intouch magazine - issue 53 - November 2023

The Hills Group Magazine | November 2023 - Issue 53

Homes’ awards success continues page 10

More mammoth finds page 16

The

wonder women

of waste

page 04

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Viewpoint

Featured 04 The wonder women of waste Some of the many talented and hardworking women in the waste division

07 Driving the route to success

Large Goods Vehicle Driver Pathway Programme maintains momentum

08 Fond farewells

After decades of combined service, we bid a fond farewell to three Municipal Collections drivers

10 Homes’ awards success

Building Safety Group (BSG) Member of the Year Award 2023

12 All change for aggregates A number of internal promotions throughout the team

16 More mammoth finds

Palaeontologists have uncovered yet more exciting finds at one of our gravel quarries

24 HMC superfan!

Meet five-year-old Tommy

Viewpoint It’s been an exciting few months of mammoth significance for the business, with the fantastic news that Quarry Products has had their application approved for a sand and gravel quarry at the old airfield near Down Ampney in Gloucestershire.

There have been yet more palaeontological discoveries at Cerney Wick, and after six years, our largest housing development, High Penn Park, is nearing completion.

Wonder women We are so proud of all the women who work for our company, so it is wonderful to see so many of them acknowledged in this issue of intouch.

Read the next few pages to find out about the wonder women of waste and the outstanding work they do across the organisation.

Superfan I was so touched to read all about five-yearold Tommy, who is undoubtedly Municipal Collections’ biggest superfan. You can read all about Tommy’s story on page 24.

In memory It is with much sadness that we must share the recent passing of our colleagues Henry John Lowe and Donna Whitcher. They will be greatly missed by everyone who knew them.

Read their moving tributes on page 23.

Mike Hill, Chief Executive Front cover image: Kerry Lennon, Team Leader, Sands Farm with Cathy Bright, Team Leader, Sands Farm.

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The

wonder women

of waste

Our people are at the heart of everything we do, so in this edition, we shine a spotlight on some of the many talented and hardworking women in the waste division.

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Our people

Kerry Lennon Team Leader Kerry Lennon, who is based at Sands Farm, supervises the afternoon shift at the Dry Mixed Recycling (DMR) facility. Overseeing a large team of line operatives at the recycling facility in Calne, Kerry is responsible for the smooth running of the line.

Mother-of-five Kerry joined the business last year after previously working in the hair and beauty industry.

While the move over to the waste sector has been a big change of pace for her, it’s certainly one she’s embraced with open arms.

Kerry said: “I really enjoy working at Sands Farm because my role is so varied and fast-paced. Every day is a whirlwind of activity and it’s so hands-on. One minute I am helping out on the line, the next I am problem-solving or driving the telehandler.”

Zoe Trevatt Zoe Trevatt, Kerbside LGV Driver, has been driving for Municipal Collections for the last two years.

Zoe works in a crew of three, collecting residential waste throughout the seasons. Accompanied by two loaders, she spends most of her time driving her crew around on one of her ten fortnightly routes across Wiltshire.

While Zoe loves life behind the wheel, she will temporarily be handing back her keys to welcome her first child.

Zoe said: “It’s great to be out on the open road every day and I’m lucky to have such a great crew. In this job, no two days are ever the same and I love that.”

STOP PRESS

It’s a boy!

Congratulations to Zoe and her partner Callum Morris, Kerbside LGV Driver, who welcomed baby Caleb in October.

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Cathy Bright Cathy Bright, Team Leader, can usually be found in the DMR facility at Sands Farm where she has worked for the last nine years. She’s an early bird and her typical day starts at 5:30 am when she oversees the morning shift.

Cathy is responsible for a 14-strong team of line operatives. Her role also incorporates aspects of health and safety including ensuring everyone on the line has the correct PPE.

Cathy said: “There are so many things I love about my working day; the people are all so friendly and I particularly enjoy the manual side of it. I get a real sense of achievement knowing that I am making a difference to the planet by helping to recycle waste and reduce it.”

Melanie Beswick Melanie Beswick, HRC Site Supervisor, has worked for the company for almost 20 years. Having worked at most Hills Household Recycling Centres (HRC) during her lengthy career, Melanie is currently based at Lower Compton HRC where she supervises a small, dedicated team.

Working outdoors, Melanie and her team spend their day helping Wiltshire’s residents to correctly recycle their household waste, whatever the weather.

Melanie said: “I really enjoy assisting the public and helping them to recycle effectively. It’s so rewarding to be able to help them solve their refuse challenges and educate them about our reuse schemes.”

“We are seeing more women in operational, manual and leadership roles across the business. While the waste sector has previously been perceived as male dominated, I’m proud that Hills Waste is taking the lead in diversification and getting more women in roles across the business.” Ed Dodd, Group Director – Waste Solutions

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Our people

Driving the route to success Since its official rollout back in February 2022, the Large Goods Vehicle (LGV) Driver Pathway Programme has been a huge success.

The scheme, run by Waste Solutions and Municipal Collections, offers existing employees the chance to retrain as LGV drivers.

Simon Sharland, Training Coordinator, who oversees the programme, has so far celebrated 12 graduates of the scheme in just over 18 months.

After acceptance onto the programme, the process takes an average of five or six months to complete, including online training, a variety of assessments and a week of intensive driver training.

On successful completion of the Hills’ scheme, drivers can apply for LGV driver roles at sites in Salisbury, Trowbridge and Calne.

Simon Sharland said: “I’m so proud to be involved with such a great initiative that offers potential drivers a clear route to achieve this. Now in its second year, the programme is gaining momentum. We’ve had so much success with it already, so I’m excited to see what the future holds.”

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Fond farewells After decades of service, we bid a fond farewell to three Municipal Collections drivers who are hanging up their boots and retiring from Hills. Between them, the drivers have amassed over a hundred years of combined service and were each recently presented with a long service award in recognition of this achievement.

David Hawkins (third from left) with colleagues from Municipal Collections, Sands Farm.

David Hawkins David Hawkins, Kerbside LGV Driver, who started in 1978, recently celebrated 45 years working as both a loader and a driver around Wiltshire.

David said: “I have so many fond memories from my time at Hills. I was lucky enough to work with some amazing colleagues over the years and I loved the day-to-day of getting out on the open road.”

While he has thoroughly enjoyed working for Hills, David is looking forward to a slower pace of life and spending some time relaxing in Cornwall.

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Our people

Paul Burke (fourth from left) with colleagues from Municipal Collections, Salisbury.

Paul Burke Paul Burke, Non LGV Driver, has completed 40 years of service, working in various driving roles having started as a road sweeper for Salisbury District Council back in 1983.

Paul Burke said: “I will miss the routine of working and watching the seasons change while on the road. I’ll also miss

my colleagues, but no doubt I will bump into them when they are out on their rounds.”

He is planning some much needed rest and relaxation in Devon before tackling various DIY projects.

Stephen Browne (fourth from left) with colleagues from Municipal Collections, Sands Farm.

Stephen Browne Stephen Browne, Kerbside LGV Driver, has amassed 30 years of combined service, working in various driving roles around Wiltshire, including his time with Municipal Collections.

However, he won’t be going too far as Stephen still plans to join the HMC crew for a few rounds now and again!

Stephen said: “I’ve loved working in such a varied and interesting role. While I’ve made so many friends here and have so many great stories to tell, I feel the time is right for me to hand over my keys and spend some quality time with my family.”

“Hills is extremely proud to be able to present these drivers with certificates in recognition of their long service. The awards are a true testament to the commitment and dedication they have shown over their long careers. We want to thank them for all their hard work and wish them a very long, happy retirement.”

Ed Dodd, Group Director – Waste Solutions

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Homes’ awards success continues

Homes has won the Building Safety Group (BSG) Member of the Year Award 2023 for the Central region.

The team secured the prestigious honour in recognition of improvements in health and safety across all of their sites. Building on recent successes, the annual award is a welcome addition to their already impressive tally of industry accolades accumulated over the last few years.

Mark Tinson, Divisional Director – Operations, collected the award at the annual BSG Health & Safety Awards ceremony which was held at the Williams F1 Experience Centre in Oxfordshire.

Mark Tinson (left) receiving the award.

“It is such an honour to be acknowledged for the big strides Hills Homes has made in this area across the division. The entire team has been committed to improving health and safety across all our sites. This award is a testament to all their hard work and dedication.”

Nick King, Group Director – Homes

LABC Regional Awards Homes has also scooped two awards at the LABC Building Excellence Regional Awards 2023.

Michael Kord, won the ‘Best Residential Site Manager’ and Darren Cawkwell, Quality Control Manager, won ‘Construction Specialist of the Year’ at the regional awards for the West of England. The pair will now go through to the Grand Finals which will take place early next year.

The LABC Building Excellence Awards are the largest business to business awards in the building control sector.

Mark Tinson, Divisional Director – Operations, said: “It is an excellent achievement to have not one but two of the team recognised for their hard work and professionalism. This is excellent news and hopefully a win beckons at the national finals.”

Pictured (left to right) Nick King, Michael Kord, Darren Cawkwell and Mark Tinson.

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Service & Quality

High Penn Park tops out The last phase of the High Penn Park development in Calne is nearing completion, with only a few homes left to be sold.

The attractive family-friendly development, nestled on the edge of the historic market town, boasts 200 homes, each designed to reflect the local architecture.

Constructed from a mix of brick, stone and render under tiled roofs, the homes offer a low energy, sustainable living space with traditional character.

A topping out ceremony, which involved the final roof trusses being put in position on the last home, was held in early October to mark the final stages of the build.

“High Penn Park has been delivered in three phases over six years and is one of our most popular developments. Its success is a testament to the high-quality construction and expert craftsmanship synonymous with our brand.

“I am pleased to see the site coming to fruition and was delighted to welcome key members of our site team along with surveyors and managers from Wiltshire Council Building Control to the topping out ceremony.”

Nick King, Group Director – Homes

Left to right: Michael Kord - Site Manager, Mark Tinson – Divisional Director, Sean Seager - Building Control Area Manager, Rob Hands Building Control Area Manager, Darren Cawkwell – Quality Control Manager, Nick King – Group Director, Jan Pearce – Senior Site Manager, David Webber – Assistant Site Manager, John Fuggle - Building Control Surveyor, Peter Crudge - Building Control Surveyor.

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All change for aggregates Quarry Products has recently reorganised its aggregate production team in a move to further strengthen the division.

The dynamic new structure has seen a number of internal promotions throughout the team.

Olly Thompson As part of the exciting reorganisation of the team, Olly Thompson has been promoted to the position of Production Manager. Olly joined Hills back in 2016 as Quarry Manager at Cerney Wick, following a summer internship with the company in 2015.

His new role involves him overseeing quarry production and inert tip sites at seven different locations across the Cotswold Water Park, Reading, Woodsford and Oxfordshire. Olly will also oversee Quarry Managers Stephen Barnes, Mick Chivers, Frank Rodriguez, Danny Houghton and RWB Railhead Manager Andy Dyer.

Speaking about his promotion Olly said: “Everyone in Quarry Products is so talented and I’m excited to work with the team to continue to help build on the successes across the division.”

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Jon Lisk Working alongside Olly in the role of Project Manager is new face Jon Lisk, who is a welcome addition to the new look aggregate production team.

He will oversee the earthmoving team, led by Dan Leighfield and will be responsible for all operational development, restoration, archaeology and aftercare projects.

Jon said: “There is such a wide range of knowledge and experience within the team, so this reorganisation is a great opportunity for us to grow and develop even further.”

Danny Houghton Another internal move has been the appointment of Danny Houghton as Cotswold Water Park Quarries Manager. Danny is a familiar face having been with the company for 15 years as Quarry Manager at Shorncote.

His latest promotion sees him expanding his role to manage all our quarries across the Cotswold Water Park.

The new structure also sees Tony Stepp promoted to Assistant Quarry Manager for Shorncote and Cameron Crawford-Purcell promoted to Assistant Quarry Manager for Cerney Wick and Latton North, reporting into Danny.

Danny said: “The reorganisation of the aggregate production team has created such a positive feeling across the division and I feel the changes will further strengthen our tight-knit team. I can’t wait to see what the next 15 years will bring.”

“This reorganisation marks such an important and exciting time for the aggregate production team. These changes will enable us to deliver a more focused approach while continuing to support the core aspects of the department. I am confident that the new structure will further strengthen Quarry Products and I would like to wish everyone well in their new positions.”

Peter Andrew, Group Director – Quarry Products

Service & Quality

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Airfield Quarry gets go-ahead Quarry Products’ application for a sand and gravel quarry at the old airfield near Down Ampney has been granted permission by Gloucestershire County Council.

The site will include an aggregate processing plant, a concrete plant and a bagging operation with the associated infrastructure of silt lagoons, offices, welfare facilities, wheel washes and weighbridges. The area to be extracted, including the plant site and silt lagoons, is 178 hectares. Extraction will take approximately 13 years once initial site works are completed.

The proposal also includes the provision of an education and visitor centre, which will inform the wider community about how aggregate extraction underpins many aspects of society. Plans are also underway to incorporate a solar power initiative at the site.

Mike Hill, Chief Executive, The Hills Group, said: “The company’s record for archaeology, award-winning restoration and community consultation is exemplary, as demonstrated throughout the Cotswold Water Park, and we are excited about commencing work on this critical project.”

Eighth concrete plant Quarry Products has just opened its eighth concrete plant in Wilmington, near Honiton, Devon.

STOP PRESS Peter Andrew, Group Director, said: “Following the recent opening of our Swindon plant, the Wilmington site will expand our ready-mixed concrete business even further.

The new team at Wilmington will be working closely with the concrete team at Woodsford Quarry in Dorset. The plant will offer a wide range of delivery vehicles provided by landowner and franchisee Adrian Clarke.”

The Wilmington site will be registered with the Quality Scheme for Ready-Mixed Concrete (QSRMC) and will be able to provide high-quality concrete and screed to both small and large customers with product available for collection or delivery using 4m³, 6m³ and 8m³ sized vehicles.

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Service & Quality

Internships Henry Hill During a year out from his Mechanical Engineering degree at Southampton University, Henry Hill, son of Mike Hill, Chief Executive gained some invaluable work experience at two companies closely associated with The Hills Group.

From July until September, Henry worked for NRG Fleet Services at our Sands Farm facility in Calne. They hold the contract to service and maintain our Municipal Collections’ vehicles and some of our Commercial Collections’ vehicles.

Day Aggregates is one of Quarry Products’ biggest customers, and from January to June this year, Henry worked at their bagging facility in Southampton.

Henry thoroughly enjoyed swapping his textbooks for some hands-on experience learning how to operate, maintain and repair machines and engines designed by mechanical engineers.

Henry Hill (second from left) with colleagues from Day Aggregates.

Joseph Hill Another member of the Hill family who has recently started a placement is Joseph Hill.

Joseph, who has been studying Banking and Finance at the University of the West of England, will be interning with Hills until May 2024.

While he is currently based in the finance department under David Bevan, Joseph will also be spending time in various departments around the business.

During his nine-month placement Joseph hopes to learn everything he can about the company and is excited to make the most of his time here.

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More mammoth Palaeontologists have uncovered yet more exciting finds at one of our Cotswold Water Park gravel quarries that featured in a 2021 David Attenborough documentary.

The latest excavations conducted in partnership with leading experts Neo Jurassica uncovered prehistoric steppe mammoth tusks, wild horse ribs, several bison vertebrae, a rib and jawbone, and a partially complete tooth from a cave or brown bear.

As the area is normally inaccessible due to it being underwater, the excavation involved dewatering the area using water pumps.

The two-week dig at the site involved a wide range of experts in the field, including Archaeological Research Services, leading universities and museums.

finds!

“It was a true pleasure to meet Mike Hill and the team at Hills. If it wasn’t for their support and shared vision of the scientific importance of this site, this multidisciplinary systematic excavation would not have been possible.”

James Hogg, Director of Neo Jurassica

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Palaeontologists excavating prehistoric finds at the site.

All finds will be conserved at the Yorkshire Natural History Museum in Sheffield and accessible to researchers across the UK, with a major dig now planned at the site early next spring.

“It is hugely important for Hills to be involved in work like this. Quarrying is fundamental in recreating biodiverse habitats, wet woodlands and enhancing nature. Whilst this is not always seen, it highlights the scientific importance of this site and how cooperation can benefit both the quarrying and scientific industries.

“It’s a fantastic site and it just keeps on giving.

We are looking forward to next year when we will welcome more teams of experts to carry out the next part of the excavation.”

Peter Andrew, Group Director – Quarry Products Upon completion of the current investigation, the area has been restored as a temporary lake.

Palaeontologists preserving a mammoth tusk.

Innovation

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Waste Solutions’

Customer Service Hero Award Every quarter, Waste Solutions chooses an employee to be presented with a Customer Service Hero Award.

The scheme has already generated 20 winners, each nominated by their colleagues or customers for going above and beyond in their day-to-day role.

Recipients of the prestigious award receive a £50 gift card and a certificate.

The initiative, which has been running for the last year, was set up to recognise individuals who have shown unwavering professionalism and provided exceptional customer service.

Amanda Gale, Bids Manager, who was instrumental in setting up the award is pleased with the positive changes it has brought to the team.

Amanda said: “We’ve had such a brilliant response to the scheme from both our employees and customers. It’s a great way for us to really highlight when a member of our team has gone the extra mile to achieve Waste Solutions’ core principle – to make waste management simple for all of our customers.”

Some previous winners of the award

Wayne Comley, LGV Driver “During the course of his daily duties, the driver had taken the time to stop what he was doing in order to help an elderly lady who was struggling to negotiate a flight of stairs.”

Heidi Winyard, Customer Support Supervisor

Nick Payne, Drivers Mate and Jason Payne Senior, LGV Driver

“Very impressed with the efficient service from Heidi. Her responses to all my queries were timely and on point. Refreshing to have a customer support advisor who is proactive and friendly.”

“Jason and Nick who regularly complete the waste collection at one of our primary schools in Reading, stopped by and showed the children how they emptied the rubbish as the school wanted to talk to the children about recycling.”

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Innovation

Electric vehicle trial sparks interest

A crew from Municipal Collections at Sands Farm has been testing a new ride as part of a four-week electric vehicle trial.

The electric kerbside collection vehicle has given a realistic sense of the practical implications of migrating a fleet from diesel to electric.

Matt Trowell, Kerbside Supervisor, who has also driven the vehicle said: “We have trialled the vehicle on different routes and it’s a great driving experience. The 75-mile range limits the rounds on which we could use this kind of vehicle although the regenerative braking systems can top up that range.”

Gordon Marriott, Kerbside LGV Driver, said: “It’s really comfortable and almost silent compared to our regular vehicle.”

Paul Hill, Assistant Collection Contract Manager, said: “The technology for large, commercial electric vehicles is still in development. This trial has been an eye-opener to the benefits and issues of an electric fleet.”

Pictured (left to right) Barry Clifford, Kevin Tiley, Gordon Marriott, Matt Trowell and Paul Hill.

Paint reuse scheme Municipal Collections has teamed up with Wiltshire Council to launch a paint reuse scheme aimed at reducing waste across the county.

The ‘Second Coat’ initiative, which started in July, offers the whole community access to free leftover water-based paint donated by local residents.

Wiltshire residents are able to collect the free paint by following the instructions on the yellow cabinets located at participating Household Recycling Centres (HRCs).

The scheme is currently being trialled at the Lower Compton and Purton HRCs. Henry Newbery, Recycling Team Manager, said: “The second coat reuse scheme gives local people access to collect free water-based paint which would have otherwise gone to waste. It’s a great initiative and we are pleased to be part of it.”

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Renewed sponsorship for Swindon Town FC Hills has pledged to continue its support of local football club Swindon Town for another season and will be their official waste management partner for 2023/2024.

The company has been an avid supporter of the club for many years now: a partnership that dates back to Edward Hill, the founder and great-grandfather of Mike Hill, Chief Executive.

Mike Hill said: “As a local Swindon business, we are proud of the association and wish the club, players and staff all the very best for the 2023/24 season.”

James Watts, Swindon Town FC Commercial Manager, said: "We look forward to working with everyone at The Hills Group throughout this season and beyond."

200-year-old cricket club unveils new nets Wiltshire’s oldest cricket club has been given a makeover thanks to a £10,000 funding boost.

Purton Cricket Club, which was founded in 1820 and has recently celebrated its bicentenary, received the funds via the Landfill Communities Fund (LCF).

The grant, which was administered by Community First, enabled the club to replace their well-worn nets.

The new equipment was revealed at a recent ribbon cutting ceremony attended by Nick King, Group Director – Homes, Tom Whittaker, First Team Captain and local Councillor Jacqui Lay.

Nick King said: “It was a delight to be at the unveiling of the new nets. Purton Cricket Club is at the heart of the local community and we are proud to be able to support them in this way.”

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Family Ethos & Commitment

Marlborough Rugby Club celebrates promotion The Hills sponsored sports team, Marlborough Rugby Club, has made history after being promoted to the National League for the first time.

Hills has a long standing history with the club where Mike Hill, Chief Executive formerly played.

After an outstanding season, complete with lots of silverware, the team will now compete in the Regional 1 South Central division.

Go Wildcats!

Hills has renewed its sponsorship of National Ice Hockey League side, Swindon Wildcats, for the 20232024 season.

The company has sponsored the local sports team for many years and is proud to continue to support them with the extra challenges they face this year.

Recent flooding at Swindon’s Link Centre has temporarily left them without a rink. However, despite this setback the team continue to play ‘home away from home’ and are determined to continue their bid for victory.

Look out for our logo proudly displayed on the full team jerseys, rink-side advertising board and glass branding.

Go Wildcats!

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Celebrating 25 years of partnership

The Hills Group and Cotswold Lakes Trust have marked 25 years of partnership with a brochure celebrating their successful collaboration.

Hills has played a pivotal role in supporting the trust’s activities in the Cotswold Water Park since 1997, providing over £1.3 million to the charity through the Landfill Communities Fund.

The collaboration has led to the creation and preservation of one of the most stunning and biodiverse wetland landscapes in the UK, which is home to an amazing variety of wildlife, as well as an array of exceptional leisure amenities.

Peter Andrew, Group Director – Quarry Products, said: “The Hills Group has been operating in the Cotswold Water Park for more than 100 years and has created many of the lakes and wonderful habitats you see today. We are proud to support Cotswold Lakes Trust and all they do for wildlife and the environment. They’re a great charity and we work extremely well together.”

“Hills’ continued support and friendship has been invaluable, helping Cotswold Lakes Trust to work towards achieving its vision of ensuring that through conservation, recreation and education, the Cotswold Water Park will remain a leading and sustainable example of how people and wildlife can successfully co-exist.”

Paul Hazel, Executive Chairman, Cotswolds Lakes Trust

Discover more in your copy of the latest partnership brochure distributed with this edition.

Celebrating COTSWOLD LAKES TRUST & THE HILLS GROUP

Peter Andrew (centre) with Paul Hazel (left) and Matthew Millett (right) from the Cotswold Lakes Trust.

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Family Ethos & Commitment

In memory of...

Donna Whitcher It is with a heavy heart that we have to report the passing of Donna Whitcher on 17 September after a battle with Cancer.

Donna worked in Credit Control as a Team Leader after joining the company in 2003.

Credit Control Manager June Parrott, who worked with her for many years, said: “Many will remember Donna as a steely, tenacious character. She had a determination and strength of character that made her especially well-suited to her role collecting customer debts. Proud of her time with Hills, Donna was determined to work through her illness for as long as possible.

“Donna was a genuinely lovely person. She was kind, with a mischievous sense of humour. Although quietly spoken, she had a genuine interest in others and a willingness to help wherever she could.

“Donna had the ability to take great happiness from the simple things in life: seaside day trips, caravanning holidays in Weymouth and long walks in Savernake Forest.

However, her daughter Katie-Jo was her real passion. Her love for her daughter was easy to see in her smile and sparkle whenever she talked about her.

“In 2022, after ten years together, Donna married the love of her life Andy. In true Donna fashion, she organised her wedding in just one week.

“For those who knew her well, it’s easy to see how Donna was able to fight her illness for so long and with so much grace. Despite her diagnosis, she continued to do everything with a smile and you’d barely know there was anything wrong.”

Despite her passing, Donna will continue to inspire all who knew her. She will be sorely missed.

Henry John Lowe Colleagues from Municipal Collections at Sands Farm were saddened by the recent, untimely death of their colleague John Lowe following a motorbike accident.

John had worked at Sands Farm as a kerbside driver for the last four years.

Paul Hill, Assistant Collection Contract Manager, said: “John was a larger-than-life character. As a driver he was a good crew leader and being keen to help, he never shied away from dealing with problems when back at base. He will be missed.”

Matt Trowell, Kerbside Supervisor, said: “John has, sadly, left behind a loving family who, I’m sure will miss him greatly. He was a very keen angler who taught other anglers to competition level. He was also involved in managing and maintaining his local fishing lake. John was a keen motorcyclist for many years and the huge ride-out from fellow bikers at his funeral was a mark of how well respected he was.”

Bob Sparrow Just as we were going to print, we learned of the very sad passing of Bob Sparrow.

Bob Sparrow spent many years working as Production Director for Hills Homes.

A fitting tribute to Bob will feature in the next issue. Our thoughts are with Veronica and the family.

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Municipal Collections’

youngest superfan?

Meet five-year-old Municipal Collections’ superfan Tommy.

Tommy loves everything about Municipal Collections, and when he grows up, he hopes to follow in the footsteps of his Dad, Matthew Trowell and Grandad, Dave Trowell, to become a Municipal Collections driver.

In fact, he is such a big fan that he even has his very own Hills-branded Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), courtesy of Municipal Collections. Tommy recently wore his new threads to cheer on Hills to third place at the National Refuse Championships 2023 in June.

Matthew Trowell said: “Tommy was overjoyed to receive his own customised PPE. He loved it so much he even wanted to sleep in it!”

It’s a boy!

It’s a twin thing

Congratulations to Kelsey Bird, Customer Sales Supervisor, on the birth of her beautiful baby boy Arthur, who was born in June.

Congratulations to Karl Hooper, IT Project Coordinator, on the birth of his gorgeous twins Wren and Fox who were born at the beginning of September.

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Family Ethos & Commitment

Lest we forget…

Two Quarry Products employees paid their respects at Down Ampney’s Memorial Stone ahead of the Arnhem Remembrance service on 10 September.

Ex-RAF Regiment Gunner and Transport Coordinator Brian ‘Fozz’ Ellis visited the site along with LGV Driver – Sweeper Grahame Bradfield to commemorate the anniversary of Operation Market Garden.

Grahame also swept the surrounding pathways and road to ensure the area was ready for the remembrance service.

Brian Ellis aka ‘Fozz’ served 22 years in the RAF regiment in Northern Ireland, Kuwait, Bosnia and Iraq where he was, unfortunately, wounded by friendly fire while escorting POWs in a Chinook.

Fozz said: “I am very proud to have served in the RAF regiment and ceremonially with The Queen’s Colour Squadron at Buckingham Palace, The Tower of London, St James’s Palace and Windsor Castle.

“I have been with The Hills Group three years now and appreciate the company allowing ex-service personnel to pay their respects to comrades in different ways.”

Phoenix Enterprises’ summer trip Swindon-based Phoenix Enterprises, a mental health and learning disability charity, has been helping The Hills Group with the fulfilment of intouch magazine for over ten years.

Karen Hyde, Production and Commercial Manager, got in touch with us earlier this year to ask if The Hills Group could help with funding towards their summer day trip to Bournemouth which was, for some service users, their first trip to the seaside.

Despite the unseasonal weather their summer day out saw some well-deserved time off, fish and chips and, of course, ice cream. Karen said: “Everyone had a great time. Thank you for helping us to make this happen.”

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Company Golf Day Over the last 40 years Hills’ Wiltshire Professionals’ Golf Championship has been held in July.

This year, due to improvement works on the course, the company chose instead to host an alternative event in September, which differed from the traditional Pro-Am format.

This year’s event was an amateur only affair, with teams made up of Hills’ employees, suppliers and contractors.

Despite what the autumnal weather had in store it was all smiles when they teed off at Marlborough Golf Course for the 2023 Company Golf Day. The day started with a nine-hole Texas Scramble in the morning, which saw Ed Dodd, Group Director – Waste Solutions, lead his three-man team to glory. The team, which also consisted of Alan Ball from Smiths and Russell Markstein from RTR, took the title with a winning score of 26.

The afternoon’s Better Ball Stableford saw the teams battle it out over 18 holes. It was a hard-fought contest, with ten teams vying for victory, but by the end of the par 72 course, a clear winner emerged. The team, made up of Darren John, Sales Manager, Stuart Curtis from Print Waste and Chris Holland from Waste Source, cleared the course with a score of 73 to win the championship.

It is anticipated that the Hills’ Wiltshire Professionals’ Golf Championship will return next July.

Pictured (left to right) Chris Holland from Waste Source, Darren John from Waste Solutions and Stuart Curtis from Print Waste

It was wonderful to see Syd Whant at the first tee once again. Syd has been the Starter of our golfing tournaments for the last 35 years and no event would be complete without him!

Beavers treated to special tour of MRF Lucky youngsters from the Southwick and North Bradley Beavers were given a unique tour of the Materials Recycling Facility (MRF) at Sands Farm.

The troupe were also shown around a non-operational plant while it was offline to learn more about the importance of recycling waste correctly.

During the tour, the group were also treated to a special demonstration of the waste sorting process by Henry Newbery, Recycling Team Manager.

Henry said: “It is lovely to be able to educate the next generation about the importance of reducing, reusing and recycling their waste through effective waste management.”

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Our competition winners!

Congratulations to the winner of The King’s Wordsearch, Vitalijs Andrejevs, who correctly completed the puzzle to win the top prize of a £50 M&S gift card. Well done also to our two runners-up Andy Hehir and Leon Jackson, who each received a £25 gift card.

Pictured (left to right) Vitalijs Andrejevs, Andy Hehir and Leon Jackson.

A big thank you to everyone who entered the Coronation Colouring Competition for all the beautiful entries we received. It was an extremely difficult decision, but after much deliberation, the judges picked their top three favourites to receive their prizes.

First Prize - Ronnie (aged 8) received a £30 book token.

We want to hear from you!

Our people make us great and are at the heart of everything we do, which is why we want to feature more of your stories.

Please send all your news and photos to the communications and marketing department (info@hills-group.co.uk) for a chance to be included in the next issue of intouch.

Runner-up – Blythe (aged 8) received a £10 book token.

Runner-up – Rose (aged 10) received a £10 book token.

intouch Survey We have given intouch a makeover and we’d love to hear what you think.

Look out for our latest intouch survey distributed with this edition of the magazine and let us know your opinion of our new look!

We will donate £1 to Prospect Hospice for every entry we receive (up to a maximum of £500) and you’ll also be entered into our lucky draw for a chance to win a £10 gift card.

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Puzzle corner Correctly complete the sudoku puzzle and/or the wordsearch below to be in with a chance of winning. All correct answers will go into a random draw to win one of three £50 Tesco gift cards.

5

1 2 3

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Add your name and site location, then cut off this back page and send it via internal post to the communications and marketing department at County Park, Swindon.

Alternatively you can scan and email your answers to info@hills-group.co.uk. Your entry must be received by Friday 15 December 2023. Only one entry per employee.

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Publishers Note intouch is published by The Hills Group Limited. It is distributed to employees, pensioners, shareholders and friends of The Hills Group. Each copy of intouch is collated and mailed by Swindon charity Phoenix Enterprises who work with people recovering from short and long-term mental health problems www.phoenixenterprises.co.uk.

Issue No 54 will be published spring 2024. Please submit news and photographs (if possible) to the communications and marketing department, either to the address opposite, by telephone 01793 714977 or via email to info@hills-group.co.uk The Hills Group Limited makes every effort to verify all information contained within intouch but does not warrant to its accuracy. No view or opinion expressed within intouch should be considered to be that of The Hills Group Limited, its associated companies or any director or officer in its employment. Please recycle your copy of intouch when you are finished with it.

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The Hills Group Limited The Hills Group Limited, Wiltshire House, County Park Business Centre,Shrivenham Road, Swindon, Wiltshire SN1 2NR Tel: 01793 781200 Email: info@hills-group.co.uk Web: hills-group.co.uk