 – currently home to Communications, Graphics and part of Housing – on Eastgate corner was occupied by Francis A Soames (1896), Norman Edward Snow (1913) and Austin Charles Giles MC MB (1922).
In No 5 – the oldest property where
Built in the mid-1800s, NKDC's offices in Sleaford have a fascinating history
Step back in time
NKDC's offices in 2011
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Member Services now occupy the ground floor – George Jerrard Phillips (1896 and 1900) made way for Alfred William Parsons (1905) followed by Reuben Alfred Warren in 1913. By 1922 Warren had moved into the grandest, central apartment at No 4 and William Earnest Knapman took his old flat.
Previous to Warren only Arthur Kirk is listed at No 4 (in 1900), suggesting that it may have been beyond most people’s means. Miss Wedd was at No 6 for a long period, certainly between 1900-1922 continuously, but her neighbour at No 7 was a moveable feast, with William Charles Hubbard in 1900, making way for the exotic-sounding Percy de Paravicini by in
1905, Thomas Hinman Holdich by 1913 and Arthur Piper – previously of No 3 – in 1922.
Mr Piper was still there in 1930, with Miss Coupland at No 2, but no other tenant was listed and by 1933 there were no residents.
The prospect of buying up Lafford Terrace for public use was identified by Kesteven CC in 1925 when it was reported that the costs of buying, adapting and equipping the six houses would not exceed £10,000.
Early plans show that the buying-up of what were in fact seven houses and their conversion into offices in readiness for complete relocation in 1934. Although extensive alterations were carried out inside and out there
are still many architectural legacies of the building’s origins, including an intact cooking range in the basement. There is also much left over from the KCC days, including a safe room in the Housing section, where the treasurer’s office was.
Following reorganisation in 1974, much of Kesteven CC’s work passed to NKDC but the new Lincolnshire CC kept the building. Because the new council needed more room, there was a whole host of smaller buildings around the site for environmental health and others; Planning and Housing had buildings elsewhere in Sleaford and even in Lincoln and the Council met across the District.
Lafford Terrace was bought from LCC in 1989, allowing for the new build to start for opening in 1991. Designed by the William Saunders Partnership, it was the swansong for builders Ken Greasley before going bust afterwards.
While the building was being constructed all the displaced departments were housed in temporary accommodation on land at the rear of the Hoplands, a refurbishment was carried out on Lafford Terrace and the courtyard was built. Everyone finally moved into the complex during 1991/92.
NKDC's offices in the late-1800s
Feature
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The Hub's Head of Exhibitions Melanie Kidd on art, shoes and crane-lifting priceless works of art through a window...
A day in the life
“M y role is to strategically plan The Hub's exhibitions
programme in relationship to the agenda of the Hub," says Melanie Kidd, Curator and Head of Exhibitions of The National Centre for Craft & Design.
"The Hub's overall agenda is to celebrate, promote and exhibit the best of national and international contemporary craft and design practice. I generate ideas for future exhibitions based on what's going on environmentally, sociologically and politically, so that the programme is relevant to society."
The Hub National Centre for Craft & Design stages around 11 large-scale exhibitions a year, plus four or five 'window-space showcases', which are the window spaces on the stairwells. The centre is also a huge resource for local schools, with a vast active learning programme on offer.
Planning a programme can take up
to three years, says Melanie, so being super-organised is essential.
Melanie has just finished work on the current exhibition of Vivienne Westwood shoes. The exhibition has attracted massive interest – opening night saw over 300 exited visitors from across the country turn out in their designer shoes and towering platform
heels in support of the doyenne of British fashion.
But it's not just about the more-established artists like Vivienne Westwood. "We're currently developing our new 'open' exhibition Gateway, which is dedicated to designer-makers from the East Midlands. This will be open from 23 April – 12 June and will
Melanie Kidd and some of the vertigo-inducing shoes on display
in the Vivienne Westwood exhibition
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be awash with creative talent from our region," Melanie says.
"There will also be a new exhibition beginning 21 May by London artist Claire Morgan, who I'm also working with right now. We're researching Sleaford and The Hub's history, as the works will be based around these things, so the exhibition will feature references to The Hub's origins as a seed warehouse and the agricultural history of the area. Expect her to use seeds and peas in her designs!"
Originally from the West Midlands Melanie studied Fine Arts at Nottingham University before taking up a job there in its Lakeside Arts Centre. It was during that time she decided she wanted to become a curator. She later
took up a role at The Hub in 2005 as Exhibitions Officer, and was promoted in 2007 to Head of Exhibitions.
"I absolutely love my job here – I really believe in The Hub. It has given me the opportunity to be able to provide artists with a space to express themselves.
The Hub brings a great deal to the local area, she adds. "We're open seven days a week and it's free. There's always something to do or see, or you can do a spot of shopping or cup of tea in the café.
"The Hub puts Sleaford on the map. NKDC has forward-thinking aspirations for the environment and the arts, and The Hub is its flagship for promoting those aspirations."
Of her most challenging day, Melanie mentions an exhibition on loan from the Victoria & Albert Museum: "Each artwork was extremely big, heavy and expensive. We had to hoist the pieces in using a crane! I can say that was a very challenging day... until a few months later when we had to do it all again in reverse to return the artworks to London!"
> A Personal Collection of Vivienne Westwood Shoes runs at The Hub until 2 May.
How Does Your Garden Grow? Suzi McLaughlin has filled The Hub’s Window Space with garlands of striking spring flowers created through traditional origami techniques and laser cutting.Through to May 2
Peacocks and PinstripesTo complement the Westwood shoes, the Roof Gallery hosts a snap shot of masculine style.Runs to April 17
Adult Crafting Club 19 March, 16 April and 28 MayTry your hand at jewellery making, felting, sewing, beading, collage plus much more! Monthly on a Saturday morning from 10am to noon, £5 per person.
Hubbles Early Years Arts & Crafts Club 16 March, 13 April and 18 MayThis workshop offers young children a great opportunity to socialise and be creative. Monthly on a Wednesday morning, £2 per child.
What's on at The Hub
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NKDC is working with other councils to provide services across boundaries
Working together
Working closely with other councils to provide services is
nothing new in local government. The success of the Central
Lincolnshire Joint Planning Unit, has proven there is real value in working together on those services where our customers can benefit, or we can work more effectively across our boundaries. Of course there is the potential for each council involved to make significant savings and this area is vital to the success of the Next Steps programme.
We are currently exploring ways we can work closer with City of Lincoln Council and West Lindsey district councils on four services: Revenues, Benefits, Strategic Housing and Economic Development.
We are also moving forward with
a plan to link up with City of Lincoln Council to provide a joint Building Control service and a potentially Lincolnshire wide IT solution.
All of these different schemes are at different stages, but the ‘Revenues and Benefits’ project has now reached a significant milestone and it has been highlighted that there is potential to have:> One team including a share management structure> Benefits provided locally to meet the customers demand> A single ICT solutionThere’s still a lot of work to make such a huge ambitious project work involving more than 100 staff across the three authorities. But each team involved has been proactive and had a positive approach to the project and we, the
leaders of each council, are keen to see it happen.
The next steps for this project are to:> Evaluate which council would be the ‘host’> Procure the joint IT solution > Secure formal member approval for this project to move forward> Second a Head of Service to manage the project> Continue the pilot schemes
Most importantly, we want to continue involving staff in the process, they are the experts and they will be key to making sure this project becomes a success.
Member approval is essential and we will be taking reports to councillors to over the coming weeks to seek their approval to move this project forward.
Feature
Shared services can add value
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What does your new role entail? All things environmental and sustainability related. We are all being told to do something about climate change and environmental damage but while we’re all going about our daily lives it doesn’t always seem as easy as it really is to make a few changes. I help ensure NKDC leads the way proving what can be done and support residents, schools and business in the district to make a difference wherever they can.
What attracted you to the role? I’ve worked in similar roles before and in the field of sustainability NKDC is known to be progressive and forward thinking. What are you enjoying so far? The friendliness and helpfulness of everyone I’ve met at NKDC so far, that makes work so much more enjoyable.
One interesting fact about me...I’m a trained Reflexologist!
Q&A Tamara Walters Sustainability Initiatives Officer (Maternity Cover)
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What to do, where to go, where to eat…
www.heartoflincs.com For North Kesteven visitors on the move