Wales TUC Learning Services E-zine

Autumn issue - October 2011

Hello and welcome to the Wales TUC's autumn e-zine. This quarter's articles include: World Book Night 2011 Tell us your stories Wales TUC ULR conference 2011 Excellent Networks in Wales

Kevin Williams meets...

Enjoy!

World Book Night 2011 - What did you do?

by Mark Rees, Wales TUC Development Officer

The 5th March 2011 was a day of double celebrations in the Rees/Davies household - as a

family we celebrated my wife's 50th birthday and as a lover of books I was able to give away my share of one million books as part of World Book Night. Moving ever so swiftly on from the delicate subject of Caryl's, my wife's age, I would like to share with you some thoughts on the World Book Night event and hopefully encourage more people to get involved. Since joining the Wales TUC Learning Services Team I have been asked on countless occasions by Union Learning Reps, Branch Reps and ordinary members - 'How much does it cost?' or 'What can we do for free?' Indeed, if I had been given a fiver for each time I have been asked this I would be a far richer member of the Wales TUC Learning Services Team! So, for those of you that haven't heard of World Book Night please read on and for those who have but didn't get involved make sure you don't miss out on the 2012 event. All it will cost you is the time to fill out an online application form and to give away the books if you are chosen. In the run up to March 5th a number of Wales TUC colleagues, WULF Project Managers, ULR's and about 20,000 other people across Britain were sent 48 copies of our chosen book to give away on the night or as I did over the next few weeks. My books were distributed between union branches across mid Wales to help replenish the stocks of their workplace book swap shelves and not forgetting Caryl of course, after all it was her birthday. On the night there was an evening of television programmes followed by extensive newspaper coverage of the various events that took place to celebrate the written word such as readings by well known personalities and all night book parties. In order to be chosen to join the army of book givers all we had to do was tell the organisers in 100 words

which book we'd like to give away, why and how they would be distributed. From the 25 book titles available to be given away there was something of interest for most people from established authors such as Alan Bennett, Seamus Heaney, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Sarah Waters, Margaret Attwood, Philip Pullman as well as Booker Prize winners and titles from the best sellers list. Some detractors of the event questioned if 'flooding' the market with one million free books might harm the already precarious existence of the high street bookseller. However, this fear proved to be unfounded as World Book Night actually gave a huge boost to the sales of the 25 books given away with approximately 75,000 extra sales across all titles. Given the fact that between 2007 and 2009 book sales fell by 5.9% I am sure that any sceptical booksellers would be pleased to hear that following their give away, sales of some titles steadily rose prior to 5th March and after rocketed to 300%. Indeed, Caryl my wife was so pleased with my book choice - Dissolution by CJ Sansom, the first in a series of Tudor murder mysteries - that she went out and immediately bought all the remaining titles from the series. I'll clearly need to think of something else for next year's birthday! The most ambitious and far reaching celebration of books and reading ever attempted in Britain certainly did the business as far as this booklover is concerned and it was fantastic to see so many people given the opportunity to read such brilliant books.

World Book Night 2012 will be taking place on 23rd April which is the date of Shakespeare's birth and death as well as UNESCO International Day of the Book. If you can't wait that long to share your passion for books why not become a 'reading ambassador'? Being a reading ambassador means nothing more than helping to spread your love of reading as widely as possible. And there are a few simple things you can do to help.

Share the reading experience - We all know people who, for whatever reason, have fallen out of the habit of reading (or never got into it in the first place). They might read on holiday and love it but just never get round to doing it once they're back home and busy. Give them your favourite book (or one you think they'd really love) and tell them what it means to you with a no pressure suggestion that they might like to give it a go.

Give more books - Books make great gifts, and not just at Christmas (or birthdays!). Giving someone a book can mean so much more than giving a pair of socks, a scarf or some bath oil. You can choose your favourite novel, the latest cookbook by their favourite chef, a guide to far flung places or just something to make them smile. And books don't just have to be for special occasions. Why not take a book instead of chocolates, flowers or wine next time you're going to someone's house for dinner?

Support your local bookshop - Good local bookshops are the most amazing places, an Alladin's cave full of undiscovered gems with knowledgeable staff to help you find a book on almost anything. But, like many local shops and services, they're under pressure from rising costs, supermarkets and the internet. Without them communities are poorer and high streets bleaker, so if you love books support your local bookshop too: explore their corners, buy something you wouldn't normally read but might just love, attend an event and spread the word about how great they are.

Join your local library - Libraries have never been under greater threat and arguably have never been more important. Visit your local library, join and start borrowing books and fight to keep it open. Want to find out more? I do hope so - please visit http://www.worldbooknight.org/world-book-night/register-for-2012

Tell us why web stories Wales TUC need to know why you're opposing the UK cuts. Tell us, in just a few sentences, why you'll be supporting the Wales TUC campaign for a better way. Tell us your story. Your personal stories are the best. Send us your contribution in an email along with a photo, your name, where you're from and a little bit of background about yourself to

wtuc@tuc.org.uk and put 'a better way' in the subject line. We will then post

your stories on our website.

We hope to build a powerful picture of how the cuts are affecting all of us and why they must be stopped and we need your support to do it. Please circulate to friends and colleagues who would want to send a clear message to the UK Coalition Government.

Kind regards, Chris

Christopher Hartwell chartwell@tuc.org.uk

Policy & Campaigns Officer

Wales TUC 10th Annual ULR Conference 2011 ULR Conference is back with a bang this year, with a return to the large, overnight conference not seen since 2009. Proving as popular as ever, the event is oversubscribed; with approximately 180 ULRs from across Wales expected. They will hear contributions from experts within the field of adult education and have the chance to take part in workshops to consolidate their knowledge. Also making an appearance is Jamie Baulch - British sprint athlete and television presenter. This conference is the only one of its kind in Wales and is a great opportunity for

ULRs to learn, network and develop their skills. Places for overnight delegates are full. If you would like to be added to the reserve list please contact Linsey at limms@tuc.org.uk. A few day delegate places are still available - contact Linsey for details.

Excellent Networks in Wales!

Bernice Waugh is the project officer for the Network of Excellence. She tells us about Y Rhydwaith Rhagoriaeth, the Network of Excellence. What exactly is the Network of Excellence? The Network is a regular meeting that bring together ULRs and reps from training providers colleges, universities, Wales Union Learning Fund (WULF) project managers, Union Education Officers, TU tutors, Wales TUC development officers and other organisations who are supportive of learning in the workplace such as Niace Dysgu Cymru, the Six book Challenge, Quick Reads....and more. That's quite a long list?

Yes, and it's just one of the factors that makes the Network work. What else works? Making sure the Network is useful to those who attend. The people contacts are massively important, as is the information exchange, briefings and skills updates for ULRs. Learning in the workplace is, of course, the main focus but we do include items on health and safety, equality and changes to the law that have a learning aspect to them. Getting facility time to attend a meeting is a struggle for many ULRs so it's vital that the meeting is really worth it. ULRs often pass me suggestions of speakers to invite. Sometimes they have seen them elsewhere; sometimes it's a subject they'd like to know more about. I've regularly gone to a Learning Day in a workplace only to meet some of the speakers and attendees who were at a previous Net meeting. I think that shows the Network works.

What started as an exchange of news and items of interest after the meetings has expanded to the monthly (and more often) Net News. It includes learning news from across Wales and the UK and is sent out in a format that makes it easy for ULRs to cut and paste for their own workplace newsletters. And, another crucial factor is that we take the Network to members. We meet three times a year in 12 different places in Wales. So, not a single Network, but lots across Wales? Yes, from Caernarfon to Cardiff and Milford Haven to Machynlleth and towns and

cities in between. It means that the Network brings together ULRs and organisations that are local with relevant local information alongside the Wales and UK information and best practice. Each year we go to one or two towns that we have not been to before - in February we are going to Brecon and in June to Rhyl for the first time. How did the Network of Excellence start? ULRs wanted it! Back in 2007 the Wales TUC received European Funding from a TUC project. Wales TUC asked ULRs at meetings in the north and south what would help them to be more effective? In short, the Network was born with just three meetings, north, south and mid Wales and a total of 34 people. It expanded almost immediately to include a fourth meeting in west Wales. Our last round of meetings in September had just short of 90 people attending. Have you had any setbacks in the last four years? Budget cuts have affected the Network and workplaces. ULRs have had sharpen their negotiating skills and be very persistent to get facility time to attend meetings. We did worry that stopping the provision of lunch at the Network meetings might affect numbers, but no, 'bring your butties' works (mostly) better! We avoid holding meetings in hotels if we can, using union, educational

and community venues. A massive thank you to the Unions who have hosted some of our meetings and provided tea and coffee. How did and how do ULRs join? Send me an email or give me a ring! Initially, it was picking up contact details from meetings and ULR training courses, - it still works that way but there are a lot more people who contact me with their email address and union on the recommendation of others. I think this shows that the Network works! How do you see the Network of Excellence developing? We have plans to add an additional mid Wales meeting. It's a big area and the meetings here are small, possibly as there is less of a union tradition amongst the scattered communities. There are union members out there, and to encourage learning in the workplace we need to be there.

That's where computer skills could help. We've not touched social media in a big way, - yet. It's an area that some members get really enthusiastic about so their views and talents will be essential to point us in the right direction. I'm sure we will be having skills sessions for everyone (me included) at a future Network meeting very soon. Finally, who would be your dream speakers at a Network meeting? Oooo, excellent question! Maybe we could turn it into a ULR workplace activity to nominate their workplace dream speakers at the ULR Conference (it's in November), maybe we'll need categories of speaker: learning, celebrity, union....and a prize, we'll need a prize, a complete set of Quick Reads maybe...........

Contact: Bernice Waugh Project Officer

Network of Excellence Y Rhwydwaith Rhagoriaeth Wales TUC Cymru Ffon/Tel: 07917 415601

ebost/email: Bwaugh@tuc.org.uk

Kevin Williams meets...

This Quarter I've handed over my Gareth Hathway meets column to Kevin Williams. Kevin visited Jason Balston. Jason has worked at Harsco for 8 years as a digger driver but has now taken on the ULR/union role full time. KW: What union Offices have you held? JB: Shop Steward for 4 months the elected branch chair for the past 6 and a half years of the biggest single branch in South Wales for Community. KW: How long have you been a ULR?

JB: Volunteered 2 years ago and did the course on site at Corus Port Talbot KW: How long has your learning centre been running? JB: Centre has been running on site for 18 months KW: What sort of courses do you recruit for and how many have you run? JB: Over 60 courses now run in the centre and include - IT, Basic Skills, First Aid, Fire Marshall, Advanced Excel, and next Welsh. KW: Have you had any experience of the employer pledge? JB: HARSCO achieved the pledge 2 years ago and the company were very supportive of it. They backed it all the way from the off. KW: Have you had any disasters so far? JB: No all has gone very well to be honest. KW: What is the best thing you have done as a ULR?

JB: Assisting learners suffering with Dyslexia. One particular learner could not turn a PC on but has progressed with support to advanced Excel. KW: Have you been involved in any wider strategic stuff? JB: I have been involved in the pilot phase of the TUC Climbing Frame KW: How have you found progressing as a learner? JB: I found I had a learning difficulty myself and was identified as an "audible learner". I have since overcome this and improved my academic work considerably. KW: What do see as your future progression? JB: I would like more training as a ULR and would like to specialise in Drug and Alcohol abuse for employees and support them if they have issues. KW: Finally what advice would you give to a new ULR? JB: I would say look out for people with learning difficulties and do not be too overpowering.

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