Minerva Benefits
THE SPORTS AND SOCIAL ASSOCIATION
FOR BIS AND DECC
Sports and Social Activities
Introduction
The Department's Sports & Social Association (Minerva) provides activities and events for members of staff nationwide in BIS and DECC, the latter jointly with DEFRA, and their agencies.
Subscription to the Minerva is 30p per month, which can be deducted through payroll or paid annually. However, if you are a member of Civil Service Sports Council (CSSC) you will automatically become a member of Minerva at no extra cost. From 1 January 2010 subscription to CSSC was £3.25p per month, which can be deducted through payroll monthly or paid annually if not paid by BIS. You can find more information about CSSC on their website: http://www.cssc.co.uk
Activities
A number of activities are run throughout the year
National competitions
The following events are open to all staff in BIS/DECC and their agencies:
| Competition |
Month |
Normal Venue |
| Golf Championships |
June |
Dyrham Park, Country Club |
| Sports Day: Events include men's and women's football, cricket, athletics, bowls, darts, penalty goal, sack football, netball, petanque and target Golf |
July |
Teddington |
| Lawn Tennis - held as part of Sports Day |
July |
As Sports Day |
| Craft Show: Classes include art (various media), photography, embroidery, jewellery, knitting and cake baking |
November |
1 Victoria Street, Sports Centre, London |
Members of CSSC/Minerva are eligible for travel subsidies.
Representative Competitions
Minerva organises teams to represent BIS/DECC in national Civil Service competitions. For example the various Athletics Championships, Lewis Cup Football Competition and Golf. Minerva pays entry fees, travel and when necessary an overnight stay
Time Off
National Competitions: Competitors and officials are allowed a days special paid leave and spectators are allowed half a day
Representative Competitions: Staff who represent the Department in national Civil Service competitions and represent their country are allowed special paid leave for the event.
London Sport Centre
The London sports centre is located in the Sub-Basement of 1 Victoria Street and is managed by Minerva.
Opening hours are Monday to Friday 7.00am to 10.00pm
The following table will give you full information about the facilities and courses available to you, including their cost:
| Facility |
Duration |
Cost |
| Gym |
Annual subscription |
£35 plus membership to CSSC |
| Snooker |
Annual subscription |
£5 |
| Yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi, Chi Gong, Fencing |
Ten weeks |
£40 |
| Kickboxing |
Six weeks |
£30 |
| Therapy: Osteopath |
Half hour |
£35 |
| Therapy: Massage |
Half hour |
£20 |
| Therapy: Bowen Technique |
Half hour |
£22 |
| Jazz Dance/Areobics |
Per session |
£3.50 |
The following casual sporting activities can be booked for free:
- Football
- Netball
- Cricket
- Golf
- Table tennis
- Badminton
You can contact Pam Morris to book courses when advertised or to become a member of the gym: pam.morris@bis.gsi.gov.uk
Affiliated Clubs
The Association has 21 clubs affiliated to it covering a wide range of activities including football, golf, athletics, language and chess. For a list of clubs, please contact Pam Morris: pam.morris@bis.gsi.gov.uk
Benefits
The following benefits are available to you as a member of the Minerva/CSSC:
Royal Horticultural Society - You can borrow an entry card which will give you a 30% discount for two adults on entry to the RHS Gardens at Wisley, Rosemoor, Harlow Carr and Hyde Hall.
You also have a chance of entering a ballot to buy a Chelsea Flower Show ticket. The Show is normally held in May.
Theatre Tickets - Top price tickets for West End shows are available to you at reduced prices.
Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships - You have a chance of entering a ballot to buy a ticket for the Championships - normally held in June/July.
Advice point
For full details about any of the above events and also Minerva/CSSC, please contact Pam Morris, DTISSA General Secretary on 020 7215 5505 or email pam.morris@bis.gsi.gov.uk
