THE LINK

the newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists

Circulation 450 no: 270 Sept 2014

The Newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists

We hope you will find this September newsletter interesting.

This LINK is a little different. There is much Group and Chiswick News. A few Letters. A Meeting Summary of Freewheelers Motorcycle EVS, and to continue the theme there’s a Motorcycle article near the back.

On the back page are Contact Details for the Club Committee. Members, feel free to contact us to talk about what the Club is doing, and what you would like to see it do. In the middle find details of upcoming meetings, 3-in-a-Car driving update sessions, etc. on the Calendar. We hope to see you at (even just) one of our events soon.

Got something to say? Please don’t be shy. Contact the Editor now.

Find more information on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk - in fact, this newsletter is put-up there about a week after you receive this hard copy. Would you like to read it there and cancel your hard copy? You can also sign up to our email distribution of IAM and Group news releases.

Regards, PAUL, the Editor

If you want to write something for the LINK – or advertise – contact: [email protected] 0117 960 8494 21 De Verose Court Hanham BRISTOL BS15 3SW

COPY DEADLINE for the next issue is: Sat 11th October

Bristol Advanced Motorists Registered Charity No 289807

Run entirely by volunteers Affiliated to the IAM Ltd: Group no: 1009

Secretary. 22 Highfields Close, Stoke Gifford, BRISTOL BS34 8YB Tel: 0117 979 8061 email: [email protected]

The LINK is produced every 2 months and is displayed freely on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk

Paper copies are printed, collated and despatched by Group volunteers.

Views expressed in this newsletter are those of the contributors. Those views do not necessarily represent those of the Editor, the Committee of Bristol Advanced Motorists, or IAM Chiswick. The Group reserves the right to edit or otherwise amend original materiel submitted for publication. If you wish to reproduce any materiel in other publications or places, then please credit the LINK, Bristol Advanced Motorists, as the source. the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists Page 1

Sept 2014 Read this newsletter on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk

Contents this Issue page Editorial 3 IAM Social Media 4 A new Phone Number for Enquiries 5 Recent IAM Test Successes 6 Refresher Course - Group Membership Stats 7 Star Letter to the Editor 8 More Letters to the Editor 10 Group News 13 IAM Chiswick News 16 Future Meeting Speakers 18 Three-in-a-Car Dates 18 Further Advanced Driving Course for 2015 19 Speakers for September and November 20 BAWA Location Map 20 CALENDAR – WHAT’S ON ? 21 Volunteers Needed - Charity Cashback Scheme 22 Freewheelers EVS at Monthly Meeting 23 Has Advanced Driving Changed? 25 Local Observer Requirements 27 Meet Steve George 28 What is a Midi-roundabout? 29 Driving News Items 30 66 years old in July 2014 34 I’m Gaining on a Slower Rider 35 Interested in Advanced Motorbiking? 37 A Blast from the Past – Portishead Show 38 Course / Assessment / Refresher / Dates 39 CONTACT US: your guide to who does what 40

All content compiled by the Editor unless otherwise credited. Contributors: Phil Baber, Valerie Bearne, Geoff Bevan, Andew Coltart, Martin Evans, Steve George, Mark Gollop, Andrew Nicholls, Clare Reeves, Ken Rossiter, Sgt Colin Taylor, Derek, Jackie, Mike, Vera. Thank‐you also to all people talked to during research, including Mark Trimmer, Paul Woozley, Sandra Worsfold.

Photos by the Editor and unknown sources, unless credited individually.

READ THIS NEWSLETTER ONLINE – OR BE NOTIFIED IT’S READY

The LINK will continue to be printed and mailed – in the short-term at least. For those who request it, we can delete you from the mailing list and instead send you an email notification that the LINK has been put-up on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk We currently have ten Members plus one Complimentary on that list. Page 2 the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists Read this newsletter on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk Sept 2014

Editorial by the Editor, of course

ATTENTION: INTER-GROUP QUIZ Tuesday 16th Sept at Weston. To join the quiz team, phone Secretary Martin straight away - we only have one person but need a team of 3.

ATTENTION: THREE-IN-A-CAR VENUE If you are going to the Three-in-a-Car on 13th September – and I am sure you are - go to GORDANO SERVICES. Calendar in centre pages.

DON’T BIN IT – PASS IT ON for publicity When you have finished with your LINK, don’t throw it away. Please pass it on to a relation, friend or work colleague - or take it to a Surgery or Dentist’s waiting room (if allowed under H&S rules), company rest room, or similar. It gets our name out there – and maybe attracts a new Associate.

APOLOGIES DEPT The Editor unreservedly apologises to all members for various errors, omissions and inaccuracies in the last newsletter. The Editor has spoken to a couple of contributors concerned, and has apologised.

THE EDITOR WRITES MOST OF THE MATERIEL IN THE LINK I must point out this fact to readers. Any piece without a ‘by line’ alongside the title is written or compiled in some way by the Editor. One Member writes, “I do think it’s important in general, that the LINK has a fairly positive outlook on the IAM – it is the voice of the Group, not the Editor’s! If you want to put your own views forward I think you should make it clear via the ‘ Letters ’ page or via a clear statement it is your own viewpoint as a member.”

I admit that not everyone thinks that the sun shines out of every window at IAM House, but I thought that I was neutral in reporting things. The member’s statement quoted above implies otherwise. Oh, how I wish I could purely edit the LINK content. But sadly, committee reports are a thing of the past, as are event and meeting reports, and general contributions. So there is little to edit. For a Newsletter to exist, someone has to prepare materiel, and that currently falls to the Editor, using Minutes, notes of what is said at meetings, etc. That situation puts the Editor in a difficult, almost untenable position.

Regarding any content, it says on the front page of every LINK issue: “Views expressed in this newsletter are those of the contributors. Those views do not necessarily represent those of the Editor, the Committee of Bristol Advanced Motorists, or IAM Chiswick.”

the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists Page 3 Sept 2014 Read this newsletter on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk

COLLATION VOLUNTEERS Thank-you to the team who assemble the LINK, staple it together and stuff it into envelopes. At the July evening the following helpers were at BAWA: Anne Attwood, Mike Ballard, Roger Joint, Dave Pengelly, and John Tyrrell. And thanks to Andrew Nicholls, who not only prints it at home, but also affixes stamps and address labels to the envelopes.

POSTAL DELIVERY OF THE LINK Due to proposed changes by Royal Mail involving an earlier 3pm ‘last collection’ time, whereby delivery staff will, for efficiency, also collect some mail, your LINK may be delivered a day later than normal.

THE FUTURE OF THE LINK There is a supply of covers to last until the end of 2015, but committee wishes to eventually go all-electronic with the newsletter, and new Associates are to be encouraged from the start to take the electronic option. Committee has advised the Editor to consider reducing the number of pages and reduce the content, particularly general news and articles.

One of our neighbouring Groups has already gone electronic-only, whilst others now produce only a few hard copies. Another of our neighbouring Groups has had no newsletter at all since February, because no-one has volunteered to take-on the post of Editor since the previous one resigned.

Do you use Un-Social Media?

IAM Chiswick is moving heavily into the unsocial media sphere. You can ‘like’ the IAM on Facebook, follow the IAM on Twitter, LinkedIn or Google+, and subscribe to the IAM’s YouTube channel. In addition, IAM Drive & Survive has its own Twitter account.

Bristol Group is not so heavily involved – but look at our efforts. Open access. No need to be a registered user. DON’T DO IT WHILST DRIVING THOUGH ! ! !

View our ‘open’ Facebook page. www.facebook.com/BristolAdvancedMotorists

Freely see all tweets on our Twitter account. @iam_bristol

Page 4 the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists Read this newsletter on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk Sept 2014 0117 256 5555 The new public contact number for the Group If any Member of the public wants to find out about the Group or our courses, this is now the number to ring – 0117 256 5555.

It is not a physical phone line, it’s a ‘virtual’ number that we rent. Calls to it are redirected by us, via an online control, to landlines. For example, calls may be directed to Martin. If it’s not answered, it rings Geoff’s phone. It may go to an answering machine to let callers leave a message. If the caller hangs-up we are sent an email with details of the missed call.

The old number, 07071 201173, will continue in operation in parallel for 12 months at least, to cater for people looking at old publicity.

Why have we changed? Committee has been concerned that potential Associates may be reluctant to dial the 07071 number because of the premium cost (at least 28p per minute). We have not changed before now to a Local Rate number because of the higher cost to us and inflexibility of redirection, compared with the 07071 “follow me” BT Flexinumber. However, we have now found a provider who offers a very low cost with good features. Calls are charged at Local Rate for anyone calling from the Bristol area and the number is included in most call packages offering “free” inclusive minutes on landlines or mobiles. We have not gone for an 084 or 03 number because of public uncertainty over the call cost.

Another reason for change is a feature of the Consumer Rights Directive which came into law on 13 June 2014, whereby businesses which offer ‘post contract’ customer enquiry or complaints facilities must stop using premium numbers and migrate to 01, 02, 03 or free numbers. General business doesn’t have to comply yet, but the Ofcom Guide says if a higher- cost number is used, companies have to show why the extra costs are levied and how the costs are broken down. So, it’s a good time to change.

Back in 1997, records show the Group physically handed out 395 leaflets, and mailed-out a further 874 enquiry packages mainly in response to enquiries by phone. Nowadays people browse our website – but fewer go further and actually get in contact. Records for 2013 show: ► 39 direct email enquiries, mainly via our website ► 56 direct phone calls to us via our 07071 or personal numbers ► 26 enquirers referred to us by IAM Chiswick after enrolling.

So, although phone enquiries have reduced, it is a universal and major medium, and we must make it easy, and must capture every enquiry call. the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists Page 5 Sept 2014 Read this newsletter on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk

Recent IAM Test Successes by Clare Reeves

Congratulations to the following Bristol Group Skill for Life participants who have recently passed the IAM Advanced Driving Test.

ASSOCIATE OBSERVER THOMAS ARCHER BOB HAWKSLEY HARRY CALDER ROGER STIMPSON / MARLENE BAKER SANDRA HARRIS BOB HAWKSLEY CHLOE MESSENGER BRIAN HARTLEY / NICK PERRY MATT NEALE MIKE HALL / TONY GILBERT

You will all be Upgraded to Group Full Member until the end of 2014.

We hope that in due course each of you will continue as both an IAM Member and a Bristol Group Member and support our efforts to help other people in the Bristol area to become better drivers.

Above: Brenda Smyth (centre) and Graham Hooper step up to the podium to accept their Certificates from Group Vice-Chairman Marlene Baker at a recent Group Club/Social Meeting. Phillip Morgan left before the photo was taken.

Graham joked, “It was a terrible time preparing for the Test. I realised how bad I was because my Observers gave up. But I’m a different driver now.” Phil Morgan said, “The Advanced Driving course does an amazing job changing attitudes. I realised soon after I started that I had a lot more to do. There’s a lot of enjoyment to be gained from good driving.”

As at 23 August, 22 Associates are enrolled for the October course.

Page 6 the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists Read this newsletter on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk Sept 2014 ADVANCED DRIVING REFRESHER COURSE

We run the Refresher course for existing Bristol Group Members, who passed the Advanced Driving Test some years ago. It provides an opportunity for you to ‘refresh’ your Advanced Driving skills to a current level where you could easily pass the IAM Test again.

You share the three classroom seminars of an Associate course, (see the dates on page 39). Your allocated Observer will give you six practical driving guidance sessions, individually tailored to your requirements. There’s no Test, but a Completion Certificate is given. Cost: £39.

For further information please contact Mark Gollop: [email protected] 01454 773234

Group Membership Stats 23 Aug 2014 by the Editor

● Group Full Members 276 ● Group Full Members (but underpaid so far) 18 ● Group Friends (not able to take the Test) 1 ● Group Donators (supporters, ex-IAM Members) 4 ● Newly-Upgraded Associates (year to date) 26 ● Associates enrolled and under guidance 62 Grand Total 387 NEW MEMBER We welcome Mac McGarry to the Group. He has joined us from another Group, and is a National Observer.

DEDICATED LONG-TERM MEMBERS - THANK-YOU Since January, we have received letters from 6 Powers of Attorney, paying subs on behalf of long-term Members who are no longer capable of dealing with their own affairs, but who nevertheless wish to continue supporting the Group. Thank-you to all, including the latest one, Greta.

STANDING ORDER PAYERS STILL NOT UPDATED TO NEW RATE Even at this late stage in the year we have 18 Members who have only paid at the 2013 rate and not yet paid the full 2014 subscription amount. Most appear to be only contactable via the post. We are advising them – as politely as we can – that if that situation remains at the January 2015 renewal we will move them from the Membership list into the ‘Lapsed’ list and will treat any payments from them as donations to the Group. the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists Page 7 Sept 2014 Read this newsletter on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk

Letters to the Editor Star Letter from Phil Baber IAM STANDARDS and WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS Martin, Very interesting reading in the JULY edition of the LINK of all the changes that are proposed for the future in the IAM, of which I have been a member for 39 years. Not sure if I am up to it!

My ‘concerns’ (if that is what they are) will not influence my future membership, resigning or remaining a Member, because I feel the proposed changes will not impact on me directly as an exiting Member.

AGE IS MY CONCERN - 68 years old – and that will have some bearing on my continued membership, although I don’t consider myself as “past it” or “unsafe”. I know I get tired quicker when driving longer distances, especially on the Motorcycle, and overcrowded roads most times are a problem, along with bad-mannered fellow drivers. I have been driving from age 16 and until quite recently held an ‘all groups’ driving licence, driving coaches, buses and, more recently, articulated lorries.

At the last Bristol Advanced Motorcyclists meeting, we were talking amongst ourselves about the plans for the IAM and there was mention of the greater number of Full Time Paid people employed now at Chiswick.

The changes probably will not affect the rank-and-file Member, but I see there will be improvements/changes for would-be and existing Observers. I hope enough time will be allowed for re-training and evaluation.

I see these changes as making the IAM more professional in appearance to the public and others. If we are to deliver quality expert tuition, then our Observers will need to be good also. They are good already, to my knowledge - but maybe if we want to be the best out there, and to be market-leaders in training, then we need to be, and to look, better.

I have often wondered how the driving public and others perceive us (the IAM) ? Do people know and care about what we try to do? And how many people know what the IAM is all about? We have been losing members year-on-year for various reasons. If we are to become more “professional” why don’t we advertise our presence in the wider world more, by advertisement on television, in the cinema even? We already do it at the local level in our club magazines like the LINK and Chain Link.

We would require the infrastructure to be in place to train greater numbers, and of course there would be a cost implication in making our presence more widely known. Generally we are all part-time unpaid people who care about driving as safely as we can - and want to pass-on advanced driving skills to others willing to learn.

Page 8 the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists Read this newsletter on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk Sept 2014 How big and better are we wanting to be, considering we hold a charity status? Is it considered by anyone that paid driver trainers will eventually replace our volunteer Observers?

Kind regards, PHIL BABER

The Editor replies: Note: This is the view of the Editor. Phil, you seem pretty balanced in your views. The IAM has been around a long time, so a lot of people have heard of the name, but I guess detailed knowledge of what we do is low. Less than 0.3% of UK drivers/riders are IAM Members. That is an incredibly low number, yet we struggle to gain Associates or to retain Members, particularly those who have recently passed the IAM Test – and that is where future Observers and Committee Members come from. We must halt the decline. Consideration is being given to fewer but bigger, merged, Groups because of the decline.

Yes, it is often said that the IAM has too many paid staff. One can only say that there does appear to be a lot, but one would hope that their efforts are ‘necessarily applied’ to the task of recruiting more Associates. However, keen ‘advanced driving activists’ like us have little choice other than to align with either the IAM or RoSPA. There are independent advanced clubs, such as Avon Advanced Motorcyclists www.aamc.co.uk but they do not benefit from the publicity, service support and image that the two major players provide, and remember that ‘independent trainees’ have to eventually join RoSPA or the IAM to take an Advanced Test.

The Bristol IAM Car Club is long-established and large, and, dare I say it, one of the best in the country for understanding and application of the objectives, particular with regard to Observing and guiding Associates to a good Test pass standard. Most Groups are smaller and struggling, which is why the IAM has trialled and now employed paid Regional Admin Managers and Quality Managers to strive for consistent, good standards. Time will tell how the new mix of Paid Managers and Volunteer Activists works out.

The standard of Bristol Observers will not necessarily improve – in Bristol they are excellent already and the new IMI requirements are just box- ticking to assess standards in more detail to prove compliance, in the style of NVQ Vocational, Procedural training courses. Likewise the standard of the IAM Test will not increase above the best there is already.

We have already met Steve George, our new Regional Quality Manager. His boss, Mark Lewis, the IAM’s Director of Standards, is to speak at our November Group Meeting. Why not come along and hear what he has to say? I am sure it will be most interesting and enlightening. PAUL the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists Page 9 Sept 2014 Read this newsletter on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk More Letters to the Editor THE LINK - WELL DONE Paul - I currently prefer reading the hard copy of the LINK, rather than online. I think that you do a great job of putting it all together.

I understand that putting the LINK together is a big effort – and added to that, the cost of the postage makes it more of an expense. I expect that at some point you will have to put it online only - when that happens then please add my details to the notification list. Keep up the good work. ANDREW COLTART by email on 20/07/2014 20:56

The Editor replies: Thanks Andrew for the positive comments. As the saying goes, "We will just have to wait and see what happens", because we are approaching a period of great change. PAUL

GRASS CUTTING #1 Paul – Reference the bit "How long does the grass grow" relating to the Avon Ring Road and the Keynsham by-pass. Having just gone on the ring road, I think the central reserve looks a mess with long dry grass. However, I do accept it’s down to opinion. What I will take issue with, is not keeping junctions clear - cutting down vision cannot be safe. IAM driving is all about advanced observation, with smooth continuous driving. Leaving the grass long at junctions as you say means you have to slow down, and even stop, to check the road is clear. ANDREW (NICHOLLS) The Editor replies: “Drive at a speed such that you can stop within the distance you can see to be clear”. Speeds at many roundabouts are too high, causing difficulty for traffic from side-arms trying to enter the roundabout, and contributing to collisions. Many roundabouts have intentionally raised centres and/or thick bushes to cut down visibility, and some approach roads have centre fence-barriers likewise. Long grass acts like these measures, and should slow traffic similarly. PAUL

GRASS CUTTING #2 Paul - Long grass is dangerous and makes roads and villages look untidy. I nearly knocked down a child near my home. As I drove round the corner he was hidden by the long grass. I also nearly knocked down a pedestrian when riding my bicycle as the cycleway was not wide enough with grass encroaching from the sides and he didn’t step aside for me. DEREK The Editor replies: Derek, As discussed, you would see things differently if you became an Advanced Driver: “Drive at a speed such that you can stop within the distance you can see to be clear”. Highway Code Rule 62 on shared cycle paths. “Cyclists – take care when passing pedestrians - always be prepared to slow down and stop if necessary.” PAUL

Page 10 the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists Read this newsletter on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk Sept 2014 GRASS CUTTING #3 Paul - Now that the grass has been strimmed to within a millimetre of its life in this hot dry weather, I hope the moaners are enjoying looking at the brown verges and dry cut grass untidily strewn about. No longer can I enjoy the sight of swathes of different grasses, a home for wildlife and of course the endangered bees. What a sad sight now. VERA The Editor comments: Now we have had some rain, some green-ness has returned to the roadside.

NEW ENTHUSIASM FOUND FOR THE IAM TEST I embarked on Skill for Life as a learning experience, and as a course to occupy me over the Winter months. At first I found it daunting – but I stuck to the weekly commitment and enjoyed learning. It was quite novel, rather than going to the same college building for evening class each week.

I forgot completely about the Test – the final exam – as an irrelevance. But as time went on and I got closer to the end of my year (course), I realised it was really an essential part of the learning experience, and that I had already paid for it, even though I didn’t need the qualification, and I definitely didn’t want to go on and do anything else - as has been suggested by one of the lecturers at the start of the course.

And so it turned out to be. The Examiner was a nice man, although he had the dreaded, intimidating, clipboard and pen to note down my faults. Once we got started though, it was really like another Observed Drive, and although I was a bit nervous, I passed! “JACKIE” (I’m still a bit nervous - I’ve asked for my name to be changed.)

WHY DO YOU NEVER PRINT THE IAM’S NEWS RELEASES? (Expressed to the Editor verbally at a Group Meeting) The Editor replies: The IAM produces a series of News Releases – some road safety related, and some on general motoring topics. These may be of interest to Members – or completely new to those Members who do not keep-up with the news through other channels - but their main purpose is so that Groups can use them as the basis for sending News Releases to local outlets to publicise the Group and the IAM. Yes, they are a way of filling-up a newsletter if there is no other materiel, but it’s just a waste of space, time and a duplication. Bristol Group Members can sign-up to our email distribution list, and webmaster Geoff will send these Releases out to that list as soon as they are received. PAUL

the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists Page 11 Sept 2014 Read this newsletter on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk

WHY DOES THE IAM NO LONGER ATTEND PORTISHEAD SHOW? Member Ken Rossiter and past members Jo, Jan, and Antje all asked the Editor verbally at this year’s show, “Why doesn’t Bristol Group have a stand here any more?” Even the Show Organiser asked, “Why don't you have a stand here now – I remember your Group - it was a popular stand." Portishead has grown massively in population - it's a big town, "at the end of the longest cul-de-sac in the UK". The show is a 2-day community event, with stands outside costing from £45, inside from £60.

The Editor replies: No written reply is available from Committee - but discussion was of the opinion that publicity stands at shows have very little immediate effectiveness (from my memory, over the last 20 years maybe one existing IAM Member, and five new Associates, have joined as a direct result of a show stand). In theory, Shows are “meeting the local people”, and it used to be said you had to approach people 3 times over a period of 7 years. But nowadays, most companies judge effectiveness of publicity over one year only. Another factor is that the Group has few Field Publicity Volunteers - especially for a 2-day event. Lastly, we now have few Members - and no Observers - in the Portishead area. PAUL

WHY WAS THE IAM A ‘NO SHOW’ AT THE SOUTH GLOS SHOW ? Paul, I attended THIS BIG SHOW, on 2/3 August at Westerleigh. I was surprised that the Bristol IAM Group did not have a stand at this new major local community advertising opportunity, which was packed with people – I read that 20,000 local people attended, and that there were 250 trade and community stands. There were certainly many and varied arena events, stage displays, demonstrations, etc. The ‘Lifestyle and Leisure’ theme I would, have thought, be an ideal platform for the IAM. MIKE

The Editor replies: Adding to the above response, we were unsure that appearing at the show would be effective, either recruitment-wise or cost-wise. Stand space was expensive, and the show was initially advertised as being “centred on bicycling and walking”, so we did not know that a motoring organisation would be appropriate. Indeed, reports say that over 1,000 bicycles were left in the bicycle-shed at one time.

Member Dave Pengelly on the North Avon Driving Instructor’s Association (NADIA) stand had a stock of Skill for Life leaflets available, for distribution on our behalf.

Current Group field publicity effort is on FREE DriveCheck Assessment days. The last one, in June, attracted 5 new Associates. PAUL

Page 12 the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists Read this newsletter on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk Sept 2014

Group News by the Editor TAKE THE LINK ELECTRONICALLY Committee would like more people to read the LINK on our website. We have a standard PDF version there, and also an ISSUU ‘flip-book’ version.

Currently 10 people forego their hard copy LINK in favour of looking at it on an electronic screen. Committee has decided that all new Associates are to be encouraged to view the LINK online, to increase that number.

YOUNG DRIVER REFUNDS – AVAILABLE, and NOT AVAILABLE We still have plenty of funding, courtesy of SGC, to offer those Young Drivers who live, work, or go to college in South Gloucestershire a refund of their Skill for Life fee if they pass the IAM Driving Test within one year of starting guidance and before reaching the age of 25. We have ten such Young Drivers at the moment progressing toward their IAM Test. We also have one Young Driver working towards his Test (and a refund) as part of his Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award, with funding for one more.

Unfortunately we cannot offer this valuable incentive, with the associated spreading of the safe driving message, to youngsters in the Bristol City Council area (or other Local Authority areas), because the funding from Bristol City Council will run out when the final Bristol-resident Young Driver on the incentive passes (hopefully) his IAM Test soon.

ASSOCIATE GUIDANCE DURATIONS – “UP TO” 12 MONTHS The new computer system at IAM Chiswick has highlighted an issue whereby Associates are sometimes not having a full 12 months guidance under Skill for Life. This is because Associates buy the course, together with annual membership, from IAM Chiswick and some of them delay before contacting us. This is compounded because Bristol is one of the minority of Groups which offer a professional, structured course, with 4 discrete start dates each year. Committee is discussing various options to ensure full value is given. This is one of the many issues discussed by Committee, unbeknown to Members at large. Leading into the next item:

NEW – FREE PUBLIC ACCESS TO ALL WEBSITE CONTENT Webmaster Geoff has removed the need for a log-in and sign-in to view certain content on the Group website, www.iam-bristol.org.uk . All the previous ‘hidden’ items, such as Committee Minutes, are now in the public domain for all to see. So go there and see what Committee discusses!

SECRETARY MARTIN ON BCFM COMMUNITY RADIO Secretary Martin appears on a ‘random regular’ Saturday a.m. motoring spot on BCFM Radio. We are hoping to get on Bradley Stoke Radio too. the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists Page 13 Sept 2014 Read this newsletter on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk

FREE DRIVECHECK ASSESSMENT DAY – 7th September Due to a change of date and venue, this event will have just taken place by the time you read this.

The last Assessment Day at BAWA on June 8th was a real success, but after a suggestion by SGC Road Safety Officer Alan Hale that Bristol Advanced Motorists should go into the local communities to encourage drivers to be more aware of the need for good driving standards, rather than asking drivers to always come to us at BAWA, the latest session was re-arranged to take place at Yate Fire Station on Sunday 7th September between 10am and 2pm.

The objective is to increase awareness of driving standards and the benefits of drivers signing up for Skill for Life.

The FREE DriveCheck Day gives drivers the opportunity to compare their driving today with when they passed the basic Driving Test and to pick up some tips from the IAM’s top Observers. They will hopefully also realise that driving with Bristol Advanced Motorists can be enjoyable and fun.

As we closed for press only 3 people had pre-booked - but there was plenty of time for more to contact us, and also we planned to have a banner and sails outside during the week before, and on the actual day.

More in the next LINK.

NEW PUBLICITY HARDWARE The Group has purchased two Quill Sails (as left) which are freestanding and 8 feet (2.5m) tall, and also a Fence Banner (as below) which is 12 feet by 4 (about 3.6 metres by 1.2).

In due course we are also getting an easy-erect Gazebo, probably to replace the MDU trailer.

Page 14 the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists Read this newsletter on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk Sept 2014 BLOODHOUND VISIT The visit was advertised in the last LINK but only a handful of Group members expressed an interest. So we joined forces with the Pegasus Motor Club, who had a visit arranged for the 8th September. At the time of writing there are 43 signed up towards the maximum party-size of 50.

AN EVENT THAT NEVER WAS – NEW POLICE CUSTODY CENTRE Unfortunately this never took place. Tours were available pre-opening at both Patchway and Keynsham custody centres in our area – but the Group missed-out because no-one volunteered to do the organising.

OBSERVER QUEST We have a shortage of Observers in the south-west of our area. We are encouraging Members, and newly-successful Associates, in that area to become involved. But in the meantime we are arranging for all IAM national Members in those Postcodes to be sent a letter by IAM Chiswick encouraging them to become involved with the Group. (For every five IAM Members living in a Postcode area, only one belongs to a local IAM Group.)

MONTHLY MEETINGS The relatively low attendance over the Summer months this year has prompted some Members to suggest we cease having Group Meetings in July and August. We have some excellent speakers, so it is the Members’ loss if they choose not to attend. On a practical level, if a club ceases meetings over the Summer, it is more difficult to attract attendees back in September after the break – so we will continue with Monthly Meetings. In 2015 we will however consider holding during the Summer holiday period a practical, free, “Members’ DriveCheck” meeting.

LOCAL OBSERVER SCHEME re-jigged and re-launched No sooner had the scheme been paused because it was too complex and onerous, than there was a quick re-jig and on July 15th it was re-launched for immediate roll-out. See the description elsewhere in this LINK.

GROUP MANOEUVRING EVENTS and TREASURE HUNTS Much discussion has been going-on at Committee to find a way to re-start Manoeuvring Events and Treasure Hunts in the Group. These activities were halted because of Insurance and Legal issues. The Group is in the process of joining the Motor Sports Association (MSA), which should at least enable Manoeuvring Events to re-start, but approval has been delayed because the MSA is preoccupied with repercussions of the recent Scottish Rally fatalities, which may in turn make it even more difficult to stage Treasure Hunts on public roads. More details as things develop. the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists Page 15 Sept 2014 Read this newsletter on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk

IAM Chiswick News - that affects the Group by the Editor SEARCH OUT THE NEWS SOURCES

As well as the Journal, Advanced Driving, INSIGHT THE INSTITUTE OF ADVANCED MOTORISTS there are now many other channels through GROUP BRIEFING which IAM news is published, so you need to trawl all of them regularly to make sure you catch everything. Look at INSIGHT, the IAM website, the NRG Minutes, Facebook, Twitter, and visit the IAM Forum. And sign-up for IAM Chiswick e-newsletters.

NEW COMMITTEE NOTIFICATIONS Committee used to get occasional further news e-updates. However, now this has evolved into a series of six different emails to different sets of people. This seems an unnecessary complication and fragmentation, when the Group has a Secretary, the point of contact, who can announce news at committee or otherwise disseminate it. However, not all IAM Groups are as efficient as Bristol Group, and the new method at least gets the news (or most of it) to the people who need to know.

SKILL FOR LIFE FEE TO RISE ON OCTOBER 1ST Promote the IAM and Skill for Life to your family, £149 friends and work colleagues. BUY NOW TO BEAT THE INCREASE ! Price rises for other IAM “Products” to be announced in September.

NEW MEMBER OFFERS – and FREE RAC MEMBERSHIP FOR ASSOCIATES IAM Chiswick asks us to point out that some new benefits are available to Members. You will get details with your national renewal, and in Advanced Driving, but you can visit the IAM website www.iam.org to see them now.

By no means all Members make use of them – but they may be useful to you. IAM Membership Development Manager Paul Woozley tells me that only around 15% of new Associates take-up the FREE RAC offer. Survey feedback brought the responses for non-take-up: - I already have cover - I may use it, when my current cover runs-out - I don’t want cover thank you (even if it’s free!) - I am covered by my company

So, as with all benefits and offers, it’s there, if you want to use it.

GROUP CLOSURES and MERGERS One of the smaller Groups in our locality is to close soon because it can no longer raise a full Committee. Another local Group is actively discussing Page 16 the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists Read this newsletter on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk Sept 2014 de-affiliating from the IAM and becoming an independent club. Events like these are why the IAM has been considering a plan for larger Groups – with therefore fewer Committees – but retaining local coverage of Observers by having them organised in ‘local pods’. First manifestation of this was the recent formation of the Central Southern Group which covers a large area in the Sussex locality. We will see further movement towards this in the next few years. Some Groups elsewhere have recently merged, bringing the total number of IAM Groups down to near 200.

LOCAL GROUP SCORECARD Recently, the IAM has been compiling statistics on Groups from its new computer system and providing them to Groups, in the management format known as Scorecards. Data relates to Observer numbers, Associate allocation and enrolment, time taken to Test, Test results, etc. You will be pleased to learn that Bristol Group is performing very well indeed.

REVIEWING AND DEFINING IAM STANDARDS Mark Lewis, the IAM’s new Director of Standards, has announced that the IAM is commencing a process to refine, map and document the standards for the IAM Advanced Car and Motorcycle Tests. Mark says that the changes have become essential “to ensure that the Advanced Test is consistent across the country, and that it remains fit for modern-day drivers using modern vehicles on modern roads. It is all about the custom e r experience, and keeping-up with current thinking, embracing all aspects of modern vehicle technology and road design.” A “selecte d set” of Observers and Examiners has already given input, and more Members will be asked their views in the next two mo nths.

REGIONAL OBSERVER TRAINING TEAMS to be re-jigged The former Regional Training Teams (RTTs) were teams of specially- selected Observers who visited various Groups in their respective Regions to train other Observers. Their activities have been put on hold pending a review, which has now been carried out with Group and former RTT representatives. A new structure for this type of activity, with a clearer remit and operational process, will be announced around the end of 2014.

SOCIAL MEDIA GUIDE FOR IAM GROUPS A new IAM guide to Social Media best practice is now available for Group Officials to refer to. It provides a clear, simple explanation on how to get the best from social media for the Group. IAM Chiswick is increasing its output on Social Media to attract more of the public, and it expects Groups to do likewise. the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists Page 17 Sept 2014 Read this newsletter on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk

Future Monthly Club Meeting Speakers by Editor

Several ideas are being followed-up for 2015. Confirmed are: January Paul Ryman-Tubb - Motor Insurers' Bureau February Sandra Tweddle - Diabetes Support March Martin Baker - Great Western Society May Tim Hills - Uganda project http://www.fingerprintsinuganda.org/

We also have lined- up a Driver Trainer from Avon Fire and Rescue; UWE Racing car; IAM Drive and Survive; and the TA’s presentation on Drink-Driving. Dates not yet confirmed.

The Group is still on the lookout for fresh leads and ideas – so get in touch with Clare at [email protected]

ARE YOU THE NEW MONTHLY MEETING SPEAKER ORGANISER ? INTERESTED ? Speak to the Chairman or any Committee Member.

Three in a Car by the Editor The August 10 event at the Cross Hands, Old Sodbury, apparently attracted half a dozen Members and a couple of Associates. No report or photos have been passed to the Editor.

To an onlooker it seemed a much bigger event, with many cars in the car park, because the numbers were swelled by a number of Members also using the date and venue as a gathering for “mentoring” in their personal quests to sit and pass their IAM Masters Test.

Invitation to THREE-IN-A-CAR by Editor/Geoff Bristol Group is an organisation that provides Advanced Driving Guidance. Mainly to new Associates. But . . . . MEMBERS, this is YOUR opportunity to get a few tips from the Group’s Observers, and other Members, to assist you in maintaining your high driving standards. You’ll be welcome – they’re free, and an ideal way of 'keeping in touch' with Advanced Driving.

Only two dates remain this year before the Winter break - Attend on September 13th and put the other date in your Diary:

Saturday 13 Sept 10.00am GORDANO M5 SERVICES Sunday 19 October 10.00am KEYNSHAM, ASHTON WAY

Three-in-a-Car is really an essential activity in which ALL Bristol Group Members should partake.

Page 18 the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists Read this newsletter on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk Sept 2014

FAD COURSE 2015 – AN APPEAL FOR CANDIDATES by the Editor – based on materiel from Mark Gollop

Bristol Group currently has 25 Observers, being 10 National / Senior, and 15 Qualified. Two people are well on their way to completing their FAD and hopefully will go on to qualify as Local Observers. But that is not enough Observers for the Group, and they are not evenly distributed across our geographical area.

The Group runs an annual Further Advanced Driving course, which leads on to the Observer course. Candidates come from existing Members, but mainly from Associates who pass the Advanced Driving Test with a standard and enthusiasm above the norm.

Anyone gaining a F1RST distinction will automatically be accepted onto FAD without the normal requirement of the pre-FAD driving assessment to ascertain their driving standard and overall suitability.

So, Members - volunteer ! – and Observers, nominate suitable Associates. Let’s aim for at least 10 on the 2015 course.

The FAD course combines theory and practical driving skills, to achieve a standard well above the IAM Advanced Driving Test, fluent in System and Commentary. FAD is open to any Member of the Bristol Group, subject to satisfactory completion of a pre-course driving assessment, and the cost is £39.

The FAD Course involves theory, based on Roadcraft (the Police Driver’s handbook), Mind Driving (by Stephen Haley) and the Highway Code, and practical driving sessions with our experienced National Observers. There is a written test, and a practical driving test. The course should take no longer than four months in total, and has a fixed end date.

Completion of FAD is a requirement to progress to the Group’s FREE Observer Course, which follows shortly afterwards.

If you would like to be considered for the 2015 FAD Course, to start with classrooms sessions on Wednesdays 6th, 13 th, 20 th and 27th May, then please contact Mark Gollop, Training Administrator, at [email protected] or phone 01454 773234 the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists Page 19 Sept 2014 Read this newsletter on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk

SEPTEMBER SPEAKER by the Editor/Clare Reeves Dr Sarah Jones, Lecturer & Consultant at Cardiff University in Environmental Health Protection.

You may ask, “What has that got to do with driving?” Well, Sarah has spent the last 5 years studying Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) which is a hot current topic with the DfT and DSA. It's the idea that when a driver passes the basic L-test, he is granted only an ‘intermediate’ driving licence with various graduated restrictions for a period, before being allowed a full unrestricted licence.

GDL is already used in many countries – and a form of it already applies to Motorcycles in the UK. There is evidence of GDL being effective at reducing collisions and injuries – and there is a consequential knock-on benefit to public health benefits. Subject to a strict, well-implemented and controlled GDL system existing, it is estimated it could result in a mid- range projection of saving 4,500 casualties and £200 million.

CHANGED NOVEMBER SPEAKER by the Editor Mark Lewis, the new IAM Director of Standards. This is a great opportunity for the Bristol Group to influence Mark in his new role and he is genuinely keen to listen. Mark was a former Head of the Metropolitan. Police Driving School at Hendon, and is a very keen driver and rider.

The previously-listed Territorial Army talk will be re-scheduled.

BAWA Location and Travel Directions Bristol Group holds Meetings at the BAWA Club, in Filton, in the north of the city.

The BAWA Club is the social facility of British Aerospace. Modern rooms and ample secure car parking space.

Page 20 the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists Read this newsletter on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk Sept 2014 CALENDAR for Bristol Advanced Motorists

rd Next Club/Social Meeting Topic – September 23 Dr. Sarah Jones – Graduated Licensing BAWA Pavilion Room 7:30pm for 7:45 start

SEPTEMBER Sat 13 Three in a Car driving update session (see page 18) at Gordano M5 Services, NOTE VENUE 10:00am start Tue 16 Inter-Group Quiz at Weston Group (Kewstoke, 7:30 pm) We have no team! Volunteers contact Secretary Martin . Tue 23 Monthly Meeting BAWA Pavilion 7:30pm for 7:45 start Dr. Sarah Jones – Environmental Health Protection Sat 27 Regional Liaison Forum meeting at Exeter OCTOB E R Sat 11 Copy Deadline for LINK November ( NOTE EARLIER DATE ) Sat/S un 11/12 NOT an IAM event: But Something Different to see PEDAL CAR 24 hour race, Millennium Square. see www.bristol24race.co.uk STOP PRESS: CANCELLED Tue 14 Exec Committee Meeting - second Tuesday of each month. If you wish to raise an issue, contact the Group Chairman Wed 15 Observers’ Meeting at BAWA, 7:30pm All Observers and trainees have received an rsvp invitation. Sun 19 Three in a Car driving update session (see page 18) at Keynsham Ashton Way, 10:00am start Wed 22 October Advanced Driving Course - Seminar One BAWA 7:30pm. Pre-booking required – see page 40 Mon 27 Newsletter Collation at BAWA 4:30 until 7:00 approx *** NOTE EARLIER DATE *** – contact Andrew Nicholls Tue 28 Monthly Meeting BAWA Pavilion 7:30pm for 7:45 start Graham Eason, MD of Great Escape Classic Car Hire Parking space reserved for a Ford KA, but presumably he will be talking about something more exotic. We d 29 Advanced Driving Course - Seminar Two. BAWA 7:30pm NOVEMBER Tue 25 Monthly Meeting BAWA Pavilion 7:30pm for 7:45 start Speaker Mark Lewis, the new IAM Director of Standards. DECEMBER Wed 03 Advanced Driving Course - seminar three – Meet an Examiner BAWA 7:30pm ALL CURRENT ASSOCIATES WELCOME

the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists Page 21 Sept 2014 Read this newsletter on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk

Volunteers Needed Now by the Editor The Group has about 300 Full Members. Thank-you all of you for supporting us through membership subscriptions – but it would be very gratifying if more were active in some form – either by attending Driving Events, attending Monthly Meetings, or helping the Committee.

Currently the Group is in particular need of both a Speaker Organiser and a Social Organiser. The former’s task is to find and arrange suitable speakers for the Monthly Meetings, and the latter’s is to organise suitable Social Events, Group Visits, etc.

One Member recently turned down such positions, believing the Group should be “all about Associates and Driver Training”. But behind the driver-guidance activity, the Group is essentially a Volunteer Social Club, which needs its social membership in order to sustain Group numbers and to support Driving Activities financially.

The programme of Social Meetings and Social Activities is a local Group’s Shop Window (as opposed to the IAM’s Shop Window of Driving Products) and is the best form of promotion to retain existing Members and attract new members. So, to help the Group, get volunteering!

Contact the Chairman or any Committee Member if you would like to help the Group in any way.

Use our Charity Cashback Scheme by the Editor

WHEN SHOPPING ONLINE Shop via EasyFundraising and raise a percentage cashback reward for the Group at no extra cost to you – our members have raised over £600 – although only 32 are registered and only 12 use the prompting Toolbar.

WHEN MAKING INTERNET SEARCHES Each time you search the web with iambristol.easysearch.org.uk and click on one resulting option you will raise half a penny. It soon adds up - members have raised nearly £200 with EasySearch.

UNSURE WHAT TO DO ? The Group’s Geoff Bevan or Martin Evans will advise you. See Contact Us – back page.

Page 22 the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists Read this newsletter on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk Sept 2014

Freewheelers Emergency Volunteer Service MONTHLY MEETING JULY by the Editor

The idea started in 1977, when a relative of a patient took some urgent blood on his motorbike. Freewheelers started in this area in 1990, as a registered charity out-of-hours voluntary emergency transport service which operates at no charge to NHS. It covers 50 NHS sites in Bristol, Somerset, Bath, South Gloucestershire and West Wiltshire. It is one of several independent organisations covering much of the UK as part of the Bloodbikes association. In 2008 Freewheelers won a Queens Award for Voluntary Service.

They transport blood, pathology specimens, patient notes, X-rays, breast milk, drugs, surgical tools and other various medical supplies. In 2012 they made 3,648 deliveries, riding more than 120,000 miles.

Freewheelers EVS operates a fleet of motorcycles, 3 in operation at any one time. They used to be pre-owned Police bikes, but in 2010 a new bike was bought for the first time. Each is equipped with high-vis markings with blue lights and sirens. Riders keep to the speed limit, having no formal training for blues and twos, which are above: only used to ease progress through Freewheeler Larry Cauchi, who gave the talk traffic jams. The bikes are maintained by the Avonmouth Police workshops.

Although the NHS saves the cost of taxis or couriers, Freewheelers is funded entirely by public donation and sponsorship

Freewheelers EVS is run entirely by volunteers, both ‘Controllers’, who work from home using the phone, and Trackers fitted to the bikes, and Riders. The 100 members work 3 shifts every 3 months. A night shift is 7pm to 7am, weekend 7pm Friday to 7am Monday. The Riders get very little as expenses – even using their own riding gear (except a high-vis vest) and phones. Standby Riders sometimes even use their own bikes. the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists Page 23 Sept 2014 Read this newsletter on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk

All their riders, of whom about 15 belong to Bristol Advanced Motorcyclists IAM Group, hold an advanced motorcycling qualification, such as the IAM Test, and re-qualify every 3 years. There is a 6-month induction, including NHS and UN procedures.

As well as the charity volunteer aspect, members do it because: ● Biking is fun. ● It puts something back into the community. ● It also promotes a positive profile of motorcycling.

They had publicity a couple of years ago when Freewheelers was featured on the TV progamme Emergency Bikers, featuring rider Mel Rowbottom of Bristol Advanced Motorcyclists. In spite of such coverage, only around 10% of the population has heard of ‘Blood Bikes’, and surprisingly it is not universally known-of by NHS staff who could be potential users.

Freewheelers needs publicity, money and volunteers. Some costs Larry quoted were horrendous, especially ‘any rider’ Insurance for the bikes.

More info at www.freewheelers.org.uk

above: Freewheeler Steve Smith (white shirt, third from left) chats about this bike, a BMW 1200RT, to Members gathered in the BAWA car park.

Page 24 the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists Read this newsletter on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk Sept 2014

Has Advanced Driving Changed? by Editor Paul

At last renewal (January), around half a dozen of the Group’s longer-term Members resigned, giving as a reason that the IAM “seems to be getting very serious and technical, not at all like the relaxed, friendly, social club atmosphere that existed when Examiner Paul Hodge was active in the Group.” One such resignation letter was printed in the July LINK, and since then about a dozen more long-term Members have telephoned me in agreement, or have expressed similar views when I have encountered them in the supermarket, at the village show, at the bus rally, etc.

So what has changed to give rise to this opinion? The answer is, NOTHING – at least in the concept of Advanced Driving and the requirements of the Police-trained Examiners who conduct the IAM Test. The concept and Test have remained largely unchanged since the inception of the IAM almost 60 years ago, although you are now required to drive to THE System (IPSGA) rather than just “in a systematic way”. However, what HAS changed is the way that Advanced Driving is sold by the IAM, with the social aspects that surround that, and also, as a teacher pointed-out to me, the manner of presentation of the course materiel has changed, as has the ‘status’ of people who deliver it.

SALES METHOD and SOCIAL ASPECTS One used to join a Group as an Associate, and receive guidance in a “social group” atmosphere. Only when one was ready to take an IAM Test, did one actually consider it (50% didn’t want it at all) and get in contact with the IAM in London to arrange it. If you “passed” the Test, your national Membership started from then. Nowadays, one “purchases” from IAM London the Skill for Life package, and so one becomes a national IAM member from the outset. The Group is now a ‘training contractor’ which provides an Observer, so the social club aspect has been largely lost.

COURSE MATERIEL and DELIVERY I am told (by half a dozen teachers now) that it is a teaching fact that providing more detail results in less understanding of the subject overall. Candidates will latch onto certain details – especially if it is new to them – and become an instant expert on a number of details, without gaining an understanding of the overall subject and how the details fit together and inter-relate. A music teacher used the saying, “Those of you who think you know everything are annoying those of us who do.” This is not, as would first appear, a statement by a know-all, but a statement which illustrates the phenomenon of someone picking-up a few novel details and adopting the attitude that he knows everything about the whole subject. the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists Page 25 Sept 2014 Read this newsletter on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk

In the case of the IAM, twenty years ago Bristol Associates were expected to apply themselves to learning, and complete the course in six months. They had the benefit of a twice-yearly Meet an IAM Examiner meeting, supplemented by one-to-one in-car advice from their Observer. A few bought the old 1960s-style Roadcraft book, whilst even fewer bought the IAM’s ‘paperback novel’ textbook, Advanced Motoring.

Then in 1994 came the new Roadcraft – 174 pages instead of the 77 of the 1960s version, and including more detail. I still remember sitting through two meetings at the Pritchard Room at Clifton College, new Roadcraft and yellow highlighter pen in hand as instructed. “Highlight those words, and those. “They are important, and they mean so-and-so.” An example of, more detail, less understanding. The new Roadcraft was closely followed by the IAM’s new book, Pass Your Advanced Driving Test – again with more detail – and issued to everyone. So one is diverted from learning by doing to learning by reading. And incidentally, Skill for Life includes an annual IAM subs, so the time taken expanded to 12 months. Introduction of F1RST and Masters has since exposed the IAM to another teaching phenomenon - paying too much attention to grades, rather than a plain pass, detracts from guidance to the basic standard. Which all leads to the third point:

WHO DELIVERS THE MATERIEL, and WHOSE IS IT? An Associate today has the benefit of course seminars – at first delivered by Police trainers, but now delivered by IAM Members. The modern term is Peer-assisted learning. Only half attend the valuable Meet an Examiner session. Because the reference is the IAM’s own book – which is now called How To Be A Better Driver – it appears as if the content is written by the IAM – the materiel has been distanced from the real source, which is of course Roadcraft and Police Driver Training.

Similar changes have happened with FAD and Observer training. Mine, for example, around 1990, both Motorcycle (at Cheltenham) and Car, was delivered entirely, both the lectures and practical, by Police Instructors. Today it is again peer-assisted, with only the actual Test for Senior Observer (now National Observer) being conducted by an IAM Examiner.

TO CONCLUDE Rest assured - Bristol Group is doing a very good job today, helping people to drive safely, and to a good standard. The description and atmosphere may seem different, but it is generally the same guidance that was delivered in 1990. The current Training and Observer Team in the Group is giving the best possible advice and guidance to Associates today.

Page 26 the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists Read this newsletter on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk Sept 2014 The situation exists however whereby provision of more detail is likely to promote disjointed learning and less overall understanding – with an impression given that the materiel is all IAM-generated rather than based on a long-standing concept of Police training and Roadcraft.

Our long-term Members – why not give the Refresher Course a try – and you will see that you are ‘refreshed’ with guidance very similar to the advice you received from your Observer when you first considered the IAM Test 20 years ago or more.

‘Local Observer’ requirements by the Editor, with reference to the minutes

The new IMI externally-approved Local Observer status is set to replace the former internally-awarded Qualified Observer. It had been delayed because it was judged too complicated and cumbersome, but it was altered and re-launched for immediate implementation as from 15th July.

To explain this apparently complicated new scheme, a Bristol Group Training Committee Meeting was held on 30th July at BAWA.

To begin, the Ronald Reagan quote, “If you’re explainin’, you’re failin’. ” came to mind. In other words, if it’s so complicated it needs a meeting to explain it, it must still be too complicated. But former Staff Examiner Andy Poulton explained it in a few minutes, and Regional Quality Manager Steve George reassured us that it is simple and straightforward, once one realises that the requirements are set-out in minute detail, as with all such NVQ-type assessments, to provide documented form-ticking evidence that every aspect has been demonstrated by the candidate. Steve also assured us than any existing Bristol Qualified Observer should be able to re-qualify quickly and easily when re-assessment time comes up. Another reason for the detailed form-ticking is that the assessment is still done internally by Volunteers, not by IAM or Police-qualified people.

There is some admin involving the Group and the IAM’s DTE computer system, but the main bullet points are: ● There will be three levels of Observer: o National Observer who is also a Local Observer Assessor (LOA) o National Observer (NO) o Local Observer (LO) ● All existing Qualified Observers will need to be assessed as Local Observers when their time is due. the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists Page 27 Sept 2014 Read this newsletter on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk

● Any existing Senior Observer not re-qualifying as National Observer will revert to Qualified and will need to re-qualify as Local Observer. ● The new Local Observer testing and re-testing specification can be used as the IAM-universal Group training plan/syllabus for the processing of new Trainee Observers. ● The Group needs to nominate and register some National Observers as Local Observer Assessors (see first bullet point above). These must have passed the National Test in the last 3 years, so will require retesting more often than the standard 5 years for National. ● Groups can have as many Local Observer Assessors as is reasonably required. Chief Observer Geoff has recommended that all Nationals apply to be Local Observer Assessors. ● On assessment, Local Observer candidates must technically drive to a standard that does not exceed a total mark of 50 on the IAM Test Marking Sheet - with no individual element mark greater than 3. (This is a lower standard than that required for National.) ● Local Observer assessments are expected to cover between two and four drives, plus an ability to show IAM and Group administrative knowledge. ● It’s up to individual Groups to set the re-qualifying period for Local Observers. (Chief Observer Geoff has decided we stay with our current 3 year period.) ● It is recommended that a Group has a ‘Lead’ National having the final sign-off and recommendation before submitting Local qualification forms to IAM Support. This will be Chief Observer Geoff.

All IAM Groups will undertake this standard Local Observer assessment procedure, so that for the first time all Observers in every Group will be trained to the same curriculum, so Local Observer will be an IAM standard, and a holder may transfer to another Group without re-training.

Meet Steve George

Steve, the new Regional Quality Manager, Southern Region, served 31 years in the Metropolitan Police, covering drug squad, surveillance and firearms, and driver training. He is a practical man, and already has some experience of IAM activities and procedures. As well as his new role of full-time Quality Manager, he’s a current Approved Driving Instructor (ADI).

Page 28 the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists Read this newsletter on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk Sept 2014

What is a Midi-Roundabout? by Editor Paul Hunt AND HOW DO WE DEAL WITH IT?

Midi-Roundabout is the unofficial name of a common type of roundabout that has been around for 20 years or more. The topic has come up at thre e Group ‘meetings’ recently, with even an ADI and some Observers not knowing! The ‘mystery’ roundabout has just been mentioned in another local IAM Group’s newsletter too, as though it is a new phenomenon.

These roundabouts look somewhat like a mini-roundabout, but they are large, have a ‘solid’ small centre, usually with a solid core of a low wall, flower bed, bollards or signs, and also have a large concentric area usually of red tarmac or red paving bricks, in turn edged with a very low kerb edge, less than 1 inch (25mm) in height, which is easy to drive over.

This outer, red/paved, area is technically part of the roundabout’s central island and car drivers and motorcyclists (and bicyclists) MUST not pass over it, similar to the Highway Code statement on mini-roundabouts, although large vehicles have an exception, as per mini-roundabouts.

above: This artic came from left, so didn’t need the over-run area. No cars should need to use it at all, whatever course they take through the roundabout.

This type of roundabout is typically found in Retail Parks, such as at Longwell Green (pictured above), where there is 90-degree bend and restricted land space outside Currys and B&Q (other electrical and D-I-Y stores are available). There is very heavy car traffic at the location, and occasional but frequent Buses and Articulated Lorries, which need to pass over the ‘over-run area’ with their rear wheels, in order to negotiate the turn.

The solid centre core ensures no-one actually cuts the roundabout, and keeps things safe for everyone. the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists Page 29 Sept 2014 Read this newsletter on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk

General Driving News Stories compiled by the Editor Just a few of the most interesting and relevant selected from the 178 ‘new to the file’ items arising since the July issue.

FADING ROAD MARKINGS Local Councils have a propensity for marking-out complex, non-straight, lane markings with white lines. With the shorter, darker days, and frequent wet weather, these will be more difficult to see, often so much so that drivers will find it difficult to keep in-lane if they do not know the road layout.

Some markings are so worn that they are difficult to discern even in the daylight – and these somewhat humorous signs are being deployed instead of having the lines re-marked. This “permanent temporary sign” is on the A40 at Huntley, Glos, and there is another on the A36 near Warminster.

KELSTON TOLL ROAD - PRIVATE and TEMPORARY Local members will know that rainfall in February caused underground movement and subsidence which has blocked the A431 secondary route between Bristol and Bath. After protracted ‘surveys’, BANES Council announced that repairs would not be complete until Christmas.

Local businessman Mike Watts rented two adjacent fields, then in a few weeks had a two-lane 400 yard gravel road built across them by respected contractors RM Penny. Quite a rarity in the UK, the private toll road opened 24/7 for light vehicles on 1st August, for a one-way toll of £2.

BANES council is “unhappy” about the road, citing concerns about lack of Planning Permission, Safety, Insurance, a possible affect on ground stability above the landslip and hindered site access for the A431 repairs.

The road-ends use existing field gateways, newly tarmac-surfaced. The road is fairly flat, but there is a slope on it part-way along, also tarmac-ed. Financial success is ‘in the balance’. Building cost £150,000, with a further £150,000 operating cost for five months. But only residents, businesses and destinations near the blockage will benefit. Others can divert.

Your Editor checked with his Insurance company, which said he would be fully covered on the new road in the event of a collision (best to check YOUR cover too). Risk is low anyway, with the (advisory) speed limit of 10mph on the gravel, 15 mph on the tarmac slope, all in first gear.

[See Internet pictures [Kelston Toll Rd and Daily Mail] – and video on YouTube.]

Page 30 the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists Read this newsletter on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk Sept 2014 SOLAR ROADWAYS Nowadays people are objecting to the ‘blight’ of solar electricity generating ‘farms’ in the countryside. But the growth has revived the idea of using roads as huge solar arrays - a vast existing area. Now it comes with the additional ideas of using built-in lights to replace road markings, and heaters to clear ice and snow. Even a transmission system for phone and Internet, and even for electric power to feed electric cars.

Scientists and engineers have been researching for years new methods of keeping the roads clear in severe Winter weather. Iceland for example has heated pavements in Reykjavik – using hot water – and Canada and the US have used similar methods for bridge heating.

Prototype interlocking glass-based road panels have been produced, and some are in use as driveways in the US. Driving on glass seems strange but prototypes have met standards for grip and load bearing. Critical examination reveals many problems – where does the power come from for night use; how do you make rigid foundations; etc. But the main barrier is the cost of production, installation, maintenance. Cost halted a 2010 US project. Now the founders are promoting the concept again, looking for crowdsource funding – many small investors putting in a little each to get a big total. Will anything happen? Look on the Internet for further details.

DRIVE-THRU MOTORWAY COFFEE Andrew Nicholls commented on this recently – but these outlets are spreading. You can see one locally at Gordano M5 Services. A drive-thru Starbucks right at the exit. It even has a short, tortuous entry road, which is an ‘accident waiting to happen’ in itself, so you don’t even have to drive into the main Service Area. The whole idea of buying hot drinks as you drive out of the Services seems nonsensical – users obviously haven’t got enough time to stop and sit down to drink it in the Services, so they will be intending to drink it on the go.

BETTER LEARN SOME WELSH Welsh Language Commissioner Meri Huws is sticking to a list of proposed Welsh language standards - one of which is that bilingual road signs should have the Welsh first. It’s difficult enough to spot text signs, but now you have to find the English as well. Many North Wales Councils already do it, but as only 6% of locals in Newport know any Welsh, and almost zero visitors, some Councils see it as unwise, although inevitable. the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists Page 31 Sept 2014 Read this newsletter on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk

A BATCH OF SPEED LIMIT STORIES

LORRY ‘VEHICLE’ SPEED LIMITS TO BE INCREASED The Vehicle Limit for heavy goods vehicles of more than 7.5 tonnes on single carriageways will almost certainly increase from 40 to 50 mph in early 2015, covering such roads outside built-up areas in England and Wales, unless lower general limits are posted. It is also expected that the LGV Vehicle limit on dual carriageways will increase from 50 to 60mph.

Government says the changes will modernise an antiquated restriction, which does not exist in most of Europe, including leaders in road safety the Netherlands and Norway. It will remove a 20 mph differential between lorry and car speed limits on single carriageway roads, cutting dangerous overtaking and bringing permitted lorry speeds into line with other large vehicles like coaches and caravans. Most other road users don't even know that the 40mph vehicle speed limit for lorries exists.

The current vehicle limits are broken by over 95% of LGV drivers when they are not constrained by other traffic or the road layout. So it is not expected that the law change will result in any increase in real speeds. English Local Authorities apply many local 40 mph speed limits, which conversely reduces the speed of all traffic. LGVs also have speed limiters which keep speed at 90kph (56mph) or lower. So there will be no adverse effects to society, road safety or the environment.

Our Scottish colleagues are perverse – the new regulations will NOT apply in Scotland, where it is a “devolved matter”. Instead, the Scots are rigorously enforcing the existing 40mph LGV limit, and these unofficial signs are appearing alongside Scottish trunk roads. Most car drivers don’t know what the signs mean, and are tending to reduce their speeds too.

M32 and NEWFOUNDLAND ROAD Contrary to what was said in the July LINK, the speed limit on Newfoundland Road has not been increased. Instead, the 60mph stretch of the M32 has been reduced to 40mph, for a “long-term temporary period”, because the supports of the central crash barriers have corroded and weakened. City-bound traffic will find that a few hundred yards to the north has been restricted to 60mph as a ‘run-in’ to the 40mph limit.

Page 32 the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists Read this newsletter on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk Sept 2014 40mph NOW A ‘STANDARD’ MOTORWAY LIMIT

The Highways Agency has announced that 40mph is now accepted as a “standard speed” for use on Managed Motorways to deal with congestion – so it will be seen more and more frequently. This is a case of déjà vu, because when UK ‘Special Roads’ (motorways) were first designed in 1947, the predicted average speed of free-flowing traffic was – 40mph!

M4/M5 SMART MOTORWAY - WORST FOR SPEEDING OFFENCES This local motorway stretch is now top in the UK for drivers caught exceeding the variable speed limits – and the national 70mph limit. The cctv average speed cameras caught, in the first fortnight of June, over 1,500 drivers. Most were offered a speed workshop, some got a fixed penalty and some a court summons. A survey of offenders brought a worrying response. 15% didn’t notice the gantry signs, others didn’t know what the signs meant, and others didn’t know the national speed limit. Extrapolated, the figures would be 39,000 offences per year, far worse than second-rated Manchester area with 9,326 in the whole of 2013.

BRISTOL 20mph – and an INCREASE! Bristol City’s 20mph scheme rolls on – with the latest ‘consultation meeting’ hearing that the ‘Outer North’ area will become 20mph in November and the final piece – ‘Outer South’ - becomes live next March. There seem to be more roads excepted in these outer areas. Throughout the 20mph areas are repeater signs, but most drivers do not see them. This is because, at lower speed, a driver’s forward vision scan is relatively low, and the signs are too high-up on the posts to be noticed.

Meanwhile, some limits are actually being increased. Hartcliffe Way, restricted to 30mph although a “high quality urban road” with no houses or accesses alongside, has been increased to 40. Drivers do not however notice the new sign, and most keep to their “30mph” which is an actual 35. the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists Page 33 Sept 2014 Read this newsletter on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk

A Scilly Facebook Moment from 08 July 2014 Sgt Colin Taylor relates this story:

I had a chat with Bus Driver Fred Elms this morning. 66 years old today. Not looking too shabby for an oldie. A bit of difficulty starting in the morning but still regular. Creeps around the island daily and ever- interested in taking the ladies for a ride despite the yesteryear looks. I had a check for baldness and other signs of ageing. Fred admitted that there were some shortcomings and I consoled him that after the passage of time much of the wear and tear was to be expected, but as high performance was not required it was perfectly alright to just keep going. He agreed that he wasn't one to race around now and we "tutted" at the lesser appeal of those much younger.

So happy birthday - "Katie" - the Bus. I'm told she rolled off the production line on 8th July 1948, 66 years ago today. I wonder if the maintenance regimes of all our current vehicles will ensure they are still on the road at that age.

Sgt COLIN TAYLOR, Isles of Scilly Police, Facebook page

Ecellent use of Facebook – humour, whilst promoting the policing and road safety messages. Note: Katie is not a Bedford – she’s an Austin, with 6-cyl petrol engine. A rarity. A lovely trip around the island of St. Marys. - Ed.

Page 34 the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists Read this newsletter on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk Sept 2014

I’m Gaining on a Slower Rider . . . . by the Editor

Just before Xmas I drove up the A466 towards Monmouth, commentating: “I’m Gaining on a Slower Rider, and planning to pass him coming out of the second or third corner ahead . . . .” But it was not a motorbike ahead, rather, a Nissan Micra. And I wasn’t even riding a motorbike, but driving a Toyota car. But that turn of phrase has stayed with me since 1963, since I watched the Grandstand Trophy Motorbike Scrambling on BBC’s Saturday sports programme, on a Murphy Astra black & white TV, with none other than Murray Walker commentating.

Then I became aware of this new book and quickly read the 308 pages cover to cover. It covers the first Scrambling coverage on TV, moving on to give a remarkably thorough account of the BBC Grandstand Trophy series. Amazingly, every meeting from each of the seven series 1963 to 1970 is covered in detail - the 250cc and 500cc Trophy races and also the TV Invitation races – with full individual race and season results.

The book is very readable, the author including social and news items of the time, so anyone who recalls viewing the series will be transported back in time. The distinct sections make the book easy to read in short bursts. There are 300 monochrome photos, even details of press photographers of the period, and interesting ancillary panels on people and bikes.

My best memories are of the all-comers TV Invitation races when 250 and 500cc bikes raced together. 250cc ace Dave Bickers (Greeves 2-stroke) always seemed to be in front, my hero Jeff Smith (BSA 500cc 4-stroke) always seeming to battle through from the back to take victory at the last moment. One classic race – Kent, 27/2/65 - is available on YouTube after being featured in a 1980s BBC programme, 100 Great Sporting Moments. True to form, Smith grabs the lead on the last-but-one bend, only to be re-passed by Bickers on the line !

The BBC grabbed scrambling from the new Commercial stations up t’north, and the new extra series, renamed Motocross and held over the Winter, gripped the national TV audience. The weather never stopped races – the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists Page 35 Sept 2014 Read this newsletter on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk which usefully provided live TV sport coverage when horse racing and football were called-off! Riders were often struggling in a quagmire and covered in mud, which added to the TV spectacle. To suit live-TV fill-ins, races were short, say 5 laps over 15 minutes. Riders frequently fell-off, but remarkably few were injured, and the mishaps were more of a comedy.

The enthusiastic commentary of Murray Walker added to the excitement. right: Frome, Nov 1964. Jeff Smith is leading the 250cc race on his BSA. He hasn’t been in front all the time, because he’s splattered with mud. But places changed greatly in a muddy motocross race. He finished the race in third place. Second came Bryan Goss (here top left). Winner was no.1 Dave Bickers, here in a lowly 9th spot. photo: An example of the excellent photos in the book, this being part of one photo credited to Gordon Francis.

1963 to 1970 saw great change in technical, financial and social areas. Firstly, the bikes ridden throughout the series were mostly . . . British. Greeves, Dot, James, Cotton, AJS, BSA, Matchless, Triumph – with the odd Swedish Husqvarna and Czech CZ. Note: no Japanese; although their road bikes sold strongly from 1963/4. By 1971 Britain had lost its dominance in Motocross – enter Suzuki - and the British competition departments and even manufacturers were closing.

Motoring was ‘difficult’ at the start, but by 1970 car ownership had mushroomed and cars – and roads and travel times - had improved vastly.

In 1963 TV was black and white and by no means all had ITV. Motocross coverage was a challenge for TV - primitive equipment having to cope with cold, wet weather and poor light, and scattered riders to follow. And interestingly, although most of the events were in the South, I never actually attended one until I much later went to the British 500GP at Farleigh in 1987. Because I, like many people, had quickly discovered it was easier and cheaper to sit in front of the TV rather than go out in the cold and wet. Today, staring at screens has become an ‘illness’. Page 36 the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists Read this newsletter on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk Sept 2014 ITV got back on the bandwagon in 1968 with the World of Sport Motocross series – bad news, because Motocross became over-exposed. For 1971, the BBC changed to Rallycross – more colourful with the new colour broadcasts on BBC1 - and seen as more upmarket – so Motocross faded. But Rallycross never had the same appeal.

I did not realise the strong Bristol connection at the time. The idea came from TV Producer Brian Johnson at BBC Bristol. The pilot race meeting was held at Chippenham, and several of the races throughout the series were local to the West. The very last one of the 1970 series was held at Dodington Park, organised by the Bristol Motorcycle Club.

As for myself - my first motorcycle was bought from Malcolm Davis Motorcycles in Gloucester. Malcolm rode a 250cc Greeves at the time – but was a dealer for . . . Suzuki . . . Mine was a K11 80cc sports. And we all know where the British motorcycle industry went from then on.

But, I am sure many young men and boys were influenced at the time by the heavy TV coverage, bought motorbikes before moving on to cars, and maybe have became the older social IAM motorcyclists of today.

On Air! The BBC Grandstand Trophy 1963-1970 Ian Berry Panther publishing £24.95 ISBN 978-1-909213-13-5

YouTube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jhuZk5q0qCs or put “grandstand trophy motocross 1965” into a search engine of your choice

Interested in Advanced Motorbiking ?

Bristol Advanced Motorcyclists is a separate IAM Motorbike Group, providing Advanced Riding guidance for newcomers, at SUPER SUNDAY events, and acting as a club for existing Members in Bristol.

Newcomers, just turn up at 09:00 on the FIRST SUNDAY of any month (but NOT January) at Kings Oak Academy, Brook Road, Kingswood, BRISTOL BS15 4JT.

Get a taste with a free assessed ride, and maybe sign-up for the Motorbike Skill for Life course. Grab a bacon buttie and a cup of tea, meet like-minded people, and maybe attend the various presentations. Use the link on our own website to access the Motorbike Group’s website. Or go to the Motorbike Group’s website direct: www.bamo.org.uk Or phone 01275 372637 or email [email protected] the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists Page 37 Sept 2014 Read this newsletter on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk

A Blast from the Past by the Editor Twenty years ago the Bristol Group publicity stand attended many shows – such as Portishead Show and Fair - revisited by the Editor in July 2014.

Crowds in a marquee of indoor stands (above): It’s not the IAM stand on the right – it’s the Blagdon Beekeepers and the WI;

Maureen and Pam (left) disagree with the Judges’ placings and comments on the floral displays;

Editor Paul (below left) chats-up a local bird;

Bristol Group stalwart of the 1990s, Ken Rossiter (below right).

Page 38 the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists Read this newsletter on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk Sept 2014 Know someone who could be a better driver?

Word-of-Mouth is one of the best publicity methods – so tell people about the IAM Advanced Driving Course - which can help a driver be more confident, safer - and make driving more enjoyable. For £139, the IAM Skill for Life package contains the IAM Advanced Driving Test itself, with in-car driving guidance, and three seminar sessions to prepare you. A six-month commitment is needed to complete, with ideally one drive a week. Age is no barrier. Beth (pictured) was 18, whilst Doris was 80 when she passed. South Gloucestershire resident young drivers could have the £139 refunded.

Every Skill for Life course now comes with 12 months FREE RAC roadside and recovery cover (£106 RRP) so there has never been a better time to become an Advanced Driver!

Advanced Driving Course Dates (PRE-BOOKING REQUIRED )

OCTOBER 2014 Seminars on Wednesdays Oct 22nd, Oct 29th, Dec 03rd. JANUARY 2015 Seminars on Wednesdays. Jan 21st, Jan 28th, Mar 11th. APRIL 2015 Seminars on Wednesdays. Apr 22nd, Apr 29th, Jun 10th. JULY 2015 Seminars on Wednesdays. Jul 15th, Jul 22nd, Sep 02nd.

Know someone who doesn’t want a full course? Then mention our one-off DRIVECHECK ASSESSMENT – cost £35. An Observer will give the person one structured 90-minute Assessment of their driving, at a convenient date/time, and give a written report about the main points of the driving displayed, with advice on how to improve. Getting Rusty Yourself? Try our Refresher

The Refresher course is for existing Bristol Group Members. You need to be a current national IAM and Bristol Group Member. You share the three classroom seminars of an Associate course, and your Observer will give you six driving guidance sessions, tailored to your needs. There’s no Test, but you get a Certificate upon completion. Cost: £39. For details of Course, Assessment or Refresher, contact: 0117 969 1746 or [email protected] the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists Page 39 Sept 2014 Read this newsletter on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk

CONTACT US: Your guide to who does what

TO ENQUIRE ABOUT SKILL FOR LIFE OR A REFRESHER email [email protected] phone direct 0117 969 1746 NEW ADVERTISED PUBLIC ENQUIRY NUMBER: 0117 256 5555

Executive Committee, Bristol Advanced Motorists 07714 992 639 Chairman Andy Cole [email protected] 01454 619289 Vice Chairman Marlene Baker [email protected] 0117 979 8061 Secretary Martin Evans [email protected] 0117 960 8494 Treasurer Paul Hunt [email protected] 07817 152 405 Database Administrator James Rowland [email protected] [email protected] Associates Administrator Clare Reeves 0117 969 1746 Young Driver Advocate Barnaby Ellis [email protected] 0117 960 8494 Newsletter Editor Paul Hunt [email protected] 01453 860365 Publicity Officer Geoff Bevan [email protected] 01454 851 984 07557 765 946 Field Publicty Organiser Gary Nunn [email protected] 07973 730 498 Membership Development Tony Gilbert [email protected] Other Post Holders 0117 969 1746 Committee Minute Taker Clare Reeves [email protected] Monthly Meeting Ideas for speakers? Tell Clare Clare Reeves Contact at [email protected] Social Events Organiser vacant contact the Secretary 01453 860365 Chief Observer and Geoff Bevan [email protected] Web Administrator [email protected] 01454 773234 Training Administrator Mark Gollop [email protected] Group Display Boards & 01749 860321 Andrew Nicholls LINK Collation organiser [email protected]

If you would like to volunteer, please contact the Group Secretary.

PHOTOGRAPHY NOTICE: Please note that by attending the Meetings and Driver Guidance Sessions of Bristol Advanced Motorists, you agree to your image being captured and used to promote Bristol Advanced Motorists and its activities. This may include in our newsletter, on our website or for general promotion. If you wish to withhold your permission, please contact the Group Secretary. [email protected] or phone 0117 979 8061

Page 40 the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists Read this newsletter on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk Sept 2014 EXTRA - The Cover of the hard copy version

For 2014 the Bristol Group has adopted a new ‘wrap-around’ cover for the A5-size paper version of the LINK. It continues the tradition first started in about 1971 of having a cover image of Bristol’s iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge - but it’s now in full colour, rather than monochrome.

The traditional IAM button logo is used as a distinct recognition feature, rather than the bland new IAM ‘letters logo’ which would become ‘lost’.

For the benefit of non-Members who look at the LINK, the back of the new cover incorporates a strap-line and a brief text about the Group, with a QR code which directs suitably-equipped Smartphones to our website.

Cover photo by photographer: www.TonyGilbert.co.uk

Cover printed by:

Print & Stationery Management Co Ltd 103 Farendell Road, Emerald Park East, Emersons Green, BRISTOL BS16 7FF

0845 126 6600 [email protected] www.prism-ltd.co.uk the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists Page 41 Sept 2014 Read this newsletter on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk EXTRA – Associates and Observers Needed

Despite it becoming increasingly difficult to reach Members of the Public with publicity due to the ‘Market Fragmentation’ of media channels, Bristol Group has gained an increasing number of Associates so far in 2014, and this trend looks to continue at least in the short term.

left: Chief Observer Geoff (on the right) talking to that valuable commodity the Group needs - a Member of the Public who is interested in signing-up for the Skill for Life course.

In time we need to convince him to become an Observer himself, to continue the cycle. photo: Barnaby Ellis

So our appeal for Members to act as salesmen is now changing course and asking instead, “Can you be an Observer for the Group?”, because the number of Observers on our books is reducing. The number in recent years has steadily photo: IAM reduced from 50 to the current level of around 25, which means that many Observers are dealing with 3 Associates at the same time, which is rather too much of a time commitment.

So by all means continue to be a good ‘Sales Persuader’ for the Group, and continue to promote our YOUNG DRIVER REFUND SCHEME available for South Gloucestershire residents. But also consider becoming involved with the core activity of the Group – OBSERVING.

Information about Skill for Life can be obtained from: [email protected] 0117 256 5555 or 0117 969 1746

Information about becoming an Observer can be obtained from: [email protected] or 01454 773234

Page 42 the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists