Circulation 430 as hard copy or electronic no: 291 MARCH 2018 2017 zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz Bristol Advanced Motorists zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz Registered Charity No 289807 zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzza Local Group affiliated to the Institute of Advanced Motorists part of the IAM RoadSmart family run entirely by volunteers Group no: 1009
THE LINK newsletter
IAM RoadSmart Group Newsletter of the Year 2016
Welcome Readers, Welcome to this March issue of the Newsletter of Bristol’s ‘local affiliate’ IAM RoadSmart support Group, including the Notice of our AGM.
It is primarily about our club – containing a Diary of Events, Group News, etc., plus some pieces on ‘driving’ items.
This issue may seem disjointed – due to time constraints and an issue with the Group email address which may mean that some contributions are still floating about out there in the ether.
Members - please contact us; send your stuff to Paul the Editor. Have an idea for the newsletter? Favourite driving routes? Good cafés and accommodation for stopovers? What about your car? Got any News or Views to share? [ Photos welcome – but they must be your originals and not copied from anywhere. ] Inspired? Get in touch!
Editor: Paul Hunt [email protected] 0117 960 8494 21 De Verose Court Hanham BRISTOL BS15 3SW COPY DEADLINE for the next issue: Sat 14th April
Word documents and jpeg images preferred - but also accepted are notepad, rich text, open document format, handwritten – and real photo prints too.
The LINK is produced every 2 months. It’s also displayed freely on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk Email notification of publication available on request.
Body pages printed and collated by Parish Magazine Printing, Devon.
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 of The Institute of Advanced Motorists.
The Group reserves the right to edit or otherwise amend original contributions submitted for publication.
If you wish to reproduce any content 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
Mar 2018 Read this newsletter on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk
Contents page Welcome 1 Notice of AGM and availability of Annual Report 3 From the Chair / Refer an Associate / Funding Support 4 Group Renewal – What/Who are you joining? 5 Recent Advanced Driver Test Successes 6 Membership Numbers 7 Bristol Group News – various items 8 In Memory - Gwyn Howells and others 13 Bristol Group on ‘Social’ 14 Letter to the Editor – Defensive Driving 15 Advance on 2 Wheels? 15 From the Editor 16 IAM RoadSmart HQ News – various items 16 Free DriveCheck Day for the public 18 Proposed Group Visits / Future Monthly Meetings 19 Club Sunday / Monthly Meeting venue 20 Calendar - DIARY DATES 21 CONTACT US: who does what in the Group 22 Three-in-a-Car Dates 2018 23 Brabazon - February Monthly Meeting 24 Driving News - Mobiles 26 Christmas Skittles Event 27 Members’ Driving Day Event 28 Driving News - New Car? Fewer 24hr Petrol Stations 29 Letter to Editor - Lorry Driving 30 South Gloucestershire Transport Link opens 32 They’re Getting Bigger! 36 IAM RoadSmart Advanced Driver Course / 40 Course Dates / Refresher Course
All content compiled by the Editor unless otherwise credited.
Contributors this issue:
Geoff Bevan, Martin Evans, Mark Gollop, Pete Goodman, Sylvia Howells, Paul Hunt, Richard Olpin, Clare Reeves, Members Barry and Martin, and the Driving Day attendees.
Thank-you also to all who assisted with research, especially: DVSA: and Rebecca, Kathryn and Paul at South West Ambulance.
Photos are by the Editor, or from Group or IAM sources, unless individually credited to someone, as having taken it and/or given permission for its use.
Page 2 the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists Read this newsletter on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk Mar 2018 Notice of Annual General Meeting
Notice is hereby given by order of the Group Executive Committee that the 60th Annual General Meeting of BRISTOL ADVANCED MOTORISTS will be held on Tuesday 24th April 2018, starting at 7.30pm prompt, at the BAWA Healthcare and Leisure Centre, Southmead Road, Filton, Bristol to enable the Trustees of the Group (Registered Charity No. 289807) to present their Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2017 for approval by the Group Members, and to conduct an election.
Secretary: Martin Evans 22 Highfields Close, Stoke Gifford, BRISTOL BS34 8YB Saturday 10th March 2018 Group No: 1009 All Members, Associates and Friends are invited to attend but only fully paid-up Members of both the IAM and of the Group may vote.
AGENDA 1. Introduction and acceptance of Apologies for absence 2. Minutes of the Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on 25th April 2017 (resolution number 1, that the minutes be approved as a true record) 3. Matters arising from the minutes of that AGM 4. To receive and adopt the Annual Report and Accounts (resolution number 2, to approve the Report and Accounts) 5. To elect nominees to the posts of Officers of the Group 6. To elect nominees to the Executive Committee 7. To authorise the Executive Committee to appoint an Auditor 8. To present Awards 9. Any Other Business, properly that of an Annual General Meeting (at the discretion of the Chairman of the meeting)
After the formal business there will be a buffet, followed by a talk by: Shaun Cronin – IAM RoadSmart Regional Service Delivery Mgr
Notice of Availability of the Annual Report This notice is given by the Group in relation to the AGM detailed above.
Shortly available on the Group website www.iam-bristol.org.uk to view or download, will be the Group’s Annual Report and Accounts for the year ending 31st Dec 2017. Read it to see how we have performed.
Hard copies of this document are no longer mailed-out to Members, but a hard copy is available from the Secretary on specific request. Hard copies will be available at the AGM, which you are encouraged to attend in order to hear a full presentation, and to enter into discussion of the Report. the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists Page 3 Mar 2018 Read this newsletter on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk From the Chair
No statements were to hand from either Chairman Andy Cole nor Vice Chairman Jerry Gann (photos here, right, and far right, respectively) as this LINK issue was prepared for printing.
Introduce a new Associate: receive a £10 bonus
Current Bristol Group Members and Associates – Refer a relative, friend or colleague, and when he completes the IAM RoadSmart Advanced Driver Course with us, and takes the Test, get £10. Trial period only. Other Terms & Conditions apply.
Other Terms and Conditions - (updated 01 Sept 2017): The referrer must notify the Group with details of the person they will be referring before that person enters into the Advanced Driver agreement with the Institute. Retrospective referrals cannot be accepted.
The offer applies to referrals who complete the IAM RoadSmart Advanced Driver Course and Test exclusively with Bristol Advanced Motorists. Bristol Advanced Motorists reserves the right to amend or withdraw the offer at any time. Neither the Institute of Advanced Motorists nor any other local IAM Group is subscribing to or taking part in this offer.
For further information, call: 0117 256 5555
Funding Support available for Young Drivers Complete the course and pass the Test – get your fee refunded
Under 25 when you pass the Advanced Driver Test, and live, work or in full-time education in either South Gloucestershire or the Bristol City Council area?
Then you could qualify for a course fee refund courtesy of the South Gloucestershire Road Safety team or the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Community Fund.
For further information, call: 0117 256 5555
Funding Support for DofE students
Complete the course and pass the Test – get your fee refunded
Do the Advanced Driver Course as the Skills section of your Gold award, and you could qualify for a course fee refund. But hurry: there is only funding for two more candidates.
For further information, call: 0117 256 5555
Page 4 the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists Read this newsletter on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk Mar 2018 Group Renewal: What / Who are you Joining ?
Several of our ‘Upgraders’ have been puzzled why the Group is asking for a subscription, whilst they tell us that they have “already paid the IAM”. The Treasurer has answered several emails and phone calls about this.
Even after “passing the Test”, people do not realise or comprehend that there are two separate organisations vying for their “membership”.
To explain: Firstly, there is the national IAM, based in Welwyn Garden City, which is the headquarters organisation, and secondly the local Support Group (Bristol is one of c.200 in the UK) which provides the actual practical guidance to become an Advanced Driver, under what is really a sub- contract basis. These local Groups are separate entities, but “Affiliated” to the Headquarters organisation.
From 2006 onwards, Associates have paid one lump sum for the course, direct to headquarters. Currently £149. That sum includes a £33 headquarters membership fee, which is renewable (if you wish) on the anniversary month of when you bought your course.
That sum also includes £31 which is transferred to us later as the 'Group Associate membership' fee, for "up to one year" of practical guidance.
When one has “passed the IAM Test” and it comes to renewing membership of the local Group, that involves a separate annual payment, which is what we are talking about now.
So, if you are a current national IAM member, you can optionally become also a Member of the local Group, by paying us the separate fee.
Another difference is that because we are a volunteer organisation, it is much simpler to have one general renewal date for everyone. In our case that is January 1st.
How do we reconcile the different dates? Every person who passes the IAM Advanced Driver Test through our Group is instantly “Upgraded” to Full Member. Both of national IAM and Group, until next renewal date.
We apply a cut-off date of October 31st. Everyone who passes before that date is asked to renew with the Group on January 1st, on the basis that the vast majority will have been involved with us for about a year previously.
Anyone who passes from November 1st onwards is put onto the list due for Renewal on the subsequent January 1st, 14 months hence.
We find that is the simplest way and is fair and acceptable in most cases.
If you have any questions, just contact the Treasurer for a chat.
the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists Page 5 Mar 2018 Read this newsletter on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk
Recent ‘Test Successes’ [ Clare Reeves ]
Congratulations to these Bristol Group Associates who have recently been successful in the On-Road Assessment of IAM RoadSmart and have gained the Advanced Driver Qualification. Thanks also to their Observers.
SUCCESSFUL ASSOCIATE OBSERVER
TOM ASH BOB HAWKSLEY
THOMAS SMITH GLYN McGLYNN
above: John Bingham (left) is presented with his Advanced Driver Certificate by his Observer Brian Hartley at a recent Group Meeting.
Advanced Driver Qualification Certificates are posted by the Institute direct to successful Associates. However, why not bring your Certificate to a Monthly Meeting or Associate Seminar, for a presentation and photo ?
Page 6 the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists Read this newsletter on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk Mar 2018 Membership Numbers [ Treasurer ]
A big thank-you to all who have renewed, either by Standing Order, or by cheque on the original Renewal request, on as a result of the one Reminder that was recently sent. Doubtless a few more will renew over the coming weeks, but at the time of issue we have: Now end 2017
● Group Full Members renewed from previous year 230 250 ● Upgraders from 2017/(16) renewed as Full Members 19 19 ● New Group Full Members – joiners from outside 0 4 ● Group Friends, Donators (supporters, ex-IAM Members) 6 5 Sub-Total 255 278 ● Newly-Upgraded passed Associates (to date/year-end) 9 54 GRAND TOTAL 264 332
Welcome to the 4 national Full IAM Members who joined us directly during 2017: Andrew Bowden Margaret O’Connor Michael Reed Jack Templeman
Your subs mean a lot - and will help us continue providing Monthly Meetings and the newsletter, spreading the Advanced Driving and Road Safety messages and running the courses for local Enrolled Associates.
JUST PASSED YOUR TEST? MAINTAIN CONTACT WITH US Those who pass the Advanced Driver Test are upgraded to Full Member, of both the national IAM and the Group, for the remainder of their 12 months. After that they may renew as a national IAM Full Member when due, and may also, if they wish, renew as a Full Member of the Bristol Group (an extra annual subscription of £20, payable each January). So, the 54 such people in 2017, please support us in this way.
GIFT AID – AT NO EXTRA COST TO YOU The Group can claim an extra 25p on each £1 of your subscription – if you are a UK taxpayer and have signed-up to the Government’s Gift Aid scheme with us. Contact Group Treasurer Paul for details and a Form.
ARE YOU SURE YOU’RE A PAID-UP NATIONAL IAM MEMBER ? The Rules stipulate that to be a Bristol Group Member, you need also to be a current paid-up Full Member of the national IAM.
PAINLESS NATIONAL RE-INSTATEMENT If you have lapsed national Membership, it’s easy to renew. Just phone IAM Customer Services on 0300 303 1134, identify yourself, and pay the Annual Subscription. Simples. No need to take another Advanced Driver Test and no requirement to pay any missed subscriptions - although, you will be advised to contact a local Group for an update. Bristol Group’s 3-in-a-Car and Refresher course are ideal for this. You will also be offered to sign-up to Fellow membership, which involves a re-Test every 3 years. the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists Page 7 Mar 2018 Read this newsletter on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk Bristol Group News [ The Editor ] FREE DRIVECHECK / PUBLIC ASSESSED DRIVE EVENT The PAD event planned for Saturday 03 March at Longwell Green had to be cancelled due to the prevailing snow and cold temperatures, which left the main roads and distributor roads in a perilous condition with most side roads un-cleared and impassable.
Cancellation was unfortunate, as the event had been well-subscribed, with 41 members of the public pre-booked, and 13 Observers and other helpers lined-up to run the event. It was planned for each Observer to take a driver at 10:00am, 11:00am, 12noon and 1:00pm, for a 45 minute local drive followed by feedback, then each batch of drivers to receive a short presentation on the hour about IAM RoadSmart, the Bristol Group, and the Advanced Driver course.
The event has now been re-arranged for Saturday 05 May, which is on the Bank Holiday weekend, again at the Scout Hut at Longwell Green. All applicants were informed of the cancellation and 21 of them have re- booked for the new date. Look at our website for the latest information.
JACKIE FOR FIELD PUBLICITY Jackie Ramscar (pictured) has offered to look at Field Publicity for the Group. Jackie will seek out some free/cheap venues and will be looking for volunteers to man the stands and speak to the public. A training DVD is available as a refresher, and for those new to this type of activity.
Twenty years ago Bristol Group was out and about frequently with its publicity caravan at shows, supermarkets, etc., or with a stand at smaller indoor venues. Many Associates were recruited as a result of those efforts, at the time, or with a delayed-action effect many years later.
However, show stands became uneconomically expensive, and expansion of media outlets and the Internet etc. led to advertising remaining in the mind for much less time. Twenty years ago, an advert would stay in the mind for 7 years. But by 2009 this had dropped to just 3 months (source: Co-operative). The Group’s field publicity activity has been negligible in recent times.
Committee feels there is now a need to expand our current email publicity into an actual field presence once again, so we are launching a trial period.
If you would like to help, or have any suggestions, Jackie can be reached at [email protected]
Page 8 the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists Read this newsletter on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk Mar 2018 INTER-GROUPS REGIONAL QUIZ 2018 The 2018 Regional Quiz will be hosted by the Weston & Mendip Group on Tuesday 18th September. This is very early notice that we will need three willing volunteers to represent the Bristol Group. So, if any of you have quiz expertise, don’t be shy, get in touch with Secretary Martin !
YOUNG DRIVER ADVOCATE NEEDED IN THE GROUP There is an opportunity for a Member to take-on this role.
Basically, to encourage Young-Driver applicants for the IAM RoadSmart Advanced Driver Course, to encourage successful Young Drivers to remain with the Group, and to nurture those already in the Group.
If YOU are interested, please contact our Secretary Martin Evans .
LOOK AT OUR WEBSITE ! www.iam-bristol.org.uk
Home About Us Advanced Courses Articles Events Diary FAQ Meetings Newsletters Members Contact us Sitemap Advanced Driver Courses... and more
Our website was updated about a year ago. Take a look – you may be surprised what’s there. The public can apply for a course – you can make a donation – you can see this newsletter and many past issues – you can see the Diary of Events for 6 months ahead, Minutes of Meetings. And a whole load of driving tips and articles.
Search Engine Optimisation applied has raised the ranking of the site tremendously. It is now also a fully HTTPS secure encrypted site.
PAYMENT VIA BT MyDonate Several people have used this new facility to pay their Group Membership subscriptions for 2018. Some have been confused by the wording, “Do you receive any benefit from the donation?”, which if answered “Yes” could prevent Gift Aid being applied.
In short, NO, you do not receive any benefit. Our website is being updated to explain this. HMRC defines a “benefit” relating to membership as “any item or service: provided by the charity or a third party to the donor, and which is associated with the membership subscription” – for example, a free gift given as a result of paying the subs. You receive a periodic newsletter explaining the work of the charity, but that is specifically “exempt” and not considered to be a “benefit” under Gift Aid rules. the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists Page 9 Mar 2018 Read this newsletter on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk OBSERVER RE-QUALIFICATION Many of our ‘Local’ Observers under the IMI scheme are coming due for re-qualification. But although LOs have to be initially registered and approved by the IMI, and have a certificate issued by them, the IMI will not have any involvement with ‘Local’ Observer re-qualifying. All re-training and related admin will fall on the Group and its ‘Local Observer Assessors’.
Bristol Group has drawn-up a ‘Local Observer Re-qualifying Plan’ and to maintain some credibility has arranged with some other nearby Groups – Bath, Swindon and Melksham – to assist with the on-road checks. No expenses will be incurred in this, rather the assessments will be treated as “a jolly good driving day out” by all those concerned.
SAFEGUARDING The IAM says this is not a necessary consideration for Groups, although all Associates aged 17 should have a parent with them in the car during Observed drives. This is not likely to be a welcome condition for a ‘Young Adult’ to subscribe to, although it is noticeable that many varied organisations are imposing similar conditions for under-18s. [Such as a music school offering instruction, some of which is even in a classroom setting – Ed.]
Our Local Authority says all ‘groups’ need a Policy and Action Plan for those under 17 and vulnerable adults, and the Charity Commission says Charity Trustees must manage safeguarding risks adequately for anyone who comes into contact with them, including their own staff and volunteers. Of note is that the DVSA is tightening Rules for ADIs (who already have enhanced DBS checks), in that any relationship with an under-18 pupil is regarded as exploitation, and ‘high risk’ instructors can be struck-off the register. In 2016 there were 109 reported cases of ADI misconduct.
Bristol Group has an interim policy whereby 17-yr-old Associates are only allocated to ADIs or other Members who have a suitable DBS certificate for their normal employment. Committee is looking into what we have to do further to establish a suitable and proportionate plan.
GROUP SIGN-OFF You may have heard of this – a scheme whereby individual Groups are accredited by IAM RoadSmart to conduct the On-Road Assessment of an Associate, instead of a ‘Test’ by an IAM RoadSmart Examiner, and to award Full IAM Membership to suitable Associates.
Bristol is one of the 3 selected Groups in our Region for the trial but have so far had no Associates wishing to take this 'no-test' option, but some Groups, such as Newbury, are proceeding with this and have processed several candidates to Full IAM Membership themselves.
With the reduction in IAM Examiner numbers, ‘Sign-off’ could expand. It also gives a slight cost saving to IAM RoadSmart, but the Group does not benefit, as no increased payment comes to a Group in such a situation.
Page 10 the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists Read this newsletter on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk Mar 2018 EXAMINER IAN RESIGNS IAM RoadSmart Examiner Ian Harris has stepped-down from his post, for personal reasons. In a note to Committee, he thanked all the Group volunteers for their friendship and enthusiasm, and said he had enjoyed the experience. Ian had also helped the Group in the past through using his instructional abilities at Observer Training days and of course at the “Meet an Examiner” sessions for Associates.
Two Examiners remain in the Bristol area – Andy and Alan – and IAMRS HQ tells us that Ian’s departure is unlikely to affect the waiting time or location regarding IAM Advanced Driver Tests for Associates.
UPDATE TO ASSOCIATE SEMINARS BEING CONSIDERED Once upon a time, the only meetings arranged for Bristol Group Associates were periodic “Meet an Examiner” evenings held for all current Associates. Bristol Group’s current-style Associate “course” seminars were introduced some 20 years ago, although they have evolved greatly over time.
The original intention was to present the basics of the text book in classroom seminars - it was known that Associates did not read the text book - so that Associates had an appreciation of the main topics, which would make the Observer’s task in-car somewhat easier. It was also to make Associates aware they were not alone, and that there was indeed a local ‘group’ of people in existence as a club and as support.
Nowadays, the seminars could be considered too long, and not to be having a positive effect on all. The evenings are also considered nowadays to finish too late for working people, etc. Now that the book has been replaced with the ‘log book’, some Associates have said that the seminars “are not aligned with the log book”. After the seminars, some Associates are very tardy at meeting-up with their Observers – and then there is the ‘elephant’ factor that 50% of starters never go through to take a Test.
The Training Committee, led by Mac McGarry, is looking at the seminars to improve them. The content is to be simplified, made shorter, and text slides to be replaced with pictures and locally-shot video clips.
The shortage of Examiners means that the third ‘Meet an Examiner’ seminars may have to be conducted ‘in-house’ by our presenters, and re-titled ‘What the Examiner expects’. Although, some Associates would be less nervous on Test if they had actually met an Examiner beforehand.
The new format is expected to be largely in place for the September Associate Intake.
Email PUBLICITY Sara is getting well set-up with this and is getting a good response, especially from local free papers such as the Week In (which has published two big pieces) and the Voice series. the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists Page 11 Mar 2018 Read this newsletter on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk REFRESHER AND FAD COURSE PRICE REVIEW The FAD course was reviewed in 2010 and at the same time the Refresher course was introduced. Both were priced at £39.
Many Groups offer a Refresher run with an Observer, free of charge. The Bristol Refresher Course is much more than that. It follows the Associate Course, with the three Seminars which cover the main items in the Course logbook, and a description of what standard is required on today’s Advanced Driver Test. A series of 6 full Observed runs is included, the content tailored to the specific needs of the individual candidate. The cost will remain at £39 for current, paid-up Bristol Group Members.
The Further Advanced Driving (FAD) Course builds on the original Advanced Driver Test, for Bristol Group Members who want a deeper level of understanding of Avanced Driving. It is an essential prerequisite for becoming an Observer with the Group. The course is a programme of seminars and Observed Runs based on RoadCraft, the Police Driver’s manual. Emphasis is placed on System and Spoken Thoughts. The aim is to raise a Member’s driving standard so that they are well-prepared to go- on to Observer Training. However, Members may undertake it as an end in itself without intending to become an Observer. The cost of this course has been raised slightly to £49, to cover the costs of running the course.
Should a Member pass FAD and go on afterwards to become an Observer, that subsequent ‘Observer Training’ is free. Once the candidate passes-out as a ‘Local Observer’, he will be offered a refund of the FAD fee.
LINK TO BE PROOF-READ Committee Members work individually at their tasks and, says Chairman Andy, are adults, and trusted to do so.
For a couple of years, the LINK has not been proof-read. Those who did it are too busy with their other tasks and it delays production now that we use an outside printer.
The Editor is quite capable of grammar, spelling, word association, etc., aided by indicators in the software. However, the draft will be looked-over by Chairman Andy, Secretary Martin and Chief Observer Geoff to check that the content is correct and conveys the correct meaning and tone.
FREE DRIVECHECK - DRIVEFREE For some time, IAM RoadSmart has been offering the public free driving assessments with a local Group. Bristol has been accepting such applicants. There was a slow start, but now we are getting 3 or 4 such enquiries a month, some of whom sign-up to take the Advanced Driver Course.
Such candidates can get the ADC for a 10% discount on the normal price – that’s £134 instead of £149. However, the website can’t deal with it so a candidate has to phone 0300 303 1134 and explain to them.
Page 12 the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists Read this newsletter on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk Mar 2018 WHEELS SKILLS and THRILLS - Mk2 Back in 2010 Bristol Group played a role in a scheme along with DfT, UWE and BCC, to evaluate Social Marketing (education, training, publicity, enforcement) on ‘underprivileged’ young drivers.
A new, 2-year, project has started, again in Bristol, with £250k funding from the Road Safety Trust (money from speed camera fines), to verify the initial results and maybe provide an ongoing risk reduction strategy.
There are 7 drivers involved in the new scheme, at a location in South Bristol. They are older and more restrained than those in the original scheme, in their early 20s and more settled, some with full time jobs and families, which will need a different emphasis on the coaching to make it engaging and fun. They are on-time, keen, and willing to learn.
On the first session they all drove the ‘project car’, a used Ford Fiesta ST, which is fitted with 6 cameras and data loggers to record ‘g’ forces and the style of driving. Their current techniques were described as polite, but not safe. There will be six ‘coaching drives’ and also a demonstration drive. At the end of the course they will drive the ‘project car’ again so that the changes in their driving style can be measured.
Bristol Group may have the opportunity to use the project car for recording new videos in the local area for use on the IAM RoadSmart Advanced Driver Course seminars. Observer Richard Olpin, a photographer, has offered to assist the Group with photography free of charge.
In Memory [ The Editor ] GWYN HOWELLS of Stockwood
We are sorry to report that GWYN passed recently, having been ill for some years. Gwyn was a long-standing Bristol Group Member who was very enthusiastic about the IAM.
His wife Sylvia tells us that Gwyn regarded passing the IAM Advanced Driver Test as one of his greatest achievements. He was very proud of the fact, and in conversation would mention that he was an IAM Member at the slightest opportunity. Gwyn used to regularly attend meetings, but in recent years he has been an armchair Member, supporting us from home.
Other Bristol Group Members who have passed during 2017 include:
Christine Butcher Ken Frith John Ronayne Michael Tebbutt Raymond Turner
Our sympathy to their families. the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists Page 13 Mar 2018 Read this newsletter on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk Bristol Group on ‘Social’ [ Richard Olpin and The Editor ]
New Content Manager Richard Olpin says, “Bristol Group is building a more active presence on social media channels and would love your support! We have for some while had a page on Facebook and an account on Twitter. Now we have an account on Instagram too. We are also making an effort to post all original material, rather than re- posting items that users will probably have already seen on other similar Advanced Driving Accounts. Hopefully this will make our posts more interesting and retain attention on our specific Group.
If you have any interesting news or photos for us to share, then please send them to me (Richard Olpin) and I will post them.” [email protected] or @richardolpin on all the usual social sites.
Facebook: www.facebook.com/BristolAdvancedMotorists
Twitter: https://twitter.com/iam_bristol
Instagram: instagram.com/iam_bristol
The Editor adds: We set-up these Accounts primarily to publicise the Group to signed-up users of the systems, acting as a notice-board, potentially getting to younger people, which is essential for any membership organisation. ‘Younger People’ are now popularly-defined as those aged ‘under 42’. Whatever, most of these people use Smartphones, so it is a publicity avenue not to be ignored.
Our initial findings however are that on Facebook we have so-far gained a limited following and the followers don’t engage. With Twitter, it is mainly other IAM Groups who view material. So far it has resulted in very little promotional opportunity or usefulness – but we are plugging-away for hopefully more results in the future.
Page 14 the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists Read this newsletter on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk Mar 2018 Letters to the Editor ADVANCED vs DEFENSIVE Member Barry writes: Paul, As an employee who drives for work, I have to attend a company ‘Defensive Driving’ session, consisting of a lecture and an on-road session, over half a day for one person or a full day for three people together. How will this compare with an IAM “Advanced Driver” course?
The Editor replies ( he was an IAM Fleet-approved driver assessor for 6 years ) : An interesting one, this, as Defensive Driving is part of Advanced Driving.
The Advanced Driver course contains a full syllabus of driving techniques and standards needed to pass an Advanced Driver Test. It concentrates on the individual Driver’s skills. It can be spread over several sessions over some months, both because of the amount of course content, and because the ‘tutoring’ is provided by volunteer ‘Observers’, at a minimal cost.
Companies usually employ a professional instructor, on a daily basis, often on a 2:1 or 3:1 driver/instructor ratio. The limited time means that the full syllabus cannot be covered, maybe only half a dozen of the most important points. The aim is different too, as indicated by the ‘Defensive Driving’ name: it is not about making the driver ‘advanced’, but about improving the company safety record, and lowering costs through reducing ‘accident’ and ‘injury’ risk. The content concentrates on Observation / Anticipation, and other safety-related factors. In its way, it can be said to be ‘more effective’ than a full course covering a wide range of driver skills.
However, it is a difficult task for the instructor to maintain interest and focus, because most of the candidates just don’t want to be there! It is very unlike an Advanced course on which people have voluntarily enrolled!
If you attend such a session, most of it will be familiar to you as an IAM Member, but you will notice the concise format, different emphasis, and inclusion of pieces of specific safety advice/guidance. A good instructor will not use the ‘lecture and do this’ approach, but will treat it more informally, in an attempt to raise awareness, even interest, and encourage later self-reflection, and improved attitudes and actions.
Want to Advance on Two Wheels ?
Bristol Advanced Motorcyclists is a separate IAM Motorbike Group. Newcomers, turn up at 09:00 on the FIRST SUNDAY of any month at Kings Oak Academy, Brook Road, Kingswood, BRISTOL BS15 4JT. (but NOT January) Get a free assessed ride, grab a bacon butty and a cup of tea. www.bamo.org.uk 01275 372637 [email protected] the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists Page 15 Mar 2018 Read this newsletter on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk From the Editor Apologies to those Members who have mentioned to me their LINK arriving in an envelope which has been slit open, damaged, re-sealed by the Royal Mail or even received via the ‘Damaged Mail’ department in Belfast.
I understand that Andrew used-up various old-stock envelopes for mailing the January LINK - a few inferior-quality ones must have been there.
If you did not receive a copy of the January issue, let me know. I have a few copies left over, and of course it is available to view on our website.
IAM RoadSmart ‘HQ’ News [ Editor ]
DRIVEFREE Tell your friends! DriveFree is still on offer. Phone IAMRS on 0300 303 1134 and book a one-off, free, driving assessment. Participants qualify for a 10% discount on the Advanced Driver course (only available if booked by phone).
E-MODULES NOW AVAILABLE TO BUY ONLINE IAM RoadSmart’s new e-learning modules are now available to the general public on the website.
Designed for those without advanced driving knowledge, the modules will help users refresh their knowledge of the rules of the road and are ideal for those who need a boost to their confidence. Each module, covering one of seven key challenging topics or a gap in experience, offers a knowledge-boost using simple exercises, animations and example scenarios. Available modules: - Driving in Towns, Driving on Country Roads, Managing Distractions, Managing Speed, Motorway Driving, Overtaking, Parking and Manoeuvring – each takes around 20 minutes to complete. The Modules cost £5 each. (copy: IAMRS)
[ We have not yet had a chance to preview, so cannot comment. ]
NEW IAM ROADSMART CEO Chairman, Ken Keir and the Trustees have confirmed the appointment of Mike Quinton (pictured) as CEO of IAM RoadSmart from 23 April 2018.
Mike has apparently had a career in the insurance industry and was last the CEO of NHBC (National House Building Council). (copy: IAMRS) Page 16 the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists Read this newsletter on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk Mar 2018
IAM ROADSMART SKILLS DAYS NOW AVAILABLE (copy: IAMRS) IAM RoadSmart Skills Days are back for 2018. These sessions are open to both Members and the public and offer the opportunity to gain more of an understanding about precision driving, and to develop advanced driving skills in a closed-circuit environment, with expert IAM RoadSmart tuition throughout. Priority is given to 'first-timers' – just indicate that when booking. For more information, please click here. (or see the IAM website)
Car Sessions – (half day) £135 per driver, own car (half day) At Thruxton - in Hampshire near Andover.
May 1st - (PM session sold out)
September 10th - Both morning and afternoon slots are available.
Booking (office hours) 0300 303 1134
NOTE on Insurance: IAM Surety is able to offer its existing policy-holders an extension of cover for an IAMRS Skills Day for a small premium (believed to be £15). For other Insurers, always check with them if your insurance can cover the event.
ADMIN OUTSOURCING ISSUE For some years, IAM RoadSmart has ‘outsourced’ admin tasks such as fulfilment of renewals, certificates and Associate packs etc. The firm latterly doing this has gone into liquidation, and there has therefore been an interruption in these activities. New companies have been appointed for future fulfilment of the tasks, and it is hoped that the backlog that built-up will soon be cleared.
DATA PROTECTION AND PRIVACY IAM RoadSmart says we will receive a “first draft” of guidance at the Spring Region Meetings (our local one is on May 5th, which does not give a lot of time for us to re-organise to comply. [ A similar-structured (national and branch) organisation, with which your Editor is connected, issued detailed guidance way back in February 2017 – Ed.]
It is believed that well over 33% of small businesses have not yet started any preparation for the new laws, which come into effect on 25 May 2018. A big factor in this could be that current information issued by the ICO is very vague and general, with a lack of specific detailed guidance or example templates to follow.
The ICO claims to be “increasing its GDPR resources, tools and guidance” and is to launch campaigns urging SMEs (small and medium enterprises) and ‘Micro Businesses’ to get ready for the GDPR, and new resources to help organisations explain GDPR to the public.
Hopefully the new material will be straightforward and easy to understand. the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists Page 17 Mar 2018 Read this newsletter on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk FREE FOR THE PUBLIC Re-arranged Date
Page 18 the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists Read this newsletter on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk Mar 2018 Proposed Visit(s) for 2018 [ Pete Goodman ] We have had a few suggestions for social visits. These include:
● The Atwell-Wilson Motor Museum at Calne (we’ve been there before)
● The new Bristol Aerospace Museum (with Concorde) at Filton ( a guided tour)
● Thatchers Cider at Sandford (recently featured on Gregg Wallace’s ‘Inside the Factory’ BBC tv)
And a fun driving event – no longer totally relevant to on-road driving with an ESC-equipped car, but educational and good fun nonetheless: ● Castle Combe Skid Pan
This is in addition to previous suggestions/recommendations such as: ● Care UK/NHS treatment facility at Emersons Green ● Highways England control office (Avonmouth)
If YOU would like to attend one of these, help organise, or have any comments/suggestions, then please get in touch with Social Organiser Pete Goodman or indeed any Committee Member.
Forthcoming Monthly Meetings
MARCH Ben Herridge from Continental Tyres will be speaking to us, covering aspects such as premium tyres versus budget options, the differences in tyre performance between 3mm and 1.6mm treads, and a discussion about winter and summer tyres. So come with all your tyre related questions!
Entrance is free and coffee will be available at £1 per cup.
MAY A talk from Optician Jonathan Best - Eyes and their Correction.
LATER . . . . in AUGUST A talk from Marine Historian Paul Barnett - The Severn Rail Bridge.
FUTURE FORMAT CHANGE ? We have had a suggestion to put-on more actual Driving - related topics, rather than those of general interest, or even to have Monthly Meetings which are ‘tutorial’ sessions on Advanced Driving techniques.
Or would you like the Meetings to remain ‘Social’ events?
Thoughts and ideas to s Organiser Pete Goodman, please. the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists Page 19 Mar 2018 Read this newsletter on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk
Club Sunday – Sunday 29 April Venue: Nailsworth Garden Centre Meet: from 10:00am
The Club Sunday associated with the forthcoming April course has been organised in the north of our area this time, at the Nailsworth Garden Centre (a Wyevale branch). Meet at 10:00am. It opens at 10:30.
Club Sundays are normally held on the Sunday following Seminar Two of each Associate Intake. They exist primarily to offer all of our Associates an Advanced Driving Experience, to see the whole ‘picture on the box’ of what Advanced Driving is about in the round, over a 30-minute demonstration drive. The days also offer an opportunity for an Informal Meet, open to all Members, to chat, drive, or whatever.
To get there, take the A46 northwards from M4 junction 18 (Tormarton). In Nailsworth (about 15½ miles), turn right onto the B4014 Avening Road, signposted Avening and Tetbury. The garden centre entrance is on the left in a about a quarter of a mile. The PostCode is GL6 0BS.
For further details contact Pete Goodman.
Our Monthly Meeting and Course Venue MONTHLY MEETINGS - FOURTH TUESDAY, start 7:30pm prompt.
Our Meetings, Associate courses and some other activities are held at the BAWA Club, originally the Sports/Social facility of British Aerospace, located on the South Gloucestershire border at 589, Southmead Road, Filton.
It is one of the Bristol region’s venues of choice for conferences and events. It is easily accessible by car, with ample car parking adjacent to the buildings. The venue offers a modern, pleasant environment, with reception/security staff on duty, and there is wheelchair access.
[ Note: Some events are at other locations, as listed in the Diary. ]
Look at Our Website
Information about all Diary events is listed on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk along with extensive material on advanced driving techniques.
Page 20 the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists Read this newsletter on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk Mar 2018
Calendar WHAT’S UPCOMING IN BRISTOL ADVANCED MOTORISTS Dates of Meetings – Members and Administration MARCH Tue 27 Monthly Meeting BAWA Pavilion 7:30pm start Speaker Ben Herridge from Continental Tyres
Wed 28 Training Committee Meeting BAWA Pavilion 7:30pm
APRIL Sat 07 Three-in-a-Car Cross Hands Hotel, Old Sodbury 10:00am
Tue 10 Exec Committee Meeting - second Tuesday each month If you wish to raise an issue, contact the Group Chairman (or indeed any Committee Member)
Wed 11 Observers’ Meeting. All Observers will receive an invitation.
Sat 14 COPY DATE for the May Newsletter Members and Associates – please send-in your stuff now!
Wed 18 IAM RoadSmart Advanced Driver Course - Seminar One. BAWA 7:15pm Pre-booking essential - see page 40.
Tue 24 AGM: BAWA Pavilion 7:30pm speaker: Shaun Cronin IAM RoadSmart Regional Service Delivery Team Manager
Wed 25 Advanced Driver Course - Seminar Two. BAWA 7:15pm
Sun 29 Bristol Group ‘Club Sunday’ - from 10:00 am Venue: Nailsworth Garden Centre. See page 20 MAY Wed 02 Further Advanced Driving (FAD) course, first session Pre-booking required. Contact Mac McGarry for details
Sat 05 IAM RoadSmart Regional Forum, at Haynes, Sparkford A committee member will attend
Sat 05 Free Taster Advanced Driving Publicity Event At the Scout Hut, Shellards Road, Longwell Green. (in the car park of the Community Centre). Please promote it!
Sat 12 Three-in-a-Car Bath Hill car park, Keynsham 10:00am
Thur 17 IAMRS Regional Trainers meeting at BAWA [ Our venue is so good, IAMRS uses it for their regional events! ]
Tue 23 Monthly Meeting BAWA Pavilion 7:30pm start Speaker: Optician Jonathan Best -
Eyes and their Correction JUNE Wed 06 Advanced Driver Course – seminar 3 – BAWA 7:15pm What the Examiner Expects on Your Test ALL BRISTOL ASSOCIATES WELCOME, WHATEVER YOUR STAGE IN GUIDANCE the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists Page 21 Mar 2018 Read this newsletter on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk
Who does what in Bristol Group - & their contact details
TO ENQUIRE ABOUT how Bristol Group runs the IAM RoadSmart Advanced Driver Course
contact: [email protected] 0117 969 1746
ADVERTISED ENQUIRY NUMBER: 0117 256 5555
Executive Committee, Bristol Advanced Motorists 07714 992 639 Chairman Andy Cole [email protected] 01275 852 243 Vice Chairman Jerry Gann vice [email protected] 0117 979 8061 Secretary Martin Evans secretary@iam -bristol.org.uk 0117H hairman@iam 960 8494 -bristol.org.ukTH Treasurer Paul Hunt treasurer@iam -bristol.org.uk
07714 992 639 Database Administrator Andy Cole [email protected] 0117 960 8494 Newsletter Editor Paul Hunt [email protected] associates@iam -bristol.org.uk Associates Administrator Clare Reeves 0117HT 969 1746
01453 860365
Chief Observer and [email protected] Geoff Bevan Web Administrator [email protected] 07973 730 498 Membership Development Tony Gilbert [email protected]
Other Post Holders Committee Minute Taker Brenda Smyth [email protected] 01453 766314 Training Administrator Mac McGarry [email protected] [email protected] Monthly Meeting Organiser Pete Goodman 0117 960 5367 Pete Goodman Social Organisers see Pete’s contact details above Pamela Parnham Publicity Communications Sara Waterhouse [email protected] Field Publicity Jackie Ramscar [email protected] [email protected] Social Content Manager Richard Olpin 07973 368304 Group Display Boards & LINK 01749 860321 mailing organiser Andrew Nicholls [email protected]
Younger Driver Advocate could this be you? ------H
Several other Members assist voluntarily in the running of the Group.
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.
Page 22 the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists Read this newsletter on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk Mar 2018 2018 Three-in-a-Car Dates [ Chief Observer, Editor ] for IAM Members & Associates only
A series of 6 Three-in-a-Car (TiC) events has been arranged for 2018.
These are social driving events, where attendees are placed in a group of 3, (usually) with one Observer per car. Each of the three people drives his own car, in turn, for 30 minutes or so. The other two then offer comments on the driving, either as helpful banter as the actual drive progresses, or as a short informal de-brief at the end.
Saturday 7 April 10:00am Cross Hands Hotel, Old Sodbury (Cabot)
Saturday 12 May 10:00am Bath Hill Car Park, Keynsham (Brunel)
Thursday 28 June [ evening event ] 7:30pm Thornbury Leisure Centre (Colston)
Sunday 5 August 10:00am Cross Hands Hotel, Old Sodbury (Cabot)
Sunday 9 September 10:00am Ashton Way Car Park, Keynsham (Brunel)
Saturday 6 October 10:00am Easter Compton Farm Shop (Colston)
These events help Members maintain the high standard they achieved on their original Advanced Driver test – and also offer Associates some extra guidance input before their tests. It is an opportunity for all to catch up on a few tips from your peers and from an Observer.
The Team Leaders from our three teams of Observers – namely, Brunel, Cabot and Colston teams – arrange the events.
Not been on one before? You’ll be made most welcome. You drive a circular route of your own choice for 30 minutes. Don’t worry if you are not familiar with the local area. Someone else will willingly suggest a route, and offer directions if needed. You will probably meet some Bristol Group Members and Associates whom you didn’t know before. It’s a fun social event, but you’ll probably learn a few new advanced driving tips.
The events are FREE, they’re an ideal way of keeping in touch with current Advanced Driving standards and thinking, and, don’t worry – no records are made of the drives and you won’t be asked to undertake any formal training. Put the above dates in your DIARY now! the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists Page 23 Mar 2018 Read this newsletter on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk
Brabazon - Monthly Meeting February
Aero expert Chris Bigg spoke to us January – this was his third visit. Aero topics are popular because our meeting place is the Bristol Aerospace Club, and also many members, or relations, worked at the local works in the past.
Chris (pictured left) was an engineer there himself, starting in 1963 doing 42 hours a week for £2/18/10 (£2.94 in new money) and ending up teaching NVQ apprentices at the local college.
Chris started his interest in aircraft in 1958 with the Observers Book of Aircraft – he now has several bookcases. He has to smuggle-in new books so that his wife doesn’t see. He also has more bookcases in the loft and a collection of photos and electronic files.
In WW2 the UK concentrated on fighter planes, whereas the US had built transport planes – so the UK fell behind on transport and passenger development. A 1942 Government / Air Ministry committee under the lead of Lord Brabazon of Tara (the Brabazon committee) set out specifications for four new civilian aircraft that the British Empire would need post-war: Type 1 - very large trans-Atlantic airliner Type 2 - short haul airliner Type 3 - medium airliner for European routes Type 4 - jet-powered 500 mph airliner
Bristol already had experience of the ‘very large bomber’ project of 1937 – planned but never built – so was awarded the contract for the Type 1, for which they adapted the bomber design. 177ft long, 230ft wingspan, fuselage 16ft+ diameter consisting of 2 decks, for 60-80 people in luxury with dining room, 37-seat cinema, beds, promenade and bar. [ It could have accommodated up to 300 normal passenger seats. ]
The 4 slim protrusions on the wing look like 4 engines, but are the output from 4 gearboxes, each fed by 2 engines at a 30 degree angle buried in the very deep wings. There are 2 contra-rotating propellers on each shaft. The 8 engines were Bristol Centaurus 18-cyl radial sleeve-valve piston engines each of 56 litres and 2500hp. The plane had some modern features, such as powered controls, electric engine control, hydraulics, a tricycle undercarriage, AC electrics, cabins pressurised and air conditioned, and some automatic flight-stability controls.
A wooden mock-up and metal fuselage were built in existing sheds whilst a the new ‘Brabazon hanger’ was constructed. When it came into use in October 1947 it was the biggest hanger in the world, 1000ft long, up to
Page 24 the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists Read this newsletter on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk Mar 2018 400ft wide, with doors 60ft high. To access the runway, planes have to unusually cross a railway level crossing. The runway was lengthened and widened, to 2,750 yards by 100yd wide, with 50ft run-off each side and a 200yd turning circle at each end. One consequence was the demolition of the village of Charlton, from which 30 families had to be re-homed.
Bill Pegg, the Test Pilot, visited the USA to fly the Convair B36 bomber, which had the same large wingspan, to gain experience before flying Brabazon. The first Brabazon flight was in September 1949, with 10,000 present at Filton to see it. After the 30 minute flight, the pilot is alleged to have said, “What a splendid run - we’ll make a lot of chaps go gay today!”
Brabazon flew over the Farnborough air show, and landed there in 1950, and at London Heathrow. It also attended the Paris air show in 1951, although by then it was apparent it had no future. In 1952, the government cancelled the project. Brabazon had made 164 flights totalling 382 hours, mostly with 10 crew/engineers. Despite being for transatlantic fights, the furthest it flew was apparently Prestwick in Scotland. It was scrapped in 1953, along with the partly-built Mk 2 which was intended to use more modern turboprop engines, later used in the Britannia.
above: Brabazon outside the Brabazon Hanger, c. 1952 photo: Chris Bigg / Airteam Images
Brabazon did what it was supposed to do, but failed because it was a vision of air travel by the Government, which envisaged passengers to be rich, ex-customers of the luxury ocean liners, whereas life changed and the post-war customer wanted cheap, quick travel. Specified in the 1930s, built in the 1940s, but not suitable for the market in the 1950s. In the event the De Haviland Comet jet flew before Brabazon. Brabazon was slow (250mph, 12-15 hours flight) governed by the thick relatively non-aerodynamic wings to house the fuel and conceal the engines. the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists Page 25 Mar 2018 Read this newsletter on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk On a positive note, industry learnt a lot about planes, particularly stress and fatigue, which fed into later designs - Britannia and even Concorde. And later times have fully justified the concept of very large passenger aircraft for long range flight, albeit with considerably more passengers and less space than was offered by the Brabazon. Half of the cost went into buildings and the runway, which served well for many years later, although the future of the distinctive, but not listed, Brabazon Hanger is uncertain.
Very few Brabazon relics or parts survive. A few parts, a piece of undercarriage and a few panels of fuselage. Doubtless there are a few small bits in local sheds and lofts. A few memories survive in road names, etc. The new Aero Museum has very little on Brabazon, and really needs to do more to bring it to the attention of today’s generation.
Driving News MOBILE CHANGES Although an Advanced Driver will not use a mobile device in a car, there are changes afoot in the communication field.
60 years ago - 1958 - HM Queen Elizabeth made the first-ever STD call, from Bristol to the Provost of Edinburgh. “Bristol subscribers can now make a long-distance call merely by dialling the right number”, she said.
The latest generation phone - 5G fifth generation – was tested in Bristol in March (Bristol Uni is one of 3 working on the project). It’s not about a new handset, but rather about “The Internet of Things”, where one will be able to control home heating, lighting, even a kettle, on the Internet by phone. Futuristic that may seem, but 5G will provide very quick communication, and vastly increased quality of connectivity and data exchange – essential for the control and operation of driverless cars. Roll-out is expected in late 2019 – “if you can afford it, and if you really need it”, as a spokesman said.
At the other end of the scale, on 31 March, Vodafone will cease its wide- area Pager operations, leaving just one provider, being Capita PageOne. There were many paging companies in the 1980s, but most had closed by 2004 with the advent of the mobile.
The pager is a small unit clipped to your belt or kept in a pocket, which beeps when a message is received, prompting you to phone base on a landline, at least in the 1950s when it was introduced. It was used mainly to alert emergency workers. Your Editor had one until 2009 for out-of-hours call-out purposes. He also photo: Vodafone carried two mobile phones on different networks, but usually the pager worked where neither phone got a signal. Pagers remain popular with users, being simple, reliable, and with very long battery life.
Page 26 the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists Read this newsletter on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk Mar 2018 Skittles Social Event [ Pete Goodman ] The ‘Christmas’ skittles match was held in January this year. There was a great IAM contingent in attendance, and we took-on a combined Pegasus and Tavern Motor Clubs team. About 40 people in all were there. The motor clubs actually won, but the result is fairly academic as a fun night was had by all, including free food courtesy of Pegasus MC, and a Raffle provided with lots of prizes!
above: Our man Goodman concentrates as he takes aim. the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists Page 27 Mar 2018 Read this newsletter on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk Mendips Driving Day Event [ Pete Goodman ] Saturday March 10th, based at the Burrington Inn
The day dawned bright but damp on Siston Common from where I set off, but at least the weather was better than the foot-deep ‘Beast from the East’ and ‘Storm Emma’ snow I would have faced just a week before.
I arrived just before 9 and there was already a gathering in the Car Park. We wasted no time to get in the warm and order our breakfasts – gradually more people arrived, most expected but some not, ending up with 22 in number. I had to make some quick mods to the driver matrix but all was well in the end.
The breakfasts arrived to order and seemed well liked, in fact Sharon and Hayley looked after us well all day. Interestingly, the Cheddar Advanced Bikers were also running a meeting in similar fashion to us.
The driver pairings set off and returned much to time all day, most enjoying extra refreshment as we went!
Being in the Mendips, weather variation was more noticeable than normal Bristol fare; there was still snow around in places from the week before and we had everything from bright sun to heavy mist!
I had prepared 2 routes, from Shipham in the West to Gurney Slade in the East, that took in most of the good roads the Mendips have to offer. The driver pairings seemed to work well and most got what they wanted from the day. I must say thanks to my co drivers Jack Templeman (MR2 Turbo) and Mac McGarry (GT86) – 2 very different Toyotas and ways of driving them!
Some good feedback was received, including:
Dear Pete, Thank you very much for putting the driving day together - the first one I went to and I very much enjoyed it! Thank you for the thought you put into pairing people up. Jeroen.
Hi Pete, Really enjoyed the day. Format, location and venue excellent. It was nice to meet some of the driving enthusiasts in the club. Looking forward to the next one. Phil Nunn.
Pete, Thanks for organising this. Much appreciated. Some good company, and I’m not just talking about the cattle and the bikes on the roads. Good driving roads and interesting variations in the cars. I certainly enjoyed the drives with Joroen and with Jack. Warm regards and thanks again for your efforts. Mike Pepper.
Thanks, it was an excellent day. Chris and I learnt a lot and had a really enjoyable day. Robert Anson.
Page 28 the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists Read this newsletter on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk Mar 2018 Hi Pete, I very much appreciated the way you organised it. The routes were easy to follow and navigate back, even when we went off grid - I think my map reading could do with an upgrade, see what happens when Google & SatNavs take over the world! Swapping am/pm drives around was an excellent way to get to know people, picking up tips along the routes, particularly as I was new to it all. Phill Wheatley.
I quite like the Burrington Inn. In a world of overpriced coffee shops it’s quite nice to go back to 'old school' - Best Coffee and Mocha in the West! Ali Clarke.
Driving News HAVE YOU BOUGHT A NEW CAR? Driving around, I notice vehicle reg. plates. There have been very few 67 plates around, and even now, often only a very few are seen on a trip.
There was a boom in sales early in 2017 on the 66 plate, in advance of the new VED increases. Sales were slow on the 17 plate and then dipped further on the 67 plate because of the plans to withdraw petrol and diesel engines. The lack of activity has spread into the used car market too.
My Toyota dealer staff were at cross-purposes. A salesman sent me a mailshot about a service plan, and his colleague sitting 10 feet away sent a mailshot offering £3,500 in scrappage if I bought a new car. But Toyota doesn’t sell small/medium diesel cars any more, only hybrids or petrol, with ridiculously optimistic fuel consumption figures. And the hybrid is a no-no because I can’t tow a trailer with it. The other factor today is the lack of any real difference between a £10k and a £30k car. It seems the £30k one has more unnecessary gizmos, which the manufacturer overcharges for, just to keep the money coming-in and to keep in business.
There were six other customers when I called at the Vauxhall showroom. A chatty but confused bunch. Four wanted diesels, but even Vauxhall discourages that – I understand no diesels are in the showroom – only on special order. None of the customers were interested in electric cars, although the dealer thought “a full range” of electric-only models would be on sale starting in 2020. The uncertainty is causing people to hang-on to their existing serviceable cars – which is what I will do. Any comments?
BEWARE - FEWER 24hr PETROL STATIONS 24-hour supermarkets could become a thing of the past, as customers use them less. Many are ceasing 24-hr opening and switching to daytime stock delivery and shelf-filling to reduce costs. And a large number of stand- alone petrol stations with convenience shops are changing from 24-hr opening to hours such as 7am-11pm. So those travelling early/late or at night may get caught-out. Several are still open 24hr, but you need to check the petrol-company websites (most accurate) to see which ones. the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists Page 29 Mar 2018 Read this newsletter on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk Letters to the Editor
HGV1 LICENCE ? Member Martin says, “Paul, I didn’t realise you had an HGV1 licence. I’ve never known you to do any lorry driving.”
The Editor replies: Yes, I had an HGV1 licence in 1969 and last used it in 1980, since when I’ve allowed it to lapse.
Nowadays an HGV1 licence will cost you up to £3,000 in training fees, with 5 various tests, under the latest CPC regime. But it was different in 1969. I was in the right place at the right time. It cost me nothing – even the medical report came free. It took about 5 minutes in the office - I didn’t have to take a test – I didn’t even have to go anywhere near a lorry!
I was a Student Apprentice with Leyland Truck and Bus. From the start, aged 18, I had driven Leyland vehicles as part of “product knowledge” training. Mostly artics and Atlantean double-deckers on Leyland’s own large test track (overgrown today, with new plans for 900 houses and other stuff on a 130 acre part of it), and other vehicles on the factory premises.
Three years on, my summer placement was in the Test Department. That involved days out on the road. Typically, Leyland - Preston - Fleetwood (breakfast stop) – Blackpool – Warrington on ‘A’ roads, then return to the Leyland factory via M6. The vehicle was an articulated trailer loaded with concrete ballast, hitched to various Leyland, AEC and Scammell tractor units. One person drove, the other recorded continuous manual instrument readings from the large test panels set-up in the cab, on the passenger’s side. The driving was quite straightforward, with limited manoeuvring at the factory, at the Fleetwood café and at the Warrington stop.
One morning the Test Engineer and myself were called into the office.
Manager: “Have you been driving regularly? How much last week?” Me: “Yes, 3 days last week, Leyland Beaver artic.” Manager (speaking to Test Engineer): “Is that correct?” Test Engineer: “Yes, Sir.” Manager: “OK. Paul, fill in this Ministry of Transport (experience claim) form - I’ll sign the authorisation and we’ll get one of these new licences for you. Get over to the company doctor soon and ask him to fill-in this medical report form for me.”
The key to this was that The Road Safety Act 1967 laid down new regulations covering the licensing and testing of all drivers of rigid goods vehicles with an unladen weight exceeding 3 tons, or any articulated vehicle (except the lightweight delivery ones). The Heavy Goods Vehicle (Drivers' Licences) Regulations 1969 was announced in July 1969, stating: “From February 2nd 1970 it will be an offence to drive a lorry without a licence in the correct category.” So, new drivers had 6 months to take a Test.
Page 30 the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists Read this newsletter on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk Mar 2018 However - ‘Grandfather rights’ allowed drivers over 21, holding an ordinary full current car driving licence, with entitlement to drive heavy goods vehicles, to continue to drive such vehicles without taking an additional HGV test until that ordinary licence expired – as long as he is “medically fit”, “has a good record of driving conduct” and is “able to satisfy the Licensing Authority” that he has been “in the habit of driving heavy goods vehicles” for six months in the year ending February 1st 1970.
Applicants claiming a licence on that basis were granted the highest class (out of the 8) on which they claimed experience. Hence my class 1.
As my career progressed and I left Leyland Motors, I didn’t need or make use of the licence. It did though come in handy in the late 1970s when I was organising a factory move. Us ‘management’ did hands-on overtime at the weekends and one of my tasks was unloading pallets/bins of parts from lorries and placing them in the racking in the new warehouse. That involved driving loaded Guy Big-J artics half a mile from the lorry parking compound to the factory unloading point, and back again empty.
Just previous I had gained experience with various fork trucks – including a Hyster counterbalance (powered by LPG), a Jungheinrich battery-electric counterbalance, a Lansing battery-electric high-lift reach truck and an unusual Lancer diesel side-loader. That’s how I got a Hawker-Siddeley ‘all-types’ fork-truck licence – but that’s another story.
above: [ photo from: “Careers with Leyland in Professional Engineering” – Leyland Motors Ltd. 1965 ]
A Leyland Beaver 16-ton rigid with Ergomatic tilt cab - showing a concrete ballast test load.
Of interest, this photo shows that ‘photoshopping’ and ‘false information’ are not new! In reality, all test vehicles were in plain beige (or sometimes pale blue) factory undercoat, coated with temporary protective streaky brown Tectyl (the material that Renault used as permanent underseal on its cars at the time). This painted truck is maybe a demonstrator.
Another ‘untruth’ is the white overalls and the smart shoes. I never saw any white overalls at work. All ours were standard dark blue. And even then we wore heavy work shoes. the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists Page 31 Mar 2018 Read this newsletter on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk Stoke Gifford Transport Link (SGTL) opens
This new three-quarter mile, £14m ‘Metrobus’ road, to be known as ‘Rosedown Avenue’, opened on 18 Dec 2017. It is part of the ‘North Fringe to Hengrove’ Metrobus route, but is open to general traffic as well.
Three ‘road proposals’ were made back in the 1970s/80s, but only two (separate) sections of ‘Great Stoke Way’ were built, some 20 years ago.
The new 1-mile ‘route’ uses the northern ‘Great Stoke Way’ (used as a rear entrance to Parkway station) to link the Great Stoke Roundabout on the B4057 Winterbourne Road (where Bradley Stoke Way joins from the north), southwards to the A4174 Avon Ring Road at Harry Stoke (near UWE and the Holiday Inn). It is said the road will give a new link to the A4174/M32 from Aztec West & Bradley Stoke, and alleviate pressure on existing roads.
In a short opening ceremony, Councillor Riddle (leader of South Glos Council) planted a tree alongside the road, the action supposed to be symbolic, “a daily visible reminder of our environmental responsibilities - MetroBus is about sustainable transport, tackling congestion, improving air quality and making the region a better place for us, our children and grandchildren to live”.
However, note that although the road is in open countryside, there are plans to infill to Stoke Gifford, and to the M32, north and south of the railway, as new “East Harry Stoke”, with 2000 new homes.
image: Original source unclear. This annotated version appeared in the Bradley Stoke Journal.
Page 32 the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists Read this newsletter on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk Mar 2018 The new road is referred to as the Stoke Gifford by-pass, in that it is another route to avoid the congestion at the narrow and arched bridge on the route Hatchet Road/ New Road/ Brierly Furlong past the main entrance to Parkway station (left).
Driving the road – starting at the north end The first quarter-mile from Great Stoke roundabout has existed for around 20 years, giving access only to the business park, new housing and the back entrance to Parkway railway station car park. Until now, it has looked ‘over-provided’ for the purpose – actually, part of an abandoned previous road scheme. Although an open dual carriageway, a 30mph limit applies.
At the pre-existing Parkway North roundabout at the south end of this dual carriageway (marked ‘A’ on the map), you now have the option to go straight ahead. The new road (pictured here) is only a single- carriageway clearway with a bus lane each side (although strangely not continuous) and a footpath/cycleway (again, not continuous, and part independent, part shared). The speed limit is 40mph for this quarter-mile stretch’ which crosses the railway on a new bridge to reach traffic lights and a 30 limit at a ‘road level crossing’ with Hambrook Lane (left).
[ All photos in this piece are by the Editor ] the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists Page 33 Mar 2018 Read this newsletter on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk The ‘road level crossing’ is an unusual feature. For all traffic, on each of the 4 approaches, it is “straight ahead only”. Does anyone know of another?
The speed limit remains at 30mph for the final half-mile stretch, with the initial roundel sign only – no repeaters, as it has street lighting. Driving at 30mph, I had flashing headlights behind, then a car overtook me on the right, as another overtook in the bus lane on the left! The road crosses a surprisingly large bridge over the small Ham Brook (below), to a traffic light junction giving access to the new ‘Highbrook Park’ housing estate.
above: The southern section of the road with the bridge over Ham Brook. But why the strange layout? Quote from the blurb: “The road will also provide a vital link between new housing developments in nearby Harry Stoke, and local employment opportunities and services”. With no other access to c.1200 of those houses, is this unexplained “bulge” the site of a future roundabout or traffic lights? I had to wait ages for a vehicle to appear to add interest to the photo - then 3 came at once. Page 34 the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists Read this newsletter on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk Mar 2018
The road then ends at a seemingly poorly-engineered traffic light T-junction with the Ring Road. You approach this on a downhill left curve. Although most traffic is predicted to turn left, the turn is awkward; the lanes for turning left are on a “slip road” arrangement, the far side of a green bicycle lane which turns into a red-surfaced, left-hand, right-turn, bus lane. The poor signing (only one sign), and the required very sharp deviation that is needed, catch-out a lot of drivers, who swerve left at the last moment (like this truck- driver, left) who then find themselves swinging-out wide on the sharp left turn to join the Ring Road. The whole road seems very short of the usual signage.
When your Editor walked the length mid-afternoon at the end of February (to get the photos), the traffic was extremely light. There were never more than 4 cars in view on the whole ¾ mile section and often none at all. Some ‘Griffiths’ contract men were even doing some tidy-up roadworks with no cones or signage put out, with no trouble at all. It seemed like a quiet Sunday afternoon walk in 1950. A “road to nowhere”. One of my work colleagues from UWE told me she had “breezed through” in that morning’s rush-hour, there being “no traffic” until turning onto the A4174.
Presumably it will get busier as residents/commuters get to know about it. And as for a Metrobus vehicle – one may be along in the Summer . . . . the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists Page 35 Mar 2018 Read this newsletter on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk They’re Getting Bigger! Three types of vehicle are getting bigger – here is a summary.
LONGER ARTICULATED SEMI-TRAILER TRIAL Your Editor has not seen one of these for ages – but recently saw three in a few minutes on the short stretch of M48/M4 between Aust Services and Almondsbury – in the liveries of Howard Tenens, Argos and Royal Mail.
The Department for Transport (DfT) began a trial of longer semi-trailers for articulated goods vehicles in early 2012, to see if the anticipated environmental, economic and safety benefits (due to fewer journeys) materialise without detrimental effect.
Initially, licences for 1,800 units over ten years were issued, but after a slow start due to the need for depot and loading-bay alterations, all were taken up and the DfT has extended the trial to 2,800 units over 15 years.
‘LSTs’ are either 1.0 metre or 2.05 metres (the latter being far more favoured) longer than standard (14.60m or 15.65m instead of 13.60m). They can only be used in Great Britain, although a permit can be obtained for use in Northern Ireland. They do not comply with EU standards so cannot be used in mainland Europe. The trailers must operate within the UK’s existing domestic weight limit (44 tonnes for vehicles of 6 axles) and all are rated at 44 tonnes on 3 axles. They must also pass the turning circle test applied to the existing 13.6m trailers. To achieve this, LSTs usually have one or more steering rear axles, but the rear may still kick-out on bends a little more than usual. The axles may be spaced-out evenly or in a combination of 2 close and one further back (as in photo above).
By making the trailer two metres longer, two more rows of pallets or three rows of goods cages can be carried on each journey compared with existing trailers, meaning fully-loaded LSTs can move light, bulky goods using fewer journeys, reducing emissions, congestion and collision risk associated with an HGV journey. This differs from other approaches to freight carbon reduction, such as increasing engine efficiency or electric vehicles, in being available without the need for further significant technological and infrastructure development. Participation in the trial is on a voluntary basis. The DfT can’t guarantee that the longer semi-trailers will continue to be permitted beyond the end of the trial period, which is why it is 15 years, to help enable participants to recover the costs of their investment.
Page 36 the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists Read this newsletter on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk Mar 2018 All units should be on the road by mid-2018, with over 150 operators taking part, all of which need a vehicle special order (VSO) and must submit a detailed set of data on every journey their LSTs make, showing the start and end location and time, the nature of the journey and goods, and most importantly, how much of the available deck space was used. This is a key measure since it is only by using the extra trailer length that journeys will be saved. Detail of all incidents (resulting in injury, damage or disruption) must also be logged. Drivers are being specially trained before using the longer vehicles. Data is now held on well over 3 million LST journeys, and initial results look favourable on all measures.
left: The first 15.65m LST to operate on British roads in early 2012 was operated by Eddie Stobart.
below: One or two (as here) steering axles give the same turning circle as a standard trailer – but beware of rear kick-out.
photos: ESL Eddie Stobart and (previous page) Don-Bur Trailers
SERVICE BUSES Buses are getting longer, up to the limits allowed. We are used to coaches at the longer permitted lengths. But these usually keep on main routes, and moving. Many new stage-service buses are longer, both single and double-deckers, due to replacing seating lost to “disabled” provision, and/or to retain seating with extra space taken-up by electric or gas ‘alternative fuel’ equipment. These longer buses can catch you out when passing them at a bus-stop, or when you are alongside them on roundabouts.
No suitable photos of a longer normal ‘local bus’ are available to reproduce so we will use as an example the Stagecoach South West Falcon. This is a new 24/7 service which started in February 2016, connecting Plymouth and Bristol City Centre. the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists Page 37 Mar 2018 Read this newsletter on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk
photo: Stagecoach SW Falcon
Of interest is that it is a rare ‘Hybrid’ service – no, not the vehicle, but the type of service. It operates as a coach between Plymouth and Bristol (and major intermediate stops) but is also licensed as a bus service on the Exeter - Cullompton, and the Churchill - Airport - Bristol City Centre sections. To encourage use, it is ‘turn up and go’, with tickets bought from the driver in cash. A few tickets are pre-bookable via Megabus, with reduced fares. Concessionary passes can be used on the ‘bus’ sections.
They are commonly encountered on the route, as the 8 vehicles operate 24/7 and have a distinctive livery. Again, watch stops and roundabouts.
photo: PlymothianTransit
MORE ON BUSES – ‘PLUGS’ and FIRST ‘M-TICKETS’ Be careful when behind any First Bristol bus at a bus-stop. Consider carefully whether you should try to pass it. Many bus-stop laybys have been removed, and the bus now stops in the traffic lane, sometimes even at a built-out kerb. This arrangement is often in an inconvenient place, to make passing difficult – known as a ‘plug’ – so that the bus has a clear run when it re-starts. Also, dwell-time at stops is reduced markedly if boarding riders use the M-Ticket on their Smartphone. It’s quicker than a card reader. So the bus could pull away much sooner than you think it will. Page 38 the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists Read this newsletter on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk Mar 2018 AMBULANCES
You may notice that ambulances are a bit ‘less nimble’ in traffic nowadays. That’s because they are a lot heavier – to cater for an increasing proportion of obese patients and a greater frequency of them needing hospital treatment. It’s estimated that a third of the population will be ‘obese’ by 2020. Southmead Hospital has just had a new “bariatric patient transport vehicle” to transport obese patients around the hospital and to take them home on upon discharge.
Regarding emergency ambulances, since 2015, all emergency ambulances in the South West are now 5 tonne gross weight, and the actual weight operating in service is very close to that limit. These ambulances can carry a patient up to 50 stone. Heavier gurneys (stretchers), stronger tail-lifts, heavy lifting equipment etc. adds to the weight. The interiors have been redesigned to give more floor space with slimmer storage cupboards. photos below: The Editor – taken recently in Soundwell and Kingswood.
In the 1990s, ambulances were 3.5 tonne gross, with an average patient weight of 12-14 stone. A stretcher capacity of 20 stone was adequate. Upgrades to 30 stone followed, but the need to hire special units to deal with even heavier patients increased so much, that by 2010 many ambulance services were thinking of buying big vehicles of their own. South Central had one of the first “Bariatric” ambulances, on a 6.5 tonne Iveco chassis, with up to a 70 stone single-patient capacity (pictured here). photo: South Central Ambulance Service
A 6.5 tonne vehicle can act as a stand-alone unit, and can carry extra equipment and up to 4 extra staff needed to handle the obese patient. In most cases today, the 5 tonne vehicle is usually sufficient, extra equipment and staff (if needed) travelling in a separate vehicle. the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists Page 39 Mar 2018 Read this newsletter on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk Know someone who could be a better driver?
Word-of-Mouth is the best publicity – so tell people about the IAM RoadSmart Advanced Driver Course – it makes your driving more confident, safer, and more enjoyable.
The course is bought as a complete package for £149, including one year’s membership, the syllabus workbook and of course the Advanced Driver Test.
A six-month commitment is usually needed, with ideally one drive per week.
We make better drivers and riders Age and gender are no barriers. Beth (pictured left) was just 18 when she passed, whilst Doris was 80.
The in-car driver guidance and the supporting seminars are provided by our volunteer, accredited, Observers.
In Bristol we run four courses a year, starting on the first dates detailed below.
Young Drivers aged 17-24, if they reside, work or undertake full-time education in Bristol City or South Glos, could have the fee refunded upon passing the Test, courtesy of support from the Police Community Trust and South Glos. Council Road Safety respectively.
Course Start Dates and Seminar Sessions (PRE-BOOKING ESSENTIAL) APRIL 2018 Wednesdays. Apr 18th, then Apr 25th, Jun 06th. JULY 2018 Wednesdays. Jul 11th, then Jul 18th, Aug 29th. OCTOBER 2018 Wednesdays. Oct 17th, then Oct 24th, Dec 05th. JANUARY 2019 Wednesdays. Dates yet to be arranged.
For details of how to buy, and what it involves, please contact: [email protected] or 0117 969 1746
Advanced Driver Refresher Course: Cost: £39
Bristol Group offers our existing Members the chance to refresh, alongside an IAM RoadSmart Advanced Driver course. For just £39, you cover the current course syllabus - 3 seminars, 6 observed on-road drives and, at the end, a completion certificate. Refresh on basic skills and update to the new IAM RoadSmart standard that has recently been introduced. call: 0117 256 5555 or visit: [email protected]
Page 40 the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists Read this newsletter on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk Mar 2018 web-EXTRA 1 - The Cover of the hard copy version
The LINK is primarily distributed as a hard-copy A5-size paper version. The current cover continues the tradition first started in about 1971 of having an image of Bristol’s iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge. The back has a brief text about the Group, for the benefit of non-Members, and a QR code which directs suitable devices to our website.
Cover photo by photographer: Body pages printed and collated by: www.TonyGilbert.co.uk
Cover printed by:
Print & Stationery Management Co Ltd
Emersons Green, BRISTOL BS16 7FG Parish Magazine Printing, Devon www.prism-ltd.co.uk www.communitymagazineprinting.co.uk web-EXTRA 2 – More Associates Needed
Members – please act as recruiting salesmen for the Bristol Group, our Advanced Driver Courses, and our Young Driver Refund Scheme.
For information about the IAM RoadSmart Advanced Driver Course: [email protected] 0117 256 5555 or 0117 969 1746
Members, new and old: “Can you be an Observer for the Group?”
We have sufficient Observers at the moment – but that may change. The first step is to complete the Further Advanced Driving course – cost £39 (which is refunded once you qualify as an Observer). A course is being run in May 2018.
Further information from:
[email protected] or 0117 256 5555 the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists Page 41