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The Hills Group Magazine April 2022 – Issue 50

intouch Quarry Products supports mammoth graveyard discoveries

Spot the mammoths!

Chance to win M&S vouchers (see back page)

New website for Waste Solutions

Page 7

Homes’ latest show home opens Page 8 Keeping it in the family

Pages 20–21

intouch 50 April 2022 Projects & developments

intouch 50 April 2022 Contents

Contents Viewpoint Projects & developments Discoveries unearthed at ‘mammoth graveyard’

Pages 3–6

Waste Solutions’ new website

Page 7

Homes’ latest show home

Page 8

Modern slavery awareness

Page 10

Cyber security training

Page 11

Performance Solar panel success

Page 9

Electric vehicle trial

Page 12

Move to improve scheme

Pages 14–15

Our people Henry Hill’s work experience

Page 12

Shareholders Tour

Page 13

New starters

Page 16

Promotions

Page 17

Retirements and marriage

Pages 18–19

Keeping it in the family

Pages 20–21

Page 22

Charitable giving

Page 23

A mammoth surprise! Although we were sworn to secrecy, it was worth the wait when Sir David Attenborough described the amazing fossil finds in our quarry in his programme aired on national television just after Christmas. You can read about this and all the excitement this has generated in the next few pages. Electric dreams The world is changing, and the sustainability and security of energy have never been more important. Read about our first experience of an electric waste collection vehicle (page 12) and plans for a solar energy farm on an old landfill (page 9). Family ties As a family company which has been operating for over 120 years we have seen many instances when multiple generations of the same family have worked for us, or family siblings and relatives have been co-workers. Read about our current crop of working relatives on page 20. Mike Hill, Chief Executive

In 2017 at a Hills gravel quarry near Swindon two amateur fossil hunters, Sally and Neville Hollingworth, found an extraordinary discovery of Ice Age mammoth remains and a stone ‘hand axe’ made by a Neanderthal.

Page 24

Pictured on the cover are Dr Neville Hollingworth, Sally Hollingworth and Peter Andrew Group Director – Quarry Products

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 51 will be published in quarter 2, 2022. Please submit news and photographs (if possible) to the communications 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.

Quarry Products has supported a major archaeological project which has recently been televised on prime time television and attracted plenty of national press. The programme named “Attenborough and the Mammoth Graveyard” was broadcast on BBC One on Thursday 30 December and showed Sir David Attenborough joining an archaeological dig uncovering Britain’s biggest mammoth discovery in almost 20 years.

Competition Spot the mammoths!

Discoveries unearthed at ‘mammoth graveyard’ near Swindon

All of a sudden the pandemic is yesterday’s news as we watch with horror what is unfolding in Ukraine. Our thoughts and prayers are very much with those brave people in the weeks and months ahead.

Community Supporting local communities

@HillsGroup /HillsGroup

the_hills_group TheHillsGroup

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

In the programme, Sir David Attenborough joined biologist Professor Ben Garrod and a team of archaeologists and palaeontologists as they carefully excavated the site for more clues. As the team found more stone tools nearby they realised this could be a once in a generation discovery offering a unique window into a period of prehistory we know very little about.

What was discovered? The remains of at least five Ice Age mammoths, including tusks, leg bones, ribs and vertebrae from two adults, two juveniles, and one infant, were discovered, with a number of stone tools, including a hand axe, made by Neanderthals found nearby. Archaeologists believe that both the artefacts and mammoth remains date to around 210,000 – 220,000 years ago, towards the end of a warmer interglacial period when Britain was still occupied by Neanderthals. Towards the end of this period, early humans abandoned Britain as temperatures dropped and the land was covered under ice. Neville and Sally Hollingworth with excavated finds.

intouch 50 April 2022 Projects & developments

Analysis has revealed that the bones belong to a species of Steppe mammoth, which predate the iconic Woolly mammoth, and may have been smaller and less hairy; although early Steppe mammoths were among the largest, with some standing up to 4m tall at the shoulder, the species shrank as the climate became colder. Some of the bones are now being examined for evidence of butchery.

intouch 50 April 2022 Projects & developments

included dung beetles, which co-evolved with the Ice Age megafauna and whose droppings they used for food and shelter. Together, this evidence has created a snapshot of a long-lost habitat, and provides new clues about biodiversity and Neanderthal behaviour in Ice Age Britain.

Further evidence of Neanderthal activity was revealed on the site, including ‘scrapers’ – small flint tools that would have been used for cleaning fresh hides, as well as debris from making other unknown tools. Excavations also recovered the remains of Steppe bison, brown bears, horse and hyena. Seeds, pollen and plant fossils, which showed that extinct types of trees and beetles lived around the site as well as more familiar species, like hornbeam were also recovered. The samples

Mike Hill, Chief Executive said: “It has been wonderful to see the excitement and interest this has generated, from grandchildren to grandparents.”

Archaeologists excavating mammoth bones. Credit: DigVentures.

What is a Steppe mammoth? The Steppe mammoth is an extinct species of Elephantidae that ranged over most of northern Eurasia approximately 1.8 million-200,000 years ago. It evolved in Siberia from the Steppe and tundra elephants and the ancestor of the Woolly mammoth and Columbian mammoth. Populations of Steppe mammoth may have persisted in northern China and Mongolia as recently as 33,000 years ago. Although the Steppe mammoth was very large with a height of up to 4 metres (13 feet) tall at the shoulder and a body mass of up to 10 tonnes, the species shrank as the climate became colder. The Steppe mammoth could grow to 4m (13ft)

The average height of a human male is 1.75m (5ft 9in)

“This represents one of Britain’s most significant Ice Age discoveries in recent years.” Historic England

Sir David Attenborough (second left) with Peter Andrew, Group Director, Andrew Liddle, Divisional Director and Olly Thompson, Quarry Manager, all from Quarry Products.

Peter Andrew, Group Director – Quarry Products said: “Hills has a long-standing relationship with Sally and Neville Hollingworth who made the initial discovery, and we provided substantial resources towards making sure that the area remained accessible during the various phases of excavation. “Having worked in the Cotswold Water Park area for many years, we are very familiar with archaeological finds, but this latest discovery has turned out to be quite unique. We have been amazed by the interest in the project and the results of the research which provides an insight into Britain’s Ice Age environment and the world as it was lived in by our closest human relatives.

Scientists examining a mammoth tusk. Credit: DigVentures

“We are extremely proud of the contribution we have made to bring this great story to life. It was an honour and privilege to host Sir David Attenborough during the filming of the documentary.” Dr Neville Hollingworth and his wife Sally, who works as a Transport Administrator for Quarry Products, said: “Finding something so significant has been a real thrill, but even better than that is to see it resulting in a major archaeological excavation led by DigVentures, and a documentary presented by Sir David Attenborough. We couldn’t be more pleased that something we have discovered will be learned from and enjoyed by so many people.” Lisa Westcott Wilkins, Co-founder, DigVentures said: “Ultimately, this is a story about life in Britain’s Ice Age environment. The whole thing has been an incredible experience for our team, especially working with Sir David Attenborough and seeing the site through his eyes. The collaboration between the landowners, fossil hunters, experts, and documentary-makers has been phenomenal and we’re really looking forward to the ongoing research that will now be able to happen.”

Mike Hill, Chief Executive, holding a mammoth tooth.

Peter Andrew holding a mammoth humerus bone.

intouch 50 April 2022 Projects & developments

Exhibition Some of the finds were displayed at Hills’ County Park office in Swindon where colleagues, shareholders, journalists and stakeholders were invited to see some of the artefacts and find out more about this important discovery.

intouch 50 April 2022 Performance

G Tappern, parish councillor said: “It was a fantastic experience to see these items close up. A wonderful find.” Karl Hooper, IT Project Coordinator - Group, visited the exhibition with his family.

New website for Waste Solutions Waste Solutions recently launched a new look website aiming to increase its digital visibility online and generate a proportion of business via online sales. As well as a new look design, the website includes an online quote facility and a payment portal. From left, Tracy McCaskie, Neil Pollard, Neil Robbins, Caroline Wilde, Helen Lock and Liz Carr

The excavated items and display information were also featured at the ‘The Festival of Tomorrow’ public exhibition in Swindon on 25 and 26 February. R Edwards, Englefield Estate said: “Thank you very much for allowing Finn and I to visit the exhibit. Finn had a brilliant time and Sally and Neville were great and really engaging.” Sally and Neville Hollingworth showing the excavated finds to Daniel Coles, Assistant Account – Group.

Pictured left to right: Gavin Caruana, Health and Safety Support Manager – Quarry Products, Ian and Lynn Hill, Sally Hollingworth, Dr Neville Hollingworth and Tony Hill.

J Hill, shareholder said: “Thank you for the photos and for arranging the visit, which was amazing and is still being talked about especially by Maisy and Tom.”

R Jenkins, parish councillor said: “How kind of you to allow us to have a wonderful visit to meet two enthusiastic and knowledgeable people. Simply 'wonderful' is an understatement of how you have allowed the couple to investigate and dig for such historic artefacts. Well done!” Children enjoyed seeing the unearthed discoveries at the exhibition.

‘Guess the mammoth bone weight’ competition We recently ran an employee competition and the closest answer was 16.6 kg, guessed by Mark Akerman, LGV Driver, Purton Transport. The actual weight of the mammoth humerus bone is 17.1 kg so it was very close! The winning prize was a mammoth sized bar of chocolate.

Explore the new website at www.hills-waste.co.uk. If you have any feedback then please email David Scott, Digital Marketing Manager david.scott@hills-group.co.uk. David said: “A number of people across the business have been involved in the transformation of the website and we would like to thank them all. In particular, thank you to Caroline Wilde, Business Project Manager, Helen Lock, Head of IT, Liz Carr, Credit Control Team Leader, Tracy McCaskie, Customer Support Manager, and Neil Robbins, Sales Manager, who have all contributed a large amount of their time to make the project come to life.”

David Scott

intouch 50 April 2022 Performance

New show home and sales office at The Paddocks

Solar panel success

Homes’ latest site The Paddocks in Blunsdon, north of Swindon, now has a show home and sales office to help to continue the impressive sales already experienced at this desirable development.

Some sunny news to brighten up the colder weather; the solar panels installed at our County Park, Swindon office in 2014 have so far generated 277,622 kWh of electricity. It is estimated that 160,000kg of CO2 has been saved since their installation. The electricity generated has been used to power the offices and sold to the national grid saving an estimated £34,000 in energy bills and earning £36,000 in revenue. The total financial benefit is over £70,000.

The new show home is a four bedroom property dressed with contemporary interior design, and a landscaped garden, to reflect a modern, spacious family home.

They have been a great financial and environmental success for the business!

Nick King, Group Director - Homes, said: “Very pleasingly buyers have recognised that The Paddocks provides beautiful homes, with high quality fittings and features in each room and especially in the kitchens, bathrooms and en-suites." The houses in the second phase are all reserved and plots in the third phase will be available to purchase soon. Nick continued: "The success of our off-plan launch last July which has seen all the plots released in phase one either reserved or exchanged has been followed with the opening of our show home and on-site sales office with a further four plots snapped up in just two days during the release weekend.” The sales office is open by appointment only from Monday to Friday, 10:00 until 17:00. More information can be seen at hills-homes.co.uk

Support for new solar farm Hills is pleased to support a planning application to build a new solar farm on a former landfill site at Purton. The company who has proposed the building of the solar farm, Spring, has stated that the site’s former use as a landfill provides a valuable opportunity for the production of renewable and clean energy. The 21 hectare site could provide electricity for 6,000 homes along with a saving of 4,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide per year. The solar farm will connect into the existing electricity network. You can find out more about the proposal at springche.com/purtonlandfill

intouch 50 April 2022 Performance

Spotting the signs of modern slavery Modern slavery is defined as the recruitment, movement, harbouring or receiving of people through the use of force, coercion, abuse of vulnerability, deception or other means for the purpose of exploitation. It is a crime under the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and includes holding a person in a position of slavery, forced or compulsory labour, or facilitating their travel with the intention of exploiting them soon after. In 2018, just under 7,000 people were identified as being victims of modern slavery in the UK, which was up 300% from 2013. Waste management and construction are two industries where modern slavery is known to occur. Source: HM Government. Some of the signs of modern slavery are:

Isolation • They are rarely allowed to travel on their own • Appear to be under the control of others • Tend not to interact with other people • Seem unfamiliar with their neighbourhood or where they work.

Restricted freedom of movement • They do not have documents that would allow them to travel – passports, ID, etc. • Limited opportunities to move freely • Few personal possessions.

Physical appearance • Signs of physical or psychological abuse, such as untreated injuries, anxiety, agitation, or appearing to be withdrawn and neglected • They look malnourished or unkempt • Wear clothes that are unsuitable for their work or wear the same clothes each day.

Cyber security – it applies to everyone Do not ever say "It won't happen to me." Anyone could be a target of digital security and the stakes are high – both for your personal and financial wellbeing. We continue to provide information and training on how to keep your work and personal devices and data safe. What can you do? • Installing/accepting software updates for your operating system and programmes is critical to ensure you have the most up-to-date security that doesn't have flaws that hackers can infiltrate. • You would not leave your house unlocked, so do not leave your devices unlocked either. If you need to leave your laptop, phone, or tablet for any length of time — lock it so no one else can use it. • Never connect an unknown USB device to your computer. It may contain malware that can steal information from your computer. • Ensure that you have strong, unique passwords for your accounts and devices. Instead of a single password, use a passphrase, acronym or sentence eg Hawaii1996Sunset&Mojitos! Remember, there are criminals across the world who find opportunities to exploit the trust and goodwill of people, especially online. On average, 4.6 million people in the UK are affected by fraud each year and around 700,000 will go on to suffer profoundly as a result of their being defrauded. Source: Victims’ Commissioner. The IT department recently organised training for employees where a cyber security expert shared knowledge on criminal online activities and practical advice to keep people safe online both at home and whilst at work. The online presentations were well attended by colleagues and more training will be provided in the future.

Look out for phishing attempts Phishing emails are not only sent to work email addresses; scammers send phishing emails to personal emails too. They may try to steal your passwords or account numbers. Here are some signs you have received a phishing email:

Poor living conditions

• Emails with bad grammar or spelling mistakes

• They are living in dirty, cramped or overcrowded accommodation

• Emails with an unfamiliar greeting or salutation

• Working and living at the same address.

• Inconsistencies in email addresses, links and public domains

To report a suspected case of modern slavery you can:

• Return email address is not what you would expect eg it’s a public email domain like ‘@gmail.com’

• Speak to your Supervisor/Line Manager or Group Director or use the company's confidential whistleblower phone line 0800 915 1571

• Suspicious attachments

• Or call the Modern Slavery Helpline 0800 0121 700

• Emails requesting login credentials, payment information or sensitive data

• Or report it online at modernslaveryhelpline.org/report

• Too good to be true emails.

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intouch 50 April 2022 Performance

Electric vehicle trial

Shareholders Tour

Municipal Collections has been trialling an electric vehicle to collect Wiltshire residents’ rubbish as part of the company’s drive to reduce its carbon emissions. The initial data from the trial (see table below) shows the amount of electric battery energy that was used before recharging for the next day.

For the first time in several years, the shareholders were able to visit some of the company’s sites in person.

Richard Elson, an LGV Driver for Municipal Collections told us about his experience of driving the electric vehicle. “The household waste bins were able to be loaded onto the vehicle and emptied quicker, as the bins’ contents were packed down in the vehicle during driving, making the collection process quicker. The kerbside loaders and I found the electric vehicle to be a quiet and comfortable experience.”

On a beautiful morning in late September they visited the new materials recycling facility (MRF) at Sands Farm and Homes’ High Penn Park development in Calne. The next stop was The Paddocks housing site in Blunsdon before lunch in the Cotswold Water Park. In the afternoon they toured the proposed Airfield Quarry site near Down Ampney followed by the Cotswold Community extension to Shorncote Quarry. The day was capped off by an enjoyable dinner in Marlborough.

Henry Newbery Recycling Team Manager showing shareholders the MRF at Sands Farm.

Mike Hill, Chief Executive said: “It was fantastic to get the shareholders physically together and out to sites again, most of which they had only seen on slides during online presentations. Hopefully there won’t be such a long gap before we can do it again!”

Further data that was recorded during the trial will be evaluated to help inform opportunities and decisions for the company. Date

11 January

12 January

13 January

Hours Used

6.5

4.75

Kilometres

Miles

28.5

Number of bins lifted

454

560

533

Weight of waste collected (kg)

8,180

11,140

10,760

Amount of electric battery energy used

65%

75%

50%

Henry Hill during his work experience placement at Electra.

Electra, the manufacturer of the electric vehicle shown above, has recently provided a work experience placement to Henry Hill, son of Mike Hill, Chief Executive. Henry said: “I thoroughly enjoyed having the opportunity to work with the team at Electra. I gained an understanding of what the design and manufacturing processes involve, and experienced their challenges first hand whilst designing a new way for 400kg batteries to be mounted to the chassis of a new electric truck.” He continued: “Most of my work was done using computer aided design software, and it was a massive help to have the workshop right next to me. I could step outside, look at a stripped down vehicle, and visualise how my new part will fit in with all the components around it. I got the chance to get my hands dirty, helping fit components to the redesigned internal configuration of the vehicles. I worked with some great people and I hope to spend more time with Electra in the future.”

Peter Andrew Group Director – Quarry Products addressing the shareholders at Hills’ Shorncote Quarry

Waste Solutions delivered for Swindon Town Ahead of its FA Cup third round match against Manchester City, Swindon Town Football Club requested two additional bins from Waste Solutions’ so the visiting team could use them for ice baths after the match. Despite the match being held in the first week of January, the ice baths were used to cool down the players after the unfortunate 4-1 defeat. It was great to support Swindon Town FC and watch them (on prime time TV!) take on Manchester City at the town’s County Ground.

intouch 50 April 2022 Performance

Recent Move to Improve winners Since relaunching the Move to Improve scheme last year, we have received great suggestions for improvements at our sites. Some are featured here… Keith Vincent, Concrete Operations Assistant, Quarry Products

Tony Jackson, Weighbridge Operative, Waste Solutions

Keith’s implemented idea: All Quarry Products’ first aiders to wear green hard hats to be more visible.

Tony’s suggestion was: To install temporary lighting on the screening operation so that screening can continue in the dark therefore increasing screening time during dark months.

Rhiannon Blow, Waste Solutions Consultant Rhiannon’s idea was: Dash cams for company cars to reduce insurance premiums and supply evidence in the event of accidents. “As someone who drives a lot due to my role, a dash cam would make me feel more confident that should an accident arise, I would have evidence to defend myself.” This stems from our recent Safe Drive Stay Alive training course.

Dave Smith, Site Foreman - Landfill, Waste Solutions Dave’s suggestion was to improve the site entrance at Hills’ Lower Compton site by adding information signs about the work Hills does there and improving the visual impact of the entrance. This has been implemented.

You too could win money for your ideas with the Move to Improve suggestion scheme. If you have an idea that will help the business: • Save money

Colin Langford, Mobile Plant Operative, Waste Solutions Colin’s move to improve suggestion, which has been implemented, was to add a new ‘PPE must be worn on site’ sign between Hills’ Lower Compton Farmhouse and the concrete pad area, as a visual reminder to those entering the site to wear their required PPE.

• Improve health and safety

Put your sugge stion on this card and post it in the box – thank you!

• Improve productivity and quality of products

My idea is...

• Reduce energy consumption or conserve resources • Improve customer service • Reduce waste. Submit your suggestions through the new online form or the red boxes located at every Hills site for a chance to win the following: Continue

overleaf... If your idea is submitted stan implemented you could win £50 d a chance to win £25 in a monthly– all ideas lucky draw*

Name

A £50 voucher if your idea gets implemented.

Location Line manager *Get full details

on etouch or speak

A £25 voucher in the monthly lucky draw.*

to your line mana ger

A £500 voucher if your idea is voted as ‘best improvement to the business’ at the end of April. *To be entered into the draw your idea must be validated. All suggestions received (both online and via suggestion cards) will be forwarded to Robin Edwards, Environment and Quality manager, for validation. Robin will liaise with your line manager to advise you on the outcome of your suggestion.

If you have any questions regarding the Move to Improve update, please contact Robin Edwards on robin.edwards@hills-group.co.uk or 07770 488706

intouch 50 April 2022 Our people

New starters Junior Woods

Stuart Whyte

Homes’ first female General Operative, Junior Woods, recently joined the company and is working at The Paddocks in Blunsdon.

Stuart was appointed Planning and Technical Manager for Homes in October.

Junior started her career as a painter and decorator with her father before deciding to become a general labourer.

Stuart has been married for nearly 20 years with two stepchildren, five grandchildren and a great granddaughter. He lives in Swindon and is enjoying not having a long commute. Stuart Whyte, left, with Kelly Mann Divisional Director – Construction, Homes.

Nathan Carr

Gavin Caruana

David Scott

Gavin recently joined Quarry Products as Health and Safety Support Manager, having previously worked for the National Composite Centre in Bristol.

David has joined as Digital Marketing Manager for Waste Solutions and is responsible for growing the division’s digital presence and developing online sales as well as working closely with the sales team to help grow their sales opportunities across a wide range of business sectors.

During his spare time, Gavin enjoys playing and watching football (he is a Leeds United supporter), coaches an under 10s football team, plays golf and enjoys running.

Promotions

He is responsible for the managing and coordinating of all technical and design elements required for Homes’ projects. Stuart brings with him a wealth of experience having previously worked at Taylor Wimpey, Bewley Homes and L&G Homes / CALA in varied technical, engineering and planning capacities.

Junior said: “I have found everyone at Hills Homes to be really nice. I was previously working in Didcot as a materials controller but I’m pleased to be back in Swindon and working at Homes’ latest development.”

Gavin is a health, safety and environment (HS&E) professional with over 20 years’ experience across a range of industries. Gavin’s responsibilities include the development and monitoring of the health and safety management system, providing support to site management and driving a positive and proactive safety culture throughout the Quarry Products division.

David brings a wealth of marketing experience from technology, financial services and legal sectors. In his spare time you might find him on the ski slopes or walking to and from pubs in the Welsh valleys.

Nathan was promoted to the role of Divisional Fleet Manager for Waste Solutions in October. In addition to retaining his responsibility for the Waste Solutions commercial fleet, Nathan is now also responsible for the Municipal Collections fleet, ensuring that all the vehicles across both fleets operate in an efficient and compliant manner. Neil Pollard Divisional Director – Commercial said: “I am sure you will join me in congratulating Nathan on his promotion and wishing him well as he takes on this vital role for the business.” Nathan is based at Lower Compton transport office. He has worked for the company for 23 years.

Simon Sharland Simon has been promoted to Training Coordinator for Municipal Collections. Simon was previously a kerbside LGV driver at the division’s Trowbridge depot before being asked to work as an Acting Supervisor at Sands Farm Facility in Calne at the beginning of the Covid pandemic in 2020. He has worked for the company for three and a half years. Simon has recently been delivering the important ‘Safe Drive, Stay Alive’ road safety campaign from Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service to Municipal Collections’ employees.

intouch 50 April 2022 Our people

Retirements and marriage

William Wills, known as Bill, joined Hills in March 1987 as an HGV Driver and spent most of the next twenty years driving a hooklift lorry based at the Purton depot. In 2007 Bill moved to the position of Metal Fabricator fixing and maintaining the many hundreds of containers that the company has.

Alan Griffiths (left) with Kevin Webb Contract Supervisor Municipal Collections

Alan Griffiths retired in November after 10 years’ service, latterly working as an LGV Driver for Municipal Collections out of Trowbridge depot. Best wishes to Alan for his retirement.

In total Bill worked at Hills for nearly 35 years and a lunch to celebrate his many years’ service was held at Miller and Carter in Swindon and attended by Ed Dodd, Mike Hill, Neil Luce, together with Bill and his daughter Elaine. Mike Hill said: “It was a lovely occasion when everyone reminisced over the many experiences that Bill had during this time with the company. We wish Bill all the best for his wellearned retirement – and especially with the many projects that we know he has lined up!”

Tied the knot…

Andy Shield retired from Quarry Products in February. He has been a Sales Consultant since joining the company in 2018, primarily supplying customers with aggregate from Hills’ rail depot at Royal Wootton Bassett. He is pictured fourth from the left amongst colleagues.

Liam Jones, Site Manager for Homes at The Paddocks development in Blunsdon, recently married his beautiful bride Manon at The Pear Tree in Purton. Congratulations!

Bill Wills with Mike Hill, Chief Executive

intouch 50 April 2022 Our people

Keep it in the family One of the company’s core values is Family Ethos and Commitment and this extends to some of Hills’ employees being related…

Jason Payne Snr, Jason Payne Jnr, Nicholas Payne and Chris Holloway Chris and his father-in-law Jason Snr are both LGV drivers and Jason Snr’s brother Nicholas is a Drivers Mate all working for Waste Solutions out of Lower Compton. Jason Payne Jnr, a son of Jason Payne Snr, is a Kerbside Loader for Municipal Collections at Sands Farm Facility, Calne.

Neil, Kim and Dee Luce Husband and wife Neil and Kim and their child Dee all work for Waste Solutions. Neil is an Area Depot Manager, Kim is an Administrator and Dee is a Customer Support Advisor.

Group photo: Jason Payne Snr, brother Nicholas Payne and son Jason Payne Jnr. Square photo: Chris Holloway, son-in-law of Jason Payne Snr.

Left to right: Neil, Kim and Dee Luce

Karen Spearing and Sophie Hinder

Nathan and Liz Carr Nathan and Liz are married. Nathan, Divisional Fleet Manager for Waste Solutions is based at Lower Compton and Liz, Credit Control Team Leader for Group works at County Park, Swindon.

Karen, Customer Support Advisor, and her daughter Sophie, Sales and Accounts Administrator, work for Waste Solutions and Quarry Products respectively at County Park, Swindon.

Liz and Nathan Carr pictured at a recent flying experience of a Dragon Rapide

Pictured left, Sophie Hinder with her mum Karen Spearing

Tracy McCaskie and Sammie-Jo McCaskie

Ivan, Annmerie and Tanya Hannington

Sisters-in-law Tracy and Sammie-Jo both work for Waste Solutions based at County Park, Swindon. Pictured left, Sammie-Jo McCaskie with her sister-in-law Tracy McCaskie

Andrew and Debbie Stowe Andrew and Debbie are married. Andrew, Weighbridge Operative for Quarry Products is based at Royal Wootton Bassett Rail Depot and Debbie is the Insurance and Facilities Administrator for Group at County Park, Swindon.

Tanya joined Quarry Products as an LGV Driver last December. Her parents Ivan and Annmerie are Franchisee Concrete Mixer Drivers who deliver ready mixed concrete on behalf of Hills. Pictured above, Annmerie, Tanya and Ivan Hannington.

Recommend a friend scheme As an existing employee you could now earn £400 per referral when we successfully place and retain an employee you recommended (and you remain with the company). In addition, we will also pay £200 to your friend/relative when they successfully complete three months of employment with us. Full details of the scheme are available through eTouch, your line manager or HR.

intouch 50 April 2022 Community

Supporting local communities We are pleased to see the new kitchen at Southwick Village Hall which has been upgraded following a £10,000 Landfill Communities Fund grant from Hills. The upgrade will benefit existing users and attract more custom to keep the village hall a viable proposition for the future.

RAF Compton Bassett memorial plaque Hills has reinstated the memorial plaque at the gates of the entrance to the former RAF Compton Bassett site. The plaque remembers the history of RAF Compton Bassett that first opened in 1940 and acted as a training school up to its closure in August 1964. RAF personnel were trained in signalling and wireless operations and latterly also as ground radar technicians before being posted to RAF operational stations and airfields around the UK and overseas.

Brian Johnson, Treasurer, Southwick Village Hall

Hills has also supported Lyneham Village Hall with a grant of £10,000 through the Landfill Community Fund for a new roof. This has recently been completed providing a dry, warm location for socialising and events. Hills is proud to have provided a grant of £2,500 through the Landfill Community Fund for the Thankful Village Memorial at the Tadpole Garden Village, Swindon. It provides a fitting memorial to the sacrifices made by many during conflict to ensure the freedoms we enjoy today.

Brian Ellis, Transport Co-ordinator Quarry Products said: “Being ex RAF Regiment for 22 years, I note the plaque reinstated at Compton Bassett and I thank and praise Hills for this! As an employee it makes me feel proud that the company I work for cares so much about these historic places that helped shape the lives we have today.”

Charitable giving The Charity Committee based at County Park, Swindon have held several fundraisers this year already, with the most recent one being Red Nose Day for Comic Relief. The charity helps people living incredibly tough lives both in the UK and across the world. This includes supporting people fleeing the war in Ukraine and other ongoing conflicts.

From left to right- Suzi Hinton, Tracy McCaskie, Amanda Garnham, competition winner, Magda Emery, Sammi-Jo McCaskie, Nicola Taylor, Brian Ellis, and Peter Spiller.

Colleagues at County Park played online bingo and guess the cake sweepstake, dressed in fancy dress, and purchased sweet cones to raise a grand total of £254.34 for the charity. The fancy dress competition winner was Magda Emery, Customer Support Advisor, Waste Solutions, for her roar-some dinosaur costume.

In December, in place of sending company Christmas cards, we made donations to the following charities to support their causes. Doorway is a charity drop-in centre for those who are homeless, sofa surfing or who have complex issues that might affect their ability to acquire and/or sustain a tenancy. www.doorwayproject.org.uk Phoenix Enterprises is a Swindon-based charity working with people recovering from short and long-term mental health problems. www.phoenixenterprises.co.uk Swindon Women’s Aid supports male and female victims of domestic abuse. Available in Swindon 24/7, and the rest of Wiltshire every night, weekend and bank holiday. www.swadomesticabuse.org A national charity funding research into all heart and circulatory diseases including stroke, vascular dementia and diabetes. Raising money to research cures and treatments, to beat heartbreak forever. www.bhf.org.uk

Phoenix Enterprises’ Service Users at their office in Swindon.

“We would like to thank you so much for the generous cheque that you sent us. May we take this opportunity to thank you for your support and wish you a prosperous year.” Karen Hyde, Service User Liaison and Commercial Manager at Phoenix Enterprises

intouch 49 April 2022 Competition

Spot the mammoths! How many have you found (including the one below)?

WIN a £50

voucher to spend online or instore + runner-up prizes of two £25 M&S vouchers.

To be in with a chance of winning a £50 Marks & Spencer voucher or one of two runner-up prizes of £25 Marks & Spencer vouchers all you have to do is provide the total number of mammoths you spotted throughout the magazine… Complete the form below including your name, site location and the total number, then scan or email your entry to info@hills-group.co.uk or send this page via the internal post to the Communications department at County Park, Swindon. Entries must be received no later than Friday 29 April 2022. Name:

Location:

Total number of mammoths:

Previous intouch competition winners Edgar Griggs, Clive Gunning and Keith Vincent were respectively the lucky winner and runners-up of the previous intouch magazine competition. They won £50 and £25 Marks and Spencer vouchers for their efforts! Edgar Griggs

Clive Gunning

Keith Vincent

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