Winter 2018 / 19 Read this on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk

Contents page Welcome 1 Notice of Annual General Meeting 2 Notice of Availability of Annual Report 2 Renewal Time – Have You Renewed yet? 3 Introduce a new Associate: receive a £10 bonus 4 Funding for Young Drivers / Your Data 4 AGM Alert – Chairman and Editor required 5 Are YOU signed-up to Gift Aid? 5 Masters Members 6 Attend our Monthly Meetings 7 Fellow Members 7 Recent “new IAM Full Members” 8 From the Editor 9 From the Chair / Group News - various items 10 Group Membership Numbers 18 Want to Advance on Two Wheels? 18 Three-in-a-Car Dates for 2019 / Club Sundays 2019 19 Our Group Meetings / Spring Driving Day / Our Venue 20 Calendar - DIARY DATES 21 CONTACT US: Who does What in the Group 22 IAM RoadSmart HQ News – A New Examiner 23 Membership by Portfolio / Group Sign-off 25 Club Sunday / Skittles Social 26 Car Insurance – could this be why it is going up in price? 27 Observation? What Observation? A scheduled Monument 30 Flashback to 1979 and Stirling Moss 32 Car Tennis Game 33 #JogOn - Make no Comments 34 Change your Number Plates? 38 Bristol Group on ‘Social’ 39 IAM RoadSmart Advanced Driver Course / Course Dates / Refresher Course 40 Associates and Observers needed inside back cover

All content compiled by the Editor unless otherwise credited.

Contributors this issue:

Geoff Bevan, Ralph Colmar, Martin Evans, Pete Goodman, Mary Hart, Paul Hunt, Richard Olpin, Clare Reeves, and Member ‘X’.

Thank-you also to all who assisted with research, especially: Shaun Cronin at IAMRS, Neill Bayliss, Dawn Crane, Ian McNeill, Friend ‘Y’.

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.

the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists Circulation 561 as hard copy or electronic no: 295 WINTER 2018/19 2017 zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz The Newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists

a Local Group affiliated to the Institute of Advanced Motorists part of the IAM RoadSmart family

Registered Charity No 289807 Run entirely by volunteers Group no: 1009

IAM RoadSmart Group Newsletter of the Year 2016

Welcome Readers,

Bristol Advanced Motorists is one of the longest-established and most successful local Groups within the Institute of Advanced Motorists organisation (which now goes under the trading name, IAM Roadsmart).

So welcome to this issue of the Newsletter of Bristol’s ‘local affiliate’ IAM RoadSmart support Group. It is primarily about our club – containing a Diary of Events, Group News, etc., plus some pieces on ‘driving’ items.

You should have received this issue before Christmas but it has been delayed by the Editor’s work and personal commitments. Apologies for that, and a belated Season’s Greetings and Happy New Year to you all, from the Editor and Committee.

Readers - Let's Connect. Do you have something you want to include in a future LINK ? Please send your stuff to Editor Paul. See his email, phone and postal contact details below. A full page is about 350 words – less with a photo. [ Photos welcome – but they must be your originals. ] Please get in touch now !

Editor: Paul Hunt [email protected] 0117 960 8494 21 De Verose Court Hanham BRISTOL BS15 3SW COPY DEADLINE for the next issue: No set date: send stuff as soon as you can!

Word documents and jpeg images (high resolution) 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 and cover 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.

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

Winter 2018 / 19 Read this on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk Notice of Annual General Meeting

Notice is hereby given by order of the Group Executive Committee that the 61st Annual General Meeting of BRISTOL ADVANCED MOTORISTS will be held on Tuesday 23rd April 2019, 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 2018 for approval by the Group Members, and to conduct an election.

Secretary: Martin Evans 22 Highfields Close, Stoke Gifford, BRISTOL BS34 8YB Tuesday 12th 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 24th April 2018 (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 formal business there will be a light buffet, followed by a talk by: Mike Quinton – IAM RoadSmart Chief Executive Officer

Notice of Availability of the Annual Report This notice is given by the Group in relation to the AGM detailed above.

Hard copies of the Annual Report are no longer mailed-out to Members, but 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.

In the weeks prior to the AGM, the Annual Report and Accounts will be placed on the Group website www.iam-bristol.org.uk to view or download. A hard copy will be available from the Group Secretary on specific request.

Page 2 the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists Read this on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk Winter 2018 / 19 Renewal Time HAVE YOU RENEWED YET ? IF NOT, TAKE THIS AS A REMINDER , AND RENEW NOW!

Group Subscriptions are due January 1st each year. The fee is £20. Membership of the Group is separate from your national IAM Membership, so two separate fees are payable. Confused? Sorry, that’s the way it is.

All those (49) who passed their test (known as Upgraders) in the year up to October 31st 2018 have been sent a Renewal Invitation.

All existing “Annual Decision” Members have been sent a Renewal Invitation too, as usual.

This year the Group has also had to send a Renewal Invitation to all Standing Order payers – not asking for extra payment, but because it’s an IAM RoadSmart requirement under GDPR to provide every Member annually with a copy of the Membership Contract Statement, which offers options to opt-out of publicity, communication, or both. [ We do not expect many Members to do so – although one or two strangely already have done so. ]

Pay by Cash, Cheque, Internet/Phone Banking, or over the website by BT MyDonate. Better still, pay by setting-up an Annual Standing Order. Bank details are on the Renewal Form, or ask Treasurer Marcus. Tell him, for his records, if you have set-up any kind of Standing Order, as it is not distinguishable from a ‘Single Payment’ on the Bank Statement.

To be a Group Member, the Group Rules require you also to be a paid-up Member of the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM). If you have resigned from the national IAM, you can still support Bristol Group and receive the Newsletter by making an annual Donation as a “Donator”. The annual Donation is £20, just like a Member. Contact Treasurer Marcus for details.

Your continued support of the Group is really appreciated by the Committee. We try to provide the traditional ‘club’ and ‘support group’ for Members. Our Monthly Meetings are free to attend, and open to friends, Associates and the public too, all at no cost, under Charity rules. We also have Events (driving and social) such as the regular Club Sunday, and the peer assisted learning (PAL) ‘Three-in-a-Car’ driving events.

Nowadays the main activity of the Group appears to be Associate Training courses, even moreso now that IAM HQ has taken control of the courses and the Group provides the practical guidance as a sub-contractor.

But there is more to the Group than Associate courses, so stay a Member - and importantly keep in touch rather than being an armchair supporter.

Associates: You may not realise, but the Advanced Driving Course gives you membership of the Group – so take part in all our Meetings and Activities – we’d love to see you! the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists Page 3 Winter 2018 / 19 Read this on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk 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 a £10 bonus. Trial period only. Terms & Conditions apply.

Terms and Conditions - (updated 01 Sept 2017): The referrer must be a current Bristol Group Member or Associate.

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 not accepted.

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 / 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

Note that this offer is NOT available to ALL Young Drivers –

If you live, work or in full-time education in either the South Gloucestershire or the Bristol City Council areas, and are Under 25 when you “pass the Advanced Driver Test”, 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, respectively.

Eligibility MUST be confirmed with the Associates Administrator at the start of the course.

For further information on either scheme, call: 0117 256 5555

Your Data The Group complies with the latest data protection rules, both on a general level and as specifically instructed by IAM RoadSmart.

● We are Bristol Advanced Motorists, and you are reading our newsletter.

● If you are a Member, Friend, or Associate of the Group, your relationship with us is by a Membership Contract, of which you are made aware upon initial joining and upon renewing annually.

● You have control over your data, although, as a paid-up member, it is unlikely that you will want us to delete you from records, or stop communicating with you.

● We collect data from Membership applications, you giving it to us directly, or through new Associate data received from IAM RS HQ. We only use it, in line with GDPR, for administering your membership and sending you communications, such as this.

● We do not share your data with anyone, excepting IAM RoadSmart.

● For further details, see our Privacy Policy on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk or contact our Data Manager Andy (see page 22).

Page 4 the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists Read this on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk Winter 2018 / 19 AGM Alert – Help Needed Group Chairman and Editor still required

We need a Chairman for election at the AGM in April, when Andy stands down. Only one enquiry of “mild interest” has been received so far.

We have had no response about the role of Newsletter Editor, which will become vacant at the end of July when Paul plans to leave.

Get those applications in now. Without a Chairman - the Group will fold. Without an Editor - no newsletter.

Speak to the current post-holders or contact Secretary Martin. The existing post-holders can explain personally what is involved – and proper written job descriptions are available. The IAM has said it is to organise regional “training events” on how to be Chairman / Secretary / Treasurer, in the same way that the WI runs local, annual, familiarisation ‘seminars’. But we have not yet heard details.

Even if you don’t want to take a post now, think about standing next year. It is good policy to have people shadowing real committee posts so they can take over in a planned way. Contact Secretary Martin to discuss it. Committee Members can’t stay in post for ever and a turnover of fresh talent is need to keep the Group going as a viable concern. Many of our Committee have been in-post for some time. A few years ago Bristol Group had a relatively young committee, but the age profile has now risen.

The Group is always on the look-out for Helpers in all types of activity, such as administration and all types of Publicity. Contact Secretary Martin.

Gift Aid Because the Group is a Charity, your Member fee is treated as a donation. Your £20, for example, can attract another 25% - £5 - from the Government at no cost to you. Just sign the official Gift Aid Declaration and the Group will do the admin and increase the value of your subscription by and reclaim that £5 at no cost to yourself. 25%

You must of course be a UK taxpayer paying, in the tax year, Income Tax or Capital Gains Tax at least equal to that which all organisations reclaim Gift Aid against your name. To join, contact Treasurer Marcus. the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists Page 5 Winter 2018 / 19 Read this on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk

Masters Members [ Ralph Colmar & Editor ]

Ralph says, “Paul, I could not have imagined getting involved with the IAM myself when I introduced my Mum to the IAM five years ago.

“After she passed, I reluctantly signed up myself to please her.

“When my Observer, Martin Baker, mentioned during my sessions that there was higher-level ‘Masters’ test, I knew that I would be less than satisfied simply by passing the Advanced Driver Test. And yes, after my initial Test success I went on.

“Thanks to Martin Baker, Martin Evans, Pete Goodman and indeed everyone else at the Bristol IAM Group, I passed my Masters a couple of weeks ago with Regional Service Delivery Team Manager (Southern) Shaun Cronin, as my Examiner.”

above: Ralph Colmar (left) at the end of his successful Masters Test with Examiner Shaun Cronin, Regional Service Delivery Team Manager (Southern).

Note: A standard IAM pass is sufficient to be a Full Member of the Institute. Any currently paid-up Full Member of the Institute can apply to become a Full Member of a local Group, such as Bristol Advanced Motorists. The actual Membership status has no effect on Group Membership.

A number of Members in the Bristol Group, including many Observers, have taken and passed IAM Masters, which status is maintained by re-test every 5 years. It is said that Masters is “the highest civilian driver qualification”.

Masters, and indeed Fellow and F1RST, are all optional, designed to retain IAM Members by increasing their interest in, and commitment to, advanced driving standards, and to raise income towards Institute funds.

Page 6 the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists Read this on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk Winter 2018 / 19

Attend our Monthly Meetings [ Committee & Editor ] It has been said that the Group does not have 300 Members – but rather, “300 people who pay their subs”. So, please come along to our Monthly Meetings – and our practical driving meets too.

Associates are very welcome too, but very few attend. You are a member of the Group, and welcome to attend. You are also very welcome to our practical Club Sunday and ‘Three-in-a-Car” driving meets, which will, importantly, give you help towards attaining ‘Advanced Driver’ Test standard.

Fellow Members [ Editor & Clare Reeves ]

In the September issue we mentioned that a Group Member had taken a re-test and re-qualified as a Fellow Member.

The new ‘Fellow’ membership tier launched in January 2017. Fellows agree to take an IAM re-test every 3 years, and pay an increased annual HQ subs of £49, which includes the cost of the re-test. The idea is to keep advanced driver skills up-to-date.

Apparently HQ will give ‘enhanced benefits’ and recognition for the Fellow Member, there will no upper age limit for Insurance, with free legal help, free breakdown cover, a ‘Fellow Register’ and badge, and ‘priority status’ for events and activities, whatever that may mean.

At the Group level, there is no difference. We point out that a Member choosing Fellow grade rather than being an ordinary Member of the Institute is a matter of personal choice, and does not involve the Group.

We understand that just one longstanding Member (from our total of 281) has taken a re-test and ‘converted’ from ordinary Member to Fellow. And two lapsed Group members, now national only, have also done so.

Of our 49 Associates who “passed the Test” in 2018, 1 has opted for Fellow. Of the 54 who “passed the Test” in 2017, 4 opted for Fellow. 1 other from the same period also opted for Fellow but has since lapsed from the Group. [ We understand these figures from the IAM’s DTE database, but we cannot publish the names involved. ]

Congratulations to these people for opting for a 3-yearly ‘standards check’, to keep their Advanced Driver skills up-to-date. Will YOU do it at renewal?

PREPARING FOR THE FELLOW RE-TEST Bristol Group has no special ‘guidance’ in place for those approaching their 3-yearly Fellow re-test. We suggest you make use of our free ‘3-in-a-Car’ peer-assisted learning (PAL) driver-update sessions, maybe arrange to attend our Associate seminars, or enrol on a Group ‘Refresher’ course.

the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists Page 7 Winter 2018 / 19 Read this on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk Recent new IAM Full Members [ Clare Reeves & Editor ] Congratulations to the Bristol Group Associates who have recently been successful in the IAM RoadSmart Advanced Driver course and who have “gained IAM Full Membership”.

Thanks also to their respective Observers, for helping, guiding and assisting them to achieve the Advanced Driver standard.

We hope that all Associates who have become Full Members over the last year will renew, both with the Institute and with the Bristol Group, to continue your commitment to Advanced Driving and support your local Group as we continue to guide more Associates.

above: New Full Member Gill Smith (right) on the occasion of being presented with her Advanced Driver Certificate by her Observer, Mary Hart – at a recent Bristol Group Monthly Meeting.

Advanced Driver Qualification Certificates are posted by the Institute direct to successful Associates.

Why not bring your Certificate to a Monthly Meeting or Associate Seminar, for a presentation and photo, as did Gill (above) ?

Presentation photos are relatively rare. 49 Associates “passed the Test” and gained Full IAM Membership in 2018 – but only one of the last 11 successful Associates has come forward to step up to the podium for a presentation and photo. This batch completes the successes of the 2018 year to the end of October. Page 8 the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists Read this on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk Winter 2018 / 19

SUCCESSFUL ASSOCIATE OBSERVER

JENNIFER EGAN GARY NUNN

DAVID GREENAWAY JERRY GANN / MARCUS VENN

RICHARD HERBERT PETE GOODMAN

ANKIT MATHUR RICHARD PARSONS

GEORGE MONTGOMERY MARLENE BAKER

COLIN PATES MAC McGARRY

AMY ROBINSON MALCOLM COLES

NORMAN ROUSE MARTIN BAKER

KATHLEEN RUSSELL DAVE PENGELLY

WILLIAM SAUNDERS RALPH COLMAR

GILL SMITH MARY HART

JOHN UNDERHILL BOB HAWKSLEY

RICHARD WHITTAKER MAC McGARRY

From the Editor

I said I intended to resign – not now, but at the end of July.

But deliveries via my email and postman have dried-up, and I am very short of contributions from Committee, Observers, and YOU, the Members. Please send your stuff to Editor Paul, NOW. Don’t worry about a copy deadline, just send it. Email, phone and postal contacts – see page 1.

A full page of text is about 350 words – less with a photo, of course. Photos are very welcome – but they must be your originals.

Fully prepared text is preferable – but if you are not a writer, don’t worry. If it’s interesting stuff, just send notes and the Editor will prepare it.

Word documents and jpeg images are preferred - but also straightforward to deal with are Rich Text, Notepad, and Open Document Format freeware. Also handwritten – and real photo prints too.

Please avoid tables in your text – hidden ones are tricky to get rid of – and Mac users - please don’t send Apple .pages files. Please first Export such files to Word format (.doc or .docx), or use Mail > Share > Word to export your .pages file to Word and include it in your email directly.

the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists Page 9 Winter 2018 / 19 Read this on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk From the Chair

As this LINK issue was prepared for printing, no statements were to hand from either Chairman Andy Cole nor Vice Chairman Jerry Gann (photos here, right, and far right, respectively).

Group News Your Editor does not receive many reports nowadays either directly from Committee Members nor from Helpers, so the items reported in this section are from notes made at Committee Meetings and Observer Evenings held at BAWA, and from other discussions.

Official minutes of Committee and Observer Meetings are available on the Group website www.iam-bristol.org.uk

SPRING FORUM REGIONAL MEETING Shaun Cronin, IAM RoadSmart Service Delivery Manager responsible for our Southwest area, will give an update on IAM RoadSmart matters at the meeting to be held at Haynes Museum, Sparkford, on Saturday 30 March. The Group delegates attending will relay that presentation to committees shortly afterwards and a report will follow here when available.

News output from Welwyn Garden City HQ has been very quiet over the last year since new CEO Mike Quinton took charge. Mike is the booked speaker for our AGM in April, so come along to hear what he has to say.

VISIT TO WELWYN HQ The proposed committee visit to the Welwyn Garden City offices, to see how things are run, has been postponed until Spring. Report later.

NEW COVER FOR THE LINK The old bulk supply of covers originally printed by PRISM, Doug Lodge’s firm, has become exhausted. You may have noticed a slight change . . . .

As we now have the newsletter printed by an outside firm, PMP of Devon, it has been decided to entrust printing of the cover to them also, as it is more convenient for their processes. The cost is broadly similar to getting the covers printed separately. The design has been slightly altered with updated wording and inclusion of the ‘IAM RoadSmart provider’ logo instead of the traditional IAM roundel. A few minor improvements are yet to be made, for printing and appearance reasons, over the next couple of issues.

Page 10 the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists Read this on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk Winter 2018 / 19 WHEELS SKILLS & THRILLS (Young Driver Social Marketing Project Mk2) There is no official report available on progress. Maybe next issue.

The project in being run in collaboration with TRL / UWE / UCL and Loughborough University, the candidates being 17 – 25 year-olds specifically from deprived postcode areas. This is a larger project than the first one conducted some years ago, and has attracted major funding from Speed Awareness Courses and from the Department for Transport.

The base location is at Hengrove, running from 2018 on to Spring 2019 (although this has now been extended due to operational difficulties). The on-road coaching sessions cover the usual advanced driving topics, Concentration, Anticipation and Planning, Positioning, Cornering, with a ‘Putting it all Together’ session and also a Night Drive. Sessions are put-over in an adapted style. A large part of the project concerns data collected from ‘black box’ recorders.

The project is progressing well, but is on hold until May for various reasons. One reason is that the in-car tracking equipment has gathered an excess of data, but imbalanced, for example there is not enough comparing actual speed and posted speed limit – and the UWE partners doing the analysis are involved in other project work at the moment.

The involvement in WST reduces the availability of the Group’s Observers for normal activity, and 6 more will be involved in phase 2. However, the WST project brings cash in to the Group and will hopefully result in new Associates and useful publicity for the Group.

A recent WST meeting was held at the Transport Research Laboratory (TRL) at Crowthorne. Nothing to report, but of interest, TRL has sold its facilities and now works from an office, commissioning other companies to do work for them. Maybe a possible subject for a future Monthly Meeting?

NEW FAD COURSE Some Observers have limited time available and can only take one Associate per year, for example, so you can see that with 80 Associates and other activities, our 38 Observers can be stretched.

The Group is holding two Further Advanced Driving (FAD) courses in 2019. This is a pre-requisite for anyone wishing to become an Observer, concentrating on System and Commentary and using the Police RoadCraft as a text, to bring your own driving up to a really good level. (Or, take the course as self-improvement only.) Six people have already enrolled.

Courses consist of classroom sessions at BAWA, and on-road practical sessions. The class sessions are being held on May 01, 08, 15 and 22, and for the second course on September 05,,12, 19 and 26. The on-road sessions are at mutually convenient times.

Interested? Enquire of Training Officer Mac (see page 22 ).

the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists Page 11 Winter 2018 / 19 Read this on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT The Group organises practical driving sessions for Observers, concentrating on certain techniques, mainly in the light of ‘failure’ issues. The latest sessions have concentrated on Cornering, which seems to be a weak point.

Observers also benefit from guidance put-over at the twice-yearly Observer Meetings that the Group holds.

Firstly, for example, at the last one Examiner Andy Poulton gave a presentation on some of the points that Observers and Associates regularly question, and which result in low grading on Test - and even failure. Topics including Signalling; Lane Discipline; Parking Brakes; and many more.

Also, a presentation on Positive Feedback was given by Observer Richard Olpin, explaining the benefits of an approach to Coaching with the emphasis on giving Positive comments rather than Negative comments. Richard said, “The Associate will be inspired, not discouraged. Just one negative comment can outweigh a number of positive comments.”

ASSOCIATE LOGBOOK COMPETENCY SHEET With the move to the new Course Logbook in the “NVQ competency Record” style, Associates are supposed to ‘take ownership’ of their logbook and learning. Bristol Group asks Associates to complete the relevant ‘progress sheets’ themselves, then get them checked by their Observer at each observed drive to ensure there is agreement about development.

THE ‘NO TEST’ OPTION Associates can opt at the outset for the No Test option, properly known as the Portfolio method, or Group Sign-off. (see piece elsewhere)

Since the original one candidate, there have been no more takers, although it is described in the Bristol Group’s ‘Welcome Document’. Many people do not read paperwork, however . . . . Maybe more will take it up when it is available across all Groups and offered up-front by Welwyn at point of sale.

NOT READING PAPERWORK Any training course has some paperwork associated with it. The Associates who do not attend any seminars have their course pack posted to them including their Declaration Form, which must be completed and returned by email – or even in the postal mail - but many don’t.

The Associates Administrator has tried to get all such forms returned in advance but it doesn’t work. Underlying general reasons include users not reading attachments, a lack of IT knowledge, reading emails on a Smartphone, or even no printer available (and 25% of home printers have no ink in them).

So, there’s no alternative to dealing with the paperwork on the night, which can take some time with 30 Associates.

Page 12 the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists Read this on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk Winter 2018 / 19 NEW SEMINAR PRESENTATIONS The Group’s January 2019 IAM RoadSmart Advanced Driver Course was the first to use the newly revised presentations, which are being prepared by Mac McGarry with video assistance from Richard Olpin. Further ‘improvement tweeks’ will follow.

One Associate commented that the presentation was “very worthwhile”. Of course, he could not compare it with the previous – not having seen it - but approval is encouraging, suggesting we are going down the right track.

ASSOCIATES There were 28 Associates on the October course and 30 booked on the January course, including 9 from the September Public Assessment Day. Overall, we have 80 active Associates, or about 3 per Observer. There are already 12 booked on the April course and 4 on the July course.

In 2018, there were 63 tests (provisional) compared with 49 in 2017. Encouraging is that 21% of those were taken by young drivers under 25.

Fails have increased to 18% (4% in 2017). Chief Observer Geoff analyses all results (stats are anonymised) and has notified Observers of the reasons for fails, 70% of which relate to basic items of safety and legality, speed limits and ‘speed and distance’ judgement, for example pulling out in front of other road users, etc. This is a pattern across all Associates, with no ‘bad Observer’ pattern at all. Geoff is to check with other Groups to see if the failure rate and reasons are specific to Bristol, or a general trend.

Whilst we emphasise success, we still have the situation (as do all Groups) of many Associates dropping-out and not taking the Test. Over the last two years, 49 (31%) of our Associates have dropped-out at some stage, either at the start or after hanging-on for 12 months without reaching the test standard (better than the reported national average of c. 50%). Why these situations happen is a concern, as an Advanced Driving course should not be difficult, as it’s not a totally new skill, just enhancing an existing one.

[ I have been asked why we have not listed names of recent Associates. Associates have the right to opt-out; some have done so. We have to check the data forms to exclude those names, which has not yet been done – Ed. ]

SAFEGUARDING No policy is stated in the IAM RoadSmart Handbook, nor in Group Rules. Our Local Authority tells us that every Club operating should have a written Policy covering Children and Vulnerable Adults. Bristol Group has an interim policy for 17-year-old Associates, placing them only with Observers who have a DBS certificate, and suggesting a parent or guardian ‘rides-along’.

One of our Observers has experience of DBS and will try to prepare a simple policy for the Group.

Sometimes, an Observer will become aware of a ‘Special Needs’ situation - not always known in advance – and the Group tries to deal with these. the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists Page 13 Winter 2018 / 19 Read this on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk NON-UK DRIVING LICENCES We have had a few instances recently with Associates who have an EU, or a non-EU, licence and not a UK one. Our approach is, “Is it valid in the UK at the time of course enrolment and will it still be so at the time of Test, in line with information on the government website?”.

Very basically, EU and EEA licence holders ‘visiting’ the UK can continue to drive on valid EU and EEA licences. If they become resident, they must exchange the licence for a UK one within 3 years after becoming resident. Those who originally passed their test outside of the EU or EEA may need to take a test to obtain a UK licence. After Deal or No-Deal Brexit, these rules are not expected to change, says the DfT, but they may do.

Doubtless, clarification from the DfT and IAM will follow.

WEBSITE Bristol’s website is good – maybe it is the best IAM Group website – and it is checked / updated almost every day, unlike most others.

Associates from other Groups access our website and resources, especially the ‘Associate’s Guide’ documents. ( take a look yourself )

To make it GDPR compliant, Geoff has updated the Cookies Policy, and has added a footer linking to the Group’s Privacy Policy.

The Photo Gallery will remain for now. Some of the photos are old, but they have permission, although not under the new GDPR form. Minutes of meetings will also remain. The software for displaying the LINK in the flip-book format has been changed and the pages should appear larger (but for some reason, not on all PCs).

SOCIAL MEDIA (see separate page about this too) Richard Olpin comments that Group social media activity has limited benefits outside the established advanced driving world, as few non-IAM people seem to view it, let alone get involved with it.

He suggested that there should be a new slide in the RSADC ‘seminar one’ about social media, to make new Associates (and Observers) aware of it. [ There has also been a similar suggestion about greater mention of Monthly Meetings at the Associate seminars, for the same reasons – Ed. ]

Richard will send details of anything significant to HQ, for possible inclusion the IAM ‘News’ and newsletter. Please, send him your content for posting.

MOTOR INSURANCE It has been discovered that some car Insurance Policies do not cover Observers’ demo drives, and some may not even cover Associates driving ‘under guidance’. Young Driver Ambassador David Gallagher is looking in to this on a national level and it is hoped HQ will advise Groups if any action is required.

Page 14 the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists Read this on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk Winter 2018 / 19 CARD MACHINE Although £149 is a high amount for an unplanned ‘impulse purchase’ via a vendor out in the field, having the borrowed Region card machine spurred a few people to purchase the Advanced Driver Course at recent publicity events and assessment days.

Having a card machine of our own has been dismissed before, as impractical due to low Group sales (books, etc.), combined with the high costs relative to very low usage, but there have been new suggestions that the Group should now get one of our own for taking Course payments.

There is another issue with that, in that for sales of the AD Course the machine would have to take payment direct to an IAM RoadSmart account, not the Group’s, as courses are sold by IAM RoadSmart and the Group does not handle the money. This would make it impossible to use the machine for other Group-related sales. [ HQ is not willing to pay for a machine. ]

Treasurer Marcus is investigating options and other issues.

DONATIONS The Group is a charity in its own right – and has a number of charity collection boxes available at all meetings and events. Feel free to insert coins or notes to boost Group funds.

CLUB SUNDAY The one held at Nailsworth Garden Centre attracted 12 Members and interesting drives were had on the local roads. Only one Associate attended, which was disappointing because these events are specifically designed for the benefit of new Associates. Pete Goodman is considering locations more central to Bristol for future events.

PUBLICITY – DESK-BASED Sara Waterhouse is now dealing with all internal email ‘MailChimp’ News to Group Members, etc. The MailChimp circulation list needs updating, and each contact needs to be identified as Member, Associate, or whatever. There is concern that there are some unknown names on the list, and we need to know who we are sending to. Sara will liaise directly with Database man Andy Cole, who may need to add a facility to the database to record MailChimp recipients.

Geoff Bevan is now dealing with Publicity shots to our outside publicity contacts. The whole ‘circulation list’ of contacts is being revised, corrected and updated.

The RAC is interested in publishing IAM updates in their literature. A meeting is to be arranged with the RAC to discuss this. the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists Page 15 Winter 2018 / 19 Read this on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk PUBLICITY – IN THE FIELD Bristol Group allocated a budget of £1,000 for Field Publicity expenditure last year, and has attended many events. No report of the later ones is to hand – hopefully in the next issue. We have attended venues including the South Gloucestershire Show, a Marshfield event, a VW Show at Berkeley, and an ‘Over-60s Council Roadshow’ at Yate.

After a discussion, Committee agreed to continue investing in Field Publicity for 2019. Twenty years ago there was some lasting ‘retention in the mind’ from Publicity, but nowadays it has a limited effect and response tends to be ‘instant or nothing’. £149 is a high amount for an unplanned ‘impulse purchase’ via a vendor out in the field, but we did attract 8 new Associates to sign-up at our 2018 events; even so, the £31 income for each does not cover the £1000 expenditure. We have spoken to many people, but will a lasting publicity effect encourage any of these to join us in the future?

There have been a significant number of sign-ups to RSADC following the Public Assessment Days (PADs). Our Desk-based Publicity is increasing the numbers attending the PADs, and attendees are half-expecting to pay- out to join a course. No report has been submitted about the recent days, although it is understood 41 people had their driving assessed at the September event, of whom 18 expressed an interest in signing-up for the Advanced Driver course.

There was a good attendance at the recent presentation at Rolls Royce, especially by young drivers. Although interest was shown, no-one signed up for RSADC, but it may result in some assessed drives. Further publicity is to be placed on the Rolls Royce internal website.

Mac McGarry is doing a presentation to the MX5 Club. 10% discount is being offered if they take the Advanced Driver Course with Bristol Group.

PUBLICITY LEAFLETS We still have in stock some quality publicity leaflets / folders that were produced free of charge by our 4 Local Authorities some years ago. However, the wording, logos and contact information are out-of-date so regrettably we have recycled them.

OBSERVERS There are currently 38 Observers in the corps, organised into 3 teams – named Brunel, Colston and Cabot - for operational purposes. 13 Observers are ‘National’ level with 25 at the ‘Local’ level. A few will shortly be stepping-down. Of interest is that 21 of them have taken the IAM ‘Masters’ test.

The first re-qualifications under the IMI scheme are due soon. This is done not through IMI, but entirely within the Group. Bristol Group has arranged with some neighbouring Groups to collaborate in this, so that re- qualification does not become a meaningless incestuous process.

Page 16 the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists Read this on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk Winter 2018 / 19 SELECTED OBSERVER and ASSOCIATE DATA Chief Observer Geoff compiles various data about our Group’s activity regarding Associates (anonymised of course, so that no data can be related to any name). Some interesting stats for 2018:

Proportion of F1RST (pass with distinction) 40% ( very good ) Failures 15% ( not so good ) Number of Observers producing results 24 ( cf. 38 total ) Number of Examiners (Bristol and surrounds) 4

Test pass ages: compared with last 6 year average under 25 23% ( a rise ) Encouraging to see so 25-34 14% ( the same ) many successes in the 35-44 23% ( a rise ) under-44 range (classed 45-54 16% ( a slight drop ) by some as “Young”. 55-64 7% ( a big drop ) Interesting that it is at the 65-74 12% ( the same ) expense of the 45-64 range Over 75 0% ( a slight drop ) although we still retain a not stated 5% ( a slight rise ) steady over-65 element.

Gender distribution: ( People may question the relevance of this stat, but it is an indication of our appeal to people not of the ‘older male’ tradition of the IAM, and the dominance of males within the current national IAM Full Membership. )

Male 58% ( fallen from 67% ) Female 42% ( risen from 33% ) ( no other identifiers were stated )

Vehicle transmission: Manual 72% ( a fall ) Automatic 28% ( a rise )

This move to automatics is a general trend reported by the motor industry as due to several factors: ▪ partly a push by manufacturers, ▪ partly an increase in ‘auto’ hybrids and ‘one gear’ electrics, ▪ partly by younger drivers’ greater preference for automatics [ younger people see a car as an appliance, and social commentators say that, in the modern world of tech and automation, young people want things as simple as possible without unnecessary complication (such as gears !!) ]. ▪ partly greater congestion in city/town driving, drivers choosing auto to relieve the “strain” of constant gear-changing, and ▪ partly of course an increase in older drivers, some with less-supple leg joints and muscles, seeking an easier time. the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists Page 17 Winter 2018 / 19 Read this on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk Group Membership Numbers [ Paul Hunt ]

Database man Andy and Treasurer Marcus are currently analysing how many Members have renewed and how many Upgraders are joining us as new Full Members for 2019.

In the meantime, here is the data for December 31st 2018.

end 2018 end 2017

● Group Full Members renewed from previous year 248 250 ● Upgraders from 2017/(16) renewed as Full Members 24 19 ● New Group Full Members – joiners from outside 3 4 ● Group Friends, Donators (supporters, ex-IAM Members) 6 5 SUB TOTAL 281 278

● Newly-Upgraded passed Associates (to year-end) 49 54 GRAND TOTAL 330 332

A big thank-you to all who have renewed for 2019 so far. Your subscription means a lot - and will help us continue providing Monthly Meetings and the Newsletter, spreading the messages of Advanced Driving and Road Safety, and running the courses for local Enrolled Associates.

The basis of the Group remains – a club – for advanced driving interest.

Don’t be “someone who pays their subs.” Take part in Group activities. New Attendees will be made most welcome.

Our Meetings, Three-in-a-Car update sessions, and Club Sundays, are free.

The more you put in – the more you get out of it.

We communicate with you – but it’s both ways – let us know you are there, and what you are doing.

You can help the Group – by attending, giving actual help or promoting.

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]

Page 18 the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists Read this on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk Winter 2018 / 19 2019 Three-in-a-Car Dates [ Chief Observer, Editor ]

These are informal, social driving events, to help Members maintain the high standard they achieved on their original Advanced Driver test – and also to offer Associates some extra guidance input before their tests.

March 16 Saturday 10:00am Codrington, Wishing Well Inn May 11 Saturday 10:00am Keynsham, Bath Hill Car Park June 27 Thursday 7:30pm Thornbury Leisure Centre August 03 Saturday 10:00am Codrington, Wishing Well Inn Sept 08 Sunday 10:00am Keynsham, Ashton Way Car Park Oct 05 Saturday 10:00am Easter Compton Farm Shop

You learn by peer-assisted-learning (PAL). You are placed in a group of 3, with (usually) 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.

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.

The events are FREE, 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 events are intended primarily for Bristol Group Members and Associates. But, friends and interested people are welcome to come along, to meet us and see what we are about, and maybe to join us !

Club Sundays – 2019 [ Pete Goodman ] These very informal events run from about 09:00am to whenever you want to go home (usually about 1:00pm). They are intended primarily as an event for Associates, to round-off the seminar sessions, whereby they can come along and have a demonstration drive from an Observer, to see “the whole picture on the box” of an advanced drive over 45 minutes or so.

But they are also for Members, to sit round and chat, to go for a drive, or whatever. Put these dates in your diary. Venues to be announced later, or look on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk

Sunday January 27 th - based Burrington Inn Sunday April 28 th - based Nailsworth Garden Centre Sunday July 21 st Sunday October 27 th the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists Page 19 Winter 2018 / 19 Read this on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk

Our Group Monthly Meetings FOURTH TUESDAY, at BAWA Filton, start 7:30pm PROMPT.

Future dates and speakers are included in the Calendar opposite. Entrance is free. Raffle £1 a ticket and coffee £1 per cup.

Look at our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk for further details.

MARCH Julie Garbutt – Regional Manager SW Region of The British Horse Society will be talking to us.

APRIL Our Group AGM – and the speaker will be CEO of IAM RoadSmart, Mike Quinton, (pictured right), who has been in-post for about a year.

Combined Visit and informal Spring Driving Day Saturday 06 APRIL Based at the Atwell Wilson Motor Museum, Calne. Meet at 10:30am Visit the museum; use it as a base for exploring the excellent local roads. Entry discount rate £6 per person There is a basic café at the Museum, but there can be stops for lunch out on the road. 15 have booked for the day already! See: https://www.atwellwilson.org.uk/index.html

Our Venue 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 wheelchair access.

[ Note: Some events are based at other locations, as listed in the Diary. ]

Page 20 the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists Read this on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk Winter 2018 / 19 Calendar UPCOMING IN BRISTOL ADVANCED MOTORISTS

Dates of Meetings - Members and Administration

JANUARY 2019

Wed 16 IAM RoadSmart Advanced Driver Course – Seminar One. BAWA 7:15pm Pre-booking essential - see page 40.

Sat 19 Post-Xmas Skittle Social at BAWA joint with our friends from Bristol Advanced Motorcyclists.

Tue 22 Monthly Meeting BAWA Pavilion 7:30pm prompt start Guest speaker Alan Freke on the history of Frys Chocolate

Wed 23 IAM RoadSmart Advanced Driver Course – Seminar Two.

Sun 27 Club Sunday - based at the Burrington Inn, from 09:30

FEBRUARY

Tue 26 Monthly Meeting BAWA Pavilion 7:30pm prompt start Guest speaker Chris Bigg on Concorde

MARCH Sat 02 Public Assessment Drives at Scout Hut, Longwell Green

Wed 05 Advanced Driver Course - Seminar 3 – BAWA 7:15pm What the IAM Examiner Expects on Your Test ALL BRISTOL ASSOCIATES WELCOME

Sat 16 Three-in-a-Car Driving Update Practical Session 10:00am Codrington, Wishing Well Inn

Tue 26 Monthly Meeting BAWA Pavilion 7:30pm prompt start Guest speaker: Julie Garbutt of the British Horse Society

APRIL

Sat 06 Combined Visit and informal Spring Driving Day based at Atwell Wilson Motor Museum, Calne 10:30am

Tue 09 Exec Committee Meeting - second Tuesday each month If you wish to raise an issue, contact the Group Chairman

Wed 10 Observers’ Meeting BAWA 7:30pm All Observers, Trainees, etc. will receive a personal invitation.

Wed 17 IAM RoadSmart Advanced Driver Course – Seminar One.

Tue 23 AGM BAWA 7:30pm - after the business and a light buffet: speaker Mike Quinton CEO of IAM RoadSmart

Wed 24 IAM RoadSmart Advanced Driver Course – Seminar Two.

MAY Wed 01 Further Advanced Driving (FAD) Course – first seminar at BAWA, 7:30pm (also on Wednesdays 08, 15, and 22 ) the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists Page 21 Winter 2018 / 19 Read this 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 Chairman and 07714 992 639 Andy Cole Group Data Manager [email protected] 01275 852 243 Vice Chairman Jerry Gann vice [email protected] 0117 979 8061 Secretary Martin Evans secretary@iam -bristol.org.uk H [email protected] Treasurer Marcus Venn [email protected]

07714 992 639 Database Administrator Andy Cole [email protected] 0117 960 8494 Newsletter Editor Paul Hunt [email protected] 01 17 969 1746 Associates Administrator Clare Reeves associates@iamHT -bristol.org.uk

01453 860365

Chief Observer and [email protected] Geoff Bevan Web Administrator [email protected] 07973 730 498 Membership Development Tony Gilbert [email protected] 014 53 766314 Training Administrator Mac McGarry training@iam -bristol.org.uk 0117bbristolbristol.org.uk 959 1642 Younger Driver Advocate Steve Carlin [email protected]

Other Post Holders Committee Minute Taker Brenda Smyth [email protected] Monthly Meeting Organiser & 0117 960 5367 Pete Goodman Social Organiser [email protected] Publicity Communications Sara Waterhouse [email protected] 07999 418 280 Field Publicity Jackie Ramscar [email protected] 07973 368 304 Social Content Manager Richard Olpin [email protected] Group Display Boards & Andrew Nicholls 01749 860321 LINK mailing organiser

Several other Members assist voluntarily in the running of the Group.

PHOTOGRAPHY NOTICE: Please note that at Meetings and Driver Guidance Sessions of Bristol Advanced Motorists, your image may be captured and used to promote Bristol Advanced Motorists (usually mentioned at the time). This may include in our newsletter, on our website, social media or for general promotion. If you wish to generally withdraw from this situation under our GDPR membership contract, please contact the Group Secretary.

Page 22 the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists Read this on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk Winter 2018 / 19

IAM RoadSmart ‘HQ’ News

NEW IAM EXAMINER FOR BRISTOL AREA

We learnt by chance through Associate admin. activity that a new Examiner is operating in Bristol. Welcome to Neil Bayliss, pictured below.

A few years ago Bristol Group was well-served with IAM Examiners. Then in 2016 Barry Jones resigned, followed by Ian Harris in early 2018.

That left us with two, Andy Poulton and Alan Hale. Some Associates on the edges of our area meet the Gloucester or Swindon Examiners for a Test. Surrounding Groups have also suffered declining Examiner numbers, with Weston & Mendip not having any Examiners at all in their area.

Back in 2016, IAM RoadSmart decided to recruit Examiners from a non- Police background, as it was becoming difficult to recruit from the Police.

“Neil Bayliss is indeed a new Examiner for the south of the Bristol region, and is one of our Examiners who has risen via the Group network”, says Shaun Cronin, Regional Service Delivery Team Manager (Southern), in response to a query from your Editor.

“There is no IAM News Release when we appoint new Examiners”, continues Shaun, unless there is a very specific reason. [ We reported in January 2017 that Oliver Fullerton, a Member of St Helens Group, Lancashire, was one of the first non-Police persons to be appointed as an IAM RoadSmart Examiner under the new qualification criteria then recently announced – Ed. ]

Shaun continues, “With the current state of Policing, and in particular Traffic Policing, the likelihood of continuing to attract Examiners from a Police background as we have in the past is proving difficult. IAMRS has decided that drawing Examiners from the Group network, by application and then strictly by invitation only, has so far proven very successful, with only a few grumbles from traditional ‘old men in slippers and cardigans’; they have been convinced that this is the way to go forward. Neil has a wealth of experience in driving, which he will bring to the role.

“Speaking for the South West Region, I now have 4 Motorcycle Examiners and 1 Car Examiner from a non-police background, all doing a great job.” [ And we understand there may be more in the pipeline – Ed. ] the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists Page 23 Winter 2018 / 19 Read this on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk Neil himself says, “I became a Member of the Institute in 2007 and almost straight away went on to become an Observer, latterly an IMI National Observer and Local Observer Assessor.

“I recently took the IAM Masters test and passed with distinction, and so approached Shaun regarding taking on the role of Examiner because of the lack of one at the centre of the Weston Group’s catchment area.

“Now I am an Examiner, I have had to step away from involvement with Weston and Mendip Group, as is required under the rules, to maintain impartiality. I have therefore relinquished my Observer and Committee roles (with the Newsletter and Publicity).

“I will still participate in Weston’s Associate courses as a means of the Associates meeting the Examiner. I know how nervous people get about tests so if I can meet them in this way and put them at ease I'm hoping that they will be more relaxed and deliver a better drive on the day.

“I'm happy to help all the local Groups as much as I can within the Examiner’s role.

“Although I live in Weston, I would be trying as far as possible to start my Test routes close to candidates’ individual home bases.

“I have formerly held HGV 1 and PCV licences and for several years worked as an independent ADI. I also hold the DVSA Fleet qualification, and a City & Guilds Adult Teaching qualification.

“Recently, I haven’t been teaching Learners, all my work being ‘fleet training’, much of it for IAM RoadSmart. I have now confined my work life to IAM RoadSmart, delivering their range of courses, driving for work, on-road modules and fast-track Advanced Courses for their commercial arm. I also deliver their Drink Driver Rehabilitation Courses in the area. I see the Examiner role within the charitable side of IAM RoadSmart as a natural extension of the work I do in the other two divisions.”

right: Neil Bayliss (right) of Weston and Mendip Group being presented with his Masters certificate by the Group’s President, Vernon Mortimer (left).

Neil has now gone on to become the new IAM Examiner for Weston and the surrounding areas. base text and photo: Dawn Crane, Weston & Mendip Group

Page 24 the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists Read this on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk Winter 2018 / 19 Full Membership by ‘Portfolio’ – or ‘Group Sign-off’

To recap - for a couple of Members who have enquired: It is now possible for an Associate to get an Advanced Driver Certificate and Full Membership of the Institute without taking a Test with an Examiner – or with anyone else, for that matter. The new process is called, as in the title above, ‘Membership by Portfolio’ – or, ‘Group Sign-off’.

The ‘qualification’ is built-up through evidence-based ‘progress run sheets’ completed during the Associate’s normal observed runs with an Observer. This ‘portfolio’ of IAM RoadSmart run sheets will eventually show evidence of improving, and of reaching the required IAM RoadSmart standard across all categories for Full Membership. Look at it as similar to the old-fashioned ‘coursework’ method that was once used in schools and universities. Upon completion, a second Observer will inspect the ‘portfolio of evidence’ to see that it is in order, and authorise ‘sign-off’ as a Member. There is no Test.

Irrespective of the route to membership - via Test or by Group Sign-off - the content of the Advanced Driving or Riding Course is identical. The same syllabus is used, and the same Course Logbook training material is used. The on-road Observed runs are conducted/assessed exactly the same as for an Associate wishing to take a conventional Test.

The pilot, with 28 selected Car and Bike Groups, is being carefully overseen by IAM RoadSmart Area Service Delivery Managers - with feedback from Groups, Observers and Associates - before a national rollout is considered.

In Bristol Group we have had one successful ‘Portfolio’ candidate, but the ‘No Publicity’ box was ticked, so it has not been reported here in the LINK.

Instead, we repeat congratulations to Mark Johnson, the first candidate in the ‘Group Sign-off Portfolio method’ trial to achieve test standard. He did so with York Advanced Motorcyclists in September 2017. Well done Mark. right: Just like any other Certificate presentation:

Mark Johnson (left) receiving his Certificate from Peter Serhatlic, IAM RoadSmart Regional Service Delivery Team Manager (Northern). base text and photo supplied to Breaking News by Ian McNeill, of York Adv M/C Group the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists Page 25 Winter 2018 / 19 Read this on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk Club Sunday- January [ Pete Goodman ]

The January event went really well . . . . Over 20 Members turned-out and it was good to see some Associates in attendance – after all, one of the main objectives of these events is to offer them a chance to have a typical ‘advanced drive’ to see what was talked about in the seminar sessions.

Lots of driving on the great roads in the area. Being January and cold, there were not too many leisure cyclists out, so the roads were clear.

Skittles Social [ Pete Goodman ] Around 45 people attended for the fun evening, from Bristol Group and from Bristol Advanced Motorcyclists.

After a close contest, the bikers won the trophy.

There was a raffle with 12 prizes, and there were prizes for the main, and other fun, competitions.

There was a small cash surplus, which was shared between the two Groups.

Page 26 the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists Read this on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk Winter 2018 / 19 Car Insurance: [ Group Member ‘X’ ] COULD THIS BE WHY IT IS GOING UP IN PRICE?

Last October, driving home from Bristol, my car got damaged in a traffic collision (RTC) – the cause is another story. I was not at fault and was able to get details of the other two vehicles involved.

photo: Pixabay Free for re-use: No attribution required: licence: CC0 Creative Commons

I have not been involved in a crash for a long time but I assumed that as no-one was injured and my car was drivable, that I would just tell my Insurer and they would tell me what garage to take it to, to get a quote for a repair. Then, once the price was agreed, the car would be repaired and I would have a courtesy car for the period. I was so wrong!

I have been insured through AAA for some years, as I found the firm to be the cheapest. When I got home I phoned them; the agent took some details. “Were there any Injuries?” No. “Is the car drivable?” Yes. She said someone would ring me within an hour and take all the details.

A call came from BBB, asking for my full name, address, date of birth, and details of the incident. Strange, I thought, that they didn’t know. They said company CCC would ring me and arrange the repair of my car. I asked that they delay for three days as I would be away. Agreed.

However, from the next day onwards my mobile received numerous calls and texts – from various sources – saying, “We understand you have had an accident – please call us.” I ignored the texts. The phone callers asked for name, address, date of birth, even though sometimes I did not know the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists Page 27 Winter 2018 / 19 Read this on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk who I was speaking to. I told them to wait, as I was on holiday. One call was from a Legal company DDD, advised by CCC that I was making an injury claim – which I was not.

Back home, I phoned my Insurer AAA to ask what was going on, and why all these requests for personal data? I was put through to BBB. They told me CCC would be dealing with my claim – and regarding the requests for personal data, they had to do it “for data protection reasons”.

I then phoned CCC, who took all the details of the incident and the other parties. After asking questions about the damage to my car (rear offside door and frame bent), the agent declared the car as un-roadworthy, based on my replies, even though I had since driven it for over 300 miles. She said the car would be picked up “within hours” and I would be supplied with a hire car. This was Friday . . . they took the car on Monday.

A week later I received a very abrupt letter from EEE (my actual Insurer – AAA turned out to be a broker) saying that unless I contacted them they would pay out on all third party claims regardless of fault. I phoned them. They did not know my car had been taken for repair, nor by whom. When I said CCC were dealing, she said there were several ways in which a “no fault” claim could be progressed - and that clearly the broker (AAA) had decided to use a claims management company.

Two weeks later CCC phoned to say their engineers had assessed my car as repairable. When I asked how long it would take, I did not expect the reply that came – “We will not start until we know the third party will pay us. If they won’t, we will return your car to you, take back the hire car and let EEE deal with the claim.” However, later that day they rang back to say the third party had agreed to pay so the repair would be “set-up”, which would take a couple of days.

The car was actually lying at a repairer FFF some distance away, waiting attention. They phoned me 3 days later and said they had received the go-ahead for the repair – which would take two weeks to complete.

At the end of the day, FFF made a very good job of the repair and kept me informed of progress. CCC would also inform me a day later. Eventually, I got the car back after a period of more than six weeks. There was no paperwork – it was all done by phone calls.

For all this time I had a hire car, which I believe was at a high daily hire rate. This cost, together with the cost of the BBB and CCC intermediaries, added to the claim amount which an Insurance company had to pay.

I worry because we all buy Car Insurance, and we want it as cheap as possible, not to be financing intermediary claims management companies. The other problem I have is that I did not give out my mobile phone number - only my landline number. Only AAA had my mobile number, yet

Page 28 the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists Read this on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk Winter 2018 / 19 many other people called me on it. I even received one text from a scammer – “We have been successful with your claim regarding your motor accident and need to pay the money into your bank account – please go to this website . . . ” I did not do it, of course, but who gave them the mobile number ???? Group Member ‘X’

Editor’s Note 1 : The Insurer/broker AAA is entitled to give a reply. I phoned them, identifying myself as an IAM Group Newsletter Editor and querying only the generalities of claims intermediaries, timescales, communication and data protection. I was told, “AAA is unable to comment, except that we completely comply with GDPR law.” “Do not mention any names in a newsletter.” (Hence Member “X”, etc.)

Editor’s Note 2 : An acquaintance of mine, call him Mr. ‘Y’, works in a reputable large car body repair business. When I relayed the story, he just gave a broad grin - and told me that the car should have been back on the road "within a fortnight".

He said that a middle-man ‘claims manager’ had been used. These are usually also Credit Hire Companies, which pay Insurers/Brokers referral fees to manage no-fault claims. Their profits are made from arranging repairs over an extended period and providing hire cars at inflated cost, then claiming the money from the third-party’s Insurer. News items on the subject can be found in the media, if you look. An investigation in 2014 concluded that the practice increases premiums and distorts the market, but apparently change is very difficult in the current legal framework.

All those contacting you are usually all linked to the initial claims management company in some way, even if they appear to be separate companies. They have ‘shared’ your data. When ‘subbies’ first contact you they have to ask for certain data as a check - although they don't tell you that they already have your full data!!

My colleague said that even ‘big name’ Insurers are now voluntarily engaging ‘claims managers’ rather than dealing with the process themselves. He suspects this may be because it is cheaper for the Insurer in initial overall admin costs, but (particularly in ‘no-fault’ cases) this results in higher claim payments for the at-fault party to make, and a subsequent increase in future premium levels for all, next year.

He continued that very few people are "very satisfied" with claim experience today. If people could buy a policy on the basis of ‘good claims handling’ (which is generally unknown) instead of ‘cheap policy price’ the distribution of market share would be very different. [ My colleague volunteered, from his business experience, the worst Insurer regarding claims, and likewise the worst claims manager, and, surprise, surprise, they are the firms involved with the Group Member ‘X’ case!! ]

The ABI advises that you contact your Insurer direct - keep the number in your car or save it on your cell phone, as claims companies pay to appear on the Internet ahead of genuine Insurers – and so you do not realise you are not contacting your Insurer.

Members – Interested in a talk on Insurance? The IAM Insurer, Cornmarket “IAM Surety”, is offering a series of talks to local IAM Groups during next Autumn. Meetings Organiser Pete Goodman is already on the case and so later in 2019 we may see a speaker from IAM Surety at one of our BAWA Monthly Meetings. the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists Page 29 Winter 2018 / 19 Read this on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk

Observation? What Observation? [ Paul Hunt ] You drive around for ages and don’t notice what you are driving past. One example is ‘the Dry Arch’ at Goodrich, Forest of Dean, on the B4229.

I have driven/ridden under it many times since 1964 and never realised what it was – not even wondering at the unusual name. One memorable occasion was in 1979, when it was on the route used by racing legend Stirling Moss giving demonstration rides in the new Audi 200, from nearby VW agent South Herefordshire Garages – with me as one of the passengers (see later).

In late 2018 there was a rock fall in the cutting, and the resulting press coverage of the repairs brought the realisation of what the bridge is.

above: The Dry Arch, the stone cutting invisible under the vegetation. The road curves down the hill to the River Wye (just visible in the distance) at Kerne Bridge. photo: Geograph: © Copyright Pauline E and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.

This monument is scheduled under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979 as it appears to the Secretary of State to be of national importance.

Monument Type: BRIDGE (Post Medieval - 1540 AD to 1900 AD)

Heritage Category: Scheduled Monument. List Entry Number: 1005349

Date first listed: 08-May-1975 National Grid Location: SO 57532 19222

Page 30 the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists Read this on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk Winter 2018 / 19 Bit of History: In 1825-1828, ‘Kerne Bridge’ was built over the River Wye at 'the Quern' to replace a ferry. A new road was built from the new bridge to connect with Huntsham Ferry, Symonds Yat and Whitchurch.

However, this road needed to cross a sharp 200+ft ridge on the west of the Wye Valley. Rather than build a steep road to meet and cross the existing road (from Goodrich to Welsh Bicknor) which followed the top of the ridge, a cutting was made in the rock to enable the new road to pass beneath the existing one at right angles. The stone ‘Dry Arch Bridge’ was built over the cutting (and still carries the original road over it). The ‘Dry Arch’ name denoted it did not cross water, as at the time such bridges were very rare.

Historic England describes it as, “an excellent example of one of the earliest bridges to carry one road over another - vehicle ‘grade separation’ or a simple ‘fly-over’ - with no connection between the roads. However, a path and flight of 33 steps allowed pedestrians to move between upper and lower roads three dimensionally without a lengthy diversion.”

“It is one of the earliest examples of a bridge specifically built to carry a minor road across a more major one without the interruption of the busier road by a road junction. It remains in use and presumably set the scene for all major road traffic intersections which were to follow, and as such represents an early example of congestion alleviation on the road network, which is so pivotal to modern road travel.”

above: Old postcard from the ‘horse and cart’ age, also showing the “3-dimensional” pedestrian link path on the left. source: Ross-on-Wye.com [ unknown publisher ]

the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists Page 31 Winter 2018 / 19 Read this on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk

Flashback to 1979 and Stirling Moss [ Paul Hunt ] News in the local Forest of Dean Review paper in November about the Dry Arch repairs brought to mind a memorable ride under it with motor racing legend Stirling Moss driving. A week later I came across some old photos of the occasion when sorting through effects of my late Mother. What a coincidence, which brought memories flooding back.

It was a launch event at South Herefordshire Garages, Whitchurch, near Ross-on-Wye, for the Audi 200, a development of the 100 model with a 5-cylinder, 2.2litre turbo, 170bhp engine. Short demonstration rides were available, with Stirling Moss driving. My brother Greg had recently bought a new VW Polo from SHG, so he was a “specially invited customer”. It was interesting for me, as I had been an IAM Member for seven years.

We started along the B4229 at very high speed, under the ‘Dry Arch’ and down the hill to Kerne Bridge. There is a sharp turn onto the bridge, but we were going so fast we all thought we were heading through the stone wall and into the river . . . . Then: position, brake, steer and power-on by Stirling and we went round smoothly, in control, with no drama – but fast.

Today such a run would not be contemplated – the speed would not sit with legal, safety, insurance, risk assessments – let alone other drivers, walkers, sheep, deer and boar etc. Very memorable nevertheless, and I have not since experienced such speed, skill, confidence and notably smoothness, even with various Police trainers throughout my many years with the IAM.

above: South Herefordshire Garages, Whitchurch, 1979. Demonstration Rides in the Audi 200, with appropriate registration plate. You’ll have to believe me - because this is a blown-up section of a photo taken on a Kodak Instamatic camera - Stirling Moss driving; Your Editor in the centre rear seat; My brother Greg in the front passenger seat, deep in conversation with Stirling - about driving - not about the Audi 200. photo: Percy Freeman

Page 32 the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists Read this on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk Winter 2018 / 19 ‘Car Tennis’ Game ! [ Mary Hart ] Driving a familiar route through Wales recently - usually a great drive – we were held-up several times with temporary traffic lights at road repairs.

Each time we joined the queue of half a dozen vehicles in front of us at a red light, I knew I would be unlikely to be able to achieve an overtake further up the road. Sure enough, the ‘convoy’ did keep-up to 50-55 on the single carriageway road, but it made for a less interesting drive. So I dropped back a little so as to start my own ‘convoy’.

The road is undulating, with bends too, and hence a challenging drive. I became aware that the two vehicles in the centre of the group ahead were braking frequently, whereas I was not braking, and neither were the others in the convoy ahead. (Using Acceleration sense, gear selection, etc.)

So I began a simple scoring system. One point for them, each time I saw brake lights ahead, and one point for me each time I braked. I called it ‘car tennis’. On the 20 mile stretch of A44 prior to reaching Aberystwyth, the final score was 63:3 (mine was the three).

It made what could have been rather a routine drive much more interesting and challenging. If anyone has similar ideas, I’d be glad to hear them. Happy Driving, Mary Hart

Editor’s Note: The widespread accelerate/brake technique (or rather, habit) is typical of unskilled drivers. It shows poor forward observation, poor limit point analysis, poor planning and a poor understanding of the car mechanics and controls. In ‘advanced’ mode, planning, gear selection, and use of acceleration sense produces a smoother, more predictable, safer and more fuel-efficient drive, plus less brake wear and less dust pollution. A Police driver-training task used to involve driving from the top of Park Street to Weston-super-Mare, trying not to use the brakes. Some advanced drivers today frown upon this, saying that driving faster and using the brakes to slow produces more progress. OK, but that is of little advantage on today’s congested and stop-start roads.

I was recently made aware of the accelerate/brake technique actually being designed-in to modern cars. When road-testing a Renault Zoe battery- electric, I was surprised that there is no regeneration built-in to the accelerator pedal. Foot off, and the Zoe free-wheels! The salesman told me this is designed-in to match the ‘normal’ accelerate/brake style of the ‘normal’ driver, who expects to have to brake and would be ‘confused’ if the car slowed-down just by taking the foot off the accelerator! [The Zoe’s brake pedal actuates an electronic ‘energy recovery’ retarder, the mechanical friction brake only coming-in if the speed drops below 10mph or if the pedal is pressed hard.] Likewise, the Toyota Hybrid owner is advised to keep on the power, and brake later and harder than normal, in order to re-charge the hybrid battery! the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists Page 33 Winter 2018 / 19 Read this on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk

#JogOn (Avon & Somerset Police campaign) [ by Paul Hunt ] Drivers: please show consideration for “exercising” people

All road users should show consideration for others - but unfortunately that is not always the case today, particularly in the car / bicyclist / pedestrian three-way relationship.

Avon & Somerset Police launched the #JogOn campaign in January, to help “runners and exercise cyclists” stay safe and deal with harassment ( presumably from motor vehicle drivers? ) when out-and-about exercising, with tips on how to stay safe and feel confident. It follows similar, lower-key publicity from other Forces, including Kent and the Met.

This campaign follows increasing reports of joggers and exercise cyclists being catcalled, threatened, attracting derogatory comments about the weight of larger runners, sexual comments, bottoms slapped, groped, even followed - and incidents, such as a ‘van driver vs cyclist’ verbal exchange in Keynsham, a ‘car drivers vs stationary cyclist peloton’ confrontation in Rangeworthy, and joggers sexually assaulted in Shepton Mallet and on the Bristol-Bath Railway path. England Athletics claims a national survey shows a third of women ‘exercising outside’ had faced harassment, and over half of those surveyed were anxious for their personal safety.

Also, gender-based harassment is now recognised as a hate crime by Avon & Somerset Police and such incidents can be reported to the Police. Anything related to gender is not acceptable – ranging from a wolf whistle, through sexual comments and actions, to a threat of violence.

The campaign is also supported by Bristol Zero Tolerance and Bristol City Council’s Run4Life project, which aims to get people out running.

To judge the extent of the problem, the Police are holding ‘focus group’ meetings with runners and exercise cyclists, both men and women. The launch event was held at Stanbridge Primary School, Downend, on the evening of 23 January, hosted by the Stanbridge Flyers Running Club, which is based at the 400-pupil school. The event was not widely conventionally publicised, but was promoted via Facebook and local community feeds. Some 35 people attended (the majority being women, connected with the club). In attendance were campaign leader; Police Det Supt Marie Wright, two Community Police Support Officers and Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Sue Mountstevens, and also reporters from BBC Radio Bristol and Heart Radio. Your Editor also attended to gauge the involvement, reaction and implications for vehicle drivers.

Page 34 the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists Read this on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk Winter 2018 / 19 Interestingly, no ‘pure cyclists’ attended, although a few of the runners said they did a little ‘exercise cycling’ too, although none was over-keen.

We were split into syndicate groups and given question sheets, to discuss whether we had experienced harassment, threats or intimidation, had felt uncomfortable, or had had any lingering concerns one hour (or longer) after the ‘incident event’. And whether the experience, or the thought of it, had changed our freedom of choice – i.e. behaviour, exercise pattern, routes, or time of day or hours of darkness.

None of the runners had experienced any real harassment from vehicle drivers, except for occasional passing comments - which were mostly (assumed to be) jovially made in fun by the typical white van man.

Many runners felt uncomfortable with the words, actions and intimidating behaviour from youths, or groups of youths.

Surprisingly, most runners had issues with cyclists (who had been assumed to be joint ‘victims’ with runners). No runners were keen on using the Bristol to Bath railway path - even the rural sections - due to inconsiderate cyclists (furious riding, no bell warning, close passing, swearing, shouting unpleasant comments). Cyclists were also criticised for riding on pavements and not considering pedestrians. Several runners, and the few cyclists present, mentioned youths on cycles – following for theft or assault?

Marie Wright and PCC Sue Mounstevens then described the campaign - #JogOn - indicating: Join together: Remain Observant: Give Us a call

Marie said: “Anyone who thinks it’s OK to harass and intimidate others is mistaken – such behaviour won’t be tolerated.”

“Not everyone can afford gym membership - and so getting outside exercising in fresh air is good for your health and wellbeing, and we want to empower people to feel safe and confident - even those ‘inexperienced’ exercisers undertaking for example the ‘Couch to 5k’ programme.”

Join together Exercise in a group – for support and motivation – safety in numbers.

Remain Observant Be alert, but not worried. Observe people around you. Remain calm, and be safety conscious. If an incident occurs, note car reg., company names on vans, description of people, location, date and time. [ Recording bodycam or dashcam footage identifying people or cars is legal if it is believed a crime is occurring – no consent is required, although be aware that it may encourage “not nice” retaliatory behaviour. ] Keep engagement with harassers brief. Don’t lose your temper or start a dispute, which could escalate the situation. It is better to exchange a few ‘neutral’ words rather than completely ignore the ‘offender’. the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists Page 35 Winter 2018 / 19 Read this on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk Give us a call Report all incidents to the Police – gender based harassment is a hate crime and high priority. “Harm to the person” is classed as more important than home or car break-in. Usually report via the 101 phone or via the website. [ Brits are slow to take action or even talk about things – they reflect and procrastinate a long time – up to a year. ] The Police hope that bystanders will also report such incidents – they are not trivial.

There was a discussion whether a jovial, “Hey fatty – move those legs - get a move on!” was actually an Offence or even a Police matter – maybe a Society issue? Maybe just social interaction? And how do you judge whether it is jovial banter or an aggressive comment? The Police reply was that all incidents should be reported, although it is unlikely a prosecution would result in every case. However, if a car registration is noted, the driver will be spoken to. Tracing cyclists and pedestrians is more difficult without a witness or cctv footage. Reports build-up an intelligence picture for Police, and incidents can be notified to the community by social media.

Why are you out running? It became apparent that many runners (and to a lesser extent, exercise cyclists) are not out there for exercise or fitness. Although running is an easy way of improving health – heart, lungs and bones - many people use it for ‘well-being benefits’ – to improve confidence / self-belief, relief against stress and depression, or even to get away from it all. These individuals are more ‘sensitive’, vulnerable, at-risk.

RISK ASSESSMENT Some pointers were given on normal safety precautions. ● Avoid going out alone – join a club or a group for safety, companionship, social benefit ● Stick to busier areas by day ● Stick to well-lit areas at night ● Go to a house or passer-by for help if needed ● Don’t use headphones – be aware of surroundings ● Don’t use or hold cell phones – a target for theft ● Be seen – but be inconspicuous – particularly women. Wear light-coloured loose-fit clothes, and reflective material after dark. But don’t draw attention to yourself, e.g. tight clothes, long hair. photo: From the A&S Police website – but not exactly the way to appear alone or after dark . . . .

Attendees at the meeting were totally focussed on the subject of harassment – maybe rightly so – but seemed unaware that their using the roads and pavements for exercise was at odds with the majority of people – drivers and some cyclists - using the road for A-B transport – so there would be a difference of expectations existing, which also needed taking into account by each side.

Page 36 the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists Read this on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk Winter 2018 / 19 Afterwards – Come for a Run ! Attendees were invited to take part in a short run round the school field and local roads. It was noticeable that even at a meeting concerning personal safety, road safety thinking was poor. One runner had flashing pink lights on the arms, one runner had pale-coloured jogging bottoms, and a few had white shoes. 3 wore high-vis vests. But there was a predominance of dark clothing and shoes. Ideal would be white shoes, pale trousers and reflective leg bands. High-vis vests are not really visible in town after dark, with the new weak LED street lights and sharp cut-off of dipped headlamps.

About a third of the runners were using LED head-torches or hand-held ones, but the undirected glare from these strangely jiggling, glaring, flashing lights could confuse, annoy or antagonise drivers and others.

On the plus side. The Running Club has guidelines for runners to remind them to abide by the Highway Code for pedestrians, to be aware of other road users and pedestrians, and to ensure that they do not cause a nuisance or inconvenience. Runners must face oncoming traffic whilst running on roads without adequate pavements. If members have to run on the road, they should do so no more than two abreast and single file if necessary. Members must avoid overtaking on the road if there’s traffic coming. Congregating on corners or at junctions between training efforts should be avoided. That’s one benefit of belonging to an organised group.

A&S Police has a webpage on #JogOn: https://www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/news/2019/01/getting-fit-for-2019- you-need-to-jogon/

The Police advise you also look at two other resources: Tap in: Bristol zero tolerance then click on: “take action as an individual” for info on responding to gender-based harassment, including how to report to the Police and what bystanders can do.

Tap in: Runners World uk 7 ways to run safely this winter Runners’ World has much other useful advice too.

It all seems common sense but newspaper writers, feminists and social media have latched-on to the current #MeToo reaction, criticising the Police for suggesting it is the responsibility of a runner to avoid being harassed – and that doing so controls, restricts and excludes women from society - rather, they say, the Police should be out catching the perpetrators.

But surely it’s crime prevention advice - no different from telling drivers not to leave your car unlocked or leave valuables on display.

I am sure that no Advanced Motorist will intentionally hassle a runner or exercise cyclist – but beware, any minor unintentional indiscretion could possibly result in a Police Officer contacting you. the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists Page 37 Winter 2018 / 19 Read this on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk Driving News There are at least ten relevant driving, motoring and transport news stories every week. But room for just one this time.

DO I HAVE TO CHANGE NUMBER PLATES ? [ info from DfT ] There is a scare story that drivers will have to change their number plates after Brexit. False, says the DfT. No change if you drive within the UK.

However, if you drive in the EU / EEA after Brexit, if you have a ‘Europlate’ showing EU stars as well as the GB letters (as on the left) you will have to use a traditional rear GB sticker in addition. If you have plain white and yellow plates with no identifier on the left of it, you will also need a GB sticker.

Strange as it may seem, if your plates have just a GB identifier, or GB plus a Union Flag (see examples right), you will not need a separate GB sticker. Apparently it’s all to do with the star symbol, a UN Convention on number plates from 1968, and links to the Council of Europe (founded 1949) . . . .

In 2001, there was an EC plan to make ‘Europlates’ mandatory, to allow free travel in the EU without a separate nationality sticker, or, in EU-speak, “implementation of an EU directive to harmonise plates in the interests of 'clarity and safety' ”. The UK government never actually made it mandatory, although in the confusion, Europlates were fitted to almost all new vehicles.

In April 2009, the Department for Transport (DfT) announced that certain other flags and letters could optionally be incorporated into number plates, as could the Euro ‘stripe’ – and plain plates began to be used again. Today, only about 35% of British cars display Europlates and the other 65% have plain plates with no identifier stripe. The optional flags and letters are hardly seen – almost non-existent. Northern Ireland has never allowed Europlates.

Standard ‘Europlates’ with the Euro stars and GB (as above left), are still today being provided for new vehicles and as replacement plates, because the various motor factors have large stocks of such ‘blanks’ remaining.

Various ‘stickers’ are available to cover-up the EU stars – but be careful, as sub-standard ones could result in an MoT Test fail, as will covering over the blue stripe with plain black tape, etc.

Check the gov.uk website for updated Brexit information as it evolves.

Page 38 the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists Read this on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk Winter 2018 / 19

Bristol Group on ‘Social’ [ the Editor and Richard Olpin ]

We are aware that that there is a conflict regarding Social Media. Certainly, Smartphones and Social Media have become part of the modern world and so it is a communication channel not to be ignored.

Conversely, we are aware that ‘phone’ use in a car is a major distraction and a road safety issue. Also, phones are an example of the modern phenomenon of ‘overuse of unnecessary tech because it is there’, and can be addictive, and lead to social, medical and organisational problems.

As time goes on, society is more unsure of what ‘Soash Meejyuh’ is, and what benefit it has to the greater good. Many clubs - including some other local IAM Groups – are discontinuing their Social Media accounts, either because of their lack of effectiveness, or for data protection reasons.

Certainly, it generates little response, and neither the national IAM nor local Groups have reached the level of having a wide ‘following’, or having any popular ‘Influencers’ promoting our cause to an attentive audience.

However, we in Bristol Group are still on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Our Accounts are mainly ‘notice-boards’, raising awareness by painting a picture of the Group by telling stories, looking to reach younger people, which is essential for any continuing membership organisation.

Content Manager Richard Olpin is still looking for a constant stream of new, original, interesting stories and items to post, to make it appear that the Bristol Group is active and vibrant. He says:

“If you have any interesting news or photos for us to share, then please send them to me 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 LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists Page 39 Winter 2018 / 19 Read this 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 a year’s membership, the syllabus workbook and of course the Advanced Driver Test (or assessment).

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 (pic. on left) was just 18 when she became a Full Member, 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 success, courtesy of support from, respectively, the Police Community Trust and South Glos. Council Road Safety.

Course Start Dates and Seminar Sessions all start 7:15pm (PRE-BOOKING ESSENTIAL) JANUARY 2019 Wednesdays. Jan 16th, then Jan 23rd, Mar 06th. APRIL 2019 Wednesdays. Apr 17th, then Apr 24th, Jun 05th. JULY 2019 Wednesdays. Jul 10th, then Jul 17th, Aug 28th. OCTOBER 2019 Wednesdays. Oct 16th, then Oct 23rd, Dec 04th.

For details of how to buy, and what it involves, please contact: [email protected] or 0117 969 1746

Advanced Driver Refresher Course: Cost: £49

Bristol Group offers our existing Members the chance to refresh, alongside an IAM RoadSmart Advanced Driver course. For just £49, 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 current IAM RoadSmart standard, that has recently been updated. call: 0117 256 5555 or visit: [email protected]

Page 40 the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists Read this on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk Winter 2018 / 19 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.

Printed and collated by: Parish Magazine Printing, Devon www.communitymagazineprinting.co.uk

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

Associates & Observers 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?

We are always looking for new Observers to help guide and assist our Associates to Advanced Driver standard.

The first step is to complete the Further Advanced Driving course – cost £49 (which is refunded to you once you qualify as an Observer).

The next course will be run starting May of 2019.

Further information from:

[email protected] or 0117 256 5555

the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists