Link 274 2015 05

the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists Page 1

The Newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists

Hello and Welcome to this May issue. The LINK is published by the Bristol Group every two months, both in paper form and online.

Main content this time:

● Report of our AGM held in April.

● News of a newly-appointed IAM Regional Operations Manager.

● News about a new Hazard – hope it’s not too Boaring.

Some contributed materiel has been held-over until the next issue.

Got something to say? Please don’t be shy. Members, feel free to contact us to talk about what your Club is doing, and what you would like to see it do. Contact Details on the back page. Contact the Editor now – or any Committee Member.

More information on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk Sign-up to our email distribution of IAM and Group news releases.

All content is prepared by the Editor unless stated otherwise.

Bristol Advanced Motorists Registered Charity No 289807

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

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

The LINK is produced every 2 months. Paper copies are printed, collated and despatched by Group volunteers. Also displayed freely on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk Email notification available on request.

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

Circulation 350 no: 274 May 2015

COPY DEADLINE: Please send to the Editor your reports, letters, comments and images for the next issue by : Sat 20th June

Word documents and jpeg images preferred – but notepad or rich text, even handwritten – gratefully accepted – and real photos too.

contact: [email protected] 0117 960 8494 21 De Verose Court Hanham BRISTOL BS15 3SW

http://www.iam.org.uk/



http://www.iam-bristol.org.uk/

mailto:[email protected]



May 2015 Read this newsletter on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk

Contents this Issue

page Editorial 1 Recent IAM Test Successes 3 AGM Report 4 New Observer 9 Access the LINK online 12 Another Year of Membership / Membership Statistics 13 Renewal Update Latest 14 The IAM at the Crematorium 16 Letter to the Editor – on Future Prospects for the IAM 13 New Regional Operations Manager 18 Meeting Topics 2015 and 2016 19 VolksFest Helpers / May Meeting / BAWA map /

Charity Cashback Scheme 20

CALENDAR – WHAT’S ON ? 21 Three-in-a-Car – Dates for 2015 22 Obituaries - Joan Tolley, John Toller 23 Group News 26 More Letters to the Editor - Regional Managers 28 A New Hazard - Hope it’s not too Boaring ! 29 Mindfulness - A Useful Technique for Drivers 33 New M4 Junction 18A under discussion 34 Interested in Advanced Motorbiking ? 35 Dead Slow Bristol 36 This ‘Social Media’ Nonsense 37 Praise for Bristol Group’s Advanced Driving Refresher 38 39 Course / Dates / Assessment / Refresher

CONTACT US: your guide to who does what 40

All content compiled by the Editor unless otherwise credited.

Contributors: Marlene Baker, Geoff Bevan, Tom Docherty, John Dunham, Jenny Edkins, Tony Gilbert, Pete Goodman, Liz Hamer, Ian Hunt, Paul Hunt, Andrew Nicholls, Bryan Powell, Clare Reeves, Alan Roberts, James Rowland,

Robert Royffe, Lorna Toller, various “name withheld”.

Thank‐you also to all people talked to during research.

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

The LINK will continue to be printed and mailed – in the short-term at least. For those who opt-in and request it, we can delete you from the postal mailing list and instead send you an email notification that the LINK has been put-up on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk

We currently have 15 Members plus two Complimentaries on that list.

Page 2 the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists


Read this newsletter on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk May 2015

Recent IAM Test Successes by Clare Reeves

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

SUCCESSFUL ASSOCIATE OBSERVER

PAUL BROOKER DAVE PENGELLY DONNA BULL GEOFF BEVAN STEPHEN BURRELL BOB HAWKSLEY CARL MAJOR BRIAN HARTLEY MARIA ROYNON MARLENE BAKER/ANDREW NICHOLLS JOANNA SAMMONS ANDY COLE NICOLA WAITE PETE GOODMAN

WHAT HAPPENS NOW ? You will be Upgraded to Group Full Member until the end of 2015.

We hope that you will renew as a national IAM Member when you receive your Renewal Notice from Chiswick.

More importantly, please also continue as a Full Member of your local Bristol Group. Our Group Membership fee is £20 per year, which runs from January 1st for everyone, and supports our efforts to help other people in the Bristol area to become better drivers.

You will receive a Group Renewal Invitation next November. right: Maureen Mitchell being presented with her IAM Membership Certificate by Bristol area IAM Examiner Alan Hale, at a recent Group Meeting.

photo: Geoff Bevan



The Group’s AGM by Paul Hunt

The 57th AGM of Bristol Advanced Motorists was held at BAWA on Tuesday 28th April. There was a surprisingly good turnout of 39 Members (including several ‘old friends’ whom we had not seen recently). There were 11 Guests present, together with one Group Donator, 3 non-member Visitors and 3 Associates.

ANNUAL REPORT Outgoing Chairman Andy Cole (pictured) welcomed Members & Guests,

gained approval of the Minutes of the AGM held in 2014 and then said a few words to expand on the 2014 Annual Report (which had previously been available on the Group website – with paper hard copies circulated at the meeting). He said the Group had again had “a very good year”, and extended “a big thank-you” to all who had taken any part in running or supporting the Group – although he appealed for more Members to step forward as Helpers and Committee Members, to ease the load which currently fell on too few people.

And, of course, “the Observers also do a great job”, our Bristol crew obtaining a high pass rate for Associates, and a very high proportion of distinctions (known as ‘ IAM F1RST ’ ) amongst those IAM Tests.

Andy then explained some of the current activities of the Group, including Three-in-a-Car, at which attendance is increasing, and the new ‘ Public Driving Assessment Days ’ which are attracting people to sign-up for our Skill for Life Advanced Driving courses.

Andy introduced the current Committee and the tasks they do. Secretary Martin said a few words about an issue of concern – we are very good at ‘training’ people, Associate numbers enrolled are up, but our established Group Membership is declining, and although we are encouraging successful Associates to carry on, a decreasing proportion is actually remaining as Group Full Members.



ANNUAL ACCOUNTS Treasurer Paul stated that 2014 had been a positive year financially with a surplus of £683 on General Funds, compared with the deficit of £579 in 2013. Another 10 Young Drivers received a refund of their Skill for Life course fees , but the Bristol City Council money has run out: only South Glos residents/workers/students are now eligible, with funding also for a couple of Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award people.

Our main Income remained from fees of Associates and Group Full Members. Associate fees (under Chiswick control) have remained static effectively for 20 years (now £31). The increased Group Full Member fee of £20 introduced January 2014 has balanced the books for 2014. Expenditure remains under control but what we spend money on is shifting – for example moving from stationery and postage towards buying computers for certain Committee tasks.

Looking forward, Membership is decreasing, as IAM Groups move away from the ‘Members’ Club’ concept towards having ‘Charitable Purpose Supporters’, of an ageing profile, who are not being replaced (seven payments in 2014 were made by Powers of Attorney). One wonders if the IAM/Group ‘business’ model’ can survive the medium term.

Paul asked for any questions – and a deluge came from the floor, not only on Accounts issues such as Gift Aid, but also on general Group affairs such as the Newsletter, Member Numbers, etc. A consideration of the various topics will be made elsewhere in this LINK, or in future issues.

above: Guest Sue Nolan, Secretary of Bristol Advanced Motorcyclists, studies our Annual Report. In the background, Guests Gary James and Ken Crane of Weston & Mendip Group are studying something on a mobile device screen.



Following approval of the Accounts, Paul moved the usual proposal that Craig continue as our Independent Accounts Examiner for 2015, or that in the event that by next year Craig was unable to act, Committee be authorised in advance to appoint someone else. This was approved.

ELECTIONS Secretary Martin Evans and Treasurer Paul Hunt were standing again for their roles – as were Andy Cole and Marlene Baker, who were however swapping roles, Andy standing for Vice-Chairman and Marlene as Chairman. All were re-elected unopposed as Officers.

Tony Gilbert (Member Development) retired by rotation under the ‘one third’ rule. Mark Gollop (Training Administrator), co-opted during the year, was standing for formal election. Both were elected as Committee Members. Two people retired from Committee: Gary Nunn (Field Publicity Organiser) and Barnaby Ellis (Social Media & Young Driver Advocate). No others stood for election, although Pete Goodman had previously offered to be Speaker Organiser on a non-committee basis.

AWARDS The Bristol Group Cup, awarded to the person who has promoted the Group with distinction, went to Pete Goodman, in recognition of his efforts for the Group. As well as his taking-on the Speaker Organiser role, Pete’s encouragement of people to take the Skill for Life course has resulted in four Associates enrolling.

above: Marlene does her first duty as Chairman by presenting the Group Cup to Pete Goodman. all AGM photos: Geoff Bevan / James Rowland



Outgoing Chairman Andy said that he was giving the Chairman’s Award to Clare Reeves, for her efforts as the new Associates Administrator. Clare accepted the shiny new glass award (marked as ‘Chair’s Award’, which grated with English traditionalists) and in turn thanked all Observers and Committee for their help and co-operation. Chief Observer Geoff then presented the Observer Award, this year to Observer Bob Hawksley for his help with preparation of National Observer and Local Observer candidates.

above: Chief Observer Geoff presents the Observer Award to Bob Hawksley (right).



PRESENTATION OF IAM CERTIFICATES IAM Examiner Andy Poulton made two Certificate presentations – to Young Drivers Donna Bull (pictured top) and Maria Roynon (pictured at bottom of page), who had both recently passed their IAM Advanced Driving tests.



CLOSING REMARKS With no Members wishing to speak from the floor, before Andy moved to conclude the AGM, he thanked Alan Hale and South Gloucestershire Council for continuing to finance the Young Driver Refund Scheme.

Andy also repeated that we urgently need more people for specific tasks – either as a full Committee Member or just as a “Helper”: ● Publicity Officer (Media) – because Geoff already has a lot to do as Chief Observer ● Field Publicity Officer – Gary has stepped-down ● Social Events Organiser – vacant for some while ● Book Sales Person - at the Associate Seminars ( Dave Pengelly has since offered ) ● Scribe, Monthly Meetings – to produce a précis of the speaker’s talk for inclusion in the newsletter. ● Database Administrator – as James wants to step down

A brief statement by new Regional Manager, Southern, Tom Docherty, brought things to a close. He said, “What I have heard is impressive. Thank-you for the hard work that you put in. It’s great to see what a good Group does. In turn, I’ll do as much as I can to help you.”

Andy Poulton then showed the way to the buffet table, and after a break and the raffle draw, an interesting and informative presentation was given by guest speaker Dave Hillier, National On-Road Trainer with highways england.

New Observer by the Editor

Congratulations to Richard J Parsons, (pictured right) who has passed his FAD Test and followed that up by going through the subsequent training and assessment successfully to become a Local Observer.

James Rowland, formerly a Qualified Observer, has also gone through the process and has re-qualified as a Local Observer. Mark Gollop has taken an Assessment and has upgraded from Local to National Observer. photo: Geoff Bevan



The Group currently has 26 Observers as follows: Current qualifications: 10 National Observers, 2 Local Observers. Former qualifications: 1 Senior Observer, 13 Qualified Observers.

We also have one Trainee Observer, Gary Williams, and two former Observers who are undertaking training to re-qualify - Jerry Gann and Martin Williamson.

Chief Observer Geoff calls Bristol’s Observers ‘the A Team’ – they have helped achieve a 92% pass rate in the last year for those Associates who have taken the IAM Test. Further, 37% of those passes are at F1RST level – compared with the IAM national average of less than 5%.

Member Alan asks, “It’s rather confusing - what do these new Observer titles actually mean?” Editor Paul replies:

Back in 1958, IAM Groups were purely Members’ Clubs for those whom had taken the IAM Test ‘cold’ and had passed. The pass rate was 50%.

In the 1960s, car ownership grew rapidly and most drivers were ‘new novices’. Advanced Driving courses sprang up, but consisted only of lectures and demonstrations.

In the early 1970s some IAM Groups took-on ‘Associates’ – and new ‘Advisers’ (‘Observers’) sat-in to give them ‘guidance’. These original ‘Advisers’ were given guidance by the IAM Chief Examiner, but ‘the knowledge’ was then ‘cascaded’ by them to others, which resulted in ‘varying’ standards – which was to prove to be a long-standing issue..

In 1994 the IAM introduced the ‘Senior Observer’ Test, which was conducted by IAM Examiners, to give some credibility and consistency. Following on from that came the subordinate ‘Qualified Observer’, who had to take training and a Test, but which was still administered and tested by individual Groups.

In the early 2000s, as the IAM Test became generally regarded as the culmination of a purchased ‘Course’, public expectations rose. At first the IAM became accredited by the DSA. But that was not regarded as sufficient, so the IAM looked to external accreditation, to give a robust image of ‘Qualification’ to the general public. After all, ‘Skill for Life’ is sold as a product, not as the ‘support-group activity’ that advanced driving used to be, and the public purchaser, paying a not-inconsiderable £149, needs some reassurance of competency.



So, a couple of years ago, a qualification was devised with IMI (Institute of the Motor Industry) in the NVQ style (National Vocational Qualification), where all aspects of Observing are listed in detail, each to be ticked-off as ‘competent’ by an IAM Examiner. This is ‘National Observer’, so called because the holder can transfer between IAM Groups with no further Test required. The standard is similar to the previous ‘Senior Observer’, although the NVQ-style of the Test requires each aspect to be recorded in much greater detail.

For newcomers to Observing, the aim is to eventually achieve the status of National Observer, but there is provision to start at a slightly lower standard, with ‘evidence of improvement over a time period’ by continuous assessment. This is ‘Local Observer’. A ‘Local Observer’ is limited to Observing in his local Group only – the qualification is not transferrable to other Groups without re-test. That’s because the training to Local Observer standard is done within Groups, and the Test is carried out, over at least two sessions, and maybe many more, by a Group’s National Observer who has also been designated as something called a ‘Local Observer Assessor’. Still with me? Because the ‘Assessors’ are effectively themselves amateurs at assessing, the Local Observer process at present seems very involved and pedantic. For consistency of standards, a formal course and IMI qualification for Local Observer Assessing is planned to be introduced soon.

The intention is that, to remain active, every Observer must be qualified to either National or Local by 2018.

The experience and skill in each Group varies, and some Groups are finding it difficult. Some Groups still have no National Observers at all, let alone any Locals. But we are doing very well in Bristol regarding Observer training and quality, and are on top of the situation, because since the 1980s we have had structured Observer training, set up at the time by Joan Tolley. See Joan’s Obituary on page 23 of this LINK.

More Observers Required by the Editor Would you like to become an Observer? Each year we hold a FAD course to improve driving skills (cost £39), followed by a free ‘Observer techniques’ course, leading to the Local Observer qualification. Unfortunately you have just missed this year’s, but if you are interested then contact the Bristol Group Training Officer Mark Gollop: 01454 773234 or [email protected]




Access the LINK online by the Editor

You can keep up with the Group via our website. The latest LINK newsletter is there shortly after the paper version is despatched, together with many past issues.

Contact the Editor and sign-up to opt out of receiving the LINK as a paper hard-copy and instead have a notification by email – like this: Bristol Group Member or Friend -

The latest (JANUARY 2015) issue of the Bristol Group LINK newsletter is now available on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk You can read it as standard PDF or in ISSUU flip-book format.

No log-in is required to view the LINK – it is available for public access. Click on “Newsletters” on the left-side options bar and then select the month of the issue you wish to read.

Alternatively, click on this link here to go straight to the latest LINK issue.

Regards, Paul Hunt, Newsletter Editor Whilst distribution of information by post is the standard and most inclusive and reliable method, many people wish to be ‘modern’ and use electronic communication.

Well, I say “many”, although only 15 Members have so far opted-in. Maybe that’s because we all get so much stuff by email today that is difficult to study it all – and easy to ignore it. So by all means stay with the paper hard copy.

As an aside, contact by email is by no means a universal method. We have only 130 valid addresses for all Members, and furthermore it is difficult to keep up-to-date with email address changes.

From October 2014 the Group only issues one initial paper LINK to Associates, and sends subsequent notifications by email (unless the Associate opts-in to paper). Partly a cost-saving exercise and partly because we know that many Associates are unfortunately not interested in the Group, nor the newsletter, having merely ‘bought a course’.

Due to this, and declining Full Members, we have posted 321 hard copies of this LINK, compared with 375 in March and 436 in November.




Another Year of Membership by the Treasurer Thank-you very much for renewing your Group Full Membership – your contribution means a lot to the organising Committee. Without our loyal Members we couldn’t continue to run our Associate Guidance Scheme, let alone our Monthly Meetings, services to Members

and Publicity to attract new people into Associateship. With your continued support, we can keep all these activities going for another year and hopefully way beyond.

We hope you’ll make the most of your membership and that we will see you at some of our meetings and events this year. Or look at our website, which has lots of useful content. www.iam-bristol.org.uk

If you’d like to get more involved, and perhaps even volunteer with us, get in touch with the Chairman or any Committee Member.

NOTE: We are no longer issuing Group Membership Cards. Your plastics IAM National Card is usually sufficient when ID is needed.

Thank-you again, and we hope you enjoy your coming year of Membership.

Group Full Membership Stats as at 04 May 2015 NOW end 2014

● Group Full Members from 2014 renewed 245 - ● Upgraders from 2014 renewed as Full Members 10 - ● Group Full Members – new joiners from outside 6 - Running Sub Total 261 277● Group Full Members renewed (but underpaid so far) 0 12 ● Group Friends (not able to take the Test) 1 1 ● Group Donators (supporters, ex-IAM Members) 4 5 Running Sub-Total 266 295● Newly-Upgraded Associates (year to date) 19 32 GRAND TOTAL 285 327 Note that we also have four additional “Full Members” on our books - whom we are trying to resolve: ► 1 Member resigned but also paid a subs (medically unfit) ► 2 Members paid but “Gone Away, No Forwarding Address” ► 1 unknown self-paid by Internet, no reference given We also have 75 Associates currently enrolled and under guidance.




Renewal Update Latest by the Treasurer

At the end of 2014 we had 289 Group Full Members, plus 1 Friend, 5 Donators and 32 ‘Upgraded Associates’, ready to leap into renewal.

We found that 19 Members again initially paid by Standing Order at the old £15 rate. However, the big problem this year was that 66 Cheque payers out of our 134 did not renew on time, and neither did 27 of the 32 Upgraders – people who had passed the IAM Test during the year. Also, we carried-over 15 unresolved under-paid Standing Order Members from 2014, and one unidentified payment.

None of the several other clubs that I am involved with send any reminders – but we put in a real effort to retain our people by sending two reminders and then making follow-up phone calls. The Treasurer even made personal door-knocking visits to the addresses of some Members whom we had not been able to contact by any other means.

The end result is a renewal or lapse from all Members - except four whom we cannot contact: we have suffered a net loss of 28 Members.

We regret to inform you that 5 Members have passed away around the renewal period (see later). A number, as always, have lapsed and just gone away without informing us - 18 Members and 22 Upgraders. But we have had an unprecedented and worrying 25 letters of resignation:

TERRELL ATKINSON HELEN BAKER JOHN BODDEY CHRISTINE BUTTON CHRISTIANNE CORR PATRICK DEVINE BILL DICKINSON JON DUNN ANGELA EDGEWORTH GRETA ELLICK DEREK FLOWER BRIAN HARDING DEREK HITCHINGS ELAINE HOBBS PAM HUNT MARGARET JAMES NIGEL JEWELL CATHERINE JEWELL RICHARD LEAMAN LYDIA LEIGHTON ANNE PEACHEY DAMON PULSFORD ROBERT ROYFFE PAM SELLEY ANNE WHEELER

Amongst this list of resignations you will see some familiar names – former committee members Pam Hunt, Margaret James & Pam Selley, and most of the others are former long-term Members known to the committee. Also, amongst the list of Lapsed Members are former committee members Douglas Lodge and Steve Goodfellow, and several more former long-term Members.



On a positive note we have gained as Group Members three existing National IAM Members: Welcome to:

PHILIP HOWELL NIGEL POOLE

MARTYN THOMAS And three former Group Members have re-joined: Welcome to:

CHRISTINE BUTCHER MIKE LEIGH ELIZABETH SMITH RESIGNATIONS and REASONS GIVEN Each year many Members lapse – the Group does not seem important to them and they just drift away without telling us. However, this year we have had many Members actually send a resignation note, most of them giving a reason.

There are the usual reasons of old age, given-up driving, the cost is too high, etc. Here are a few of the other responses:

“I have decided to leave the IAM and the Group – I belong to several ’clubs’ and although they are all worthy in their own way, I do not have the time nor the interest to devote to the IAM. Nevertheless, I wish you all well with the promotion of safer driving.” Robert Royffe “I’ve resigned from the IAM and Group. What started out as a social, friendly club with the good intention of improving people’s driving has become much too bureaucratic and heavy, and I have been robbed of my hobby. And, both Members and new Associates pay money to Chiswick for God knows what. All those overpaid suits are simply not needed.” Name withheld by request “I have resigned this year because you sent me two reminder letters last year. Surely you can accept my payment any time during the year that I choose to pay, without this officialdom?” Name withheld by request

But the following “Resignation Statement”, although not from a Member of Bristol Group, gives food for thought.



The IAM at the Crematorium by the Editor

I attended a family funeral in Cardiff, ending at Thornhill Crematorium. After a conversation with Ian, it seemed that the IAM itself should have been pushed into the cremator. He put very eloquently why he had resigned from the IAM after 43 years of Membership.

Ian said, “By the badge on your car, I take it you must still be with the IAM?” I replied that I was, and still with the Group, on the Committee and acting as an Observer. Ian replied, “I remember we both joined in 1972. You took your Test in July and I took mine in the September. But I resigned as an Observer this year and also resigned from the Group (in Surrey). I will also resign from national next renewal.

“You see, like you, I took and passed the Test ‘cold’, without any guidance. I joined my local Group to give me a social club focus with other like-minded people, keen drivers. The various meetings, events and publicity activities added a rounder picture of being a good driver and encouraging others to think about that too – Fun, Friendship and Education, as the WI says. However, over the last couple of years ‘my’ Group has ceased events, has a minimal news-sheet, and only holds meetings now and again – some quite a distance from home. All it is now is “an Associate Factory”. New Associates join a course, not a club, take no part in the club, and most have no intention of continuing after the Test. As an Observer I felt like an unpaid slave, giving everything and getting nothing back – especially with the increasing multitude of paid ‘suits’ at Chiswick, doing goodness knows what, and paid Regional Managers too. Instead I’ve joined a local Motor Club, which is very active, and also my firm’s retirement club, which has an excellent range of events and talks. I’m well pleased; much better than the IAM.” TO END ON TWO POSITIVE NOTES: “I am not able to attend meetings but I still believe in the work of the Group and try to drive to (or very close to) the IAM standard. I am very happy to renew my Membership and support the Group.” Bryan

“I resigned from the Institute many years ago – I joined in 1961 – but I am happy to give a Donation to support the Group.” John

These responses typify the make-up of the Group – it’s good to have them, but it would be nice to have more active Members.



Letter to the Editor – on Future IAM Prospects

I would like to comment on the Treasurer’s article "Renewal Update", in the March issue, aspects of which I find quite concerning but not surprising. Since the advent of Standing Orders and Direct Debit, a number of people (myself included) have a number of small contributions that we never get round to cancelling and this could account for some of the dormant Members.

I am however much more concerned with the declining numbers of Members and the ageing profile of remaining Members. Whilst the IAM is not the only organisation to suffer in this way, I think that there are some aspects which are specific to the organisation. The IAM Council has made a decision to "pseudo professionalise" all the activities of the Organisation. The Test now has more accreditation, and ‘Advisors’ have more formal qualifications, and deliver their service in a much more formal way.

We now expect members of the public not only to have the motivation to improve their driving, but to pay a sizeable sum of money up-front, then to attend a fairly formal course, subject their driving to scrutiny and then take a fairly formal Test. They will then get a graded result.

Having passed the Test we would then encourage them to take further training to become Assessors/Teachers. Think about it: If I want to improve my knowledge on something and enrol at a FE college, having completed the course I would not be expected to become a Lecturer.

Thirty years ago the Bristol Group had over 500 members and had over 100 tests a year.

I fear for the future of the organisation. If the Bristol Group, which has always been one of the biggest and pioneering Groups, is struggling with a reducing and ageing Membership, what is happening in other Groups?

The IAM Council has never consulted with the wider membership on the direction the Organisation will take, but Council has to rely on that Membership for its very existence. My advice to our new Chief Executive is to ask Groups what they want of Headquarters, and to listen to the answers.

Alan Roberts



New Regional Operations Manager by the Editor

In late April, Group Secretary Martin received a circular ‘introduction’ from Tom Docherty, ‘our’ newly appointed replacement ROM for Southern Region. It seems that unlike his predecessor, he has neither a Police nor an Advanced Driving background, so it will be interesting to see what he can bring to the administration of IAM Groups.

“Many of you will know that Mark Trimmer has left the IAM to continue his road safety work with Surrey Road Safety. I hope to be able to fill Mark’s shoes as I know he has built a lot of trust and respect with you all over the past three years. I am really looking forward to meeting you all and to start to develop good working relationships across the Southern Region. My initial priority is to meet as many of you as possible. I am in the fortunate position to have joined just before the Regional Forum meetings, so will be able to meet many of you over the next couple of weeks.

“My background is in project management and business change for Sony Europe and more recently managing a medium sized commercial property maintenance company. I became much more aware of the importance of road safety and the whole spectrum of rules and regulations governing health and safety in general whilst running the maintenance company. I introduced vehicle telemetry systems to the fleet and began monitoring driver behaviour and performance as well as looking to reduce the environmental impact of running the fleet. The next logical step was to put the drivers on some kind of driver training and my investigations in this area brought to my attention the great work of the IAM.

“I joined the IAM so that I could further develop my interest in this area and I have been greatly impressed with the hard work and dedication of the IAM and all the volunteers. I look forward to working with you all to support you with your Groups. I am keen to come to as many meetings as possible to meet as many of you as I can.”

Tom Docherty Regional Operations Manager (Southern Region) above: Tom pictured at our AGM

in April photo: Geoff

STOP PRESS: Craig Gande has just started as the replacement Regional Quality Manager for Southern Region. Craig is a former Metropolitan Police Driving School instructor/examiner, which makes him ideal for the Regional Quality Manager role.



Meetings in 2015 and 2016

Volunteer Pete Goodman has put his head above the parapet and has taken-on the role of Speaker Organiser 2016. Welcome, Pete.

It’s early days yet - but Pete is already working on the task. The Fire Brigade has already been booked and Pete hopes to have a talk on the MV Balmoral, the 65-year-old steamship (which has just had major repairs and is cruising on the Severn Estuary again this Summer) and one on Green Power Racing.

If you have any ideas or leads, let Pete know. For the moment, contact him via Secretary Martin.

2015 has already been organised by previous incumbent Clare.

► June Educating Soldiers on the dangers of Drink Driving - WO Chris Stockwell of the TA

► July Members’ Drivecheck Evening See how your Advanced Driving skills are holding-up. It may be several years since you took the IAM Test and bad habits could be creeping in. Any non-drivers can be a passenger.

► August Surely the Highlight of 2015 – Inter-Group Quiz. It circulates around local Groups - 2015 is our year.

► September Sarah Sillars – new IAM Chief Executive Officer Almost as exciting as the quiz – Definitely one not to be missed.

► October Tim Shallcross – IAM Head of Technical

on the development of in-car technology

► November Helen Richardson of the IAM Driver Retraining Academy – on their Drink Drive Rehabilitation Scheme

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY – IMMEDIATE START

REPORTER NEEDED to write a SHORT IMPRESSION of the presentations at Monthly Meetings for placing in the newsletter.

Interested? Contact the Editor or any Committee Member.



Volksfest - Helpers Wanted The Group has been asked to run a manoeuvring competition at the Bristol Volksfest which is held at Easter Compton on the date of Saturday 20 June 10.00am to 4.00pm. I am looking for helpers to help me run it, either for the whole day or for half a day. If you can help, or if you require more information, please give me a ring on 01749 860321 or e-mail me on [email protected] Andrew Nicholls

May Speaker Tuesday 26th BAWA Pavilion 7:30pm for 7:45 NOTE: The previously-advertised Speaker has withdrawn – probably a Motoring Forum will be held - see our website for latest news.

BAWA Location and Travel Directions

Bristol Group holds Meetings at the BAWA Club, in Filton, in the north of the city.

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

Use our Charity Cashback Scheme by the Editor

SHOP ONLINE via Easyfundraising.org.uk – and registered retailers will make a donation to us, at no extra cost to you. It's really simple – all you need to do is register - use the handy prompting Toolbar earn even more.

INTERNET SEARCH using iambristol.easysearch.org.uk and click on one option - and you will raise half a penny. It soon adds up.

UNSURE WHAT TO DO ? Use this link (if you are reading this online) to sign-up and Easyfundraising will donate £1 to us. Or the Group’s Geoff Bevan or Martin Evans will advise. See Contact Us details, page 40.


http://www.iambristol.easysearch.org.uk/

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http://easyfundraising.org.uk/iambristol/

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CALENDAR for Bristol Advanced Motorists KEEPING YOU UP TO DATE WITH OUR ACTIVITIES

Dates of Meetings – Members and Administration MAY Wed 06 FAD course seminars at BAWA (6th, 13th, 20th, 27th) Tue 12 Exec Committee Meeting - second Tuesday of each month. If you wish to raise an issue, contact the Group Chairman. Sat 16 Three-in-a-Car (see page 22) at Old Sodbury 10.00am Cross Hands Pub Car Park, Old Sodbury crossroads NOTE: A programme of six 2015 Three-in-a-Car dates has been arranged for you. See page 22 for details. Tue 26 Monthly Meeting BAWA Pavilion 7:30pm for 7:45 start NOTE: The advertised Speaker has withdrawn – probably a Motoring Forum will be held - see our website for latest news. JUNE Tue 09 Exec Committee Meeting - second Tuesday of each month. If you wish to raise an issue, contact the Group Chairman. Wed 10 Advanced Driving Course - seminar 3 – Meet an Examiner BAWA 7:30pm ALL CURRENT ASSOCIATES WELCOME Tue 23 Monthly Meeting BAWA Pavilion 7:30pm for 7:45 start Educating Soldiers on the dangers of Drink Driving - WO Chris Stockwell of the TA Sat 20 Bristol Volksfest at Easter Compton. See opposite page Sat 20 COPY DATE for the Group Newsletter - July issue. JULY Thu 02 Three-in-a-Car, Evening Venue (see page 22) at Thornbury Leisure Centre 7.30pm Mon 13 Newsletter Collation at BAWA 4:30pm until 7:00 approx To volunteer – contact Andrew Nicholls Wed 15 Advanced Driving Course - Seminar One BAWA 7:30pm. Pre-booking required – see page 39 Wed 22 Advanced Driving Course - Seminar Two. BAWA 7:30pm Tue 28 Monthly Meeting BAWA Pavilion 7:30pm (see page 19)

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



Three-in-a-Car by the Editor

Invitation to FREE 3-in-a-Car sessions 2015

Next One: Saturday May 16th 10.00am Cross Hands, Old Sodbury

Whether a Member or an Associate of Bristol Advanced Motorists, this is your opportunity to catch up on a few Advanced Driving tips. Even if you’ve never been on a TiC you’ll be most welcome.

Advanced Driving is a perishable skill – your standard will drop unless you do some maintenance – and Three-in-a-Car can be seen as a form of free Continuous Professional Development (CPD) to help.

So don’t drop-out: ► Keep Active ► Keep involved.

ATTEND IN 2015 – even if it’s only once - especially if you haven’t been assessed since took your Test a few years ago. Future Dates: Thu Jul 02 Thornbury, Leisure Centre 19.30pm Sun Aug 09 Gordano M5 Services 10.00am Sat Sep 12 Old Sodbury, Cross Hands 10.00am Sun Oct 25 Keynsham 10.00am Ashton Way Car Park The Previous One – at Keynsham in March

21 people gathered on March 28th at Bath Hill car park – including some Members from Bath Group and some wanting guidance for Masters.



OBITUARIES JOAN TOLLEY by Jenny Edkins

My mother, Joan Tolley, died in March. She very much valued her connection with the IAM and was very active in the Bristol Group over many years, first alongside her husband, Jim Tolley, and then in her own right after his death in 1985. As an experienced teacher herself, she was centrally involved in the design and organisation of Bristol IAM training courses until she moved to Lytham St Annes in 2002. photo: Jenny Edkins

A certificate presented to her by the Bristol IAM in recognition of her service to the Group had pride of place in the hall of her house in Lytham, alongside a photograph of the presentation.

She suffered from macular degeneration in recent years, so was unable to continue driving, but she retained a keen interest in road safety issues and teaching methods. She followed the activities of the IAM and she was in touch with Paul Hodge as recently as last summer.

She died on 12 March 2015 in Blackpool Victoria Hospital aged 92.

Editor’s Footnote: Many of the Group’s longer-term Members remember Joan with affection and respect. I joined the Group in 1986 and the committee in 1992, so I never knew Jim. But Joan was very positive and inspirational and organised training methods to great and lasting effect. She started structured Observer training and set-up Observer Teams. She encouraged me to change from Motorcycle Observing to Cars, and convinced me to go forward to become one of the first Senior Observers in 1994. I attended many committee meetings at her house in Westbury. I, and my wife Pam, spoke to Joan frequently on the phone after she moved to Lytham. The last time was in the Autumn. I understand Marlene and Andrew Nicholls had both spoken with her recently as well.



JOHN TOLLER – Member and Observer by Marlene Baker and John’s wife Lorna

Many of you will know that John passed away on 1st November 2014. He had been a Member of Bristol Advanced Motorists since April 1995, becoming an Observer in 2005. This task was not done without debate and friendly discussions – as he viewed driving from the Associate’s aspect. Working with John was a pleasure and fun. photo: Group Archive

John’s life was full and varied. A clever child obtaining top marks in all of Somerset at the age of 11 equated to a scholarship to Taunton Grammar school - but becoming a pupil there was not to be. Instead, his first job was an apprentice at Standard Telephone & Cables. He joined the RAF and worked for 3 years in the radar division. He then trained as a draftsman with Bristol Aero engines, becoming a Design Liaison Officer at BAC. He worked on the Bristol Siddeley engine in the design section of Rolls Royce.

While John worked nights on Concorde at Fairford he was also a Special Constable and a police volunteer for nine years and in his spare time he obtained a Degree in Geology which involved field trips and various geology meetings. As a member of BAC sub-aqua club John became a diving instructor achieving National grade. Of course this led into more exciting ventures of diving, as in discovering the Bretagne, a ship from Oslo, Norway which sank in 1903, four miles east of Berry Head near Brixham. The ship’s 44lb bell was recovered along with the Royal Navy gunner’s ammunition box with the name Mr Pimm on it’s plaque. John went in search of Mr Pimm and was successful. Both feature in the Wreck Detectives by Kendall McDonald.

John was very interested in conservation of wildlife, trees, plants and flowers. He was a founder member of Forty Acres in Little Stoke and Chairman when he died. When he moved to Little Stoke the area was an overgrown wilderness. He became an unofficial warden and instigated



turning it into a place of recreation for wildlife and flowers. Bovis Homes was granted restricted planning permission, to build houses on this area. John was instrumental in negotiating with numerous bodies until permission was gained to secure the area as a conservation area. His wife Lorna said that John was away from home so much that their children needed to be introduced to their Dad on occasions.

John was scout master for Little Stoke, becoming Senior Scout Master from 1959 until 1968 during which time all family holidays were at Scout Camp. He ran the petrol filling station at Patchway before it was taken over in 2005. When his wife Lorna was convalescing from a life- threatening illness at home and needing constant care, John worked from 4am until 8am while she slept. Whatever John did he did to perfection. His German Shepherd was trained to police standard. He was also a fisherman and the flies he tied have to be seen to be believed - they are beautiful. He drove the Four Towns Transport minibus, having to retire because of his age. He then did voluntary driving for Frenchay and Blackberry Hill with the Sunshine group. He became a favourite with the disabled children on their regular routes.

Editor’s Footnote: How can anyone pack so much in? And to most people, these achievements and activities were unknown. OTHER RECENT LOSSES We also have to report the passing of the following Members: RAY CAMPION Former Chief Observer ROGER STIMPSON Former Group Chairman and Chief Observer. MAURICE WHITTAKER Long-standing Member



Group News by the Editor

REGIONAL LIAISON FORUM The latest of these Group get-togethers was held in Exeter on 18th April. Unfortunately on this occasion not one of the Bristol Committee was free to attend. What was discussed will doubtless filter through to us in time. PAYMENT OF GROUP RENEWAL SUBS BY DIRECT DEBIT The IAM is trialling a system whereby Chiswick can collect Group subs for the largest Groups. Outgoing Regional Ops Manager Mark Trimmer had confirmed that Bristol Group was eligible, subject to database requirements. Our new ROM, Tom Docherty, tells us that a trial is going ahead with Newbury Group, and he will keep us posted on progress.

We used to accept cheques or Standing Orders. Simples, although Standing Orders are a hassle when the amount changes. Direct Debit will solve that, if it is accepted by the Members.

A couple of years ago we started to accept Internet Banking payments – and although we still have only a few paying by that method, it is a hassle and time-consuming for the Treasurer. 50% of such payments have an error – amount, reference, payee, etc – and bank records do not distinguish between Standing Order, Single Transfer or Regular Transfer. ASSOCIATE WALLETS We still issue plastics wallets to Associates, containing the new A5 Associate Booklet, a copy of the LINK and other paperwork. It is intended that Associates take notes at the seminars, but few bring a pen. So now we include an IAM-branded one as encouragement.

The booklet used to include trial questions on How to be a Better Driver and the Highway Code, with answers on the website. But in the past year only 2 accesses were made to the answers. So the questions have been removed from the booklet and instead issued to Observers to ask direct.

Talking of the Highway Code, every driver should have, and be familiar with, it. We used to include one, but stropped the practice on instruction of IAM Chiswick. However, although we have them on sale at the seminars, few are sold. It’s not the price – there is a reluctance to buy. MEETING ATTENDANCE Mark Lewis, IAM Director of Standards, drew 33, but the average over the last year has been below 25. Although this is a very poor number for a Group of our size, Meetings will continue to be held each month.



RoSPA Advanced Drivers Association (RoADA) RoADA is an alternative to the IAM, offering its own very similar advanced driving test, but much smaller than the IAM with a small budget and less than one tenth of the Members.

We understand that the local Group in Bristol closed in 2014. The baton has been taken-on for Motorcyclists by the independent group Avon Advanced Motorcyclists, whereas any potential Car Associates will be offered an individual local ‘Mentor’ to offer guidance.

So Members, when talking to anyone considering taking-up advanced driving, recommend the IAM and the Bristol Group, which can offer a structured course and an active local social Group. EXTENDED ASSOCIATES - OR NOT ? It should be quite possible to pass the IAM Test within 3 months of starting guidance. The Group recommends 6 months maximum. But we are finding that an increasing number of Associates go to 12 months without applying for a Test and many are going beyond.

Skill for Life is for one year only. Past that, Associates need to pay a renewal subs to Chiswick and to the Group, separately, although the IAM and Group Rules conflict – one can be a constant everlasting Associate with Chiswick, but may only stay with a Group for 12 months.

Currently, Bristol Group requires an Assessment at 10 months, and if it is judged worthwhile for the Associate to carry on, a locally paid £25 extension fee is required.

The situation is getting out of hand because Chiswick contacts Associates direct for a renewal, and the Associate renews without our knowledge and doesn’t expect to have to pay another Group fee.

From the April 2015 course we are informing Associates that they cannot extend beyond their 12 months’ Associateship, while we seek guidance from Chiswick on correct operational procedures. IMPROVERS COURSE The current ‘Skill for Life’ format of packaged Course and Test is financially beneficial to IAM Chiswick but it does not suit all. Many Drivers just want to ‘improve their driving’ without going the whole hog. Maybe that is one reason so many drop-out. The Committee is considering offering am ‘Improvers Course’ within the rules, or at least issuing a Group ‘Completion Certificate’ for those not taking the Test.



More Letters to the Editor

Alan asks, “Who are these ‘Regional Managers’ who you say in the last issue have resigned? I thought IAM Groups and Regional Co-ordinators in the geographical structure were volunteers?”

The Editor replies: IAM local Groups are made up of dedicated Members. Some just belong to support – whilst others sit on committee or do a variety of active roles, giving much of their time (sometimes too much of their time). The main purpose is to be a Members’ Club, and to publicise the Institute – but much effort today is put towards actual Observing, to help, guide and assist people to become Full Members.

The Group is run by a committee and is theoretically independent – but in practice the activity and procedure is governed by the IAM Ltd because Groups have to abide by the Group Rules of Affiliation.

The relationship between Groups and IAM Chiswick used to be a Regional Coordinator – plus, in more recent times via local Forums, which send a representative to the NRG (National Representatives Group).

Recently. the IAM has appointed a Regional Operations Manager and a Regional Quality Manager in each Region to replace the voluntary RCos. The reason was apparently to provide uniformity of standards in both administration and Associate guidance. Reading between the lines, many Groups were not up to the job – and the IAM wanted to help them up, so that a ‘consistently structured public interaction’ could be advertised nationally. This also coincided with the change in emphasis from Members’ Club to an Associate training organisation to service the centrally-sold Skill for Life package.

The division between volunteers and paid people has, as a result, been brought right down to Group level – the distancing provided by the RCos is not there any more. It was thought that paid staff working with volunteers would cause friction, because paid posts do not equate with volunteer passion – but previous incumbents Mark Trimmer (ROM) and Steve George (RQM) were very pleasant and helpful.

Many organisations have the structure – a well-known local charity has paid workers alongside volunteers – and even the Dean Forest Railway has just appointed a paid General Manager to “organise volunteers”.



A New Hazard on the Roads by the Editor 1. IN PRAISE OF A MERCEDES DRIVER

I was driving the B4228 south towards Chepstow, on April 6th at 3:00pm, for several miles having kept pace with a ‘progressive’ large Mercedes a few hundred yards ahead. In the woods at Tidenham Chase the Mercedes stopped, taking up a position near the centre of the road, with brake lights still illuminated. He was blocking traffic in both directions. “What’s going on here?” I thought, as I slowed to a stop some 25 yards behind it. I had noticed a slight shadow moving ahead of it, difficult to see anything against the low sun.

The Mercedes stayed put, for several seconds. Then, all of a sudden, a Feral Boar came out of the undergrowth and crossed the road between us. I’ve never seen that in broad daylight before. Dark brown, and very large. The Mercedes driver must have stopped for the previous one, that I had only picked-up as a shadow. The Mercedes stayed put, again for several seconds. By now I was thinking, “This bloke must know something”, so I too waited.

Then, two Feral Boar piglets came out of the undergrowth and crossed the road between us. A paler colour, but the size of sheep. The Mercedes stayed put, again for several seconds. Then, all of a sudden, two more Feral Boar piglets came out of the undergrowth and crossed the road between us. We waited. . . . 2 more, then 2 more, then a group of 4 piglets, making 12 in all. After waiting several more seconds, Mr Mercedes decided to drive off, and I followed, now having learnt what to expect if I see just one Boar. Thank-you, HK12 NJJ.

above: Feral Boar in the Forest of Dean photo: The Gloucester Citizen



2. A BIT OF BOAR INFO

A driver was killed in January when his car hit a Feral Boar on the M4 near Swindon and was deflected into a fatal collision with an HGV. The first UK fatal involving a boar. Feral Boar are not known in that area.

A Feral Boar is hard and dense, an adult weighing 200-400lbs. Hitting one can cause much more damage to a car than does a sheep or a deer. A German automobile club has conducted crash tests on life-size model boars (see photo below for how big) and concluded that although a collision at 50 miles per hour severely damaged the vehicle, it needn't be life-threatening for the people inside the vehicle because of the deformation of the crumple zone.

Road traffic accidents have claimed the lives of several feral boar in Britain, particularly where a road bisects an area of woodland. All reported incidents involving wildlife are recorded by the Police as ‘wild animal’ and not ‘wild boar’ incidents, so exact numbers are not available. In common with observations from the continent, most feral boar are hit in the UK during the hours of darkness as they move to their feeding areas. Their dark coats can be difficult to see, particularly on an unlit country road.

In the depths of darkness, feral boar have no fear of roads and will loiter along the grass verge whilst rooting and feeding. On the continent, most are killed in October, November and December, when the hours of darkness are greatest, visibility on the roads is the worst and males become particularly mobile during the main rutting season. A similar seasonal trend would be expected for Britain. Only one human fatality has been reported through collisions with feral boar in Britain to-date, and this may be attributed to the lighter traffic and slower speeds used on the winding country roads that the animals most frequently cross.

photos / some text: britishwildboar.org.uk



Boars are unpredictable. Males usually roam singly, move quickly (up to 25mph) and can jump a height of 5 feet. Females saunter in twos or threes along with their young – the collection being called a ‘Sounder’.

On many roads we already have signs warning drivers to be alert for ‘wild animals’. Transport Ministers are considering introducing a new road sign to warn specifically about feral boar, as already used in France and Germany (see German sign to the right). But ‘Beware of the Boar’ road signs are unlikely to have any impact on the number of collisions because drivers take no notice, and road signs begin to lose impact over time. In comparison, despite drivers being warned of the hazards posed by deer on the UK’s roads, up to 70,000 are hit by drivers annually, the AA has stated, involving 10 human fatalities and around 400 slight or serious injuries.

An estimated 50 collisions between boar and cars have been recorded in the Forest of Dean alone in the 9 months April 2014 to January 2015.

The Driving Plan: Where boar are known to be present, drive slowly – 40mph – even on a clear, straight road - and keep a look-out while totally free of distractions. If you see an animal, brake hard in a straight line. The almost inevitable collision will be less severe than if you swerve – you could deflect into another vehicle, a tree, or possibly go into a rollover situation. At night, dipping the headlights gives the animal a chance to run away – they get fixated by a strong light beam.

Boar became extinct in Britain over 300 years ago, although at one time they were native across Europe, Eurasia, Australia and the USA. In recent times, imported ‘continentals’ have been farmed in the UK.

In 1999, some escaped from a farm near Ross-on-Wye and remained reclusive until one was run-over in 2002. Then, Animal Rights protestors released 60 from a farm near Staunton, Forest of Dean, in 2004. By 2009, it became apparent that the two herds had merged, spread out into the countryside and started to enlarge. And in the cold winter of 2010, boar learnt to root through rubbish bins to find food and so became frequent visitors to inhabited, even urban areas.



Others have been released elsewhere, and now the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) officially estimates there are around 1,000 boar living wild in Britain, but experts claim that the true figure is at least five or ten times that. There are an estimated 1,000 in the Forest of Dean alone and there is another big population near Tunbridge Wells in Kent, where some are run-over on the A259.

There are other smaller populations in Dorchester, Dartmoor, Cornwall and the Cotswolds. But they may be in other areas too, because feral populations remain low and reclusive for several years – and then expand rapidly and become visible because each sow has two litters of 8 piglets each year. It is known that the Forest boar have spread into Monmouthshire – either by swimming the Wye or crossing the A466 Wye Bridge – and some could have travelled elsewhere – one was spotted near Salisbury – and could have got as far as Swindon, where the motorway fatality occurred. They could be reclusive in many places.

Take care driving – and on holiday, because there are large populations in Germany, France, Spain, Poland – and even in Orlando, Florida.

Boar cause havoc by rooting-up verges and even football pitches and gardens. The responsibility for controlling roaming boar in the rural UK is down to local communities and landowners, according to DEFRA. No national policy on how to deal with them has been developed, so for example the Forestry Commission is carrying-out a cull in the Forest of Dean. And, finally: - good luck with your Insurance claim.

above: It says ‘Beware Deer’ on this photo taken in the Forest of Dean, but the culprits for the rooted-up grass verge are definitely feral boar. They are usually nocturnal and not seen during daylight hours. photo: britishwildboar.org.uk / Martin Goulding



Mindfulness – A USEFUL TECHNIQUE FOR THE DRIVER

Mindfulness refers to the practice of Living in the Moment - paying complete attention to, and thinking about only, what is happening at the precise moment in time in which we are living. Its source is in ancient Buddhist philosophy, to clear the mind and inhabit the present moment.

When I read the book ‘How to Drive’ by the Stig, I noticed that he recommended it – and since then I see the topic in media everywhere.

As Advanced Drivers, we think of C-O-A-P - Concentration, Observation, Anticipation and Planning. Mindfulness is a tremendous aid to Concentration and Observation, especially with those unnecessary potential distractions in modern cars. Even the video accompanying the 1994 Pass Your Advanced Driving Test IAM book referred to it without naming it – “Concentrate on the present and dismiss all distractions. Like the argument you had with the boss, or the prospect of the awful Hendersons coming round for dinner tonight.” Essentially:

● Think now only about what you are doing now. ● Experience and Observe, without judgement. ● Dismiss emotions and distractions. This will allow you to form a more reasoned, objective view of the moment and will help you to coolly decide how to carry on.

Mindfulness has much to recommend it as an overall philosophy of life. The technique is popular in business training and in schools. You can practice yourself, without a tutor, at almost any time or doing anything. Focus on the moment, on what you are feeling, thinking, experiencing, through touch, taste, smell, sight or hearing. Focus on each breath as a distinct event. Then expand that momentary awareness until you can stay ‘in the moment’ for several minutes as an unconscious skill.

Employing Mindfulness can reduce depression, anxiety and needless emotion – relevant today with modern life and people preoccupied with and/or addicted to unnecessary mobile devices - can improve self-esteem and memory, can help with personal targets, and can even curb over-eating and unhealthy eating.

In comes naturally, and can be self-applied by most people. However, many are so confused in the mind they need help. For them, one-to-one mindfulness psychotherapy – or a group class - is available.

Inspired by a piece by Dr Margaret Wehnrenberg in the Lady magazine, also by Nigel Wellings of Bath speaking to Steve Yabsley on BBC Radio Bristol.



New M4 Junction 18A under discussion

This surely must be welcomed by every Advanced Driver in the Region. For too long, access to East Bristol has been more difficult than it need be because of the lack of this junction and the related short link-road.

Former Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin has indicated the previous government was “looking favourably” into the £50m scheme, although there will be no money until the 2017 year. Meanwhile, South Glos Council is investing £80k into a feasibility study and plans, whilst the Landowner of part of the route is willing to re-sell the land.

When the M4 was built in the early 1970s the slip roads were installed – initially I understand as access to a proposed Service Area that never got built – and later, the Sainsbury Roundabout on the A4174 was the proposed other end of the Link Road.

At the moment all traffic West-bound on the M4 (from London) wishing to access Emerson’s Green (and beyond to Keynsham and East and South Bristol) has to continue to J19, join the M32 and then the A4174 ‘Avon Ring Road’ before re-passing the place where the new junction would be. This adds up to 30 minutes. And the same vice-versa, but worse because of the controversial 2+ lane which is little-used and creates a politically-correct false bottleneck. This is a nonsense which would be eliminated by a new junction, which would also reduce traffic at Hambrook, the M32 and junction J19. An alternative used by some drivers is to access/egress the M4 at J18 and then travel by the A46 through Dunkirk and via Tog Hill and the villages of Wick and Warmley, which is less suitable than a direct link.

Things are likely to get worse before they get better. Plans for the new controversial Metrobus scheme will see 24-hour bus lanes on the A4174 (M4 to Wick Wick section) with bus-stop laybys - and because the Council admits there will be danger of rear-end collisions because of slow buses and bus stops, speed limits will be reduced to 50mph, with extended 30mph sections no less, and at least two Toucan Crossings.

The recent large commercial and residential developments at the Bristol/Bath Science Park, and Emersons Green in general, which has been identified as a key area for economic growth over the next 12 years with up to 7,000 jobs predicted to be created and many houses to be built, make this road even more vital for the area.



Former MP, Conservative Chris Skidmore, recently launched the Gateway2Growth campaign at the Science Park to draw attention to the benefits of a new junction for businesses and individuals. Conversely, a Green Party representative spoke vehemently opposing the scheme, not on reasoned individual grounds, but because roads, and particularly private cars, are at the very bottom of their transport priorities.

The Highways Agency has recently also objected, because it thinks traffic for the M4 WEST will join at the proposed junction to avoid the 2+ lane, Hambrook lights and the M32. They think that this extra traffic will cause congestion at J19, impede traffic joining from the M32, and adversely affect the ‘Managed Motorway’ section.

Editor’s Note: East Bristol also has poor road links to the South. It takes 30 minutes extra to reach the M5 at Burnham from Keynsham rather than from Clifton – and the proposed South Bristol Ring Road extension will do little to improve that.

Interested in Advanced Motorbiking ?

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

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

Get a taste with a free assessed ride, and maybe sign-up for the Motorbike Skill for Life course. Grab a bacon buttie and a cup of tea, meet like-minded people, and maybe attend the various presentations. Use the link on our own website to access the Motorbike Group’s website. Or go to the Motorbike Group’s website direct: www.bamo.org.ukOr phone 01275 372637 or email [email protected]

Correction: Sue Nolan points out that I got something wrong in the Report of the Bristol Motorcycle Group’s AGM (March issue). Sue was not the original Secretary; that was John Bowditch – now how could I forget John? – and Sue took over a couple of years later. And, to add a bit of detail, Billy, the current Chairman, was actually the Chief Observer when the Group started back in 2006.


http://www.bamo.org.uk/



Dead Slow by the Editor

Last weekend I drove to a National Trust property in Gloucestershire and at the entrance I passed a sign similar to this one. Then I realised that the lower speed limits imposed by elected Mayor Ferguson - and his cronies on neighbouring Councils - had forced me to drive there almost entirely at the “respectful lower speeds” at which I once drove a hearse with a full coffin in the back! Approved funereal speeds are 20 in town centres and side streets, 28 in other 30mph limits (it seems slow because everyone else is doing 10% above, plus a couple for the Queen), 40mph on most rural roads, and 56-ish on Motorways, to safely keep pace with the lorries. In a busy High Street, a hearse making 12½ mph with headlights on and flowers on top will part the traffic like Moses at the Red Sea (any faster; you can’t maintain a steady speed: any slower; people have too much time to move, and to fill the gaps ahead).

above: A Coleman-Milne ‘Cardinal Classic’ UK ‘top-hat style’ hearse – converted by ‘cut, stretch and shut’ from the Ford (Australia) Fairlane sedan. Your Editor once had one of these as his ‘daily driver’ around Bristol.

photo: Coleman-Milne, Bolton

Recent weeks have seen the Bristol City 20mph speed limit move out to cover East Bristol, and more local rural roads reduced to 40 and even 30mph, a Council decision rather than under Dept for Transport guidelines. Then the fixed speed cameras are being switched back on after a 4 year gap, the grey cameras are active on the M4/M5 Managed Motorway and Community Speedwatch vigilantes are in greater action. Watch your speed. Architect of “Dead Slow Bristol”, Elected Mayor red-trousers Ferguson, did not, and embarrassingly got caught and fined for doing 35mph in a 30 zone whilst driving for work. He has not replied to an offer to take-up a ‘Skill for Life’ course.



This ‘Social Media’ Nonsense by the Editor

Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone has dismissed criticism that F1 needs to develop a greater involvement with social media, which will enable it to engage with a younger audience and attract a new fanbase.

Talking to Campaign Asia-Pacific magazine, Ecclestone said: "I'm not interested in tweeting, Facebook, and whatever this ‘social media’ nonsense is. You're telling me I need to get 15-year-olds to watch F1 because somebody wants to sell them something? Most of these kids haven't got any money. They will see the sponsors’ brands (e.g. Rolex), but they are not going to buy. They can't afford it. They are not going to be interested. The marketers are not aiming at this audience."

He continued, "I don't know why people want to get to the so-called ‘young generation’. I'd rather get to the 70-year-old guy who's got plenty of cash. There's no point trying to reach these kids. "

On the other hand, Ben Schofield, IAM Chiswick’s Communications Manager, says, “Facebook and Twitter are the future, the only way. Everybody is on Facebook. IAM Chiswick is moving to a greater focus on social media to improve its ability to inform and influence”.

Examine that statement. Who is right? The IAM is also trying to sell a product (Skill for Life) to the public, and other ‘products’ internally to existing Members. But it is not outrightly commercial because it has charitable objectives, to improve driving standards and hence road safety. In contrast to F1, the IAM is very poorly-known in the market place, so you could say it needs all the exposure it can get. Social Media is not publicity in itself, but, like the IAM’s appearances in the media, it does provide another channel to funnel any interested members of the public into the main publicity areas – in the IAM’s case, the IAM website www.iam.org.uk But despite ‘social media’, the main IAM “purchasers” are still in the 40-50 age band, not youngsters.

Bristol Group is not so heavily involved, but we do have a presence on Facebook and Twitter. DON’T LOOK WHILST DRIVING THOUGH ! Both are ‘open access’. So you can look without being a registered user.

www.facebook.com/BristolAdvancedMotorists Twitter: @iam_bristol


http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=171078605914&ref=ts

http://www.twitter.com/iam_bristol

http://www.twitter.com/iam_bristol



Refresher Course Review by Liz Hamer

I passed my IAM Test in Bristol 20 years ago! Since then I have happily enjoyed accident-free driving in many places and countries. I was delighted to read in the LINK magazine of the opportunity to take a local refresher course, designed for people like me!

The thoughtfully-organised sessions at BAWA were excellent and very well attended: and although I was certainly an “elder statesperson” in the class I found the Group’s “officers” to be very friendly and helpful.

I have just completed my six Observed Drives and consider I was most fortunate to have Local Observer Mark Gollop as my instructor/Observer. It was brilliant to re-visit the Cockpit Checks and the System of Car Control – and at the end of each observation session to constructively talk-through exactly how you had driven.

Let’s face it, as we get older it is a known fact that we sometimes forget things! This Refresher Course was brilliant in assisting you to recall and then to utilise so many useful driving tips and procedures.

Many thanks to the Bristol IAM for this excellent opportunity.

Liz Hamer

Do you want to follow Liz and take the Refresher Course?

The Refresher Course is for existing Bristol Group Members, who maybe took the Test several years ago.

You need to be a current national IAM and Bristol Group Member. You share the three classroom seminars of an Associate course, and your allocated Observer will give you six driving guidance sessions, tailored to your specific needs. There’s no Test, but you get a Certificate upon completion. Cost: £39.

For details of the Refresher Course, contact

Training Officer Mark Gollop:

01454 773234 [email protected]




Know someone who could be a better driver?

Word-of-Mouth is one of the best publicity methods – so tell people about the IAM Advanced Driving Course - which can help a driver be more confident, safer - and make driving more enjoyable. For £149, the IAM Skill for Life package contains the IAM Advanced Driving Test itself, with in-car driving guidance, and three seminar sessions to prepare you. A six-month commitment is needed to complete, with ideally one drive a week. Age is no barrier. Beth (pictured) was 18, whilst Doris was 80 when she passed. South Gloucestershire resident young drivers could have the £149 refunded.

Offer of 12 months FREE RAC roadside and recovery cover now withdrawn.

Advanced Driving Course Dates (PRE-BOOKING REQUIRED )

JULY Seminars on Wednesdays. Jul 15th, Jul 22nd, Sep 02nd. OCTOBER Seminars on Wednesdays. Oct 21st, Oct 28th, Dec 02nd. JANUARY 2016 Arrangements for 2016 yet to be finalised. APRIL 2016 Arrangements for 2016 yet to be finalised.

For details of the Skill for Life Course, contact: 0117 969 1746 or [email protected]

Know someone who doesn’t want a full course? Then mention our one-off DRIVECHECK ASSESSMENT – cost £35. An Observer will give the person one structured 90-minute Assessment of their driving, at a convenient date/time, and give a written report about the main points of the driving displayed, with advice on how to improve. Contact our Chief Observer Geoff, on 0117 256 5555.

Getting Rusty Yourself? Try our Refresher

Our special Refresher course is for existing Bristol Group Members. See details on the facing page.




CONTACT US: Your guide to who does what

TO ENQUIRE ABOUT the IAM’s SKILL FOR LIFE email [email protected] phone direct 0117 969 1746

ADVERTISED PUBLIC ENQUIRY NUMBER: 0117 256 5555

Executive Committee, Bristol Advanced Motorists Chairman Marlene Baker 01454 619289

[email protected]

Vice Chairman Andy Cole 07714 992 639 [email protected]

Secretary Martin Evans 0117 979 8061 [email protected]

Treasurer Paul Hunt 0117 960 8494 [email protected]

Database Administrator James Rowland 07817 152 405 [email protected]

Newsletter Editor Paul Hunt 0117 960 8494 [email protected]@iam-bristol.org.ukAssociates Administrator Clare Reeves 0117 969 1746

Publicity Officer Geoff Bevan 01453 860365 [email protected]

Training Administrator Mark Gollop 01454 773234 [email protected]

Membership Development Tony Gilbert 07973 730 498 [email protected]

Other Post Holders [email protected] Minute Taker Clare Reeves 0117 969 1746

Monthly Meeting Organiser Pete Goodman contact the Secretary

Group Display Boards & LINK Collation organiser

01749 860321 Andrew Nicholls [email protected]

Social Events Organiser vacant contact the Secretary Field Publicity Organiser vacant contact the Secretary Social Media vacant contact the Secretary Young Driver Advocate vacant contact the Secretary

01453 860365 Chief Observer and [email protected] Bevan Web Administrator [email protected]

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

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



















EXTRA - The Cover of the hard copy version

The LINK is primarily distributed as a hard-copy A5-size paper version. The current cover (above) continues the tradition first started in about 1971 of having a cover image of Bristol’s iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge.

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

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

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

0845 126 6600 [email protected] www.prism-ltd.co.uk


http://www.tonygilbert.co.uk/


http://www.prism-ltd.co.uk/


EXTRA – Associates and Observers Needed

Despite it becoming increasingly difficult to reach Members of the Public with publicity due to the ‘Market Fragmentation’ of media channels, Bristol Group has maintained its Associates numbers in recent years, and this trend looks to continue at least in the short term.

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

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

So our appeal for Members to act as salesmen is now changing course and asking instead, “Can you be an Observer for the Group?”, because the number of Observers on our books is reducing. The number in recent years has steadily reduced from 50 to the current level of around 25,

photo: IAM

which means that many Observers are dealing with 3 Associates at the same time, which is rather too much of a time commitment.

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

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

Information about becoming an Observer can be obtained from:

[email protected] or 01454 773234




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