Connect Magazine - Winter 2012

CHRISTMAS events See inside for your guide to Christmas days out in the area

The magazine for the people of Bath and North East Somerset | Winter 2012

balancing the books

Volunteer your help

Investing for the future and protecting services

Discover how you can make a real difference

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WSienasÂŁo5 nal tion competi ee S . inside page 6

Festive fun The Top Ten Christmas Events

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Essential contact information for all your Council services

If you have problems reading this magazine, please contact Bath & North East Somerset Council for a braille or larger version on 01225 477495

Winter 2012

A

ll staff and Councillors at Bath & North East Somerset Council would like to wish everyone a happy festive period and New Year.

People, their families, and friends can celebrate together this important time for communities at one of the dozens of events taking place across the area – we have four pages of events and info on how to get around quickly and conveniently in the magazine.

“We value the views of people when making budget decisions” Preparation for next year’s budget is well underway where the Council decides what services your money is spent on and your level of Council Tax bill. This will be a very challenging year with significantly reduced levels of

government funding for our area.

Whilst striving for high quality services and excellent customer service, we have three priorities in mind: n Keeping Council Tax bills as low as possible; n Investing in the future with projects to promote new jobs, homes, and opportunities for local people; n Protecting high priority frontline services as much as we can.

We value the views of people and take these into account when making budget decisions. More details on the budget and how you can give your opinion can be found on p.14.

Part of our response to the national financial position is working more closely with residents to shape the future of their services locally.

Spending even a small amount of time in your community can make a big difference – some ideas and information about how to play your part are on p.26.

And remember on p.34 there is our guide for Council services to help you get in touch with us all year round.

Yours sincerely Councillor Paul Crossley Leader of Council

photography: Bath tourism plus

Welcome to Connect

Family fun at last year’s Bath Christmas market

Inside…

4 News

All the latest news from the Bath and North East Somerset area

7 Events Diary

Christmas and New Year provides us with a huge list of things to do

8 Festive Fun

No less than 10 great things to do this Christmas, plus travel information

12 Staying Safe

Keeping the roads safe and active during winter weather conditions

14 Balancing The Books

A budget that protects priority services and invests in economic growth

16 Christmas Collections

Revised recycling and rubbish collection times over the festive period

21 Sirona Health & Care

Sirona celebrates its first birthday with an awards ceremony

26 Make A Difference

You can play your part in the community by volunteering your time

28 NHS health matters

Fighting flu and visiting the dentist

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MediaClash, Circus Mews House, Circus Mews, Bath BA1 2PW T: 01225 475800 W: www.mediaclash.co.uk

For advertising enquiries contact lisa.kelly@mediaclash.co.uk

32 Survey season

Your feedback to our services is invaluable

34 Services Directory

Council services at your fingertips

38 Meet The…

A day in the life of, not one but, two Waste Awareness Officers

www.bathnes.gov.uk | 3

News

keeping you informed with the latest news from the District

Matt Baker and Alex Jones of BBC’s One Show switched the Bath Xmas lights on this year

Lights. Xmas. Action EnJoy the sparkle as the xmas lights go on across the area

T

he switching on of the Christmas lights in Bath has never been an understated affair. The bar was raised to monumental heights in 2009 when a speculative letter found its way into the hands of A-list Hollywood star and Bath resident, Nicholas Cage. The following year, the plunger-pushing duty was bestowed upon royalty, HRH The Duchess of Cornwall; Camilla pulled off the feat with aplomb.

In 2011, the honour was given to John Cleese, who was supported by a line-up of local talent, including Gabrielle Aplin.

We weren’t to be disappointed this year either. The Bath Christmas lights were switched on to rapturous applause by The One Show duo, Matt Baker and Alex Jones, as well as ‘Team Rickshaw’. The team consisted of six youngsters; all of whom have been supported by BBC Children in Need funded projects. The ceremony, broadcast live on TV, was part of a fundraising event, which saw the team pedal a gruelling 411-mile journey from Llandudno to BBC’s Television Centre.

stay informed

Not to be outdone, the Christmas lights in Keynsham will be illuminated to coincide with the Keynsham Victorian Evening, on Friday 30th November. The town crier will lead a procession of children bearing

“The switching on of the Christmas lights in Bath has never been an understated affair” Christmas trees, donkeys, and of course Santa on his sleigh, through the town at 6.15pm, and onto the High Street where the lights will be switched on at around 6.50pm. This year, the duty of switching on the lights will be given to the winner of the colouring competition, along with the Chair of both the Council and Keynsham Town Council.

Meanwhile, the lights in Radstock will be switched on, courtesy of the Town

Council, on Saturday 1st December. Last year, retired miners switched on the lights; the very same men who helped keep the lights burning in Radstock of yesteryear.

It’s never a run of the mill event in Midsomer Norton. The previous year saw the town break the world record for the biggest live nativity scene. This year, the winner of the youth competition within the programme will illuminate the town on Friday 7 December; the winner will be drawn on the night.

Also taking part in the celebrations, local residents in Westfield are invited to gather around their new Christmas tree, as local schoolchildren will be switching on the lights. There will be carols and live music, followed by refreshments in the Methodist Church hall. Join in the fun on Thursday 29th November.

While the lights go on in Paulton the following Saturday (December 1).

The ceremony will take place outside the Methodist Church at 4.30pm followed by a host of yuletide celebrations in Wesley Hall.

Keep up to date with the very latest Council news by following us on Twitter @bathnes

4 | Connect | Winter 2012

www.bathnes.gov.uk/news

Regeneration goes ahead Keynsham redevelopment gets the green light for the regeneration of the town centre have been approved. The project will create exciting new public spaces and the opportunity to encourage more private sector investment into our town, which will create new jobs and new opportunities for Keynsham residents.”

Your Feedback We would like to thank everybody who expressed their views on the proposed £500,000 investment for Radstock. This money has been earmarked by the Council as part of the 2012/13 budget process to support the regeneration of the town.

Members of the public and local organisations discussed all of the proposals put forward, these included: the redesign of Victoria Hall, improving pedestrian safety on Frome Road, rolling-out a 20mph speed limit in Haydon, updating the children’s play park in Writhlington, and many more beneficial projects.

The Council believe that it is important to support the regeneration of Radstock through targeted projects, which will inevitably benefit the long-term prospects of the town.

Final decisions will be made at a future Cabinet meeting.

New public spaces will be created in Keynsham

& media group

Impartial MOT Service MOT Service offered to members of the public

photography: Bath news & media group

A new Council Fleet Transport depot is offering members of the public MOTs for the first time.

The depot, at Locksbrook Road, Bath, offers MOTs for cars, minibuses of between 13-16 seats, and for goods vehicles between 3,000kg – 3,500kg. Because the depot does not offer repairs it means, according to Martin Lewis’ Money Saving Expert website, there is no incentive for mechanics to find faults

Impartial MOTs are available from the Council

don’t forget

that don’t exist.

Barry Richards, Fleet Manager at the Council, said, “We are very pleased to offer a convenient, reliable, and stringent MOT service to the public and the transport trade.

We will carry out a full MOT safety check for most vehicles, like cars and minibuses.

Taxi drivers can also have a licensing inspection at the same time as their MOT. More and more people are coming to us for an MOT and the Council hopes this trend will continue in the future.”

The cost of the MOT is in line with government guidance. MOT Class IV (cars) £49; MOT Class V (minibuses 13-16 seats) £59.55; MOT Class VII (Goods vehicles 3,000kg - 3,500kg) £58.60.

Appointments can be made by calling 01225 477314 on Monday – Friday, from 7.30am – 4pm or you can email motbooking@bathnes.gov.uk

The One Stop Shop is expanding

New Services at one stop shop Sirona’s Healthy Lifestyle Service, Terrence Higgins Trust, and the Carers’ Centre are three of the latest organisations to offer their services at the Manvers Street One Stop Shop.

Sirona’s Healthy Lifestyle Service offers a Stop Smoking service; for information on the Terrence Higgins Trust, see page 20, and The Carers’ Centre offers help and advice for carers of any age. Go to www.bathnes.gov. uk/onestopshop for more details.

To see how the Council is supporting the improvements in your local area, visit www.bathnes.gov.uk/vision2012 www.bathnes.gov.uk | 5

photogr aphy: Bath news

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planning application with proposals to regenerate Keynsham town centre has been given the go-ahead. The Council plan consists of a new library and One Stop Shop for local public sector services, new space for shops and restaurants, new streets and spaces for markets and events, and low-carbon sustainable Council offices.

Preparation for the demolition of the centre has already started with the scheme due to be completed by autumn 2014. The town centre development is the catalyst for wider improvements in Keynsham.

Ideas being explored include housing; town houses and retirement living for older people, a new swimming pool is being considered and plans are emerging for the Riverside Building. Extensive consultation will take place prior to any decisions being made.

A highways scheme to help improve access and reduce congestion in the town continues to be developed. These fit together with the redevelopment of Somerdale and new homes over the coming years.

The final scheme was changed as a direct result of the consultations with the Community Focus Group. Councillor Gill Hellier, Chair of Keynsham Town Council says, “We are delighted that the plans

News in brief

www.bathnes.gov.uk/news

News in brief

A new local scheme is to be introduced

Bath features in Les Misérables

Bikeability The Council now offers free ‘Bikeability Courses’ for primary and secondary schools. There are three levels of Bikeability courses, which are designed to give children the skills and confidence to cope on today’s road. More information can be found at contactus@bikeability.org.uk.

There are also free cycling lessons available for local residents. If you live, work or study in the area, and aged 16 or above, you are eligible to book lessons through cyclinginstructor.com.

A bikeability qualified cycling instructor will then provide the on-road cycle training for cyclists for all standards.

ry Wi-fi access is free at Keynsham Libra

Surf for Free The Council has equipped Keynsham Library with free Wi-Fi access. Users are able to surf the Internet for free once connected to the ‘BANES-PUBLIC’ network.

Peter Moth, Library Customer Services Manager, said, “Most enquiries received from our library users were whether we have Wi-Fi access, so we’ve worked hard to provide this service and we’re delighted to have brought it to Keynsham Library, as well Bath Central and Midsomer Norton.”

All library services will remain the same whilst operating in the temporary location (opposite the leisure centre), in readiness for the development of the Town Hall site.

stay informed

Council Tax Changes

I

t has been announced that there will be changes to the benefits and discounts associated with Council Tax, though these changes will not take effect until April 2013.

Like every other council, we have to put in place a new, local scheme because of central government policy. We’ve recently consulted local residents on the proposals, to help develop a fair Council Tax Support system.

If you currently claim Council Tax Benefit, we’ll contact you directly to explain what the changes mean. The changes will not affect pensioners or Council Tax discounts, such as, single person discounts. However, other discounts and exemptions are likely to be removed, for example, those currently available on second homes and empty properties.

Further details will be made available about the final scheme. This needs to be passed by full Council for agreement before 31 January 2013.

More information is available on www.bathnes. gov.uk in the Council Tax and Benefits sections.

A section of Bath was recently transformed to resemble 18th-century Paris, as Bath & North East Somerset Council helped Working Title Films to shoot the final climactic scene for a new feature film adaptation of Les Misérables.

Large lighting and camera cranes stood on Grand Parade, illuminating Pulteney Weir, as a spectacular stunt scene was filmed in the water.

Jenni Wagstaffe, of Bath’s Council-run Film Office, said: “We’ve had less than a week to turn this complex filming request around, but thanks to fantastic support from the Council’s Highways, Parking, Property Services and Open Spaces teams it all went ahead.”

Location manager, Pat Karam, thanked everybody for pulling together, “Everything went incredibly smoothly, Bath is a fantastic city to film in.”

The film, which is directed by Tom Hooper (The King’s Speech) features Russell Crowe, Hugh Jackman, Anne Hathaway and Helena Bonham-Carter amongst others. It is due to be released on 11 January 2013.

Les Mis: Filming a stunt on Pulteney Weir

WIN

Connect competition

What year was this?

£50!

Remember when Christmases were white?

Here’s an image from the Bath Records Office (www.archives.co.uk) with the city covered in snow. The question is what year witnessed this flurry? Here’s your clue - It was the same year England won the football World Cup.

How to enter

Email: Send your answer to connectmagazine@bathnes.gov.uk Post: Send your answer to Connect Competition, Floor 1, Guildhall, Bath BA1 5AW

Last issue’s winner: Mr J Chalcraft from Temple Cloud Terms and conditions: Competition open to residents of Bath and North East Somerset only. Employees of MediaClash and Bath & North East Somerset Council (or relatives) not eligible to enter. Editor’s decision is final.

For weekly updates of essential news and information subscribe to ‘E-Connect’, our free email newsletter. www.bathnes.gov.uk/econnect

6 | Connect | Winter 2012

www.bathnes.gov.uk/events

events diary Our Winter diary is packed fuller than Santa’s sack.

Festivities include carols, comedy, dancing and more Mirror, mirror, on the wall, which is the best panto of all?

Glitz and glamour

Angie Lewin’s thistle pot - Engraving

The Bellini Girls Following their recent success, performing at the Olympic Wedding Event in Bath’s historic Guildhall Ballroom, the all-female vocal harmony group, The Bellini Girls, will be performing on 8 December at The Mission Theatre. Expect glitz and glamour as the group smoulder their way through a selection of Christmas classics along with songs from past to present. Tickets are available on 07711 370481 or see www.thebellinigirls.co.uk for more details.

Crafty exhibition

Society of Wood Engravers This annual exhibition features over 150 engravings, woodcuts and linocuts from some of the finest printmakers from across the globe.

The variety of styles, from highly detailed black-and-white to large-scale colour images, makes this show a must for printmaking fans. Free wood engraving demos will take place on 24 November, 8 December and 12 January from 11.00am - 3.30pm.

Contact the Victoria Art Gallery on 01225 477 244 for details.

NOVEMBER Transient Graffiti 22-23 November Witness two of Bath’s most iconic buildings, the Bath Abbey and the Holburne Museum, spectacularly spring to life courtesy of animation studios Suited and Booted.

W: www.suitedandbooted.org

A bit of fizz and a lot of sparkle.

Magic and mystery in store

Cerys by Candlelight The ‘Cerys by Candlelight’ Tour saunters into the Chapel Arts Centre on 13 December for a festive extravaganza; there will be music, poetry and a touch of the unexpected, which make each live show a unique experience. Be warned, there will be little option but to sing along. The earlier performance starts at 5.15pm with a later show scheduled for 8pm; tickets are priced at £23.50.

W: www.chapelarts.org T: 01225 461 700

don’t forget

detail

Bob Rudd: Watercolours 24 November – 20 January Award-winning artist, Bob Rudd brings landscapes to life in this exciting exhibition of watercolour paintings.

W: www.victoriagal.org.uk Beacon Hall Barn Dance 24 November Swing along to Peasedown for Beacon Hall’s annual Barn Dance. Tickets are £12 and include a baked potato supper.

Yee-haa! For tickets, email Liz at beaconhall.events@btinternet.com

december Creative Link - Looking Out 6 December Find the extraordinary in the ordinary.

A creative course taking inspiration

through local surroundings. From 2pm-4pm at St Nicholas Church Centre Meeting Room, Radstock. Contact Philippa Forsey at Creativity Works on 01761 438852.

The female skier 12 December Marianne Larsson, from the Nordiska Museet in Stockholm, gives an insightful talk on the historical changes in women’s skiwear, at the BRLSI. W: www.brlsi.org Snow White and the Seven Dwarves 13 December – 13 January It’s been over 20 years since this classic fairy-story was last performed at the Theatre Royal. Don’t wait another 20 to catch this year’s festive, family panto.

W: www.theatreroyal.org.uk.

Somerset and Dorset Railway Heritage Trust 15/16 December Just the ticket for a first-class day out in Midsomer Norton – bring the kids along to see Santa, as he takes time out from his hectic schedule W: www.sdjr.co.uk

Christmas Carols at the Circus 21 December The Salvation Army Band perform well-known carols in the sumptuous setting of the Circus. Don’t forget to bring your lanterns and candles.

New Year’s Eve Ball 2012 31 December Tickets cost between £90 and £120 per person and the package includes; a cocktail reception around the torch-lit Roman Baths, a superb four-course dinner accompanied with wine, and a fun casino with champagne bar. Plus a disco and live music E: events.bath@searcys.co.uk.

T: 01225 444 477

january New Year Viennese Spectacular 2 January Celebrations continue in style at the Forum, as the London Gala Orchestra performs an array of Viennese delights, starring soprano, Paula Sides and tenor, Andrew Rees. From 3pm-5:30pm with tickets starting at £12.50.

W: www.londongalaorchestra.co.uk

To find out about other exciting festivals and events in the area, visit www.bathnes.gov.uk/events www.bathnes.gov.uk | 7

Festive fun

Top 10 Christmas events Celebrating Christmas is sacks of fun for all the family, and our area is filled with any number of exciting things to do

1

Bath Christmas Market

Thursday November 22 Sunday December 9 See the old squares and streets around Bath Abbey transformed by more than 140 traditional wooden stalls. Carol singers, children’s entertainers and musicians perform regularly and the range of handmade gifts, jewellery and local food and drink specialities attracts visitors from all over Britain. This year the market will spread to Milsom Place and Bath Street too. Opening times are: Mon to Weds 10am to 7pm; Thurs to Sat - 10am to 9pm; and Sunday - 11am to 6pm. Discover more at www.bathchristmasmarket.co.uk

08 | Connect | Winter 2012

Friday November 23 – Sunday January 6 The festive ice rink will be built in Royal Victoria Park next to the tennis courts.

A covered rink-side café will serve hot chocolate and mulled wine. There’s even a cloakroom with coat and shoe lockers.

Advance booking is recommended for the one-hour sessions that run from 10am – 9pm and cost from £7, skate hire included.

Under-12s must be accompanied by an adult. Skate stabilisers are available for younger children and skate aids for the unstable of any age. Ice Marshalls will be on the rink to help too.

Visit: www.bathonice.com

Bath Christmas market is a must visit event

2

Santa leaves the reindeer at home

3

Bath Ice Rink

Christmas on Avon Valley Railway

From November 25 Every weekend between November 25 to Christmas, Santa will travel by steam train at Avon Valley Railway. Children can meet him and get a present. There are mince pies for the adults too. From Boxing Day, the Railway runs ‘Sherry and Mince Pie Specials’ four times daily until New Year’s Day. For more details visit the website at www.avonvalleyrailway.org

Get your skates on in Royal Victoria Park

Getting around this Christmas

Where better to party than the parlour at the American museum

4

Christmas at The American Museum, Claverton Manor, Bath

Friday November 23 – Sunday December 16 12 noon – 4.30pm (closed Mondays) The Manor’s rooms will be re-arranged for a festive display along the theme of ‘Party in the Parlour’. Amid swathes of traditional handcrafted decorations, buy original Christmas gifts, learn about early American Christmases and join the treasure hunt for tiny hidden children’s characters.

Visit www.americanmuseum.org for more information.

Extra services and special measures will mean a much easier ride for everyone throughout the festive season More Park & Ride services Thursday late night shopping Every Thursday evening from 15th November until Christmas, buses from Bath City Centre to all three Park & Ride sites will operate for an extra hour, with the last bus leaving at 9.30pm.

Bath Christmas Market n All three sites will run buses for an extra hour in the evening on the Fridays and Saturdays of the Christmas Market. Last buses will leave the City Centre at 9.30pm. n Lansdown and Odd Down sites will be running around 15 extra journeys in both directions between 10am and 6pm on the Saturdays.

Keynsham town centre is transformed

5

Keynsham Victorian Evening

Friday 30 November 2012 from 6.15pm This annual family Christmas event starts with the Town Crier leading a children’s procession carrying giant Christmas trees they’ve made, while Santa follows in a sleigh. The Christmas lights are switched on at 7pm. There are fairground rides, stalls and live music around the Charlton Road/High Street junction, plus a craft fair in Fear Hall, puppet shows in the Baptist Church and Punch and Judy in the Library.

Some fair rides will be in Ashton Way car park. Town centre roads will be shut from 3.30pm-10pm. For more information visit www.keynsham-tc.gov.uk

n Park & Ride buses will operate two hours later than normal on Friday November 23, to aid fans attending the Bath vs Harlequins rugby match. n An additional Park & Ride site will be available on the Saturdays at Bath Racecourse. Buses will run direct to and from the City Centre from 9am to 9.30pm.

As the site is grass, the service may be hampered by ground conditions.

Live updates will be displayed on message signs on the roads approaching Bath and posted on the Council’s website, www.bathnes. gov.uk/parkandride.

Two weeks before Christmas From 10th - 22nd December, excluding Sundays, all three sites will run buses an hour later every

evening, with the last one leaving Bath City Centre at 9.30pm. Sunday services will operate as normal.

Journeys to Bath City Centre take just 10 minutes from all the Park & Ride sites, with the new environmentally friendly hybrid buses making the ride fast, comfortable and convenient.

On the roads: 21st Nov to 7th Jan

Up to the minute information Message signs on all the approach roads into Bath will display live traffic and car park information, including car park capacity and available spaces.

Road works on hold All planned road works for Bath, Keynsham, Midsomer Norton and Radstock town centres will be held off until the New Year.

Bath City Centre If traffic gets heavy, flow will be improved by: n Preventing a right turn from Charlotte Street into Charlotte Street Car Park n Preventing a right turn out of North Parade on to Pulteney Road (A36) n Continual monitoring and adjustments to traffic light timings In addition, access restrictions into Avon Street will be lifted throughout the festive period, and there will be extra parking restrictions on the A4 London Rd, Morrisons junction, to help ease congestion at the traffic lights.

www.bathnes.gov.uk | 09

6

Carols by Candlelight

Wednesday December 19, 20 and 21 The candlelit Bath Pump Room hosts three special Christmas performances by City of Bath Bach Choir. This popular annual evening includes a mix of traditional and modern, serious and light-hearted carols.

The Junior Choir and talented young instrumentalists will also perform. Nigel Perrin will conduct. More information: www.bathbachchoir.org.uk

7

The Bath Pump Room is a fine venue for a carol service

Midsomer Norton Christmas Nativity Fayre

photography: Will Nicol, Somerset Standard & Guardian

December 7 The traditional Lantern Fayre is renamed in honour of last year’s achievement, when more than 700 people dressed as shepherds, angels and wise men to help Midsomer Norton beat the world record for the biggest-ever live nativity scene.

This year people are again invited to come in nativity costume but to also bring a gift to place under the tree that will be donated to the food bank. The Christmas lights will be switched on, Santa is expected to drop by and hot punch will be served.

8

Friday December 21, 7-9pm Enjoy visiting Santa’s grotto and singing carols at the party at Beacon Hall in French Close, Peasedown. Bath Spa Brass Band and Peasedown Puppets will provide the entertainment, and visitors can tuck into hot food and drink, including mulled wine.

Visit www.peasedownpartyinthepark. org.uk for more details.

Last year the Fayre set a new world record

9

Seasonal songs are tackled with aplomb

10

Radstock Christmas Fayre

Saturday December 8, 10am – 4pm The annual free Christmas Fayre will take place in Radstock Museum on Waterloo Road. This popular annual event is organised by the Friends of the Museum to raise funds. Expect to find at least 30 stalls selling gifts and bric-a-brac, plus live festive music from bands and choirs, and a tearoom for food and drink. For more information go to the website: www.radstockmuseum.co.uk

10 | Connect | Winter 2012

Party in the Park with carols and mulled wine

Online events

This magazine listing is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to events in the area, as the online listing found on the Council’s website pays full testament to. Just go to www. bathnes.gov.uk/events for a world of dates for your diary.

However, not only is it a great resource for finding things to do, you can also list events and activities of your own. Simply register by creating your own account and then add details and dates of your own.

Vintage and Antique Christmas Market

Green Park Station, Bath Sunday November 25, 9.30am-4pm More than 40 stalls will be selling unusual and unique Christmas gifts ranging from fine jewellery to vintage fashion, accompanied by live Christmas music and mulled cider. The market is free and completely under the grand glass canopy of the former railway station. There’s even a café and on-site parking. Contact vintageandantiques.co.uk for more details.

Christmas in the Park, Peasedown St John

The market will be full of potential presents

SMOKERS WANTED The Healthy Lifestyle Service wants you to quit!

Smokers wanted to receive two day’s worth of nicotine replacement products FREE! This limited offer is available at our new service at the One Stop Shop in Manvers Street, Bath. So hurry whilst stocks last!

Smokers wanted to come to our drop-in on a Saturday morning at Shopmobility (next door to the One Stop Shop)

Smokers wanted to stop smoking with the Healthy Lifestyle Service

Smokers wanted because we want you to be smokefree we can give you real help and support in quitting

Smokers wanted to drop in on a Tuesday morning or for an appointment on a Thursday afternoon, contact the Healthy Lifestyle Service

Stop Smoking at the One Stop Shop: n Tuesdays 8.30am – 1pm (drop-in) n Thursdays 1pm – 5pm (by appointment) Shopmobility (next door to the One Stop Shop) n Saturday 10am – 12noon (drop-in)

CALL 01225 831852 for details of all stop smoking services near you

Get in touch Get in touch – we are waiting for your call Call us on 01225 831852 and remember our services are FREE Email:healthylifestyleservice@ sirona-cic.org.uk Visit us online at: www.sirona-cic.org.uk Listen out for our radio advert on Heart FM (Bristol & Bath)

www.bathnes.gov.uk | 11

Flooding can present many major challenges within our communities

Staying safe As winter approaches, the Highways team let us know their plans to keep the area’s roads safe and active during the winter

Highways team at the Council, advises that the first step is to sign up for flood warnings issued by the Environmental Agency. This can be done online at www.environment-agency. gov.uk or by calling 0845 988 1188.

W

Working together

ith scenes of dramatic flooding taking place across the country throughout 2012, local residents can rest assured that the Council has plans in place to cope with such extreme weather conditions should they arise this winter. From planning and

flood alleviation schemes to practical advice for homeowners, the Council is helping local communities to cope with the worst.

Flooding can have serious consequences and should never be considered a ‘sightseeing’ opportunity. Visiting flooded locations can endanger your safety as well as hamper the work of the emergency services, furthermore, driving through flood water can seriously damage your vehicle and creates a wave of water that exacerbates flooding.

You don’t have to live near a river or the coast to be at some risk of flooding. However, there are actions you can take to minimise the impact of flooding.

Preparation is key Disruptions will be kept to a minimum

12 | Connect | Winter 2012

Part of the Council’s strategy is to co-ordinate and inform, they also offer advice to residents on preparing and reacting to flood situations.

Kelvin Packer, service manager on the

n Contact us to report incidents - The Council’s dedicated Flood Risk Management and Drainage team works closely with the Highways team and the Environment Agency.

Together they distribute sand bags, provide up-to-the-minute information and maintain drainage, flood resilience and resistance.

However, the public’s help is always vital to identify particular problems. n Keep informed - If flooding does occur in your area, listen to the media for further advice. The Highways team will issue information to the media, arrange for flooding signs to be erected and implement road closures and diversions. The Council and the Environment Agency can provide information about flood maps, but don’t overlook local knowledge, as residents who have lived in the area for a long time can often tell you what is likely to lead to flooding.

www.bathnes.gov.uk/transportandstreets

On the roads

n Make a plan of action - Services across the Council work together with the Emergency Planning Unit to coordinate the response to a flooding incident. They also work with partners such as the Environment Agency, voluntary sectors and the emergency services to prepare for flooding. If flooding does occur, prepare your home or business by moving furniture to a higher level inside the property, and disconnect electrical items from the mains. Use any flood resilience or flood resistance measures. Carrier bags filled with soil and boards fixed securely to possible water entry points can prove very effective.

After a flood

The Council recognises that the actions taken after a flooding incident are equally important. Flooding incidents are investigated and the lessons learnt are incorporated in updated plans.

Any resident needing assistance following flooding should contact Council Connect on 01225 394041 or visit www.bathnes.gov.uk.

photography: Midsomer Norton, Radstock, & District Journal

n Take preventative measures - The Council’s Highways team has a planned programme of cleansing gullies and is regularly carrying out investigations and repairs to the highway drainage systems. You can prevent water entering your property by taking simple actions such as clearing leaves from the top of drains, and making sure known drainage problems within your property are fixed as soon as possible.

n Park & Ride bus passengers are enjoying the comforts of eight new low-carbon diesel/ electric buses, which are now in operation. These new buses allow passengers to commute in the comfort of leather seats; while also having the benefits of free Wi-Fi and climate control on the upper deck.

The buses not only provide a more comfortable journey, they are also more environmentally friendly, producing a lower carbon footprint due to their smaller engine.

The buses now operate at least every 15 minutes, seven-days a week, except on Eight new buses are now in operation Easter Sunday and some bank holidays. The additional service local economies like Bath and North East will cater for the tremendous growth Somerset, and new infrastructure can in Sunday shoppers and workers who provide the missing links that are often so travel into the city. crucial in getting economies moving and The Council is also making rapid creating opportunities for new investment progress on the expansion of the Park and employment”. & Ride sites at Lansdown, Odd Down The £27 million Bath Transportation and Newbridge with construction work due to be completed by Christmas at Package forms the biggest upgrade Odd Down, March 2013 at Lansdown Bath has had to its transport system and June 2013 at Newbridge. This will in 25 years. Keep up-to-date with the increase the overall number of car latest developments, on www. parking spaces by almost 50 per cent bathnes.gov.uk/parkandride. to 2,860.

Norman Baker MP, Parliamentary n Residents in both Southdown and Under-Secretary of State for Transport, Twerton voted in favour of the Council’s visited the new buses and said: “Effective proposals to introduce the first 20mph public transport is vitally important to speed limits in their area. The speed limits are now in effect in both of these areas. Over the next 18 months, consultations will be taking place in other communities with regards to implementing the proposals on a wider scale.

It is planned that the majority of the area’s residential streets will introduce 20mph speed limits as part of a £500,000 investment.

For details, visit www.bathnes. gov.uk/ 20mphspeedlimit. n The Council is all set for a white Christmas this year with its winter weather plans. For the quickest way to find out what’s happening on your roads, follow the Council on Twitter at @bathnes. Go to page 35 for further details on how you can help us.

Norman Baker MP inspects the new buses

www.bathnes.gov.uk | 13

photography: Bath news & media group

Balancing the books Despite a challenging economy, the Council is preparing a budget that protects priority services and invests in economic growth

savings, raising income, and other efficiencies. We are also looking to invest in the future. This is a really tough challenge and difficult decisions are needed to achieve this.

espite some of the toughest financial circumstances facing the Council, every effort will be made to protect the highest priority services and to minimise the impact on the public”, explains Andrew Pate, the Council’s Strategic Director for Resources, who sums up the approach being taken as preparation for the 2013/14 Council budget begins.

Town halls have already been hit with a 28% reduction in the amount of funding

What are you doing to tackle this challenge?

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they received from the Government over the last three years. This year, Government funding will reduce again and, combined with increasing demand for local services and rising costs, this leaves the Council with difficult choices as it strives to improve and protect essential frontline services for local people. However, high quality services, excellent customer service and close working with communities are some of the Council’s main aims.

We posed some the questions that are on the minds of local people to Andrew Pate.

What is the situation in our area?

Bath Riverside is providing affordable homes

14 | Connect | Winter 2012

All local councils are highly dependent on funding from the Government, so central cuts hit everybody hard. Because we have a good track record of balancing our budgets, made back office savings of more than £25 million over recent years, and built-up a strong level of money reserves, the Council is in a better position than many other town halls to tackle the challenges ahead.

To balance our budget we must make savings of 12% of what the Council currently spends over the next three years.

However, the impact on frontline services will be much less as a result of back office

We’ve worked hard to make better use of the money the Council has available to improve services. For example, the

What are your ideas?

The Council values the views of local people when making decisions about our budget and the impact it has. In order to ensure that we get it right, we would like your help in answering the following questions: n What should we do less of? n What are your ideas for improving services at lower cost n What services/communities should we make a priority?

You can answer these questions at www.bathnes.gov.uk/budgetview or write to us at Resources Team, 3rd Floor, Guildhall, Bath, BA1 5AW.

Investing for the future Through sensible financial management and making difficult decisions over recent years, the Council has been able to invest in key projects that will support prosperous communities benefiting both residents living in the area today and also the generations to come. Here are some examples: n £27 million – continuing the overhaul of Bath’s transport infrastructure with expanded Park & Ride services, better bus routes with real-time information, and improved signage directing traffic more efficiently; n £3.45 million over five years – increasing affordable homes at Bath Riverside in partnership with Crest Nicholson, the Homes & Communities Agency, and Curo Group; n £33 million – continuing the regeneration of Keynsham town centre by replacing the existing builldings with new space for shops and restaurants, new library, and One Stop Shop for

People are working with the Council on projects such as community clean-ups to improve their area

local public sector services, new streets and spaces for markets and events, and low carbon sustainable Council offices; n £8.5 million over five years – providing the infrastructure to unlock land at Bath Riverside to provide new jobs and new homes; n £6 million – improving our school buildings in 2013/14 to create the environments where children and young people can prepare for adult life; n £460,000 – supporting alongside the Government and private sector the efforts to provide superfast broadband to our area.

Other measures to support economic growth – like the regeneration of Radstock town centre and London Road, sustain low carbon communities, and enhance transport infrastructure are also being proposed.

Investing in the regeneration of Keynsham town centre

processes for pothole repairs has been simplified using the latest technology meaning more on the spot decisions are being made rather than sites needing return visits by our staff. This work to become more financially efficient will continue, including reducing the amount of office space our staff need.

Is the investment you are making in the area affected?

One of our key priorities is to continue our investment to increase economic growth and strengthen the fabric of local communities to create new homes, new jobs, and greater opportunities for local people. This includes our investment in the

organisation’s key priorities bearing in mind the impact of the recession on local communities. The Government has indicated it will be providing similar support to freeze Council Tax for 2013/14.

“One of our key priorities is to continue our investment to increase economic growth and strengthen the fabric of local communities” regeneration of Keynsham, new homes at Bath Riverside, and improvements in Radstock (see above).

We are awaiting further details and elected councillors will make the final decision in February.

Will Council Tax go up?

How does the budget get decided?

Council Tax levels have been frozen for the past three years due to a combination of our strong financial track record and the Government giving councils some additional financial support specifically to keep bills low. Keeping Council Tax levels as low as possible is one of our

In the run-up to Christmas, the Cabinet are working together with Council Officers to consider how the budget could be balanced.

These are only ideas – it doesn’t mean they are final. The Council Cabinet will then agree what they believe is the best way

forward in early February and present this to the Council for debate on the 19th February 2013. People can attend any public meeting about the budget plans that we have and give their views.

What is happening to tackle the local impact of national austerity?

We are really keen to work more closely with voluntary organisations, communities, parish councils, and our public sector partners to ensure that people receive a service from those local organisations in the best position to provide it.

For example - If the best way to look after an elderly person is by a specialist carer, such as Sirona, then we should work with them to provide the best care possible for that individual. There will be times where residents are in the best position, like volunteering to take part in a community clean-up to blitz their streets and open spaces of litter and grime.

www.bathnes.gov.uk | 15

It is important to recycle over the Christmas period, as it is a time of year when lots of rubbish is created

Christmas collections Merry Christmas! And thank you for recycling record amounts this year Christmas is a time when we create more rubbish, but you can recycle most of it using your green box, blue bag and food waste recycling collection.

Recycling greetings cards, wrapping paper and gift tags You can recycle white backed (non-foil) types in your green box with other paper. It is best to avoid buying foil type paper as we can’t recycle it.

Christmas recycling and rubbish collection changes We try our hardest to keep disruption to your recycling and rubbish services to a minimum over the festive period.

Recycling and rubbish collections There are no collections on n Tuesday 25 December n Wednesday 26 December n Tuesday 1 January

Please see your revised collection dates below:

From 7th January, we will collect your real Christmas tree for free with your fortnightly garden waste collection, even you don’t usually use the service. To check your collection day, please visit our website and enter your postcode or contact Council Connect.

If your tree is more than 1.2 metres tall, please cut it up so we can fit it onto our vehicle.

We will have to leave it behind if it is too big to fit. Please take off any decorations, including the pot, and put it out where you normally put your recycling and rubbish, so our crews can see it easily.

Usual collection day

Next collection day

Tuesday 25 December

Saturday 29 December

Wednesday 26 December

Wednesday 2 January

Tuesday 1 January

Saturday 5 January

Bad weather updates

Tuesday 25 December

Closed

Wednesday 26 December

Closed

Tuesday 1 January

Closed

Christmas tree collection

If we suffer from extreme bad weather this winter, please check our website www.bathnes. gov.uk/wasteservices and local radio for the latest collection updates.

16 | Connect | Winter 2012

Garden waste and Christmas tree collection There are no garden waste and Christmas tree collections for two weeks from Monday 24 December. Normal collections will begin again on Monday 7 January.

Recycling Centres

www.bathnes.gov.uk/wasteservices

Success story

News round up

Food waste recycling is a smash hit The food waste recycling collections we introduced in October 2010 are proving a massive success, with official projections that residents will smash the 10,000 tonnes barrier by the end of the year since they were introduced.

Residents tell us that they are pleased with the service being so easy and convenient, mainly using compostable liners for things like fruit, bread, and peelings, although all food can be put out for collection, including bones.

Our monitoring tells us that half of the households who have access to this service currently use the collection, so we will be working hard on the other half who need more convincing. We will be working to do this through our door-to-door visits, regular recycling road shows, and reminding people through on-going campaigning. n 4,296 tonnes recycled in the first full year of food waste collections; n 10,600+ tonnes predicted to be recycled by the end of this financial year since October 2010.

Bath Recycling Centre temporary closure

The service is easy to use

Win a free roll of liners for your kitchen caddy Send us your best tip for reducing the food you throw away at home and as a Christmas thank you, we have 50 rolls of compostable caddy liners to give away to the best 50 tips received.

Please email your best tip to councilconnect@bathnes.gov.uk or send to us at Waste Services, Floor 2, Riverside, Temple Street, Keynsham BS31 1LA, by Monday 31 December.

Don’t forget to include your full name, address and postcode. www.lovefoodhatewaste.com has some great Christmas tips for party planning and cooking the right size portions for guests.

No black plastic please We cannot collect black plastic because we cannot currently recycle it.

Black plastic cannot be collected for recycling

Yes please

No thanks

3 All plastic bottles, lids and caps including milk, drink and cleaning products such as shampoo and washing up liquid

7 No black plastic such as trays and bags 7 No film such as cling film, bags, bubble wrap, and cellophane 7 No crisp packets 7 No polystyrene 7 No hard non packaging plastic such as toys, washing up bowls and plant pots 7 No plastic used to contain medicine or chemicals used in the garden for health & safety reasons

3 Trays such as meat, fruit and takeaway containers

Recycling centre winter weekend opening times

Remember that winter weekend opening times now apply until Sunday 31 March 2013.

Saturday 9am - 3.45pm Sunday 9am – 1pm

Electronic van permits

Our new electronic van permit system is now live at all our Recycling Centres.

This will detect your registration automatically and inform our staff if you have a van permit as you enter the sites, so you don’t need to stop and speak to a member of staff. To apply for a permit or find out more please visit www.bathnes.gov.uk/vanpermit

These events are like ‘freecycle’ days – give away things in good condition you no longer want and take things you want for FREE. 10am – 1pm

To save space on our vehicles please empty, wash, squash and then put the lids back on plastic bottles. When grouping materials in your green box, it is fine to mix cans and plastic together as they are separated by machine at our depot.

3 Pots such as yoghurt and cream

During the closure we would advise you to use our other two Recycling Centres at: Keynsham: Pixash Lane BS31 1TP Midsomer Norton: Old Welton, Wheelers Hill, BA3 2AA

Next Give and Take days

We’ve had feedback from residents who are confused about plastic recycling so please see the list below to check what we can collect.

3 Tubs such as margarine and ice cream

We have had to close the Bath Recycling Centre at Midland Road for essential repair works for eight weeks. We plan to reopen on Monday 3 December. Check www.bathnes. gov.uk/bathrecyclingcentre for latest news.

Saturday 26 January: Chew Valley School, Chew Lane, Chew Magna BS40 8QB Saturday 9 March: New Oriel Hall, Brookleaze Buildings, Larkhall, Bath BA1 6RA For full details, see our website www.bathnes.gov.uk/wasteservices

Emma Gowling was happy with her sizea ble

find

www.bathnes.gov.uk | 17

It’s time to apply for schools Will your child have their fourth birthday during this school year?

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f your child was born between 1st September 2008 and 31st August 2009, they can start school in September 2013. The closing date for applications is the 15th January 2013. You can apply online at www.bathnes.gov.uk and click on the Schools and Colleges link followed by School Admissions.

Apply online at www.bathnes.gov.uk and click on the Schools, Colleges and Learning link followed by Admissions to Schools.

If you think you may need support to help you make your secondary school application, or to choose the right secondary school for your child, we may be able to help.

For further information, call Family Information Service on Freephone 0800 0731214 or local number 01225 395343. You can email fis@bathnes. gov.uk or text 07980 998906.

For further information contact the Admissions & Transport Unit on 01225 394312 or email admissions_transport@bathnes.gov.uk Parents of children with additional needs are able to access support from Bath & North East Somerset Council’s Parent Partnership Service.

The Parent Partnership Service (PPS) is impartial and confidential, and aims to help parents make informed decisions about their child’s education and to have the confidence to work with a range of professionals who provide support for their child.

PPS offers impartial information, advice and ongoing support to parents, whose children are aged between 0-20 years. PPS can provide you with support on a one-to-one basis or you may wish to attend one of the Parents' Forum Meetings.

The Parents’ Forum always has a guest speaker on a relevant topic of interest and provides a useful opportunity for you to network with other parents; occasionally you may also be consulted on your views to inform local policy and procedures.

To find out more information, you can phone 01225 394382 or visit www.bathnes.gov.uk and go to the Parent Partnership pages using the A-Z guide.

About the Family Information Service (FIS) FIS supports local families by providing up-to-date information on a range of family-related issues, including registered childcare, children with additional needs, out of school activities, leisure activities, Children’s Centre services and play.

The Information Team receives calls to the helpline as well as email requests and texts for information. They possess a wealth of information; from lists of local baby and toddler groups to leaflets about parenting support and safe lifestyle choices for teenagers.

The Outreach Team promotes the work of the FIS and regularly visit Children’s Centres, Schools and other places where families meet.

For further information call FIS FREE on 0800 0731214 or local number 01225 395343 between 8.45am and 4.45pm, Monday to Thursday, and 8.30am to 4.30pm, Friday.

You can email fis@bathnes.gov.uk or text 07980 998906 18 | Connect | Winter 2012

The new system makes it easier to understand why funding decisions have been made

Social Care funding A new system is being introduced to determine funding amounts for social care

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s reported in the last issue of Connect, the Council is reviewing its system of Personal Budgets, making it fairer and easier to understand.

The plan is to introduce the national common Resource Allocation System (RAS), now used by most councils to work out how much funding people receive for their social care needs.

The new system is fairer because it uses a consistent method of calculating funding for everyone with support needs. This makes it much simpler to understand why funding decisions have been taken.

Social care needs

The RAS is based on a short, easy-tocomplete, needs assessment questionnaire that measures social care needs on a scale of 0-100. This makes it easier for the Council to check that everybody is being treated equally

and fairly. The new system will also have a weighting to ensure that people with the most complex needs are allocated sufficient resources to meet their needs, whilst also ensuring a fairer distribution of resources overall.

People will be informed of the estimated amount of funding they may receive much sooner in the process. This means they can start planning their support as soon as possible, and can feel in control of the process. The new system is much more streamlined and clients should feel more involved with the assessment and support planning process, as well as noticing a reduction in paperwork. More flexible options can be considered by people for meeting their care and support needs, for example, by employing their own staff or by paying expenses for volunteers or purchasing equipment. The Council is also considering ways to make it easier for people to have

more control over the funding they are allocated, so they can get on with deciding what is best for them without necessarily taking on all the responsibilities of managing the budget themselves.

How will this affect me?

All current Personal Budget holders will be contacted at their next review, when the funding for their support needs will be re-assessed using the new RAS. More information about the new system will also be made available later in the year.

The changes will be rolled out on a phased basis from early 2013 to ensure that any lessons can be learned early on. The Council is currently undertaking a programme of consultation over these changes, with all feedback being collated and considered, to help with the roll out and review of the first phase and next steps with the new system. n If you wish to contribute to this, please contact our Information Officer by either email

melanie_hodgson@bathnes.gov.uk or telephone 01225 477983

www.bathnes.gov.uk | 19

Living with HIV in Bath & North East Somerset

Despite a greater understanding of the virus, infection rates in the area continue to rise For a lot of people, living in Bath & North East Somerset can be regarded as idyllic; a picturesque rural area with relatively affluent communities and lower than the national average of social inequalities.However, do not be deceived; HIV is still present.

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) can affect anybody in any community and we do have people living within our area who have contracted this life limiting virus. 30 years ago when HIV first became known a lack of information about this condition caused large amounts of fear. Today we are more knowledgeable about how somebody can contract the virus and what it means to be living with the disease. Treatments have improved and if somebody is diagnosed early they can live well into their 70’s or 80’s.

At the Terrence Higgins Trust we have been supporting people living with or affected by HIV in the area for over 25 years and during this time we have seen many changes, the biggest of which has been the dramatic decline in the number of people who die from the condition. In fact, we now talk about people living with HIV, rather than dying from AIDS. However, HIV seems to have slipped from many people’s minds and there has been an increase in the levels of complacency around the condition, with many people thinking that either there is now a cure or they could just take one tablet a day to keep the virus under control. Sadly neither of these are correct; there is still no cure and although treatment options have improved there are still side effects to contend with.

One of the most important aspects of HIV

is that of being diagnosed early enough so damage to your immune system can be minimised. Testing is easy and can be carried out at a variety of venues across B&NES including your GP surgery or at the Sexual Health Department at the RUH. A quarter of people infected with HIV aren’t aware of this; one of the main reasons infection rates continue to rise. We can make a difference to this; if you think you may be at risk of having HIV, it’s worth getting tested as soon as you can.

If you are diagnosed as HIV positive there are a lot of support services available to help. The Terrence Higgins Trust has an excellent website (www.tht.org.uk) and there is also the separate site specifically for people living with HIV, which can be found at www.myHIV.org.uk.

Alternatively, you can call us at our local service centre on 0117 955 1000 to talk through any concerns you might have and we can also provide you with details of your nearest location to undertake the simple test for HIV. n

Dates to remember: National HIV Testing Week 23rd to 30th November

World AIDS Day 1st December

Rewarding excellence Sirona celebrated its first year anniversary with an awards ceremony for its staff. Here we relive the night and highlight the award winners

L-R: Janet Rowse (Chief Executive), Lynne Fernquest (Editor, Bath Chronicle), Simon Knighton (Chairman) and Ali Vowles (BBC TV and Radio presenter)

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n 1 October 2012, Sirona celebrated its first year as a Social Enterprise. Over the year, we have gone from strength to strength, and we are developing a well-deserved reputation for excellence. Over 5000 people have used our wide range of health and care services and there is one thing they have in common – they have all benefited from treatment and care from our outstanding staff.

As a way of saying thank you to our staff and to recognise the contribution they have made to our success and, more importantly, to the lives of those who use our services, we held our first Sirona Awards for Excellence

event at the Assembly Rooms in Bath.

We thought you might like to see for yourself, snippets from the night and our fantastic award winners. Everyone who was nominated for an award showed care and compassion to their patients, their colleagues or to the general community and it was a night where everyone earned the right to feel proud of what they had achieved.

We know we still have more to do and we will continue to work with you to find the way which is right for you in making a lasting difference to your lifestyle. We will support you in reaching your goal whatever that may be and we will always aspire to provide the most compassionate, caring and effective health and social care possible.

This is exactly what we are here for. n

“Everyone who was nominated for an award showed care and compassion to their patients, their colleagues or to the general community”

Celebrating success www.bathnes.gov.uk | 21

Sirona Award for Excellence

Winner: The Supported Living/ Lifetime/Complex Needs Teams, for their outstanding work in enabling a young man to remain living with his family, cared for by highly trained and skilled staff from Sirona Care & Health.

Without their input, this man would certainly have gone into some form of long-term residential care.

Chairman’s Award for Innovation Winner: Emma Moxham, for her commitment to finding innovative ways of providing a home-based intravenous service which has prevented a stay in hospital for many people. Emma was particularly praised for her work in supporting a mum-to-be with hyperemesis (severe vomiting and fatigue) to receive her treatments at home – the first time this has happened according the National Hyperemesis Society.

Highly Commended: Katie Abraham and team at Charlton House, who have made a real difference to the lives of those with dementia.

Outpatient Physiotherapy Services: For finding new ways of working to improve the experience of those who use Sirona’s services.

Award for Outstanding Service Delivery Winner: The Catering Team, St Martin’s Hospital, who worked closely with the ward staff, dieticians and with patients themselves to make sure the whole experience in hospital is a positive one and one that aids recovery. They have also won national recognition for achievements in Food Hygiene.

Highly Commended: Chew Valley District Nurses, for the respect and compassion they show all in their care.

Health Visiting Service: for expanding their skills and professional boundaries to change the way health visiting is delivered, as a result of which, they were chosen as one of only 15 pilot sites across England to be national leaders to deliver the Chief Nursing Officer’s Call to Action.

Celebrating success 22 | Connect | Winter 2012

Chief Executive’s Award for Taking It Personally

Winner: Ren Galkowski, a district nurse who has shown through her selfless service that her patients really are at the heart of everything she delivers.

Highly Commended: Andrea Brooks, from the Payroll and HR Team, for the flexibility and commitment she showed in helping to introduce a new payroll system correctly and on time.

The awards underway at the Assembly Rooms, Bath

Award for Significant Contribution – I think they deserve it Winner: Stanislaw Bogdanski, receptionist at Bath NHS Healthcare Centre, for working 110 per cent every day, making everyone smile and for whom there is nothing but praise and kind words about him from patients.

Highly Commended: Sarah Fenton, administrative assistant with Keynsham District Nursing Team, described as the backbone of the team.

Christine Bevan, heart failure specialist, held in the highest regard by healthcare professionals who know her and a real asset to Sirona’s service users.

Ali Vowles, BBC TV and Radio presenter, compere’s the action

Outstanding Service Delivery

Student of the Year

Winner: Marcia Hunter, for her tireless work in ensuring that tenants in one of Sirona’s Extra Care Schemes really do feel “at home”.

Ruth Grindod, shift leader at an extra care scheme, who goes the extra mile to ensure tenants have all they need, covering extra shifts and doing the cooking.

Debbie Lawes, district nurse in Keynsham, never complains and patients know they can rely on her commitment and skill to care for them well.

Highly Commended: Kate Warr, for putting into practice the Sirona values of care, compassion, respect and dignity in all her work.

Alison Fowles, who works at an extra care scheme, makes sure the tenants know it is their home.

Dee Buchanan, Emma Evans and Teresa Hassell, for outstanding commitment to their work with people with learning disabilities.

Winner: Anne-Marie Fitzjohnson, for being an enthusiastic, committed and first class practitioner who has never lost sight of the need for excellent clinical practice.

Highly Commended: Vicki Crossland, who travelled twice a week from Salisbury to provide a toe nail cutting service in Keynsham and Midsomer Norton.

Mark Cockburn, whose attitude and aptitude so impressed his colleagues he now is a fully qualified and permanent member of the social work team at Paulton Hospital.

Celebrating success www.bathnes.gov.uk | 23

Manager of the Year

Community Volunteer of the Year Winner: Fiona Coverdale, who has been volunteering in her community for more than 22 years. A Girl Guiding leader and someone who helps to run the Guide Shop in Walcot Street, Bath.

Highly Commended: Janet Hotter, a volunteer within the Hearing Therapy Service, who has volunteered for more than 18 years.

Award for Working Together Winner: The Supported Living Service/Lifetime Service/Complex Health Needs Service, who also won Sirona’s overall Award for Excellence.

Highly Commended: Payroll and HR Implementation Team, for the strong leadership and commitment to introduce the new in-house integrated payroll and HR system.

Child Health Audiometricians: For flexibility and team effort supporting a colleague who was going through a tough time personally.

Winner: Carrie Wedgwood, whose staff describe her as an excellent listener who empowers and values all members of her teams and never loses sight of the need for high quality, personal services.

Highly Commended: Sue Anderson, for exceptional commitment to going the extra mile.

Debbie Patten, for commitment, drive and passion in developing a service.

Examining a trophy

Get in touch Get in touch – we are waiting for your call

Call us on 01225 831403 Visit us online at: www.sirona-cic.org.uk

Celebrating success 24 | Connect | Winter 2012

FATAL DISTRACTION Avon Fire & Rescue Service turns to Hollywood movies to depict how decisions can ultimately save or endanger lives

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staggering two-thirds of second, third and fourth year university students recently surveyed said, they, or somebody they knew, had experience of a fire or of setting off a smoke alarm while at university.

More than half of all house fires start in the kitchen, and historically, students have been proven to be at high risk of becoming victims of fire.

There are many reasons for this; late night cooking after a night out (often when the students have been drinking, which affects

their reactions and decision-making), smoking, burning candles, or simply becoming distracted and forgetting that something has been left on the stove or under the grill.

However, additional research has revealed a complacency among students, an over-riding feeling that disastrous events are what happens to other people; it’s a complacent, invulnerable, “it will never happen to me” mentality.

So the challenge facing Avon Fire & Rescue Service was one of how to reach students in an innovative, engaging way that they will take notice of, so that they might just heed some of the simple safety messages which, ultimately, could save their lives.

The choice is yours

On the basis that a picture paints a thousand words, the fire service turned to the movies, and sought inspiration from Hollywood.

Fatal Distraction is a Hollywood-style movie trailer which tries to alert students to the dangers of getting distracted while cooking, and to show just how easy – or tempting – it might be to get distracted.

The concept was based on choices and doors – how some decisions can open doors, and lead to a bright future, whilst the wrong decisions could close them forever.

The image of a door features heavily in the film, as you draw nearer and nearer to a door, wondering what might be waiting on the other side.

Several different ‘distraction’ scenarios were created, which will be used to create three different versions of the trailer.

Sadly, the trailer IS inspired by events that actually happen, for real, to ordinary people. But it does not have to end in disaster; ultimately the choice is yours, whether you choose to give in to temptation or to deny distraction. n

There is more background information and details on a dedicated website, www.fataldistraction.co.uk, as well as more safety messages and tips on how you can make sure that YOU do not become a victim of a Fatal Distraction.

www.bathnes.gov.uk | 25

Community@67 provides IT sessions for people of all ages

Volunteering is giving local people opportunities to broaden their horizons, connect with their area and make their community a better place

can provide communities with the most effective help. Recognising that local people know best what they need, it is looking at ways of supporting those who want to play their part in running local services.

or local resident Catherine Dhanjal, seeing the difference that just a small amount of volunteering can make has given her a fantastic sense of achievement. “I run IT sessions for two hours a week at a community hub in Keynsham,” said Catherine. “A lady with close family in Australia nervously came along to one of the sessions, and it gave me a real buzz to see how thrilled she was when she learned how to contact them on Skype

Changing people’s lives

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and email them photos. She’s now very enthusiastic about IT, edits her own digital photographs and has become so good that she’s moving on to an intermediate computer course.”

Volunteering is undoubtedly a great way to give something back, and could come with a whole host of personal benefits, including discovering new talents, making new friends, boosting self-confidence, and increasing chances of paid employment.

The Council also believes that volunteering

The heart of a community When a member of a Keynsham residents group suggested using a former post office as a meeting place for local people, the idea snowballed and Community@67, based at 67 Queens Road, opened its doors in 2010. This entirely volunteer-led and run initiative has become a heart of the community facility for socialising, learning, training, support, advice and information. “We are all members of the community working with the community, so that what we provide here is what

26 | Connect | Winter 2012

local people want,” said management committee member Clare Hudson.

“The facility has given a real boost to community spirit in this area, and when more volunteers come on board, we hope to offer a lot more.”

Community@67 Call Clare Hudson on 07737 742300, email community67@gmail.com or visit www.community67.org

Wherever you live, whatever your interests and however much time you have to spare, you’ll find plenty of ways of making your own personal difference through volunteering. Some wonderful examples of where people are doing just that are in Paulton, Keynsham and Bath.

“Volunteering is a great way to give something back” How about you?

These are just some of the ways that people and communities are playing their part. With your help, so much more can be achieved, so if you have a few hours to spare, think about volunteering.

Or pay a quick visit to the Volunteer Centre in Bath’s Central Library (see 350 Ways To Volunteer). It will change people’s lives and could change yours too.

For more information, go to www.bathnes.gov.uk/volunteering or visit www.vol-centre.org.uk

A friendly guide

Friends of RUH volunteers will guide you on your way

Given the size of the Royal United Hospital (RUH) site, it’s all too easy for patients, visitors and even new staff to get lost. Some 25 Friends of RUH volunteer guides direct people to the right place or take them there if needed. David Swallow, who has been a guide for over 10 years, thoroughly enjoys helping people as well as the hospital. “It also keeps me out of mischief, so my wife tells me.”

The guides are one of around 20 teams carrying out different volunteer roles across the hospital.

“Volunteering here is very amiable,” said Samantha Nolan, Friends of RUH manager, “and many of the volunteers stay on after their shift to have coffee together.”

Simon Brooks donates his time

Friends of RUH Call Samantha Nolan on 01225 824046, email ruh-tr. volunteers@nhs.net or go to www.friendsoftheruh.org.uk

Volunteers stay beyond their shift to have coffee together

350 ways to volunteer. Sign up today!

The Volunteer Centre at Bath’s Central Library is a great place to start.

Covering the whole of Bath and North East Somerset, the charity provides free support services focusing on matching up would-be volunteers with organisations and community groups that need help.

With over 350 diverse volunteering opportunities on its books, from culture and conservation to social care and sport, the Centre will help you find your perfect fit. You’ll also get plenty of guidance and information, making the process easy and enjoyable, as local

Planting the seeds

resident Mimi Donaldson found.

Her first volunteering role was through the Volunteer Centre, and in a thank you note she wrote: “The information I received was excellent and told me everything I needed to know. You were extremely helpful and patient in finding exactly the right volunteering opportunities to suit me.”

Contact the Volunteer Centre on 01225 338105, email info@vol-centre.org.uk or visit www.vol-centre.org.uk Painting the children’s play areas in Bath

The library in Paulton is in search of volunteers

A new lease of life With Paulton Library set to become a community hub when it moves to Hill Court Shopping Centre next spring, keeping it open for as many hours as possible is vital. Currently staffed for only 14 hours a week, a combination of self-service machines, library staff and volunteer support will mean it can stay open for over double that. “All it takes is some 25-30 volunteers willing to help for as little as four hours a month and the goal can be achieved,” said June Brassington, the Council’s Libraries Service Manager. “It’s a very sociable role. We are looking for people with an ability to get on with people, a love of reading, and enough basic computer knowledge to help customers get online and access their account.”

Paulton Library: Call June Brassington on 01225 396424 or email june_ brassington@bathnes.gov.uk

Swainswick Lunch Club

www.bathnes.gov.uk | 27

Patient Jenny Hetherington with Dr Ian Orpen

Fighting flu A single jab, giving patients protection against seasonal flu this winter, is being offered on the NHS

D

octors are urging patients in Bath and North East Somerset to protect themselves against flu by having this year’s jab.

It is estimated that around 14 million people across the country will suffer from flu this winter. Recent figures from the Health Protection Agency show that 602 people in the UK died with a confirmed influenza infection during the 2010/11 season.

Despite this, many people in BANES who are entitled to their free NHS flu jab will choose not to have it.

Dr Ian Orpen is Chair of NHS B&NES Clinical Commissioning Group (NHS B&NES CCG) and a practising GP at St James’s Surgery, Bath. He said: “The best way to protect yourself, your family

28 | Connect | Winter 2012

and friends from seasonal flu is to have this year’s flu jab.

“This year’s seasonal flu vaccine is free to patients who are at-risk of developing complications from flu. This includes pregnant women, people aged 65 or older and people with medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes or Parkinson’s. Residents living in a nursing or residential home, as well as healthcare workers or carers, are also eligible for a free jab.

“In particular, pregnant women should be aware of the benefits of the flu vaccine, because it helps protect their baby who will continue to have some immunity to flu for the first few months of their life. It will also reduce the risks of complications in pregnancy from flu.”

If you have flu, you are usually infectious – that is able to pass on flu to others – a day

before your symptoms start, and for a further five or six days. It’s important during this period to limit the spread of the infection.

If you are otherwise fit and healthy, there is usually no need to see a doctor if you have flu-like symptoms. The best remedy is to rest at home, keep yourself warm and drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.

You can also take paracetamol or ibuprofen, to lower a high temperature and relieve aches.

To reduce the spread of infection you should also be extra careful with your hygiene and: n Always wash your hands regularly with soap and water; n Use tissues to cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze; n Put used tissues in a bin as soon as possible; n Regularly clean surfaces such as your keyboard, telephone and door handles to get rid of germs. n

How is the flu vaccine made?

Each year, the viruses that are most likely to cause flu are identified in advance and vaccines are made to match them as closely as possible.

The vaccines are recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Like all vaccines, the flu vaccine contains an inactivated version of the virus it intends to protect you from. This is so that your body can recognise the virus and create antibodies against it. Then, if you ever come into contact with the active flu virus, you have a ready-made army of antibodies to fight it.

There are three types of flu virus: type A, type B and type C. Typically, every year one or two strains of type A flu may be circulating, as well as a type B strain.

inactive) before being dispensed into vials.

Your body starts making antibodies to the virus after you’ve had the injection, and it may take 10 to 14 days for your immune system to respond fully after that.

This means that you can catch the flu virus up to 14 days after having the vaccination, so it makes sense to have the vaccination as early as possible.

The reason why the flu vaccines used each year differ is because, over time, flu viruses are able to mutate (change). This means that if you had the flu vaccine last year, you will not be protected from flu this year. The best way to protect yourself, family and friends against the flu is by having the flu jab.

This year’s flu jab protects against: The strain that caused the swine flu pandemic in 2009

H1N1 (swine flu)

The strain that can infect birds and mammals and was active in 2011

A strain of flu that was active in 2010

H3N2

B/ Wisconsin/1

The viruses are extracted, purified and killed (made

Who should have the flu jab?

Almost everyone can have the flu vaccination. However, certain people are at greater risk of developing complications of flu such as bronchitis or pneumonia (lung infections).

The NHS offers the flu vaccine free of charge to people who are ‘at risk’. You can pay for the flu vaccination privately if you’re unable to have it on the NHS. It is available from some pharmacies and GPs.

At-risk groups A flu vaccine is available free on the NHS if you: ■ Are pregnant ■ 65 or older ■ Have a medical condition such as asthma, diabetes or heart disease ■ Are a healthcare worker or carer ■ Live in a residential or nursing home.

If you haven’t received an invitation letter from your GP to have the flu jab contact your surgery or practice nurse.

www.bathnes.gov.uk | 29

From left to right: Dentist, Rushin Patel; patient, Angela Tait and dental nurse. Hannah Williams

Filling the gap NHS dental appointments are available across Bath and North East Somerset today

N

HS dental treatment is readily available across Bath and North East Somerset.

In total, 11 practices are offering NHS appointments to patients of any age.* Other dentists are offering NHS treatment to people up to age 18 and students.

Dentists believe that patients are losing out and risking tooth decay and gum disease by not accessing NHS dental care.

A combination of factors are thought to be responsible, including a belief that NHS dental treatment isn’t available, confusion over how NHS dentistry works and a continued fear of the dentist’s drill.

“Regular dental check-ups are very important and help to keep your teeth and gums healthy” 30 | Connect | Winter 2012

Nathan Brown is a dentist at The Parks Dental Practice in Keynsham. He has been treating patients on the NHS in BANES for many years.

“Regular dental check-ups are very important and help to keep your teeth and gums healthy and free from tooth decay and gum disease,” he said.

“Everyone in BANES should be able to access good-quality NHS dental services.

There is no need to register with a dentist.

Simply find a practice that’s convenient for you, whether it’s near your home or work, and phone them to see if any appointments are available. Ask, if you’re not sure whether the practice provides NHS care, and ask what the pricing structures are for your treatment.”

If the dental practice you first contact is full or doesn’t provide NHS care, this doesn’t mean that no NHS dental care is available locally. For more details about NHS dentistry appointments in your area, contact the NHS Dental Helpline on 0845 1206680 or visit www.nhs.uk and click on ‘dentistry’. n *Data accurate at time of going to press – October 2012

Top tips for shiny, healthy teeth ■ Spit after brushing, don’t rinse. This can help beat tooth decay as it will allow fluoride from the toothpaste to strengthen teeth ■ Brush for at least two minutes, twice a day, preferably morning and night ■ Use a toothpaste that contains the correct level of fluoride for adults (between 1350 and 1550 ppm) ■ Take extra time to reach every part of the mouth and ensure all surfaces are brushed ■ Limit the amount of sugar you eat and drink at meal times, and don’t eat sugary snacks between meals.

Family dentistry with care Angela Tait has recently moved to Farmborough, near Bath, with her husband and three children.

Along with unpacking dozens of stacked boxes, the family had to find an NHS dentist.

“We were new to the area and had to find a dentist,” Mrs Tait said. “I found it very easy. It was as simple as going onto the computer, looking up NHS dentistry and contacting the number provided. I was offered a practice and appointments almost straight away.”

“In fact we were offered several dentists and decided to choose the practice at Keynsham Health Park.”

“We’ve all been for check-ups; I needed some treatment.

Previously we’ve been treated privately and the care I’ve received at Keynsham Health Park has been truly first class.”

“The dentist was very professional, I just couldn’t fault it.

I think there are misconceptions around dentistry. There is a perception that NHS dentistry is really expensive, and that treatment is awfully painful.”

“Dentistry has come a long way and is very different now. My treatment really was pain free.”

Dental practices accepting NHS appointments Bath: Combe Down Dental Practice: 01225 834447 Bathampton Dental Surgery: 01225 485303 Oldfield Dental Centre: 01225 445455 ADP Twerton: 01225 339882 Green Park Dental Practice: 01225 421096 (Only taking patients up to age 18) Batheaston Dental Practice: 01225 859394 (Only taking patients up to age 18) Larkhall Dental Practice: 01225 313914 (Only taking patients up to age 18) University of Bath Dental Centre: 01225 386065 (Students of the university only)

Keynsham: Avon House Dental Practice: 0117 986 2992

NHS dental costs

Keynsham Dental Practice: 0117 986 7501

Dentistry is one of the very few NHS services you have to pay for.

Depending on what you need to have done, you should only ever be asked to pay one charge for each complete course of treatment, even if you need to visit your dentist more than once to finish it. There are three standard charges for all NHS dental treatments:

Keynsham Health Park Dental Suite: 0117 9461001

Band one: £17.50*

Examination, diagnosis (including X-rays), advice, a scale and polish, fluoride varnish or fissure sealant. *Depending on need

Band two: £48*

Everything in band one, plus fillings, root canal work or removal of teeth. *Depending on need

Band three: £209* Everything in bands one and two, plus crowns, dentures and bridges.

The Parks Dental Practice: 0117 986 9643

Midsomer Norton: Midsomer Dental Care: 01761 412366 The Northway Dental Surgery: 01761 413663

Radstock: Tony Reed Dental Surgery: 01761 436279 (Only taking patients up to age 18)

Peasedown St John: Peasedown St John Dental Practice: 01761 439191

Chew Magna: Chew Magna Dental Surgery: 01275 332371 (Only taking patients up to age 18) *Data accurate at time of going to press – October 2012

For more details about NHS dentistry appointments in your area, contact the NHS Dental Helpline on 0845 1206680 or visit www.nhs.uk and click on ‘dentistry’.

*Depending on need

www.bathnes.gov.uk | 31

Social Care Survey Season

The more we learn about the experiences of people who have had contact with our services the better informed we are to shape them

B

etween September and January, some residents of Bath and North East Somerset will receive a request to take part in a survey. If you have had any contact with adult care services provided by the Council or Sirona Care and Health in the last year, you may receive one or more questionnaires.

We know that these take precious time and energy to complete, and we appreciate every response, so we thought we would take this opportunity to explain what they are about.

Have you had contact with Sirona Care and Health?

Sirona Care & Health Community Interest Company was created in 2011. Once part of the local Primary Care Trust (PCT), and the Council, it is now commissioned to deliver high quality health and social care services on behalf of the PCT and the Council.

Each of Sirona’s services distributed a short questionnaire last September to everyone who was in touch with them during the week beginning 19th September. They used the

results to build on what people said was good about the service and to make plans to improve things that people said could be done better. Sirona have repeated this survey again this September to check their progress since last year and to make new changes so that services keep improving.

Are you a Carer?

Although we have previously sent out local Carers surveys, there is a new national Carers Survey which all councils must carry out from 2012 onwards. It aims to learn more about: n Whether services received by carers are helping them in their caring role and their life outside of caring. n What carers think of services provided to the cared-for person.

The results will not only help the Government to monitor the impact of the National Carers Strategy but will also help the Council respond to what local carers need to support them.

Carers who are caring for someone over 18, who have had a Carers Assessment in the last

12 months are likely to receive this questionnaire in October 2012.

Do you use local Adult Social Care Services?

The Adult Social Care Survey is also a national survey, which all councils are required to carry out and report back to Central Government. It helps the Council understand how well it is doing in meeting local social care needs and how it compares with other local authorities.

A random sample of people in recent contact with a range of social care services are sent a large questionnaire, which aims to learn more about whether or not the services were helping them to live safely and happily in their own home or in residential care and how the services affect their quality of life.

The first survey was sent out to about 1000 people in January 2012, and a similar number of people will be sent a questionnaire again in January 2013.

The more we learn about the experiences of people who have had contact with our local social care services, the better informed we will be about shaping services for the future; for instance, what needs to change and how. If you are contacted, please help us to improve your services by giving us your true views, both positive and negative.

These will remain confidential. n

www.bathnes.gov.uk | 33

Services directory

Do you need some information about a Council-run service? Help is at hand with this useful guide To be put through to someone who can help, call the Council switchboard on 01225 477000 or visit www.bathnes.gov.uk for further information

Council Connect n Bus Passes n Dog Warden Service n Fly Tipping n Garden Waste n Grass Cutting n Graffiti Removal n Gritting of Roads (except motorways)

n Libraries n Parks and Open Spaces n Pavements and Road Maintenance

n Planning Enquiries n Public Toilets n Public Transport n Recycling and Waste n Road Faults and Potholes n Road Safety n Street Lighting For all of the above services, contact Council Connect:

Tel: 01225 394041 Email: councilconnect@ bathnes.gov.uk Text: 07797 806545 Monday to Friday 08.00 to 18.00 (except Wednesdays 09.30 to 18.00).

Closed Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays. At other times, for emergencies or dangerous incidents only, please call 01225 477477.

34 | Connect | Winter 2012

Aa n Adoption and Fostering Placements, recruitment of adopters and support services. The team also provides counselling for adopted adults and support in accessing birth records.

T: 01225 394949 E: fpt_duty@bathnes.gov.uk

Bb n Benefits: Housing and Council Tax Benefits Visit Council Connect in Bath, Keynsham or Midsomer Norton or contact a Benefits Officer by phone or email.

T: 01225 477777 (option 2 for Benefits) E: benefits@bathnes.gov.uk n Birth Registration Register a birth which occurred in the district at Guildhall, High Street, Bath BA1 5AW or The Hollies, High Street, Midsomer Norton BA3 2DT. T: 01225 477234 E: register_office@bathnes.gov.uk

Cc n Cemeteries and Crematoriums Find out about Council-administered cemeteries when organising a funeral.

T: 01225 396020 E: cemeteries_crematorium@bathnes.gov.uk n Community Meals Service This service provides hot meals to those who have difficulty cooking for themselves.

T: 01225 394350 E: access_team@bathnes.gov.uk n Council Connect T: 01225 394041 Text (SMS): 07797 806545 E: councilconnect@bathnes.gov.uk n Council Tax Enquiries For account queries about your Council Tax bill, ranging from online payments to exemptions.

T: 01225 477777 (option 1) E: counciltax@bathnes.gov.uk

Dd n Death Registration Register a death that has occurred in our district at the Guildhall, High Street, Bath BA1 5AW or at The Hollies High Street, Midsomer Norton BA3 2DP. T: 01225 477234 E: register_office@bathnes.gov.uk n Disabled Car Users (Blue Badges) The UK-wide Blue Badge scheme provides parking concessions for people with severe mobility problems.

T: 01225 477133 or 01225 477134 E: parking@bathnes.gov.uk n Discovery Card Discovery Card holders receive discounts or free entry for numerous attractions in the area.

T: 01225 477785 E: discovery_card@bathnes.gov.uk

Ee n Electoral Registration and Elections For queries on voting rights or other election matters.

T: 01225 477333 E: elections@bathnes.gov.uk

Ff n Family Information Service The Service holds up-to-date information about all Ofsted-registered childcare, as well as information about working with children and family support.

Contact this service to find your local Children’s Centre, of which there are eleven in Bath and North East Somerset, or visit the Children’s Centre pages of the www.bathnes.gov.uk website.

T: 0800 073 1214 E: fis@bathnes.gov.uk

Hh n Housing Services T: 01225 396296 E: housing@bathnes.gov.uk

Jj n Jobs with the Council Up-to-date information about job vacancies, equal opportunities, employment and training initiatives.

Visit www.bathnes.gov.uk/jobs for current vacancies.

T: 01225 396409 (24hrs) E: people_services@bathnes.gov.uk

www.bathnes.gov.uk

Ll n Leisure Centres Bath Leisure Centre, North Parade Rd, Bath BA2 4ET T: 01225 486905 Memberships: 01225 486914 Culverhay Sports Centre, Rush Hill, Bath BA2 2QL T: 01225 480882 (office hours) Keynsham Leisure Centre, Temple Street, Keynsham BS31 1HE T: 01225 395164 South Wansdyke Sports Centre, Rackvernal Rd, Midsomer Norton BA3 2UG T: 01761 415522 n Licensing Offers a range of information regarding licensing including alcohol, cinemas and taxis.

T: 01225 477531 E: licensing@bathnes.gov.uk

Mm n Museums and Art Galleries Assembly Rooms and Fashion Museum T: 01225 477789 E: fashion_enquiries@bathnes.gov.uk Roman Baths and Pump Room T: 01225 477774 E: romanbaths_enquiries@bathnes.gov.uk Victoria Art Gallery (closed Mondays) T: 01225 477233 E: victoria_enquiries@bathnes.gov.uk Bath’s Historic Buildings (venue hire) T: 01225 477786 or 01225 477782 E: historic_venuehire@bathnes.gov.uk

Pp n Parking Services For parking queries, Park & Ride, clamping, fines, permits, Blue Badges, Pay & Display, enforcement of restrictions. Visit the website to download maps.

T: 01225 477133 E: parking@bathnes.gov.uk n Pest Control The Council offers a comprehensive pest-control service for residents.

T: 01225 477551 E: environmental_protection@bathnes.gov.uk n Premises, Licensing of For application forms, fees and charges, guidance, contact details of solicitors and consultants who can help, visit the Premises Licenses page of the website.

T: 01225 477531 E: licensing@bathnes.gov.uk

Rr n Record Office The office holds a wealth of information and archives.

T: 01225 477421 (closed Mondays) E: archives@bathnes.gov.uk

Ss n School Admissions We deal with applications and can advise about your right of appeal, as well as home-to-school transport.

T: 01225 394312 E: admissions_transport@bathnes.gov.uk n Social Services Visit the Health and Social Care pages on the website for information and advice.

T: 01225 477000 T: 01454 615165 (out of hours emergencies about adults or children) T: 0808 800 4444 (emergency housing advice, contact the Shelter England 24-hour freephone advice line) E: access_team@bathnes.gov.uk (adults) E: children_family@bathnes.gov.uk (children and families) E: housing@bathnes.gov.uk (housing)

Tt n Taxis and Private Cars – Complaints If you have a complaint regarding any licensed vehicle, contact the Council Licensing Enforcement Officer.

T: 01225 477689 E: licensing@bathnes.gov.uk n Trading Standards The Council is responsible for enforcing a range of consumer legislation including misleading advertisements and counterfeit trademarks.

T: 01225 396753 E: trading_standards@bathnes.gov.uk n Travel Information (Traveline) Traveline provides timetables and journey planners for bus, coach and rail services in the South West.

T: 0871 200 2233 (7am to 10pm - Calls cost 10p per minute from landlines)

Yy n Youth Services Working with young people aged 11-25 years.

T: 01225 396980 E: youth_service@bathnes.gov.uk

How to...

Find out about winter gritting…

The Council has an obligation to keep main routes around Bath and North East Somerset open throughout the winter season.

Grit bins are also provided across the area, so local communities can assist with snow and ice clearance on the public highway. n Gritting priority is given to all main roads, bus routes and other important roads, such as those leading to hospitals. n Gritting requests for other roads cannot be considered unless they are on the priority network as explained above. n Pedestrian routes are only considered in very severe weather conditions, where snow or ice is likely to remain for several days. Requests are also confined to more urban areas with high pedestrian usage, such as shopping areas. n 400-plus grit bins are already located in known trouble spots. These bins are filled by the Council at the start of the winter season. They’re inspected throughout the winter and should be topped up when necessary. Please contact us if you notice a grit bin that needs refilling. n Grit deliveries – we cannot deliver grit to private properties or leave extra grit by the side of the road. We can only deliver more grit to refill existing grit bins. n Requests for new grit bins will not be considered this year. They will be assessed during the summer and, if successful, the bin will be installed in time for next winter.

Do you want to find out more?

View maps of the winter gritting routes and grit bin locations on the Council’s website at www.bathnes.gov.uk/wintergritting Contact Council Connect about: a grit bin that needs to be refilled or a problem caused by snow or ice on the roads Tel: 01225 394041 (during office hours) or 01225 477477 (for emergencies outside of office hours) Email: councilconnect@bathnes.gov.uk Report it: www.bathnes.gov.uk/reportit Text: 07797 806545

www.bathnes.gov.uk | 35

BATH FARMERS MARKET LTD

at Green Park Station, Bath Every Saturday morning between 9 am – 1.30 pm At Bath Farmers Marker you will find a range of stalls selling, fresh, local, seasonal produce at a fair price including: n Meat - organic and non organic n Fresh and Smoked Fish n Seasonal organic and non organic vegetables/fruit including a mushroom stall n A specialist vegetarian/vegan stall n Various Award Winning Cheeses - local soft, Cheddar, Goats, Ewes, Guernsey n Apple Juice/Cider/Honey n Butter, Cream, Milk and fresh farm eggs n Jams/Chutneys/Marmalades n Chocolate Patisserie, Hand made chocolates n Various Meat Pie Stalls n Bread, cakes, pastries, fruit pies including Gluten Free

n Various home-made speciality cakes and desserts n Rapeseed oil and mayonnaise n Various Delicatessen stalls n Soups n Charcuterie n Homemade Pasta n Quiches & Meat Pies n Local Award Winning Wines n Local Herbalist n Specialist stalls which include a Sushi stall/Noodle stall/ Specialist Greek food/British Biltong/ Hand-made Dog Biscuits!!

Most importantly it is the pleasurable experience of shopping at Bath Farmers Market: ✔ It is leisurely ✔ Plenty of free tasters ✔ You can interact with the producer ✔ GM free of the product and ask questions ✔ No unnecessary packaging Bath Farmers Market Ltd was the first Farmers’ Market in the UK and was established in September 1997. The company was established in response to Local Agenda 21 and one of its aims was to provide a producer-managed marketplace for local producers to sell their own product direct to local people.

For more information contact Laura Loxton 0777 969 7278

Meet the...

Waste Awareness Officers Visiting over 11,500 homes this year, Hannah Oakley and Tim Rawlings are committed to reducing waste and increasing recycling What does a typical workday consist of?

Tim: I have been working a lot on our ‘You pledge... we’ll reward’ scheme and looking at how residents have been performing, in order to reward them with Bath Olivers (our local currency) or food waste liners. We also work with university students, so we might select specific streets to door knock and iron out any issues there might be with recycling or waste.

Hannah: When I’m not out and about doing road shows or door knocking with Tim, I am usually busy organising our Give and Take days or giving talks to community groups on our food recycling campaign, ‘Love Food Hate Waste’, or on washable nappies.

What are your current campaigns?

T: Our main priorities are promoting our food waste and recycling collections but we also run our Love Food Hate Waste campaign at every opportunity. The campaign gives some great food storage tips, appropriate portion size advice and recommendations on how to use up leftovers.

H: We also run a real nappy campaign, which encourages people to use washable nappies rather than disposable ones. Our ‘Nappuccino’ event proved very popular.

Fact file n We have visited 11,500 properties this year n 52% of household waste was recycled in Bath and North East Somerset in 2011/12 n We are approaching 10,000 tonnes of food waste collected for recycling since October 2010 n Our four Give and Take days have diverted 14.5 tonnes of waste from landfill

stay informed

How has our region benefited from your work?

T: The need to create new landfill sites is minimised. Recycling costs less than sending things to landfill, so this helps the Council pay for other services. Residents start to see the value in the things they throw away, which can breed a thrifty, mend and make do attitude. You also ensure that future generations can have affordable goods by providing an excellent alternative to fossil fuels, by minimizing the need to use up valuable resources.

The longer-term benefits definitely concern the environment. By recycling we reduce the need for virgin materials such as trees for paper, aluminium for cans etc. Food waste produces methane when it is sent to landfill, which is 20 times more potent than carbon dioxide. Instead, we can either not create that methane at all or harness it to power machinery to create a better society.

Have you seen a positive response as a result of your hard work?

H: All the time. We often have residents telling us how they have used the tips and advice we have given them.

Residents have been really positive about our work with students, especially around the ‘Moving Out’ campaign at the end of the year.

It is not nice to leave your house to find a neighbour has piled smelly rubbish sacks outside. We have been able to help communicate this message to students, and year-on-year, we have seen an improvement.

What results have given you the most satisfaction?

T: To hear that our recycling level went above

For more information, go to www.bathnes.gov.uk/wasteservices

38 | Connect | Winter 2012

50% this year gave us all a great level of satisfaction. The results we are seeing at the moment from the ‘You pledge... we’ll reward’ scheme are positive, and this is hugely satisfying because of the level of involvement I have had in the scheme.

Our Give and Take days and furniture sales, which encourage reusing items, are really satisfying because you can see the immediate impact on people; everyone loves a bargain, especially when they are free.

Do you have any tips for reusing items we’d normally throw away?

T: I could write a book about the things you could re-use. I use threadbare T-shirts as rags to wash the car. I also use my leftovers as they often taste much better the next day and force you to be creative in the kitchen.

H: I feel that it’s really important to try and reuse items before throwing them away or recycling them. Many unwanted gifts, toys and clothes can be donated to charity or given to friends or family.

Are you both devoted recyclers?

T: Yes, my wife is sick and tired of me watching over her shoulder at the things she throws away. I am very proud to say I only put one black sack out per month that is so light I could play volleyball with it.

H: I recycle as much as possible and compost all of my organic waste at home. I also try not to throw food away and will freeze leftovers or make soups with vegetables that are starting to look a little tired.

For more details, please contact Council Connect on 01225 394041

Want to work for the Council?

To view employment opportunities with the Council please visit our Jobs & Careers homepage at: jobs.bathnes.gov.uk/