Free Books

UNISON’s

World Book Day

Free Book Giveaway

The giveaway will take place at lunch time on March 7^th from

 12:00-14:00 in the County Hall Foyer. Books are available to all Norfolk County Council employees.

Once you’ve claimed your title, send your book reviews to Melissabrown.unison@btconnect.com by March 28th for a chance to win £10 of book vouchers. Reviews may be published on our Lifelong Learning blog The Learning Corner (www.learningcornernfkunison.blogspot.co.uk).

Sponsored by Unison Lifelong Learning & Healthy Planet.

Free Museum Tours in March

Come along to a free lunch time tour of the Time and Tide Museum for Great Yarmouth Borough Council, Norfolk County Council and South Norfolk District Council employees sponsored by Unison Lifelong Learning.

During the tour, discover Great Yarmouth's fascinating history, its rich maritime and fishing heritage and some of the colourful characters who made their living from the sea.

The tour will take place during lunch on Friday March 15^th from 13:00-14:00. 

Come along to a free tour of the Norwich Castle Keep for all Norfolk County Council, Great Yarmouth Borough Council and South Norfolk District Council employees sponsored by Unison Lifelong Learning.

During the tour, explore the oldest part of the Norman Castle. Hear an informal introduction to its rich and varied history, and learn what life was like 900 years ago.

The tour will take place from 13:00-14:00 on Saturday March 16^th.

Places are limited, to book a place please e-mail Melissa Brown Unison Lifelong Learning Project Worker on melissabrown.unison@btconnect.com or call 07717517564.



The Facts on Apprenticeships

Whether your employer is looking to hire apprentices or you yourself are looking to become an apprentice, it's information to know facts about how apprenticeships should work. Check out Local Government Employers' useful website on apprenticeships to get an overview on what apprenticeships are, how they can benefit employers and their legal rights.

February Events at the Norfolk & Norwich Millennium Library -Writing Britain: The Broads Effect

Last year the British Library ran the Writing Britain exhibition about the influence that the British Landscape has had on our literature. After the success of the London events regions around the country have been invited to take part and Norwich is one of these places.

From Saturday 9^th February the library will have two original John Betjeman poems and the Harold Pinter script to The Go Between on display in the library as well as a full exhibition in the Forum. The Go Between has two more Norfolk links as the book is set in the county and the author, L P Hartley spent a lot of his childhood here. The exhibition in the Forum will include new work created by some young people who’ve also been inspired by the Broads and a photographic display showcasing entries into a competition we ran before Christmas.

Sunday 10^th Feb – 3pm
Cinema City a screening the Go Between film as part of their schedule, and it will be introduced by Kathryn Andersen from UEA. (Normal cinema fees apply for this and tickets are available from Cinema City)

Monday 11^th Feb – 2-3pm
Curator Talk Tanya Kirk from the British Library will be giving a free talk at the Millennium Library about her work as a curator there and about staging exhibitions at the British Library

Wednesday 13^th Feb – 12.30-1.30
Heritage Hour – Broads Sources Archive specialist Eve Read will be giving a talk on the resources held at the Norfolk Heritage Centre and Norfolk Record Office about the history of the Norfolk Broads.

 Wednesday 13^th Feb – 6.30-7.30
The Go Between Book Group Night Join us as we look at the book and film version of The Go Between in more detail and see why both endure as a modern, well loved, classic.

Thursday 14^th Feb – 10am-1pm
Wish You Were Here!
A free reminiscence workshop exploring postcard correspondence from the Broads through the ages. There will be a chance to share your own memories and to get creative.This is a free event (with refreshments) but spaces are limited so please call Sarah Salmon on 01603 774707 to book a place.

Friday 15^th Feb – 6-8pm
Poetry Unbound A free evening of poetry and socialising with readings from established poets and an open mic session.

Magical Exhibition to Enchant Norwich Castle

On January 26th, Norwich Castle is to become a magical wonderland as the ‘Magic Worlds’ exhibition opens - on tour from the V&A Museum of Childhood in London.

The Magic Worlds exhibition which opens on Saturday 26 January until Sunday 14 April in the Norwich Union and Bernard Matthews Galleries will delve into the captivating world of magic.

Visitors will be able to leave reality behind and explore the realms of celebrated stories and fairy tales. This exhibition will look at three different aspects of magic: Fantasy, Illusion and Enchantment. It will explore the origins and history of magic and will show how magical themes have influenced artists and writers in creating fantasy realms over the centuries.

Stephen Nicholls, Exhibitions Manager at V&A Museum of Childhood, commented: "We are delighted to bring Magic Worlds to Norwich. This evocative subject matter has already captured the imaginations of adults and children in London and Sheffield, attracting over 300,000 visitors. We are sure that it will do well at Norwich Castle. Whatever inspires you - from witches to wizards, fairies to pixies, magicians to dragons - Magic Worlds has them all."

Characters from fiction from Frodo Baggins to Snow White will feature as well as films, photography, beautiful story books and ceramics, toys and games, film props and merchandise. A wealth of childhood favourites will to steer a fascinating journey through magical worlds past and present for all to enjoy.

Rachel Kirk, Norwich Museums Manager, said: “We are are really excited to have the Magical Worlds exhibition in Norwich. The show is set to create a really dreamlike atmosphere which we hope everyone will enjoy.

“Many of us can get easily bogged down with the tasks of everyday life and this will hopefully provide a real sense of escapism for visitors. There will be lots of amazing things to see packed into an eleven week period which includes the February Half Term and Easter Holidays. We hope this will encourage people to come along and make the most of all of the wonderful events which will be on offer.”

The extensive programme of events at Norwich Castle includes family special weekends, February Half Term and Easter holiday events, creative writing workshops, magic lantern shows, roving magicians and much more. On display visitors will see fairy costumes, magic tricks, paintings, ceramics, beautifully illustrated books and posters, games, optical toys and dramatic puppets.

Highlights of the events programme at Norwich Castle include:

• Magic Circle Magician David Weeks, Thursday 4 and Friday 5 April, 11.30am (age 6 and under), 1.30pm and 3pm (age 7+).
• The Tinder Box, Sunday 3 March, 2.30pm to 3.20pm.
• Mad Hatter’s Tea Party, Saturday 9 February.
• Family Saturdays, 26 January and 2 February, 12.30pm to 3.30pm.
• Competition Trail - your chance to win a family ticket for a fabulous day out at Bewilderwood, Norfolk, begins on Friday 1 February with a draw on Thursday 28 February and Sunday 14 April.

Higher Education with Unison

Access to Sucess with the Open University

Union learners can now take advantage of the Open University's new Access to Success route of study. The route is designed for learners on low incomes who are new to higher education. Access to Sucess is heavily discounted, for just £75 you’ll get the full OU learning experience. An introductory Openings module for just £25 (normal fee £625) followed by a more in-depth, longer Level 1 module for just £50 (normal fee £2,500). To qualify, students must live in England, have a household income of less than £25,000 and be new to education at a higher level. For more information visit the Open University's website.

Unison Members get a 10% Discount on Higher Education

If you are a trade union member and studying for your first degree you will also be entitled to 10% discount on tuition fees at either Anglia Ruskin University or Birkbeck University in London. This support complements the Government student loan scheme, which from the start of the 2012 academic year, is available to part-time students for the first time.

Useful links about student finance:

• Gov.uk's section on student finance and loans.
• Money Saving Expert's student loan guide.

Local Activities at the Bridewell Museum

Bridewell Bite-size

Fancy a brief insight into the collections? With the help of the Bridewell Museum's Learning Assistant explore some of the museum highlights - all events take place Thursdays at 2.30pm.

31 January - History of the Bridewell
28 February - Norwich Blitz
25 April - Parson Woodforde
23 May - Marvellous Machines
27 June - Coffee House Culture Free with admission - no need to book.

Under Wraps

Visit the Bridewell to uncover some of the most fascinating costume and textile collections from the Norwich Museums. All are Thursdays at 2pm.

14 February - Oh, Sweetheart - Love tokens and messages from the heart
14 March - Satellites of Fashion - Accessories from head to toe
18 April - A Cut Above - Tailoring, dressmaking and the art of construction

Advance booking essential, tel. 01603 493636 Tickets £6, Concs £5.50, Museums Pass/C&TA/FNM £5

Visit the Bridewell Museum's webpage for more information: http://www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk/Visit_Us/Bridewell_Museum/index.htm

Take Part 2 of Our Lifelong Learning Needs Survey

Create your free online surveys with SurveyMonkey, the world's leading questionnaire tool.

Data Protection Declaration: As we are collecting personal information about you, we need to check that you understand what this data will be used for and that you are happy with that. Learner information is collected by UNISON in order to target learning opportunities and needs. The information will not be used for any other purpose and will not be used by a third party without your consent

Take Part 1 of Our Lifelong Learning Needs Survey

Create your free online surveys with SurveyMonkey, the world's leading questionnaire tool.

Data Protection Declaration: As we are collecting personal information about you, we need to check that you understand what this data will be used for and that you are happy with that. Learner information is collected by UNISON in order to target learning opportunities and needs. The information will not be used for any other purpose and will not be used by a third party without your consent.

Chase the January Blues Away at the Library

King’s Lynn Library staff will be trying to entice staff at Priory House to become a Norfolk library members in the new year as part of their annual Join Up January campaign.

Did you know…?

·        There are 47 County Council library buildings in Norfolk?

·        And 13 mobile libraries that make regular stops across the county, particularly in more rural areas?

·        That you can borrow up to 15 items from the library at any one time?

·        We have books from paperbacks, hardbacks, large print, audio tape, CD and playaway. We have everything from Diary of a Wimpy Kid to Fifty shades of grey!

·        That you can renew items online or over the phone?

·        That you can return your items to any Norfolk County Council library?

·        That the library service has licences to a number of paid-for websites that members can use for free, including www.ancestry.co.uk that allows people to trace their family history?

·        That you can borrow maps and travel guides from the library at no cost?

·        That you can access high-speed internet and your email for free?

·        That Norfolk County Council has a digital library that allows all library members to download and borrow eBooks for free from the comfort of their own home? When the period of the loan has run out, the eBook simply disappears from your PC or compatible e-reader. Find the digital library at http://digitallibrary.norfolk.gov.uk

More than 5,000 people joined the library in Norfolk in January this year, double the number that joined in December 2011. It’s free to become a library member and quick and easy to do so, and a library card really is a passport to lots of opportunities for all ages.

• During January, a voucher sheet with offers on DVD hire and book reservations among others will also be available to members when they borrow an item from the library. There will only be a set amount available though so make one of your new year’s resolutions to visit to your local library soon to avoid missing out.

Come along to meeting room B on Thursday 17th January from 9-12 to find out more about your local library and sign up for your free library card. If you haven’t used your library card in the last year it probably won’t be valid, so come along and we can sign you up again!  

Look out for more information on the libraries pages of the County Council website (www.norfolk.gov.uk/libraries) and the Join up January news.

Come Along to Free Heritage Talks at the Norfolk and Norwich Millennium Library This Winter

Try Your Hand at Some Craft Events at the Norfolk Record Office

Free Online Learning

The Internet has a wealth of information if you know where to look. Check out these free lifelong learning resources.

Alison: Free online courses in a variety of subjects ranging from computing, languages to gardening. Courses are free to study but there is a charge to receive a certificate.

BBC History: Information about tracing your family tree and articles about world history.

BBC Languages: Short interactive courses on languages.

British History Online: A resource for local history in Britain.

British Library: Free online learning about literature, history and art.

Flexilearn Openings Modules: A partnership between the Open University and Unison to provide free bite size learning for our members.

Good Food Channel: Get recipes and watch videos on how to cook new food.

Khan Academy: Over 3800 education videos covering everything from biology to finance.

Knit Witch: Free videos demonstrating how to knit and crochet.

Live Mocha: A variety of languages courses at all levels.

New Scientist: The website of the popular magazine containing articles about how science links with society.

Open Learn: Free online learning from the Open University.

The Crafty Writer's Creative Writing Course: A online course for beginners to creative writing.

The Union Makes Us Strong: The history of the Trade Union Congress and the trade union movement.

Trade Union Ancestors: Information on the forming and history of modern trade unions.

TUC Learning: Online Union Rep courses, including eNotes bite sized courses on subjects like equality law, information on sick notes and paternity leave.

Free Training and Activities for Unison Members

Start the New Year Off Right with Some Lifelong Learning from Unison

A New Year, A New Challenge? 

In partnership with UNISON Learning, Norwich City Football Club's Study Centre will be hosting free computer classes. The sessions will run for 2 hours every Tuesday starting January 22nd for 10 weeks over the spring term.   

During the 2 hour session you will develop basis computer skills, using Microsoft packages and explore social media and internet. You will have the opportunity to tour the stadium at Carrow Road and take part in a photography challenge. 

To learn more come to our taster session at Norwich City Football Club's Carrow Road Study Centre on Tuesday 8th January 2013 5pm -6pm.

                                                           

Earn a Certificate in Stress Awareness

 This free course enables delegates to  look  at  their  own work, work place, colleagues and themselves, in order to identify stress, and to help in controlling it. It is an essential element of any stress management strategy in a work place.

 Learning outcomes; by the end of the course delegates will be able to:

   Define work related stress.

   Understand stress as an occupational hazard.

   Identify basic workplace stressors.

   Develop basic controls for work-related stressors.

   Understand how stress fits into health and safety legislation in the UK.

 The subjects covered are:

 1.   The   various   definitions   of   stress, and separating   work and non-work related causes.

 2.   The   effects of stress on individuals;  physical,  mental, emotional and out of work.

 3.   The effects on the  employer (costs   of   stress,   benefits from control).

 4.   The factors causing stress (based   on   HSE   Management Standards for Stress).

 5.   Recognition of stress in yourself and others.
                  
 6.   How risk assessment can be used for managing stress.

 7.   The range of available control measures.

A Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) Course.

The course will take place January 14th, 21st and Feburary 4th from 5– 7 pm in mez 2 at County Hall, Norwich.

What's Your Story?

Do You like to write short stories, novels or poetry? During lunch on the last Thursday of every month Unison Lifelong Learning will be holding a creative writing club. All levels of writers are welcome from beginners to published authors. Share your work, get ideas and write some flash fiction during the meetings.  The club’s first meeting will be Thursday January 31^st from 12-1pm in Mez 2 at County Hall, Norwich.  

To book onto a course or for more information please contact Melissa Brown
Unison Learning Project Worker at melissabrown.unison@btconnect.com or call 07717517564.


Take Yourself Further, Get Involved with Unison
                        
More free training is available from the Eastern Region for Unison Learning Reps and Unison Stewards: http://www.unisoneastern.org.uk/education-and-training/representative-training/course-calendar/ . Unison training is not just for steward duties. Training such as Assertiveness for Women, Health & Safety Rep training and Chairing Meetings can give you valuable skills that can transfer to the workplace.