2009 Issue 4 The Round 1
Issue 4 2009RoundN e w s & I n f o r m a t i o n f o r R o y a l B e r k s h i r e
THE
See page 4Disabled Holiday Morrisons Collection
Thewinning
ChristmasCard
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2 The Round Issue 4 2009
Contents The festive season isnearly upon us andour Christmas Bazaarand raffle draw wentwell raising approx.£2,000.
I would like to thank those that helped
and attended and particularly Becky
Trotman and Gill Lees-Smith without
whose help the setting up and running of
our own stall wouldn’t have been
possible. We unfortunately had to cancel
the Barbarettes mini concert in the
evening due to lack of ticket sales but
they have kindly offered to do this at a
later date. Once again the winning prize
was sold by Ascot & Bracknell; full results
will be in the next edition
The only events booked in for 2010 are
Harris Gardens Open Day on June 13 and
a possible Morrison’s collection in April.
Seasons Greetings and a prosperous New
Year to you all. As always, I am here to
help email [email protected] or
call 0118 988 8154
Kim Adrian, County Fundraiser/Editor of The Round
Deadline for next edition is 29 January 2010
Keep in touchSt John Ambulance Berkshire County HQ, Church Road, Woodley,Reading, Berkshire, RG5 4QN.
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.sja.org.uk/berks
Member’s/Fundraising website:www.member.sja.org.uk/berks
Tel: 0118 933 5500Fax: 0118 933 5555
2 Welcome from the Editor
3 Commander’s Corner
4 Christmas card Design CompetitionVariety Show
5 infocusCadet of the year
6-14 Disabled HolidayA week in Wales......
15-17 inbriefGuess Who?Is this of interest to you?CongratulationsOff Duty?ThanksWaitrose Community MattersMorrison’s Collection
18 what’s on
19 Recruitment and Retention NewsClinical Governance
20 Finance Matters
Welcome
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Well another three months
have passed and what an
eventful time we have had.
We have appointed a Health
and Safety Consultant, Barry
Corfield, who has been busy
preparing for our internal
audit and also undertaking
Health and Safety
Inspections of our premises.
Barry will be producing a
short article for the next
edition of The Round, so
look out for it in the New
Year. As previously
mentioned we have had a
Health and Safety audit and
we achieved a very
respectable 96%, well done
to everyone who was
involved. On the same day
we also had our Clinical
Governance Audit, which I
know Amanda has
mentioned in her report.
If that was not enough, we
have also been audited by
the NHQ PCIDSS Project
Manager, which went off
very well.
We are currently reviewing
the County Administrative
Policies and Procedures,
amended versions will be
available via the web. In
particular there will be
changes to the Youth Subs
and Driving policies.
The refurbishment of
Bracknell has now been
completed and I am sure
that all those who have seen
it, will agree it is a vast
improvement. The Lord
Lieutenant will officially open
the building on the 3rd
February and the County
Chaplain, Reverend Canon
Dr James Woodward; will
carryout the re-dedication of
the building.
I am pleased to announce
that we have been
nominated for The Queen’s
Award for Voluntary Service,
meetings will take place
during December and the
winners will be announced
on 2 June 2010.
Congratulations
to Becky
Trotman, who has
taken on the new
role of Regional
PR Officer. Our
local PR support will in
future be provided by the PR
Officer based in Sussex who
will be working for Berkshire
one day a week. Becky will
still be working within the
Region on National events,
providing advice during any
major incidents and out of
hours work. Becky has
done a fantastic job over the
last 4 years promoting the
organisation within the
County. She has certainly
helped us raise our profile,
which we must continue to
do to aid our fundraising.
Finally I would like to thank
everyone for all your support
during 2009 and wish you a
very Happy Christmas and a
Prosperous New Year.
Sharon JohnsonCommander
2009 Issue 4 The Round 3
COMMANDER’S CORNER
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4 The Round Issue 4 2009
Congratulations to Rebecca Chandler fromNewbury & Thatcham Badgers who haswon the St John Ambulance YouthChristmas Card Design competition 2009.Rebecca’s winning design was selected bymembers of the Youth Team at NationalHeadquarters from over a hundred entriesfrom all over the country. The card will beused by the national Chief Executive andYouth department. The Prior is going to usethe card as his personal Christmas card.
Tina Bignell
Reading District Divisional Officer – Cadets
South Street Arts Centre, Reading
Cadets piling in through the doors withkeyboards and recorders
Each and everyone eager and smilingenjoying the fun filled atmosphere
Chatting loads about ideas and arrangingroles
A flurry of dancing neon colours with an 8count in
Rapping in the corner with buzzers in theother
The room is in an organised chaos
Before they realise its break and time to relax
Then after 10 there back full speed in thethick of there act
With dancers to the left of me and music tothe right
Middle with the fashion show and the actorsall so bright
Smiles all around laughing and giggles too
We have all had so much fun making thisshow for you!
Christmas cardDesign Competition
VarietyShow
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infocus
2009 Issue 4 The Round 5
Cadet of the year Noel Mundy CSO (cadets)
On Monday 19 October 13 Cadetsfrom six Divisions met at Woodleyfor the annual County Cadet of theYear competition.
This year’s competition was held overthe course of an evening and consistedof a uniform inspection, five minuteinterview and a team presentation.
To begin with there was a five minutegame of sheriffs as an icebreaker afterwhich the uniform inspection andinterviews began. Due to the number ofcadets taking part there were twointerview panels running, both of whichsaid the standard was very high. Thequestions ranged from the usual, ‘whatdo you do outside of St john?’ to themore difficult, ‘if you were ChiefCommander for the day what would youchange?’ and from the responses I thinkwe’ve got some potential Commissionersor Commanders in our youth units!
The uniform inspection was one of thehardest things to mark as all of thecadets looked very smart and had a highstandard of uniform so only a few pointswere dropped there.
Finally came the group presentations.The cadets were split into two groupsand had 30 minutes to prepare an eight
minute presentation on why a richbusinessman should give his money toSt John. Both presentations were verywell thought out and presented (oneeven included a role-play!) and if any ofthe cadets ever appear on Dragons Denthey’ll walk away with the money!
Once the cadets had finished and gonehome if was time for the hardest part ofthe evening – deciding the winner. I ampleased to announce that Berkshire’sCadet of the Year for 2010 is HayleyCleaver from Theale and her Deputy isDanielle Taylor from Ascot and Bracknell.
With thanks to all the cadets that tookpart and to Mike Cox, Alice Green, LindaNewport and Natalie Dennehy.
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Saturday September 5 saw the start of the 28th annual St John AmbulanceHoliday for the Disabled. A group of 45 holiday makers, old and new, madetheir way in our convoy of mini-busesback to our favoured location ofManorbier Youth Hostel inPembrokeshire, South Wales.
As usual it was a fun-filled week for allinvolved. Sunday morning was spent at Tenby leisure centre where theholidaymakers took part in some teamgames including ‘It’s a knock out’,parachute play as well as endless fun on a bouncy castle.
A week inWales......Helen Joseph
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2009 Issue 4 The Round 7
In the evening a 70’s themed fancy dressdisco was held where everyone donnedtheir costumes and danced along tonumerous ABBA hits.
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Monday saw an adventure on the wild sideto Manor House Wildlife Park. This parkwas featured in a TV documentary whereAnna Ryder Richardson took the run-downwildlife park and transformed it into a
modern, well-run park. Onarriving at thepark, we weremet by twozookeeperswho split usinto two groups and gave us a guided touraround the park. We saw a whole host of
We saw a wholehost ofanimals”
“
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2009 Issue 4 The Round 9
animals fromzebra toporcupines andkookaburras toemus. We allmet on thelawns at thefront of the main house for lunch and asurprise visit from Anna Ryder Richardsonherself, who was very happy to meet all ofthe holidaymakers and have numerousphotos taken.
On Tuesday we made a return to Oakwoodtheme park, where the holidaymakersdidn’t allow the wet weather to dampentheir spirits. The thrill-seekers in the groupmade for the big roller coasters; Speedand Megafobia, while those looking forsomething more sedate enjoyed the chair-o-planes and the Brer Rabbit ride.
In the evening we enjoyed a visit from alocal reptile keeper, who brought along aselection of snakes, lizards and otherreptiles and gave a talk about them.
happy tomeet all ofthe holiday
makers”“
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Those who were brave enough had anopportunity to handle the reptiles whileothers preferred to watch.
Wednesday morning provided anopportunity for everyone to show off theirskills at the local bowlingalley in Milford Haven,followed by an afternoonspent at Pembroke Castle inthe sunshine where weenjoyed a tour and veryinformative talk about thehistory of the castle.
Most of Thursday was spent in Tenby where someof the group enjoyed anopportunity to visit thebeach; some even took theopportunity to paddle in the very cold sea.Other members of the group enjoyed an
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2009 Issue 4 The Round 11
opportunity to do a little shopping or justrelax in the local tea rooms. On Thursdayevening the traditional gala night was heldwhere everyonedressed up intheir bestclothes andenjoyed aspecial dinnerfollowed a discoand the ever-popular karaoke!
Friday saw a return to Folly farm. This isalways a popular day with all the holidaymakers who once again enjoyed a wide-variety of experiences from bottle-feedinggoats, handling a rabbit and visiting thegiraffes, through to enjoying the funfairrides including the waltzers, the caterpillarand the carousel. After this there was achance for some of the group to test their
test theirskills onthe go-carts ”
“
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12 The Round Issue 4 2009
skills on the go-carts and enjoythe view fromthe Ferris wheelfollowed by anice cream in thesunshine!
After another successful holiday, onSaturday it was time to bid farewell toManorbier for another year and begin thereturn journey down the M4 to Berkshire.As usual, we all returned home very tired,but very happy having had an opportunityto try new experiences and spend timebuilding upon existing or forming somenew friendships.
Now that we have had a little time torecover from this year’s holiday, plans arealready underway for next year which willtake place from the 4 – 11 September.
plans arealready
underwayfor next
year ”“
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2009 Issue 4 The Round 13
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14 The Round Issue 4 2009
If you are over 18, fit, interested in anenjoyable week away helping others whilst having a lot of fun and meeting new friends then please contact us through County HQ at Woodley or [email protected] and wewill be more than willing to tell you more!
Fundraising is an ongoing concern to keepthe holiday running year after year and wewould like to pay thanks to all the peoplewho help with this. In particular we would
like to thank Joan Lewis for a generousdonation towards the holiday fund this yearand also everyone who supported us byattending our fundraising ball back inMarch when we raised a substantialamount of money towards this year’sholiday.
We would also like to pay special thanks to the following companies who havecontinued to provide vital support to theholiday despite the difficult economicclimate:
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inbriefGuess Who?
2009 Issue 4 The Round 15
Santa arrived by horse and carriage on acold wet day in November and is helpingraise funds for Ascot & Bracknell Division.He and a helper will have been at theWindlesham Garden Centre for 16 weekswhen he finishes sitting in the Grotto on 20 December ready for his rush onChristmas Eve.
Is this ofinterest to you? Fellowship members can you spot yourself or friends as very young cadets, let us know.
This old film, recently brought to our attention,is of the opening of Slough HQ, then in Bucks.There is also another link that features Dorset,Hampshire and London.
Links are;
The opening of Slough HQ
http://www.britishpathe.com/record.php?id=6835
Mentions ‘Buckinghamshire Division’ and Beaconsfield… in 1937
http://www.britishpathe.com/record.php?id=75036
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inbrief
Off Duty?A big pat on the back to the new Mrs Pert ofAscot & Bracknell Division who put her firstaid skills to good use on 8 December whenshe stopped at the scene of a road accidentat the Twin Bridges roundabout in Bracknellwhilst on her way to work. A 23 year old manwas trapped in his car which had rolled overafter colliding with a lorry and Lindsay quicklygot her St John issued kit from her own carand began to treat his serious head wound.Lindsay stayed with the man reassuring himthat he would be ok until the emergencyservices arrived. After he had been cut from
the wreckage of his car Lindsay, at his request accompanied him to hospital whereshe waited with him until his family arrived.Fortunately the man was given the all clearapart from the head injury and some bruises.
Lindsay’s situation is a great example of StJohn Ambulance volunteers using the skillswe have given them to make a difference topeople’s lives even when they not on officialSt John duty and simply going about theireveryday lives. Well done Lindsay.
CongratuationsLindsay Antill married Dave Perton Saturday 26 September at StMichael & St Mary Magdalene C of E Church, Bracknell
Lindsay is also embarking on anew role as Unit Leader for thenewly formed Bracknell ForestCadets.
Lindsay, Dave withniece’s Zoe Antill
and Leah Tredgold
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2009 Issue 4 The Round 17
As a participant in the Windsor Half MarathonI would be grateful if you could pass on mythanks to the whole of the St JohnAmbulance team who provided medical cover at the race.
Whilst I was not in need of the service myselfthere were many that did. I believe mostpeople are unaware of the hours ofvolunteering the St John team put in thatenable these types of events to take place. I also imagine also that for most of the time it can be a thankless task.
You do a fantastic job, thank you.
Cheers, Matthew Conington via email
WaitroseCommunityMatters• Maidenhead Cadets received £250
from the Maidenhead branch and thecadet leaders have agreed that £50from it is allocated to the 2010Berkshire cadet camp.
• Newbury & Thatcham Cadets wereawarded £350 from the Thatchambranch.
Morrison’sCollectionResults from two days of collecting inSeptember
Bracknell 1040Reading 451Woosehill 624
Although down on the previous yearby 27% it took place with littlesupport due to a very activeoperational weekend, so manythanks to those who helped out.
Thanks
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EVENT VENUEDECEMBER26/12/09 Reading v Swansea Madejski Stadium27/12/09 Windsor Castle Windsor Castle28/12/09 Windsor Castle Windsor Castle
JANUARY12/01/10 Windsor Castle Windsor Castle13/01/10 Windsor Castle Windsor Castle19/01/10 Windsor Castle Windsor Castle20/01/10 Windsor Castle Windsor Castle21/01/10 X-country Race Discovery Centre, Bracknell23/01/10 Racing at Ascot Ascot Racecourse24/01/10 Winter Duathlon Dorney Lake, Windsor24/01/10 Winter 5k & 10k Dorney Lake, Windsor24/01/10 Horse Show Berkshire College, Maidenhead26/01/10 Windsor Castle Windsor Castle27/01/10 Windsor Castle Windsor Castle
FEBRUARY02/02/10 Windsor Castle Windsor Castle03/02/10 Windsor Castle Windsor Castle09/02/10 Windsor Castle Windsor Castle10/02/10 Windsor Castle Windsor Castle11/02/10 X-Country Race Laurel Park, Lower Earley14/02/10 London Irish Eteach Cup Bearwood College, Wokingham16/02/10 Windsor Castle Windsor Castle17/02/10 Windsor Castle Windsor Castle20/02/10 Racing at Ascot Ascot Racecourse21/02/10 Winter 5k & 10k Dorney Lake, Windsor21/02/10 Winter Duathlon Dorney Lake, Windsor21/02/10 Wokingham Half Marathon Cantley Park, Wokingham23/02/10 Windsor Castle Windsor Castle24/02/10 Windsor Castle Windsor Castle28/02/10 London Irish Eteach Cup Bearwood College, Wokingham30/02/10 Windsor Castle Windsor Castle31/02/10 Windsor Castle Windsor Castle
what’son
18 The Round Issue 4 2009
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2009 Issue 4 The Round 19
Recruitmentand RetentionNewsEddie Chan – CSO
Congratulations - Signed off &ready for operations
Newbury & Thatcham
Ben Tichband Steward Wells Caroline Billington
Reading District
Stephen Johnson Julia Thomas
Reading Town
Felicity Becker Sarah Gardiner Lukasz Goralczyk Stefan Kubiczyn Hazel Sharkey Anna Wallen Grace Warren
Maidenhead
Louise Isted Charlotte Lindsay Matthew Powell
ClinicalGovernanceOn 3 November the National headquarterscarried out the annual audit of ClinicalGovernance and Health and Safety for thecounty, it was a daylong process with theresults given on the day; I am pleased toannounce that we scored very well andimproved on last year, scoring 99% for clinical governance activities.
The main reason for us scoring so well isdown to you the membership for taking onboard and following the policies andprocedures laid down by Clinical Governance,so a big thank you for being so supportive.
The results do not mean we rest on ourlaurels, some areas were highlighted fordevelopment and it is these we will befocusing on in 2010:
We need to improve our infection controlpolicy and that will mean that you will seemembers of the clinical governance teamcarrying out audits more frequently next year.
Another area for development is in theprovision of Occupational Health for themembership, this will be more challengingand may take longer but we are there for youand will endeavour to achieve this in thecoming year.
So watch this space for updates over the yearahead where we will keep you informed ofany and all progress we make. Have a goodChristmas and a prosperous New Year.
Clinical Governance Committee
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financemattersDifficult times continue Following transfer of commercial trainingto Central Training Division on 1 July wehave now had a chance to look at ourfinancial position based on the reducedlevel of income we can expect from CTD.The cost reduction programmeimplemented in the first half of the year iscertainly helping but its impact willimpinge more on next year rather thanthis year. However we believe that costsare now at the minimum level achievable.Nevertheless our results this year remainof concern.
Cash resources remain tight but we areseeking to manage these very carefully.The work at Bracknell is now completebut other building works are currently onhold until our position improves.
County Treasurer
In summary the results for the 9 monthsto September 2009 were:
Actual Budget
£000 £000
Surplus from First Aid training 227 234
(Deficit) from First Aid services (12) 17
(Deficit) from Youth Activities (22) (19)
Surplus from fund raising and projects 15 91
____ ____
Operating Surplus 208 323
Administration costs (305) (276)
Contribution to NHQ costs (43) (43)
Investment and other gains/losses (4) 9
____ ____
Net (Deficit) Surplus (144) 13
Commander Sharon Johnson would like to send best wishes to all Members of St John Berkshire and
Readers of The Round at this festive time of year.
Seasons Greetings and a Happy
& Prosperous New Year
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