one-issue-30-september-2018

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ISSUE 30 : SEPTEMBER 2018

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The voice of the Aspire Team - Bringing our community together

The Peak District Challenge 2018

21-22 Sept 2018 peak-district-challenge.com

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ONE MESSAGE FROM

The Steering Committee Everything is experience A YEAR ON FROM THE THREE PEAKS CHALLENGE, THE APPETITE FOR ENDURANCE ACTIVITIES CONTINUES. ON THE 21ST SEPTEMBER WE VENTURED NORTH TO THE STEEP HOLLOWS OF HATHERSAGE, A VILLAGE IN THE HEART OF THE PEAK DISTRICT, IN PREPARATION FOR THE NEXT DAY’S 25K OR 50K PEAK DISTRICT CHALLENGE.

Clive Johnson (right) enjoying the Bronze challenge with his son Sam, who joined in with Aspire to help support the event.

This was my first major event with Aspire and I opted for the 50k challenge and wow what an experience!

The conditions on the day were perfect and what soon came to light was the camaraderie between other members of the Aspire team. I was instantly made to feel welcome, which was great.

We all ventured into the challenge with our varying strengths and weaknesses, and these showed at different stages of the event. But throughout the day it became clear to me that our Aspire movement has really brought everyone together as one team, which is really inspiring. Even when things got particularly tough, support was always there, especially as we walked into the night with sore feet.

Over the 12 hours plus challenge, I built relationships with many people. These will stay with me and extend once back in the workplace to ensure Landsec and its service providers have that true collaboration.

This event has inspired me to get even more involved with Aspire and join the team on their journey.

Relationships are the foundation to all our accomplishments.

CONTACT For further information regarding the articles in this newsletter please contact Amanda Heppelthwaite at aspire@landsec.com

Clive Johnson

Landsec, 100 Victoria Street, London SW1E 5JL T +44 (0) 20 7413 9000 E aspire@landsec.com One newsletter is keen to welcome points of view from Landsec staff and service partners.

Therefore, the views expressed in this newsletter are those of the individual contributors and do not necessarily reflect the views of Landsec. We welcome contributions whether through social media, email, letters or stories. Please forward contributions to aspire@landsec.com

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Congratulations to everyone who took part in both the 25 and 50k challenge you should be so proud of yourselves.

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Group Head of Health, Safety and Security, Landsec.

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ONE EVENT REVIEW

Aspire’s Peaky Blinders AFTER MONTHS OF TRAINING AND MILES WALKED IN PREPARATION, THE TIME HAD FINALLY COME FOR LANDSEC’S GANG OF AMBITIOUS EXPLORERS TO TAKE TO THE TRAILS ONCE AGAIN. WITH TWO DIFFERENT CHALLENGES ON OFFER, 35 BRAVE INDIVIDUALS GATHERED FOR A WEEKEND IN DERBYSHIRE’S PEAK DISTRICT THAT WOULD SEE THEM TEST THEIR PERSONAL LIMITS AND TEAM SPIRIT TO THE MAX.

21-22 Sept 2018 peak-district-challenge.com

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ONE EVENT REVIEW

YHA Ravenstor.

T

he Peak District challenge was set to begin early on the morning of Saturday 22nd September, with Aspire members opting for either the strenuous 25km Copper Challenge or the gruelling 50km Bronze Challenge.

While it was more convenient for some to make their own way to the weekend’s base at the YHA Ravenstor hostel, in Buxton, Derbyshire, most of those taking part were collected by a coach at 3pm on the Friday outside Landsec’s 16 Palace Street. With bags packed, hiking boots laced and spirits high, the team left Victoria with only one thing on their minds. Newcomers were equally nervous and excited, while ‘Three Peaks’ veterans exchanged stories of ‘blood, sweat and tears’ from the previous year’s event.

Unfortunately, the coach ran into heavy traffic on the M1, but this did nothing to diminish the Aspire members’ enthusiasm and after six hours on the road, they were greeted with sights of green valleys and wildlife as they finally arrived in the north. The YHA chef

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David Wickens and Louise Ody, Landsec.

had prepared a selection of food for the weary travellers, including curry, jacket potatoes and apple pie. When Aspire members entered their prearranged dorm rooms, they each found a brand-new complimentary waterproof jacket waiting for them, complete with the Aspire logo.

nominated navigators spent the evening studying the map for the following morning’s event.

The local area had recently experienced storms and high winds, so the team was slightly anxious about the next day but still as determined as ever for the challenge ahead.

Later in the evening the team reunited in the lounge and dinning areas, where

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Jubel Miah, Office Concierge.

Mary Lucignano, Portico.

Bruce Benedickter, Landsec.

David Payne, Landsec.

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ONE EVENT REVIEW

50km // Target time : 12 hours

Jordan Lamb, Bywaters.

The Bronze Challenge

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Nir Birak, Bywaters.

THIS TREK HAS A TOTAL ASCENT OF 1200M AND AT ITS HIGHEST POINT REACHES 464M. A 50KM CIRCULAR ROUTE TAKING IN THE VALLEYS OF THE DARK PEAK, AND THE SCENIC TRAILS OF THE SOUTHERN PEAK DISTRICT.

Francisca Cumbicus Jaramillo, NJC.

O

n Saturday 22nd September, the 17 courageous Aspire members of the Bronze Challenge team woke up bright and early, knowing that the real test was about to begin. A 50km circular route and 12 hours of intense hiking was apprehensively mocked as being just ‘a walk in a national park’.

After fuelling with breakfast at 6.30am, the mini bus arrived to take the Bronze hikers to Hathersage Village Hall, the starting point of the challenge.

Promptness was essential to ensure that they could begin at the official start time

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Soloman Jackson and Jordan Lamb from Bywaters.

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of 8.30am, which was vital if they were to avoid walking in darkness and cross the finish line within the target 12 hours.

With event registration and a safety briefing complete everyone assembled and the team set off, complete with an official Aspire flag.

Led by Landsec General Manager and designated navigator David Wickens, it was made clear right from the get-go that the group would have to keep a relentless pace averaging at least 5km per hour to meet their target.

As the leaders raced off, David did an exemplary job of coordinating everyone and ensuring that they kept moving in the right direction. An experienced hiker, David made use of every tool available, including a map, compass

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Sabrina Crawford from Office Concierge completes the first 6.14km in 2hrs 4 mins. and GPS navigation devices. In remote places where losing the path means potential danger, fellow Aspire members were very grateful for this knowledge.

Andrienne Bodo and Aminata Balde from NJC

The journey had started at Hathersage, then pathways lead up the Hope Valley, past Bamford, through Limestone Way and the White Peak villages, with a climb up the Eastern Edges before finally bringing them back to Hathersage. Along the way they would pass iconic views of Peveril Castle, the Derbyshire Dales nature reserves and the Peak District. With 1200m of ascent and the highest point at 464m, the team certainly had their work cut out.

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To ensure the challenge was completed correctly the route included stopping at nine official checkpoints along the way.

Aspire members had been provided with electronic tags to clock in their times, but they were also using mobile apps to track the number of calories burned, average and maximum speeds and heart rates. This was especially true of the veteran hikers, who continued to monitor their progress nearly every step of the way.

The checkpoints were sometimes hours apart, yet the team kept up a good pace, only ever stopping when they had reached one of these designated areas.

Even then, the longest break at any of them only lasted 10 minutes as the team knew that they were against the clock.

Andrienne Bodo from NJC.

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By the time they reached the third checkpoint, fatigue had begun to set in and some Aspire members were beginning to struggle.

Sam Johnson

The main group maintained communications with the back group when possible via radio and phone, keeping them updated on their location and making sure they were following the right path.

As the day wore on, the biggest hurdle for most was the mental demands of the challenge rather than the physical ones. Halfway in, the realisation that there were still 25km to go was almost overwhelming. However, the team wasn’t beaten yet as they managed to spur each other on and find new reserves of energy. They were able to

Martin French, Tiger Bay Design.

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Despite their heroic efforts to keep up, some people had began to drop to the back of the group, finding it difficult to keep moving at such a fast pace for so long. Russell Southern (NJC) and Simon Watson (NG Bailey), in a great show of concern and teamwork, slowed down to assist and stay with them. Although the team had successfully kept within 200 metres of each other up to this point, with regular radio checks between front and back, now a small group had become detached from the main party.

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WE’RE ALL ABOUT YOU

ut all Check o s from ge the ima vent. the e

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21-22 Sept 2018

one team

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aspire

WE COMPLETED THE

Louise Ody, Landsec.

Russell Southern, NJC find new enthusiasm even during the dreaded climb up the Eastern Edges and the frustration of getting lost in the dark around Grindleford Station.

After hours and hours of walking, climbing and navigating, the last kilometre felt like the longest of all.

It had started to get dark around the 8th checkpoint so Aspire members were guided only by their head torches at this point.

After a late night reunion with Simon and Russell who had miraculously recovered the 4km gap, the team finally crossed the finish line at the 16

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Clive Johnson , Landsec.

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James Gladding, NG Bailey.

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Simon Watson, NG Bailey.

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Greta Dvarvytiene from NJC and Sabrina Crawford from Office Concierge.

village hall in Hathersage, having walked a total of 56km in a time of just over 13hrs.

With the exhausted hikers all but collapsed after a job well done, they enjoyed a hearty meal of piping hot stew and rice before everyone hopped back on the minibus eager to return to the comforts of YHA Ravenstor.

Blistered, exhausted but triumphant, the Aspire team had successfully completed the challenge. They showed that even a task as daunting as the Bronze challenge could be overcome with the right attitude and exceptional team spirit.

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ONE EVENT REVIEW

25km // Target time : 9 hours

The Copper Challenge

Bruce Benedickter, Landsec.

A STRENUOUS CHALLENGE, FOLLOWING A CIRCULAR ROUTE FROM HATHERSAGE TO BASLOW ALONG RIVERSIDE PATHS AND BACK ALONG A HILLY ROUTE VIA CURBAR AND FROGATT EDGES. 700M OF ASCENT AND SOME OF THE BEST VIEWS IN THE PEAK!

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hile those taking part in the Bronze Challenge had already set off, the 18 remaining Aspire members were lacing up their walking boots and making the final preparations for the 25km Copper Challenge.

The advantage of having this shorter, more accessible challenge on offer was that people of different skill levels could take part. Even so, it was still a huge undertaking, with 700m of ascent and difficult terrain. As with those on the Bronze Challenge, the team here was responsible for navigating their own route and to ensure they didn’t take any wrong turns.

The challenge was set to begin at Hathersage, taking the team past Grindleford, through the woods to Baslow, then through Padley Gorge, up towards Millstone Edge before the long descent along public footpaths past Mitchell Field and arriving back at Hathersage. There were only five checkpoints for this challenge, though Aspire members would still be expected to clock in at each.

After departing the hostel, the Copper Challenge officially began at 9.30am.

The newcomers on the hike, despite their earlier fears, had nothing to worry about as they were joined by some of Aspire’s best leaders. The unshakeable

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Sebastian Mena Barriga, Ultimate Security.

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Sarah Hotchin (NG Bailey) led the charge for much of the way with map in hand. Thanks to her efforts and those of the other more experienced members, the group remained on course with team morale remarkably high. Carol Cockhill (Landsec) commented that when it came to Sarah’s navigation skills, ‘we couldn’t have done it without her’.

Even following Bruce Benedickter’s (Landsec) unfortunate muscle injury early on, the group was still able to make good progress. As Nicole Wade (NJC) dropped back to assist Bruce, Jasmin Byrne (Landsec) and Sebastian Mena Barriga (Ultimate Security) were checking in on other members of the team. Ruben Fernandes (Principle) was always on hand to help people down the slippery parts of the trail, even though it meant him waiting behind.

As the team continued to support each other throughout, it’s no wonder they were able to beat the original target of nine hours. This was made even more impressive when considering how many ‘hiking newcomers’ were taking part,

Mary Lucignano, Portico.

Marie Wybourne, Office Concierge

Amanda Heppelthwaite and hero!

Maja Slota leads the way.

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Ruben Fernandes Principle. all of whom were determined to keep up the pace and give it their all.

Jubel Miah (Office Concierge), who had never attempted anything so physically demanding before, claimed he ‘managed to finish through sheer determination and grit.’

Carol Cockhill from Landsec and Andy Merritt from Bywaters

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After congratulating each other for their efforts, the Copper team returned to the hostel for much needed showers and dinner. A few hours later, the Bronze challenge group reunited with them, eager to share their experiences with each other. Despite the hardships both teams endured, it was an unforgettable experience for all involved. Sarah commented that it was a ‘great event and well done to everyone on both walks’. Similarly, Amanda Heppelthwaite (NJC) commented that despite the ‘flat tyre’ on the way there, ‘no sleep’ and ‘stiff muscles’, she couldn’t wait for next time.

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Sarah Hotchen from NG Bailey and Nicole Wade from NJC.

In support of the team’s efforts, over £2,600 has been raised for The Honeypot Children’s Charity by Aspire’s Peak District Challenge team, well above the original target of £1,500.

All of this will go towards phase 2 of the Honeypot House & Campus Enhancements Project, which will involve a major interior redesign and the construction of a new children’s library. As donations continue to come in even now, we thank everyone for contributing to this fantastic cause.

After a final night at the hostel, the Aspire team returned to London victorious. Congratulations to all 35 participants for conquering the Peak District Challenge.

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ASPIRE STAFF RECOGNITION AWARDS ASPIRE

Special RECOGNITION AWARD

THIS AWARD CREATES AN OPPORTUNITY FOR IMPRESSED MEMBERS AND CUSTOMERS TO RECOGNISE EXCELLENT SERVICE

BY NOMINATING ASPIRE TEAM MEMBERS VIA THE WEBSITE.

ASPIRE’S GOLD STANDARD OF TEAMWORK

huge

A thank you to everybody who sponsored the team. The total raised for The Honeypot Children’s Charity currently stands at...

£6,567

EVERY INDIVIDUAL THAT TOOK PART IN THE PEAK DISTRICT CHALLENGE SHOULD BE PROUD OF THEIR EXTRAORDINARY EFFORT. When one Aspire member was struggling, there was always at least one more to pick them up and carry on.

The knowledge that their colleagues and friends were with them made every step easier and every aspect of the challenge less difficult. They took a task that would have seemed almost impossible alone and managed to pull through as one.

The veterans from last year’s event were invaluable in supporting other Aspire members as well. With the likes of Solomon Jackson (Bywaters) and Jasmin Byrne (Landsec) on board, those with less experience felt far more reassured.

Sebastian Mena Barriga (Ultimate) was a major asset to the team on the Copper Challenge throughout as he helped to keep the group together.

planning skills of Kelly Barlow (Landsec), Amanda Heppelthwaite (NJC) and David Wickens (Landsec), the event simply wouldn’t have happened.

Those working behind the scenes deserve a special mention as well.

A staggering amount of organisation, including everything from bookings to supplies, was involved. Without the

Over £2,600 was also raised for The Honeypot Children’s Charity, well above the original target of £1,500. As donations continue to come in even now, we thank everyone for donating to this fantastic cause.

Copper Challenge Kelly Barlow Jasmin Byrne Bruce Benedickter Carol Cockhill Andy Merritt Sara Torok Marie Wybourne Maja Slota Jubel Miah Jasmeet Barns Mary Lucignano Gabor Nagy Ruben Fernandes John Agudelo Sebastian Mena Barriga Sarah Hotchen Nicole Wade Amanda Heppelthwaite

16 Palace Street, Victoria.

25km, 9 hours Landsec Landsec Landsec Landsec Bywaters Office Concierge Office Concierge Office Concierge Office Concierge Office Concierge Portico Portico Principle Principle Ultimate NG Bailey NJC NJC

Every single person should feel proud of everything they achieved across those two days. For an outstanding display of teamwork in the harshest conditions, every Aspire member on this year’s Peak District Challenge deserves special recognition.

Bronze Challenge

50km, 12 hours

Greta Dvarvytiene Francisca Cumbicus Jaramillo Aminata Balde Russell Southern Andrienne Bodo Sabrina Crawford Martin French David Wickens David Payne Louise Ody Andy Slatter Clive Johnson James Gladding Simon Watson Soloman Jackson Nir Birak Jordan Lamb

NJC NJC NJC NJC NJC Office Concierge Tiger Bay Design Landsec Landsec Landsec Landsec Landsec NG Bailey NG Bailey Bywaters Bywaters Bywaters

You can still sponsor the team at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/aspire-aspire 26

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ASPIRE PLAYER OF THE MONTH

August ‘18

LAST MONTH SAW THESE PEOPLE RECOGNISED BY YOU FOR EXCEPTIONAL PERFORMANCE AND FOR SIMPLY BEING A GREAT TEAM MEMBER. NOMINATIONS CAN NOW BE MADE VIA THE WEBSITE.

ASPIRE’S DYNAMIC DUO

This reduced pace left Russell and Simon to complete the rest of the challenge cut off from the main party, with minimal radio contact. Fortunately, with Russell’s army training and Simon’s unshakeable willpower, they were able

TI O N NI

To achieve the 50km target, the team knew they would need to set a relentless pace averaging 5km per hour. After several kilometres of walking, it became clear that this pace was a daunting task and some people had begun to fall back from the pack. Even though moving back to help meant jeopardising their own challenge, Russell and Simon went to assist, carrying rucksacks and helping to motivate people every step of the way.

E OF RECO AT

G

A

cross the long, 12-hour slog of the Peak District Bronze Challenge, the team expected an extreme physical and mental trial. It was to be a momentous journey, one that was enough to push everyone to their absolute limits.

Or at least, almost everyone!

CERTIF IC

WINNERS: Russell Southern (NJC) and Simon Watson (NG Bailey)

PLAYER OF THE MONTH

Russell Southern (left) and Simon Watson (right). to make up the lost time, recovering a remarkable 4km difference to cross the finishing line with the rest of the team.

It cannot be underestimated how tough this would have been. Both Russell and

Simon put on terrific show of physical and mental strength whilst still looking out for their teammates. For this, they have both been nominated for Player of the Month Awards for Teamwork.

ASPIRE LEAVES NO MAN BEHIND WINNERS: Nicole Wade (NJC) and Jasmin Byrne (Landsec)

T

he team on the 25km Copper Challenge had made a good start on the morning of 22nd September, setting a great pace for the rest of the day. However, one member of the team suffered an injury that threatened to end their Peak District Challenge there and then.

Bruce Benedickter (Landsec) unfortunately pulled a muscle at a relatively early stage of the challenge.

But the Aspire team wasn’t about to leave anyone behind, especially in the case of Nicole Wade (NJC), who stayed with Bruce to support him for the entire walk. She did this even though she had never met Bruce before the event, showing a great team ethic.

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Jasmin Byrne (Landsec), meanwhile, proved that she had energy to spare and spent much of her time running back and forth to maintain communications across the whole team. Even when Bruce and Nicole weren’t within eyesight, Jasmin dropped back to make sure they were ok before running to report to the rest of the group.

Nicole (left) and Bruce (right).

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Kelly Barlow (left) and Jasmin Byrne (right).

Thanks to Nicole and Jasmin’s efforts, Bruce was able to soldier on and complete the challenge, even with his injury. Both of them have been nominated for Player of the Month Awards for Teamwork.

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11th December 2018

Sway, 61-65 Great Queen St, London, WC2B 5BZ

SWAY it Cool Seasonal Swing

FOR

One & All

Sway is a bustling bar and restaurant, serving up classic cocktails and delicious food that’s as unique as its clientele. This December, Aspire will turn the venue into a swinging 60s playground, with a DJ spinning Rat Pack classics in a New York style party atmosphere, and you’re invited!

S M A R T C A S UA L // O P T I O N A L P I N K AC C E S S O R I E S

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