newsletter of bristol advanced motorists...the link – newsletter of bristol advanced motorists...

Circulation 450 no: 264 Sept 2013

newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists

IAM Group no: 1009 Registered Charity No 289807 Run entirely by volunteers Affiliated to the IAM

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

IAM Bristol Group: www.iam-bristol.org.uk IAM Chiswick (national): www.iam.org.uk

IAM? Bristol Group? Who we are and what we do

This LINK is the newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists, which is a Group (or Club) affiliated to the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM).

We, and the other 214 local IAM Groups, are independent volunteer organisations, but are officially affiliated to the national IAM and work extremely closely with it. Local Groups are Membership Clubs, with two main functions: firstly, they offer a local focus for IAM Members to continue their interest in Advanced Driving, and secondly, they provide Advanced Driving Guidance to enrolled Members of the Public (Associates), preparing them for the IAM Advanced Driving Test. Details of how we do this in the Bristol area can be found on pages 38/39.

The national IAM is the UK’s leading Road Safety charity, dedicated to increasing skills for all road users, improving standards and safety in driving and riding, and helping to save lives on our roads. It is largely financed by the membership fees from IAM Members and Associates.

The IAM has a commercial arm which charges for training provided: IAM Drive & Survive for company drivers who drive for work, and IAM Driver Retraining Academy Ltd for Offence Re-training courses.

This newsletter is printed, collated and despatched by Group volunteers.

It is also displayed for free access on our website: www.iam-bristol.org.uk

Views expressed in this newsletter are those of the contributors and 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. Materiel submitted may also be published on the Group website and in other IAM Group newsletters. If you wish to reproduce any materiel, please credit the LINK, Bristol Advanced Motorists, as the source.

Editor: Paul Hunt [email protected] 0117 960 8494 21 De Verose Court, Hanham, BRISTOL BS15 3SW

the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists

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


mailto:[email protected]

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




Sept 2013 Read this newsletter on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk

Contents this Issue

page Bristol Group and the IAM explained 1 Editorial items 3 Bristol Group doing OK – maybe? 4 An Appeal – Attend our Club/Social Meeings! 5 Recent IAM Test Successes 6 New Associates / Recruit an Associate 7 Young Driver Refund Scheme - South Glos and Bristol City 8 New Observers / Membership Numbers 9 FAD Course Notice / Masters Familiarisation Day 10 News About Members 11 Group News - Involvement of Bristol City Council and Police 12 IAM Chiswick News / Interested in Advanced Motorbiking 13 New Skill for Life Publicity Leaflets 14 Treasurer – Gift Aid, Lloyds Bank, Donating to the Group 15 EasyFundraising / Facebook 16 Motorway Familiarisation Module – from the 1970s 17 Forthcoming Monthly Meeting Speakers / Reporter required 18 Three-in-a-Car - Your Invitation for 2013 19 FREE DRIVING ASSESSMENTS FOR THE PUBLIC 20 CALENDAR – WHAT’S ON ? 21 Advanced Driving Refresher / Social Events? 22 Lifeboats – Monthly Meeting Report – Premier Vehicle Storage 23 VW T2 – the end for World’s longest-produced vehicle 25 Ice-Cream Van Chimes 27 Volunteer Drivers at The Games 28 Member Recommendations 30 Flip-Flop Danger when driving 31 Awkward Driving Situations – Keynsham Church 32 Driving News 33 Follow us on Twitter 35 Advert: TOLLGATE car and van hire 36 Letters to the Editor – Summer Meetings, Email Notification 37 What’s this course about? / Associate Course Dates 38

Group Contacts: your guide to who does what 40

All content compiled by the Editor unless otherwise credited. Contributors this issue are: Richard Avery, Pauline Barnes, Geoff Bevan,

Barnaby Ellis, Martin Evans, Gordon Findlay, Pam Hunt, Paul Hunt, Margaret James, Laura Martin (IAM), Andy Poulton, Clare Reeves, Tollgate Hire, John Tyrrell,

IAM and ‘The Archives’. Thank you also to all people talked to during research.

We welcome items from our readers Group Meetings, Events, Letters. Short articles on Motoring topics or indeed anything of interest. Email, letter phone. Photos, print or jpeg.

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

DEADLINE DATE for receipt for the November issue: Sat 26th October



Read this newsletter on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk Sept 2013

Editorial CONTENT THIS ISSUE We hope that you enjoy reading this LINK Group Newsletter and you find the content interesting. See the Contents list opposite.

GIFT AID FORM ENCLOSED Those of you who do not already support us in the Gift Aid Scheme will find enclosed a Gift Aid Declaration. See the piece on page 15.

USE YOUR PROXY VOTE AT THE IAM CHISWICK AGM All Members have had the Advanced Driving comic from IAM Chiswick, with its enclosed Annual Report and Accounts and Proxy Voting Form.

Have YOU used your vote on the proposed subs increase and suitability of the new Trustees? If you do not, you can’t complain. A very low number of IAM Members get involved with the AGM (last year only 34 Members attended and only about 1,500 submitted proxies – around 1.6% in all.)

I know Members who toss Advanced Driving straight into the recycling box without even unwrapping it. The IAM doesn’t help because, IMHO, the Advanced Driving journal is very poor at communicating anything about the IAM’s management. Don’t waste your vote.

COLLATION OF THE HARD COPY NEWSLETTER We need a few more volunteers to help collate the printed pages, and to stuff about 400 envelopes. This is done at BAWA, six times a year on a Monday from 4:30pm to 7:30pm approx, with about 6 people needed. A few more names in the pool would ensure we can always muster 6 people per collation. Contact Andrew Nicholls (see contact details on page 40).

LOOK AT OUR WEBSITES Keep up-to-date with the IAM by looking at www.iam.org.uk Keep up-to-date with the Bristol Group at www.iam-bristol.org.uk Look at the Associates’ Guide pages to refresh your Advanced Driving technique.

AWKWARD DRIVING SITUATIONS We start the ball rolling by describing one in this issue, regarding u-turners at mini-roundabouts. Observers – Members – have you got one to add for next time? Write about it and send it in.

MONTHLY MEETING REPORTS Sorry that we are falling behind with reports of our Monthly Meeting speaker talks. Recent ones have been amongst the best we have ever had. If you can be a SCRIBE/REPORTER, get in touch with the Editor.





Bristol Group doing OK – maybe? by Secretary Martin Evans

In my roles as Secretary and a member of the Regional Training Team, I attend various IAM meetings around the Region and often go to the IAM National Conference, representing the Group. I also get to see quite a few Groups in my role as a 'Bloodhound Ambassador' (World Land Speed Record car), giving talks to all and sundry. Consequently I get to hear a lot of other Group members’ views about driving, the IAM, their own Groups and life in general! It's fair to say quite a few Groups I come across are struggling to get Associates, struggling to get committee members and struggling to get their members to be 'active'. A few Groups in our Region are in real danger of closing (or perhaps merging) but most are continuing on an ever-decreasing band of Observers and committee members.

In the Bristol Group we are seeing a small decline in membership each year but we are still one of the IAM's largest Groups. We have a full committee (except that a couple of members have more than one role!). Our last Skill for Life course (we do 4 per year) had 16 Associates and 3 Members taking a ‘Refresher', which was very heartening bearing in mind many IAM Groups would be pleased with 16 in a whole year. The first two courses of this year had much lower attendance however.

So, a mixed bag really... the Bristol Group is doing well in comparison with many but it's a concern that our membership seems on an ever-decreasing trend. It would be great if we had a few more volunteers for the committee... it's fun, honestly! We have capacity for more Associates as well - after all, preparing drivers for the Advanced Test is what we are all about and we have an enthusiastic and well-trained band of Observers. Our existing Members are our best source of new Associates - so spread the word to your family, friends, neighbours and work colleagues.

Our social evenings (4th Tuesday of the month) could be better supported - we have a fascinating line-up of speakers for the remainder of this year and most of next year is planned already (thanks to committee member, Clare). If you haven't been to a meeting for a while, come along and learn more about what's going on in your Group, the IAM and the world - from our speaker! Dates and speaker details are on the Calendar page.

The Group is what the members make it and I feel we could be so much more with a little more support from our members. Clearly anyone reading this has road safety on their personal agenda... I urge you to contribute to make Bristol Advanced Motorists the best Group in the IAM.



AN APPEAL TO MEMBERS & ASSOCIATES Group Monthly “Club Social” Meetings

I recently met a Group Full Member of 8 years’ standing - who did not know the Group holds Monthly Meetings.

That is maybe one reason why we sometimes only get a low attendance of 30 or so from our 330 Members and the 50 or so Associates who are current at any one time.

Apart from guiding Associates through Skill for Life to their IAM Advanced Driving Test, the Bristol Group (a.k.a. Bristol Advanced Motorists) is a members’ club.

Members of that club may decide to become Observers, or to help in club tasks, or to stand for the Club Committee. Without that structure of club membership, no Observers would come forward, and no-one would stand on the Organising Committee, so in turn the work of guiding Associates through Skill for Life to their IAM Advanced Driving Test would reduce, and ultimately cease.

Members and Associates - please attend Club Meetings! WHY NOT GIVE IT A TRY, AT LEAST ONCE?

Meetings are held on the Fourth Tuesday of each month starting at 7:30pm at the BAWA Club in Southmead Road, Filton.

Apart from the brief club news and opinions, and presentation of Certificates to Associates who have recently passed the Test, there is a Speaker on an interesting topic (see the Calendar pages).

We are always hearing, “That was an excellent speaker – the best we have had!” For example, in August we heard all about bats from Laura Plenty who is an Ecologist with the Canal & River Trust (formerly British Waterways) and chairman of the Avon Bat Group. Afterwards we took electronic bat detectors out onto the BAWA fields – and detected and saw a couple of Pipistrelle bats.

See you at the September Meeting. ALL FULL MEMBERS and ASSOCIATES are WELCOME.



Recent IAM Test Successes by Pam Hunt

The Committee and Members of Bristol Group congratulate the following Associates, who have recently passed the IAM Advanced Driving Test after taking part in the Bristol Group’s Skill for Life Associate Scheme. ASSOCIATE OBSERVER TOM CLIFFORD NICK PERRY TOM REVELL BARNABY ELLIS ANDY ROBERTS TONY GILBERT SALLY SHADBOLT JOHN LEE

You will all be Upgraded to Group Full Member until the year-end.

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

above: Chris Lieu (right) accepts her Certificate from Group Chairman Andy Cole. For those of you viewing this photo online in colour, you will see that Chris’ Certificate is the new type with silver-embossed title and edging.

photo: Geoff Bevan



New Associates by Pam Hunt, Associates Administrator The following people have enrolled on Bristol Group’s Skill for Life Courses so far this year. We look forward to seeing you all again in a few months, for you to have your IAM Certificates presented.

JANUARY COURSE OLIVER BEALE GREGG BERLANDI NIRMAL BISSONAUTH KYLE COZENS GEOFF DRIVER SCOTT ELLIS ROBBIE HOOPER PAUL KING DAVID LANGAN FRASER LEWIS IAN McALEER THOMAS REVELL ANDREW ROBERTS HUGH ROSE PAUL STEVENSON ELIZABETH TAYLOR APRIL COURSE ANDREJS DUSA OLIVER EDWARDS SEAN HOWE MATTHEW NEALE STEPHANIE ROBERTSON STEPHEN RUMNEY GEORGE SALMON WILLIAM THOMAS DANIEL VENN ANTHONY WILLCOCKS JAMES WILLCOCKS JULY COURSE MICHAEL BALLARD HARRY CALDER MARY-JANE CEMBROWICZ STEFAN CEMBROWICZ MICHAEL DEMENSIS MARK GRENFELL-SHAW NICOLAS GRISON ANNE HARTLAND GRAHAM HOOPER EWAN JAMES JOSEPH JAYS JANE JENKINS CHLOE MESSENGER MAUREEN MITCHELL GEORGE SCOTT SAMUEL STEEPER TOM STEWARD CRAIG WELLS

Members, please Recruit an Associate !

If you know someone who could be interested in a full Skill for Life Advanced Driving Course, or maybe a one-off DriveCheck Assessment, please recommend them to contact the Group:

[email protected] 0117 960 8494




Turning Young Drivers into Advanced Drivers

Full Money-back Offer for South Gloucestershire

17 – 24 year olds who pass the IAM Test

BRISTOL ADVANCED MOTORISTS is pleased to be working with SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE COUNCIL to promote better driving and reduce casualties in the vulnerable 17 to 24 years age group.

We are offering a Full Refund of the £139 IAM Skill for Life course fee to qualifying Young Drivers who pass the IAM Advanced Driving Test.

The refund offer is open to Drivers aged 17-24 who are RESIDENTS in the SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE Local Authority Area,

or who WORK PERMANENTLY in that area, or alternatively who are undertaking FULL-TIME EDUCATION in that area.

The Refund will be given to those qualifying Young Drivers who pass the IAM Advanced Driving Test within 12 months of starting guidance,

and who are aged under 25 on the day they pass the IAM Test.

South Gloucestershire Council's Road Safety Team is providing the funding as an incentive. We currently have plenty of funding available.

Do YOU know a Young Driver who could benefit? BRISTOL GROUP Bring this to his / her attention,

or talk to the parents.

Further details available from Bristol Group’s Pam Hunt,

on 0117 960 8494 or at [email protected]

Money-back also for Young Drivers

who live in the Bristol City area Four Young Drivers who live in the Bristol City Council area and wthe IAM Test can also get a full Skill for Life course fee refund, thto limited funds released by Bristol City Council's Road Safety Team.

To register for

ho pass anks

a place, contact Associates Administrator Pam, as above.





New Observers

above:

erver Mark Gollop (left) accepts his Qualified Observer Certificate from

ongratulations to MARK GOLLOP, pictured above receiving his Qualified

has just passed

New ObsGroup Chairman Andy Cole. photo: Geoff Bevan

CObserver Certificate at a recent Group Meeting.

e are also pleased to announce that DAVE PENGELLYWhis Qualified Observer Test with the Group.

Group Membership Numbers by the Treasurer

293

On 24 August 2013, Bristol Group figures were:

● Group Full Members Sub Total 293 ● Group Friends (not able to take the Test) 1

ber

● Group Donators (supporters, ex-IAM Mem s) 10 ● Upgraded Associates (year to date) 29 ● Associates enrolled and under guidance 44 Grand Total 377



ADVANCE NOTICE FURTHER ADVANCED DRIVING COURSE – 2014

Bristol Group is planning to hold a FAD Course starting February 2014. This aims to improve your driving from IAM Test pass level. It is a course on its own, or the essential precursor to the Observer Course.

We only hold one FAD course a year and the cost is £39. It is hoped that those who complete the FAD course will continue on to the Observer course, later in 2014, for which there is no further charge.

To find out more please contact me on 01454 776416 or email [email protected]

MARGARET JAMES Training Administrator.

IAM MASTERS Familiarisation and Practical Skills Day

This will take place on Saturday 21st September 09:30am to 4:00pm, based at the Compass Inn, Tormarton GL9 1JB, just off M4 junction 18. This location will give superb access to the type of roads needed to practice and demonstrate IAM MASTERS skills.

The event will be co-hosted by Bristol Group Secretary Martin Evans and IAM Staff Examiner Andy Poulton. There will be up to four Police Driving Instructors [serving/retired] to help/advise teach/train/instruct, with written reports. Everyone interested in taking IAM MASTERS is welcome, although there has been strong interest and places are “tight”.

The Format will be as follows: 10:00 – 11:00 Introduction, Description of Requirements, Costs, Marking, etc, Hand-outs Guest speakers: Two Masters Members with their experiences 11:00 – 13:00 Drive [1] and Demonstration with Observer A 13:00 – 13:30 Lunch (pre-book - there is a charge – or BYO) 13:30 – 15:30 Drive [2] and Demonstration with Observer B 15:30 – 16:00 Debrief. Q&A Session

Contact Bristol Group Secretary Martin Evans in the first instance. phone 0117 979 8061 or email [email protected]





News about Members

TONY DOWN Tony lapsed his Group membership two years ago. He used a car with controls adapted for his disability, and advised the Group on driving such cars. Your Editor met him again by chance at the FILTONES CHOIR annual charity concert at Eden Grove Methodist Church in Horfield on 29th June - his wife, Betty, is a member of the choir. Tony is doing fine and still lives in Frampton Cotterell. His son, Steve, took the SfL course with Bristol Group and passed his IAM Advanced Driving Test in 2006. DAVE CALLISTER - and a MODERN APPLICATION OF THE PARABLE OF THE TALENTS Some Vicars across the UK are employing a novel fundraising approach, based on the Parable of the Talents, in which a master gave his servants ‘talents’ (units of money), expecting it to be returned with enhancement when he returned from holiday. ( Matthew, Chapter 25: verses 14-30 )

The meaning is that Jesus' disciples should use their God-given gifts in the service of God, and to take risks for the sake of the Kingdom of God, not just do nothing and waste them. ‘Gifts’ include personal abilities (‘talents’ in the everyday sense), as well as personal wealth. Because not everyone has money to give, this scheme offers some ‘seed capital’ to invest, maybe in baking cakes or making jam, buying car washing kit, materiel to make cards or a woolly hat to keep warm when offering a dog-walking service, and have some fun while they are doing it.

Observer Dave Callister, and all congregation members at Holy Trinity, Nailsea, received £10 from Reverend Trickey in a bid to raise over £20,000 by the end of September to finish its open-to-all community building. The project is for an expanded community hub adding meeting rooms, youth space and café .

Dave says, “I am proposing to do my bit by fasting two days each week mainly to lose some weight but also as a good discipline. The days will normally be Tuesdays and Fridays although I am flexible on that if occasion demands. I hope to lose 3kg by the end of September and 10kg by the end of the year. If you would like to support me in this you could sponsor my weight loss, sponsor the number of days I fast or simply make a donation to a good cause. Thankyou, DAVID

Contact David via the LINK Editor should you wish to donate.



Group News BRISTOL CITY COUNCIL COMING MORE ON-SIDE Over the last several years it has appeared that Bristol City Council is anti-car and anti-motorist. For example on the Road Safety side, whilst other Councils support Young Drivers, Bristol’s approach has been to actually discourage young people from taking-up driving, although to be fair they were heavily involved in the Wheels, Skills and Thrills project.

However, IAM Chiswick’s campaign of contacting Councils has seen the IAM’s Laura Martin and Mark Trimmer talk to Bristol’s Principal Road Safety Officer Mike Baugh, who incidentally recently passed his own IAM Test through the Bristol Group. Mike is now thinking about how the City Council could promote Advanced Driver Training for all age groups. He says there may be the possibility of some funding and also potential for including North Somerset , BANES, and South Gloucestershire Councils as well, through the West of England Partnership.

Bristol Group Secretary Martin Evans points out that there are many IAM ‘products’ available, not only Skill for Life, but Driver Assessments, Momentum and the new IAM modular training ‘Modules’. Also, there are various groups of drivers that could be addressed by targeted campaigns: ● Young drivers (of course) ● Recent parents (suddenly aware of their responsibility) ● Middle-aged company car drivers doing high mileage ● Older drivers ● Parents of learners (wanting to brush up their own driving and to be able to pass-on good advice to their offspring)

There are many reasons why people may accept further driver training, including: A recent scare/crash/points, Realisation there is more to learn, Losing confidence, Reduced Motoring Costs – Insurance –Fuel.

Bristol Group is keen to help, and indeed we always need more publicity and exposure to show there is much to learn, to encourage drivers to take personal responsibility for their safety and to show how interesting and enjoyable driving can be. Over 90% of Road Traffic Collisions are caused by driver error - advanced driver training is one way of addressing that. POLICE INVOLVEMENT WITH THE GROUP Liaison with the local Police mentioned previously has now been taken up by IAM Regional Manager Mark Trimmer, on a ‘Regional’ basis involving several Groups. Further news will be given as it becomes available.



IAM Chiswick News

IAM BICYCLING - DUMPED IN THE SKIP – FOR THE TIME BEING A colleague in another Group found out by chance that ‘IAM Bicycling Membership’ is no longer available. No notice has come from Chiswick.

In response to an enquiry to IAM Chiswick, Laura Martin, the IAM’s Market Development Manager, wrote: “Regarding your general comments around bicycle training we are reviewing how this is currently delivered and until we establish a suitable alternative for training we will be providing guidance to all who enquire on finding a trainer. The communication regarding the membership itself is due to go out shortly, this will be delivered by the same body as the training as this seems to make more sense. We will have some more firm plans in place in the very near future. The book [How to be a Better Cyclist – Ed.] will remain in the shop but the membership and training for the time being has been removed.”

The IAM website has been altered. The ‘I am a Cyclist’ option remains, but ‘Cycling Courses’ now refers to the national Bikeability 1/2/3 Scheme, and says that this can be obtained through Local Authorities.

The existence of IAM Bicycling has divided opinion since it was introduced. The reason for it is that many Bicyclists are also Drivers and the IAM hoped it would be an avenue for more Skill for Life sales, as well as showing the IAM’s interest in Road Safety – for example, 2012 DfT statistics show that although overall ‘killed and seriously injured’ figures decreased, the number of bicyclists killed rose 10% from 107 to 118.

Interested in Advanced Motorbiking ?

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

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 Motorcycle 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 that of the Motorcycle Group. Or go to the Motorbike Group’s own website: www.bamo.org.ukOr phone 01275 372637 or e-mail [email protected]


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



New Skill for Life Publicity Leaflets Group Secretary Martin has a large stock of new IAM Skill for Life leaflets. If you can spread the word, just ask for some – preferably arrange to collect from a Group Monthly Meeting.

The leaflet folds-out to 8 pages – yes, 8 pages - covering: WHO (gets a benefit) ? MARK (because he bought SfL) WHAT is advanced driving ? WHO is it for ? WHAT is there to learn ? HOW do I pass the Test ? WHAT do I get in the fee ? WHY is it such good value ? and an APPLICATION GUIDE.

Loads of information. All you need to know.

But strangely-designed.

Supposed to be given out at shows, it is much too large to carry around, at 210mm square, and too thick a paper to fold easily.

It doesn’t fit a standard leaflet dispenser, and is a Large Letter to post, even needing a non-standard envelope. And Skill for Life is even mis-spelled in one place.

It seems far too detailed for anyone but a really serious enquirer, and difficult to read, with wasted space and small print, some on dark colour blocks.

IAM Chiswick says, “Never mind the design, just look at the content”.

Maybe they have a point: I handed one to a person whom I thought would dismiss the idea – but she signed-up for Skill for Life almost immediately.

So please try handing some out to prospects.



From the Treasurer PLEASE GIFT AID YOUR GROUP SUBSCRIPTION Gift Aid is a simple government scheme which enables us to increase the value of your donations (and Group membership subscriptions) by 25%, from HMRC, at no extra cost to you. You just need to be a UK taxpayer.

Gift Aid can be a major boost to Group funds, and being able to use it is one of the main benefits of us being a Charity. Please consider it. Many Members participate already. Those who don’t will find a Declaration Form enclosed. If you think you have been missed, and want to start, contact the Treasurer on 0117 960 8494 [email protected]

There are two simple steps. STEP ONE Complete a Declaration Form and send it to the Treasurer. (21, De Verose Court, Hanham, BRISTOL BS15 3SW). This gives your permission to us, and confirms that you are a UK Taxpayer. STEP TWO Er, there isn’t even a step two – but inform us when you wish to leave the scheme, or are no longer a UK Taxpayer.

If you are a higher rate taxpayer, you can claim back the difference between the rates on the money Giftaided. See your Self-Assessment tax return or contact HMRC.

LLOYDS TSB BANK The Group’s Bank Accounts are with Lloyds TSB Bank. As previously reported, the ‘TSB’ bit is currently being put in the skip. You will notice rebranding taking place, to the new ‘Lloyds Bank’. Bristol Group Accounts are staying with Lloyds Bank, so there will be no change to make, although you may notice the new name on your statement which records your annual membership Standing Order payment.

SURVEY - WOULD YOU CONSIDER DONATING TO US? We have had NO REPLIES to our question in the last LINK. Go on – let us know what you think. It may influence any decision we make on adopting any particular method of card payment acceptance.

Do YOU regard the Group as a Charity worthy of receiving donations? Would YOU consider donating by that means?

Is it worth us setting up a donation facility on our website?

Let our Treasurer know [email protected] or 0117 960 8494





YOU can raise funds for us too!

Bristol Advanced Motorists members have raised over £550 with

SHOP ONLINE VIA EASYFUNDRAISING It doesn't cost you anything - just shop online and get a Cashback reward and donate the money straight to your chosen cause – that is, to Bristol Advanced Motorists. Sign up free to http://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/iambristol Members have raised £48.36 for us in the last quarter by doing this.

Make every Internet Search get a donation You can raise Cashback for the Group EVERY TIME you search the web with http://iambristol.easysearch.org.uk You will raise half a penny with every search. It may not sound a lot, but it all adds up - our members have raised over £120 with EasySearch.

Like to help in this way but unsure what to do? Just contact the Group’s Geoff Bevan and he will advise you. Call 01453 860365 or e-mail [email protected]

STOP PRESS: Why not join the 25 Members already registered?

Find us on Facebook by Barnaby Ellis

DON’T DO IT WHILST DRIVING – but look at our new ‘open’ Facebook page, without belonging to Facebook. Go to www.facebook.com/BristolAdvancedMotoristsor search for Facebook Bristol Advanced Motorists

Note: If your search engine does not find the page, try Google, Yahoo or AVG. The blue log-in request box comes up and fills the screen, but to get rid of it just click on the ‘close’ button in the bottom right corner. If you can’t see the ‘close’ button, then reduce the screen view to 75%


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

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

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

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

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



Motorway Familiarisation Module from the 70s

IAM Chiswick is in the process of introducing IAM ‘Modules’ on driving topics, for those who do not wish to initially do the full Skill for Life course. The ‘Modules’ will NOT build in steps to a complete Skill for Life and Full Membership, but will be separate stand-alone mini-courses. There will be a number of ‘classroom Modules’, and two ‘on-road’ ones – Parking/Manoeuvring, and Motorway Driving.

But nothing is new, and Bristol Group has been here before.

Way back in the late 1970’s the Bristol Group actually offered a one-off Motorway Familiarisation session. Aimed at drivers with little experience of the ‘new’ motorways, or unsure about motorway driving, the in-car session/course took 90 minutes, cost £2, and covered:

● Why motorways, if driven on correctly, are our safest roads ● Why it is essential that Driver & Vehicle are Fit for the motorway ● Simple motorway Law ● Motorway speed limits and variations ● What Lights to use in varying conditions ● How to Join a motorway ● Following Distances – the 2-second rule ● Lane Discipline – the right lane at the right time ● Overtaking ● Signs and Signals ● Roadworks ● Effects of varying Weather Conditions ● Breakdowns and Emergencies ● Bad Habits on motorways ● Restraint and Consideration ● Leaving the motorway ● Answering any candidate’s Questions, written Assessment

There was recognition that some of the public may not be capable, because it stated, “If the Observer is unhappy about the vehicle condition or the driver’s potential, the session will be postponed until problems are rectified”. Looking back, the 1970s saw many people newly take-up driving, and good new-car sales meant a large supply of cheap used cars.

Candidates were refered to Motorway Driving (IAM), the Driving Manual and Roadcraft, all of which books were sold in the Bristol Group’s Shop.

Look out for further announcements concerning the new ‘Modules’. the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists


Forthcoming Group Monthly Club Meetings

Clare Reeves, our Monthly Meetings Contact, has organised our meeting speakers for 2013, and has largely filled 2014 too, but is still on the lookout for fresh leads and ideas. So if you have a contact – or an idea for a subject – such as a hobby or interest you are passionate about – then contact Clare via [email protected] The current programme is below:

SEPTEMBER CHILD CAR SEATS John and Fran Vickery on requirements and correct use/fitting. 70% are incorrectly fitted. Got a child seat fitted and would like it checked? John and Fran will be in the BAWA car park from 7:00 pm prior to the meeting to advise you.

OCTOBER MOVING CONTRAVENTIONS ANPR men Chris Williss and Les Finnemore on using ANPR to ‘monitor’ traffic.

NOVEMBER HIGHWAYS AGENCY Dave Hillier will talk on: Who we are, what we do, what powers we have. Also the ‘Management’ of the M4/M5 junction area. 2014

JANUARY COUNTERFEITS OF BRITISH BANK NOTES. Gerald Little describes the German efforts in WW2.

FEBRUARY PAUL BARNETT, local Maritime Historian.

MARCH MOTORISTS’ QUESTION TIME. A repeat of the successful 2013 event. SPEAKERS have been arranged for most Meetings in 2014 - details will be issued nearer the time.

Volunteering Opportunity – Meeting Reporter

We still are in need of a Volunteer (or Volunteers) to write a one or two-page summary of what our guest speakers say at Meetings, for insertion into the LINK for the information of Members.

If YOU would like to help, please get in touch with the Editor. [email protected] 0117 960 8494

or speak to him at the next Monthly Meeting





Your Invitation to THREE-IN-A-CAR 2013 series Date Time Location Team 5. Saturday 14 Sept 10.00am Gordano M5 Services Brunel 6. Sunday 27 October 10.00am Keynsham, Ashton Way Colston

At a Three-in-a-Car (TiC) you’ll be welcome but you’ll also be in for a real treat because not only are they FREE, they’re an ideal way of 'keeping in touch' with Advanced Driving. The sessions are designed for both Full Members and Associates and their purpose is to assist you in maintaining your high driving standards.

At the venue, a Team Leader will assign you into a group of three (or two - or even four). One of you elects to be first to drive (very brave!) and you all drive off in that car for 30 minutes or so on a course of your choice or, if you are not sure of the area, a course directed to you en-route. There is usually a good deal of helpful banter so most points will be covered as you go round, but at the end of each drive there will be an opportunity for you all to enjoy a short and sometimes entertaining de-brief! Someone else then elects to go next in their own car - and so on.

The event is over in around 2 hours, it’s FREE and it's good fun. No records are made - but there's usually plenty of good advice available!!

Contacts: Venue 5: Dave Callister 01275 791441 Venue 6: Tony Gilbert 0117 950 1020 07973 730 498

Chief Observer Geoff Bevan reports: At the August 11th event at Chipping Sodbury, 12 Members attended and, as usual, had a useful couple of hours comparing and discussing various Advanced Driving points. No-one turned up in an outlandish vehicle this time, so organiser Alan Dunn awarded the reserved bar of chocolate to Pete Goodman on the strength that his was the ‘most interesting vehicle’ in that the massive brake discs on his BMW almost exceeded the diameter of the wheels!. A close second came Nick Perry, whose car had a large quantity of straw under the bonnet, from following a hay wagon.

Why not attend the next one - Gordano Services, 14 September – which you will notice, for a change, is on a Saturday this time -

or, the last of the year, Keynsham on Sunday 27 October.



FREE OFFER FOR THE PUBLIC more on our website

Tell your Family, Friends, Colleagues DOWNLOAD and PRINT this NOTICE at www.iam-bristol.org.ukand DISPLAY IN YOUR LOCAL SHOP, LIBRARY, WORKPLACE IDEALLY - BOOK IN ADVANCE




CALENDAR for Bristol Advanced Motorists SEPTEMBER Sat 14 Three-in-a-Car Gordano M5 Services 10:00am Contact Dave Callister 01275 791441 Sat 21 Masters Familiarisation/Sales Day at Compass, Tormanton 09:30 to 16:00 Pre-book with Secretary Martin Evans Tue 24 Monthly Meeting BAWA Pavilion 7:30pm for 7:45 start CHILD CAR SEATS John and Fran Vickery on

requirements, use and fitting. Free fitting check of your child seat too. See bottom of page.

Sun 29 FREE FOR THE DRIVING PUBLIC DriveCheck Assessments at BAWA 10:00am to 4:00pm

OCTOBER Tue 08 Executive Committee Meeting Wed 09 Skill for Life Course seminar one BAWA 7:30pm Wed 16 Skill for Life Course seminar two BAWA 7:30pm Tue 22 Monthly Meeting BAWA Pavilion 7:30pm for 7:45 start MOVING CONTRAVENTIONS ANPR men Chris Williss and Les Finnemore on using ANPR to ‘monitor’ traffic. Wed 23 Observers’ Meeting BAWA 7:30pm Sat 26 Copy Date for submissions for the LINK (Nov issue) Sun 27 Three-in-a-Car Keynsham Ashton Way 10:00am Contact Tony Gilbert 0117 950 1020 07973 730 498 NOVEMBER Mon 11 Newsletter Collation at BAWA 4:30 until 7:00 approx *** More helpers needed *** – contact Andrew Nicholls Tue 26 Monthly Meeting BAWA Pavilion 7:30pm for 7:45 start HIGHWAYS AGENCY Dave Hillier will talk on: Who we are, what we do, what powers we have. Also the ‘Management’ of the M4/M5 junction area. Wed 27 Skill for Life Course seminar three – Meet an Examiner - BAWA 7:30pm

[The BAWA Club is at 589 Southmead Road, Filton, BS34 7RG, between Southmead Hospital & British Aerospace. Look for the playing fields. ]

Next Club/Social Meeting Topic - September Monthly Meeting BAWA Pavilion 7:30pm for 7:45 start CHILD CAR SEATS John and Fran Vickery on requirements and correct use / fitting. 70% are incorrectly fitted. Got a child seat fitted and would like it checked? John will be in the BAWA car park from 7:00 pm prior to the meeting to advise you.



BRISTOL ADVANCED MOTORISTS

ADVANCED DRIVING REFRESHER COURSE

Members . . . . Can you name the 5 Phases of the System? How are you at Cockpit Drill and POWDERY?

What about Short Stay and Long Stay? Or Sustained Changes?

Can you explain Limit Point Analysis? Can you explain the techniques needed for safe Motorway driving?

Would you pass an IAM Advanced Driving Test if you sat it today?

If you said ‘no’ to any of these, or are unsure, then . . . .

Bristol Group offers an opportunity for existing Group Members who feel they would like to refresh their Advanced Driving skills. The classroom seminars are shared with the Associate course, and there are six practical driving guidance sessions with an Observer. There isn't a test, but a Certificate of Completion will be awarded. Cost: £39

Previous course participant Pauline says,

“I would recommend the Refresher, particularly to longer-term Members who took the IAM Test some years ago. It has boosted my confidence and, I believe, has made me a better driver.”

The next course starts on October 09th 2013 - and there will be four further opportunities throughout 2014.

For further information please contact Pam Hunt 0117 960 8494 [email protected]

Social Events – possibly - it’s up to YOU

No Member has stepped-forward to be Social Organiser for the Group, to maybe organise the guided walk along the Kennet and Avon Canal in Bath, that our June Speaker Stuart Burroughs offered to lead. Also suggested is a Farm Tour in Dundry which went down very well with another organisation.

Perhaps it could be YOU. Volunteers please.

Wannabe Social Organisers please get in touch with the Chairman, or indeed any Committee Member. Remember, without a Social Organiser it looks like Social Events in the Group have come to an end, whereas we are now being encouraged by our new Regional Manager Mark Trimmer to expand the Social and Club aspects of the Group to ensure its survival.

[email protected] - or see all contact details on page 40





Monthly Meeting - Premier Vehicle Storage by Paul Hunt At a recent meeting, Clive Powell came to talk to us about his business, which offers storage facilities for classic, sports and even modern vehicles.

Clive told us of his 15 years’ prior experience in the motor trade as an apprentice restoring classic cars, his own business car spraying, as a car salesman and other jobs in security, IT and with an alarm company. He set up Premier Vehicle Storage as a new company in 2005. He said that getting started is the most difficult bit in business and involves loads of trouble - usually serious.

Car storage premises have to be modern, well-equipped and accessible – but discrete. Clive found 8,000 square feet in a discrete location but just 8 minutes from a local motorway junction. He had to buy equipment, such as tools, battery conditioners, covers and valeting equipment.

Customers of a new business have no trust or knowledge, so a good service has to be provided in the early years, which will lead to personal recommendation later. The Vehicle Storage service provided is: Discreet Dry and insulated Secure, with locks, ram raid bars, alarms and Police response Transport in a covered vehicle – a Bryan James race shuttle Maintenance and ‘exercise’ programmes provided Insurance included Valeting – at an extra cost Other services arranged - at an extra cost Sales and purchasing advice - at an extra cost Servicing, repairs and renovation - at an extra cost through an associated company or quality partners.

To get the business known, Clive initially advertised in magazines including Motor Sport, Practical Classics, Mercedes Magazine and Classic Cars, on the radio and Internet, and at Car Shows and through Car Clubs, eventually to generate a Word of Mouth reputation.

Why use the service? It has prestige, a good standard with painted floors and walls, quality breathable non-condensation covers, gives peace



of mind, retains the value of the vehicle, maintains a ‘start on the button’ reliability and is convenient to use. As a demonstration, Clive has a 1975 VW Scirocco, one half as if ‘left outside’ and the other half in a ‘left with us’ condition. Storage means care. It should be good car management and good car care. If you want to use vehicle storage, always speak to the proprietor. Is he enthusiastic? Is he flexible to meet your needs? Can you be sure the vehicle won’t be used?

Standard long-term care ranges from £20 to £28+VAT per week in three plans. All plans include a dust cover. Bronze plan involves disconnection of the battery, visual inspection of condition and occasional ‘rolled maintenance’. Silver plan adds battery conditioning, starting and running up to temperature. Gold plan adds occasional road exercise. Short-term storage and Custom plans are available by arrangement. Motorcycles are cared for at 1/3rd of the rate. Storage for caravans is at 2/3rd rate, and cheaper secure outside storage is also available.

A major problem with storage is tyres. Clive over-inflates tyres to avoid flat spots developing and also the vehicles are rolled every so often to rest on a different spot of tyre and a different spot on the wheel bearings. Rubber deteriorates in a dry environment so although the garage is kept dry, the humidity is controlled to avoid over-dryness.

Clive showed some photos of cars currently in storage. Apart from the ‘half and half’ Scirocco, these included a Rambler Rebel, Pontiac Trans-Am, 1968 Ferrari 308 GTB, 1969 Plymouth Roadrunner 383cu in, Audi TT Quattro, 1950 Mercedes 190, 1987 Toyota MR2 with only 1,300 miles, and a 1978 Austin Allegro 1.1 with 58,000 miles. Also there were a modern Golf GTI and Volvo convertible, whose owners were using the facility whilst away on holiday from nearby Bristol Airport.

The subject title may have appeared boring at first glance, but some of our non-technical ladies said how interesting the presentation had been.

As is so often said, “One of our best talks.” right: Inside the main storage shed.



The end for world's longest-produced vehicle

VOLKSWAGEN BRAZIL has announced a batch of 600 limited edition models to mark the end of production this December of the world’s current longest-produced vehicle, the VW Type 2 van or “bus”. (The Type 1 ‘Beetle’ ran longer, from 1938 to the last in Mexico in July 2003.)

Brazilian T2s are usually bog-standard in white but the 600 Last Edition units, at an inflated US $38,000, will be nine-seater ‘Kombis’ with two-tone white and blue body paint, body-colour plastic trim, whitewall tyres, special wheel trims, etc. The seats will be trimmed in a blue and white vinyl, with blue fabric curtains at the tinted side and rear windows. There will be a special instrument panel, and even an MP3-capable radio. Special ‘56 anos’ decals will identify the special run, along with a numbered plaque on the dashboard and a certificate of authenticity.

The rear-mounted, slow-revving 1.4-litre 77bhp water-cooled 4-in-line flex-fuel engine (as used in the Brazil-made VW Fox) can run on either petrol or E100 ethanol (which is widely-available in Brazil at half the price of petrol). The gearbox is four-speed. Although there was a brief unsuccessful trial of a diesel engine in 1981, the traditional air-cooled VW boxer engine was fitted until the end of 2005 – the last production application of that engine – in the world. (VW’s Mexican plant fitted water-cooled 1.6 petrol engines from 1991 until end of production in 1996.)

The Type 2 ‘split-screen’ was produced in Europe from 1950-67, with an updated ‘bay window’ version from 1968-79. The 1980 successor model “wedge transporter” used the air-cooled engine in Europe for a few more years. The Type 2 was produced in other VW assembly plants, the Brazil



Sao Paulo plant starting production in 1957 and is now the last, having produced over 1.5 million for South American and African markets. Most Brazilian-made models used a 4 inch higher roof, and different, old-design side panels. Just under 5 million Type 2s were made worldwide up to 1979, the total with later Mexico/Brazil production being over 6 million.

Brazilian emissions laws brought the end of the air-cooled engine in 2005, and now Brazilian requirements for air bags, ABS, etc, have brought the end for the vehicle, although the Type 2 is still very popular and cheap.

The Type 2 started as an idea by Dutch Volkswagen importer Ben Pon, who visualised adapting the Hitler VW Type 1 KdF-wagen (Beetle) for much-needed light transport. In fact, a new chassis was needed to carry the weight, but the air-cooled engine and mechanicals were used. Reduction gearing from the wartime VW Kübelwagen enabled the low-powered 25hp engine to propel the loaded weight of 1.5tonnes. The drag-reducing vee-shaped front and rounded body resulted from the use of a wind tunnel.

A van and a Combi (for passengers - and goods, with quickly removable seats) were offered from the start, but the Camper is most-remembered in the UK. Danbury Motorhomes in Yate still converts Brazilian Type 2 vans into Campers, the final batch of 100 coming in September.

The forward control layout of the Type 2 (and the 1947 Citroen H) was copied widely - UK models such as the Bedford CA, BMC J4, Commer Spacevan and Standard Atlas. Chevrolet and Fiat even used a rear engine like VW, forcing use of the unconventional side-door-only loading.

VW Type 2s have acquired a reputation for low power and vague handling – but it’s a bit of a myth. I drove a Type 2 bay-window van in the 1970s – hired for some Sevenoaks (Kent) to Birmingham trips when the regular Ford Transit broke down. It was stable, comfortable, and had a surprisingly high cruising speed on the motorway. In those days, one just didn’t even consider the lack of any crash protection at the front.



Ice Cream Van Chimes will play longer, from the Autumn.

DEFRA has relaxed the regulations governing mobile food vendors - although Prime Minister Dave had earmarked the rules to be scrapped altogether as part of the Government’s Red Tape Challenge. “It is hard to believe that we need government regulations on issues such as ice-cream van musical jingles”, he famously said. Actually, the regulations come under the Control of Pollution Act 1974 and the Code of Practice on Noise from Ice-Cream Van Chimes Etc. 1982.

The new rules will allow chimes for 12 seconds instead of 4 (allowing a recognisable tune), once every two minutes when driving, instead of 3, and (freshly) one burst of chimes whilst the van is stationary at any one selling point. Other rules remain unaltered – banning chimes within 50 metres of a rival vehicle, a school or place of worship, more than once every two hours in the same length of street, and no louder than 80dBA at 7.5metres (quieter in areas of low background noise or narrow streets).

The industry also wanted allowable hours (12noon to 7pm) extended to 10.30am to 8pm, saying that the earlier start would allow mobile sandwich vendors to ply their wares before lunchtime on industrial estates, and the later finish coincides with peak selling times and a social change where “children’s bedtimes are later than they used to be.” But this change will need a change in primary legislation, and is resisted by Councils and Noise Abatement people and so is "likely to take some time".

Most of the country's ice-cream van chimes are made by MicroMiniatures of Staffordshire. The traditional Westminster Chime has been joined over the years by a multitude of other tunes, popular being O Sole Mio (Just One Cornetto), Greensleeves and Match of the Day, Amarillo and Soul Limbo (the Test Match Cricket theme), although there is a big range even including The Stripper. The 12 second rule may see an increase in “custom” chimes, if the customer wants a particular song or their own jingle.

right: A VW Type 2 ‘split-screen’ high-top vintage ice-cream van. This one, “Florence” of 1966, is operated for hire at events by Polly’s Parlour.



Drivers at ‘the Games’ (one can’t use “O”, “P” or “L” words)

Member Alan asked your Editor: “One year on from the sports spectacle in our capital, we hear that not much monetary benefit, sporting or volunteering legacy resulted. Regarding Road Safety and Driver Training, did any legacy result? Was the IAM involved in training the 7,000 Volunteer Games Maker Drivers at the events? There was a piece in Winter 2012 Advanced Driving but it only mentioned a Member who was a Games Maker (with a poor snap) and didn’t mention any IAM involvement.”

Alan - NO, the IAM was not involved. Neil Greig, Director of Policy and Research at IAM Chiswick, tells me, “Although some IAM Members acted individually as Games Makers, unfortunately neither the IAM nor IAM Drive & Survive were involved in the training. “I have no knowledge about the training methods, but apart from one incident, I have not seen any negative feedback about driving standards, or speeding, etc.”

The whole ‘Games’ thing seems shrouded in a veil of secrecy and copyright protection. Regarding Driver Training, there appears to have been only one news release, on 17 April 2012, announcing that Peak Performance, based in Chesterfield, had secured the driver training contract, and giving a basic outline of the ‘training’, indicating that Peak Performance would not be providing any driving instruction but would just check “that volunteers are comfortable with the cars, and know basic things like how to negotiate a roundabout”, and would assess and grade the Games Maker Volunteers presenting, as: ● Grade One - would ferry the top VIPs, ● Grade Two - would be given athletes and their families, ● Grade Three - would only be allowed to deliver parcels, and ● Grade Four - would be “re-assigned to other non-driving duties, because that grade of driving is deemed to be unacceptably low.”

Peak Performance claimed to be the UK's largest privately-owned training provider for business drivers, using “bespoke solutions”, and linked with Cranfield University's Driving Research Group. It was named "Best Risk Management Company 2011" by the Institute of Transport Management. It has been since taken under the AA DriveTech umbrella.

The Director of Peak Performance could not tell me anything at all, explaining that, “As an existing Games supplier, I am bound by strict confidentiality agreements that prohibit mentioning virtually anything to



anyone, to protect sponsors who have paid for wording, branding and reference to ‘the Games’, which is strictly monitored by LOCOG.” My enquiries (10.2012) to LOCOG (London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games) did not even receive an acknowledgement.

Serious transport planning, management and training for ‘Games’ was started after the Atlanta Games 1996, which notoriously were blighted by severe transport problems and a high number of injuries. Public transport was chaotic – insufficient, breakdowns, very unreliable timings. The drivers of the ‘Games buses’ and ‘Games cars’ were unfamiliar both with the area, or with driving in the area, and over 60% of the over 5,000 ‘official Games Car fleet’ sustained crash damage in the Games period.

The plan for London had the Olympic Route Network (ORN) of roads - building on intervening Sydney, Athens and Beijing practice - including 39 miles with special Olympic Lanes for official vehicles only (and blue-light runs), with priority traffic lights and many no-right-turn and access restrictions, along with provision of 1,300 dedicated Games Buses.

Around 4,000 official cars, mainly BMW 3 / 5 series, and people-carriers, mainly Citroens, were driven by the Volunteers. Safety measures built-in to the ORN, and a SatNav specially programmed for Games venues, were obviously judged to be sufficient, not needing driver training. In fact, the actual traffic level around the ORN was 20 to 40% less than normal. The only initial requirement for Volunteer Drivers was to be over 25, have a driving licence valid in the UK, or an International one, with no drink-driving offences in the last five years. Despite the large pool of applicants, many of those selected were inexperienced in London driving, being from rural areas and some owning relatively old private cars.

Trawling the Internet and Social Media at the time revealed little mention of the ‘driver training’ – and it appears that some has been “removed”.

I spoke to one Volunteer Driver, who described 3 driver-specific training days of: a) “Familiarisation” with the Car, SatNav, Hotel, Car Park, and work procedures, b) a ‘3+instructor’ “grading drive” session, and c) “Route and venue location” driving practice. 7 other accounts all differ in the content: one mentions a Highway Code and Hazard Assessment Test, one a “driving lecture”: one some “driving instruction”: some drivers practiced the routes alone, some with an instructor. Differences are no doubt due to the ‘sub-contracting’ – I quote: “Peak engaged hundreds of independent ADIs to act temporarily as trainers” – apparently not all of them were singing from the same hymn sheet.



I have not seen any reports of mishaps etc. other than an official bus driver getting lost and another official bus driver having a collision, although I spotted that an ‘urgent late contract’ was awarded for installation of padding on the pillars of the Hyde Park underground car park which was used for a base, suggesting some early parking scrapes!

Handled differently, this training exercise could have been an opportunity for publicity and a legacy effect involving driving standards and road safety, especially in the area of company driver training. Surely?

The cars were not sold off or auctioned en bloc – most were used on various short-length lease arrangements and then gradually fed into the normal used / demonstrator BMW sales fleet over an extended period.

above: Official event photograph, widely used in the media in 2012

Member Recommendations This item shows “member-recommended” services and suppliers. These are businesses (local and mainly car related) that Bristol Group members have used, and can personally recommend – although the Group cannot take any responsibility if you use them. Clare Reeves suggests this one:

Filton Central Garage - at the top of Filton Hill on the south-bound A38, set back beside the American Golf Store. Still owned and operated by the same family that started the business in 1945. We have always had our MOTs and repairs done there and can vouch for the personal service.



Flip-Flop Danger when driving A new survey by E-Sure Sheila’s Wheels claims that wearing Flip-Flops when driving is dangerous – even more so than wearing high heels, because braking and moving the feet between pedals takes longer. A backless flip-flop can even come off during gear changes or moving between pedals. Although the survey is aimed at women, it is also relevant to men.

● A third of those surveyed regularly wear flip-flops when driving ● Three quarters admitted they make driving more difficult ● One in 9 admitted their flip-flop has got stuck under a pedal while driving ● One in 4 admitted having an ‘incident’ when wearing them ● One in 14 admitted having had a near miss or collision when wearing them ● Footwear could be behind 1.4 million near misses or collisions every year ● 60 per cent say they drive in unsuitable footwear, while 20 per cent continue to wear shoes that they have been wearing during a near miss or collision ● One in ten women admitted driving in fashion shoes they struggled to walk in ● One in five drivers said they had never even considered their footwear might affect their safety behind the wheel. ● Although, increasingly, drivers cite footwear as a reason or excuse for collisions Sandals, floppy Ballet Shoes, High Heels (including Wedges), Boots, heavy Work Shoes and certain Trainers are not suitable footwear for driving. The DSA advises: “Wear sensible clothing for driving, especially on a long journey. Suitable shoes are particularly important. We also would not recommend driving barefoot because you don't have the same braking force with bare feet as you do wearing suitable shoes.”

Driving footwear must: ● have a sole thin enough to feel the amount of pedal pressure needed for braking and accelerating and use of the clutch ● be narrow – to avoid catching under pedals or pressing 2 pedals at once ● allow adequate ankle flexibility ● have a grippy patterned sole to aid wet grip

Ladies - if your shoes do not comply, just keep a pair of suitable driving shoes in the car - some 36 per cent of women and 12 per cent of men already do.

left: Shiela’s Wheels has launched this “flip flop accessory” that covers the toes, and also straps around the ankle to hold the flip-flop in place, and which can be scrunched-up to fit inside a handbag or pocket.



Awkward Driving Situations by Paul Hunt

THE SMALL ROUNDABOUT BY ST JOHN’S CHURCH, KEYNSHAM

Even as Advanced Drivers, there are certain situations which can catch us out. This one can occur regularly, due partly to the A-pillar blind-spot and partly by the unusual traffic movement caused by local road engineering.

What happens is that, as you approach the roundabout from Willsbridge, there may be a vehicle approaching the roundabout along High Street from your left, the driver intending to perform a 180 degree u-turn at the small roundabout and go back down High Street, again to your left. This is a result of a “no right turn” existing off Charlton Road, forcing some drivers to turn left and do that unusual u-turn at the roundabout.

Firstly, the blind spot shouldn’t normally catch us out because, through Motorcycle Road Safety campaigns, such as the current one by South Glos Council, we should all be aware of the possibility of a motorcycle – or a cyclist, or even a pedestrian - being ‘hidden’ in the blind spot behind the A-pillar. It’s a world-wide driving problem. The excellent images above are actually Australian, from the Motorcycle Council New South Wales.

But are we prepared for U-turning vehicles? You expect right-turning vehicles to go, not to re-appear in front of you. The window-cleaner’s van that first alerted me to this was completely hidden for several moments behind the right A-pillar as it turned, head-on to me and narrow in aspect.

Independent research at MIRA has shown that the much thicker A-pillar on newer vehicles, for increased structural rigidity, and more raked, for better aerodynamics, creates a much larger blind spot – often capable of hiding from a driver’s vision an entire car sideways-on at 23 metres away; the stopping distance required when travelling at 30mph.

The major factor in collisions at junctions is Looked but Failed to See, so, at the Keynsham roundabout, observe well, pay extra attention to vehicles coming from the left, move your head side-to-side to look, and even pause a moment, to make sure there are no unseen vehicles.



Driving News IS YOUR EYESIGHT UP TO STANDARD?

Following the story last time, two items regarding eyesight have come up. Firstly, a 15-year Australian study has found that taking Aspirin accelerates Mascular Degeneration, the most common cause of

sight deterioration in the older person. Just one tablet once a week increases the risk of developing MD, and a quarter of regular Aspirin users in the study went on to develop the condition. But researchers say there is insufficient evidence as yet to change current clinical practice.

Aspirin is hailed as a wonder drug, widely prescribed for prevention of heart attacks and strokes. This shows the importance of assessing your medication under POWDERY and taking appropriate medical advice.

Secondly, relating to the number of people unwittingly driving with defective eyesight, the Industrial Hearing Office says that 8% of their clients are found to be unknowingly sight deficient as well. By the way, have you noticed that the latest cold-calls on the phone start, “Have you had your hearing damaged through working in industry? “We can claim compensation for you.” CAUSING SERIOUS INJURY BY DANGEROUS DRIVING An August court case in Bristol saw one of the first prosecutions for this new offence. A person who had deliberately driven at a person on the pavement, but had seriously injured someone else and injured 3 others in the process, was convicted, with 3 years in prison (maximum allowable sentence 5 years), disqualified from driving for 5 years and ordered to take an extended driving test before re-starting driving. The Police had originally wanted a charge of ‘GBH with intent’, but this new offence fitted the crime. A Police spokesman was reported as saying that the publicity around the case, and the fact that the driver will do time in prison, will hopefully send a message to others. COUNCIL PAINTS NINE-INCH-LONG DOUBLE-YELLOW LINES According to press reports, contractors for London’s Westminster Council have painted a nine inch double yellow line in Caxton Street, central London, between a taxi rank and some parking bays.

This beats a similar ridiculous ‘record’ earlier in the year when double yellow lines just 13 inches long were reportedly painted by Cambridgeshire County Council between two parking bays in West Chesterton, Cambridge.



PARKING CAMERA GOES ON PATROL AROUND SOUTH GLOS South Gloucestershire Council introduced its first “Parking Enforcement” car in July. The silver Peugeot 107 has Council logos, a camera logo and text “Encouraging proper parking” on the back – too late if you see it – it’s already got you ! The car uses a small roof-mounted camera with ANPR and GPS technology to record the details of any vehicle the driver finds in a “restricted area”. Information is stored on computer and reviewed by an Officer at base to confirm that an offence has occurred, before a postal Penalty Charge Notice is issued, with a web link for you to see the proof. Bristol City has a similar vehicle.

The vehicle will patrol “high risk areas which have proved difficult to enforce by other means” including zig-zags outside schools, and also pedestrian crossings and “where illegal parking disrupts traffic flow” such as at bus stops, on taxi ranks, and on clearways. The Council says, “South Gloucestershire has some of the safest roads in the country, but we have a duty to tackle illegal parking and protect public safety. “The message is that if you park illegally you will receive a fine. “We’re urging drivers to check the local parking restrictions and make sure that they park safely and away from restricted areas. “Revenue generated from the camera enforcement car, or any of our parking enforcement activities, is used to fund the parking enforcement service. “Central government policy is that any additional funds must be used for transport initiatives.” ON-THE-SPOT PENALTIES FOR “CARELESS DRIVING” Fixed penalty notices with a £100 fine for Careless Driving offences such as middle lane hogging and tailgating came into effect in August. Bear in mind that there are many other types of “Careless Driving” too. Transport Minister Stephen Howard said, “They are not new offences – just new powers to allow Police to directly attack careless drivers instantly rather than engage in a long Court process. “UK roads are among the safest roads in world but could still be a lot better. “Drivers need no re-test and after 25 or 30 years get into bad and unsocial habits and do not keep up-to-date with the Highway Code. “Drivers tailgating may not realise how far it takes to stop. “They put it to the back of their mind.”



Fines for many other offences – like phone use - go up to £100 from £60, and for others – such as Cycling on a Pavement – go up to £50 from £30.

The criticisms are that it is a subjective judgement by Officers, and that one rarely sees a Police Car or Policeman now anyway. There are generally half the number of Traffic Officers there were in 1990. [Certainly, on my regular trip on the M5 between Bristol and Gloucester I see countless cases of tailgating and middle lane hogging – and many people using mobile phones – one young woman using a hand-held phone had 3 children in the car, none apparently using child restraints – Ed.]

IAM chief executive Simon Best said: “If the Police target the worst and most persistent offenders this could be good news for road safety. “The IAM believes however that driver retraining courses have a much bigger potential to actually improve poor driving than simply issuing a standard fine and should always be offered as the first stage of prosecution.” [The IAM company IAM Driver Retraining Academy now has several such contracts for delivering certain driver re-education courses – Ed.] LOOK-OUT FOR BICYCLISTS

In mid-2012 the Freight Transport Association introduced a new standard lorry-back sign that warns bicyclists not to venture alongside lorries that may turn. The sign also reminds drivers to be vigilant for bicyclists. Many companies already use various bicycle warning signs of their own but this new one is very clear in meaning, visible at a good distance and yet takes-up only a small space. [I saw several of

these new signs on lorries in Central London at the time of the Olympics – but not many as yet in this area – Ed.] The sign is an addition to the existing FTA Cycling Code for Employers, Drivers and Cyclists. Thanks to Pauline Barnes for the news release.

Follow us on Twitter by Geoff Bevan @iam_bristol DON’T DO IT WHILST DRIVING

You can see all the tweets on our account without belonging to Twitter. https://twitter.com/iam_bristol or search for Twitter IAM Bristol’

(Again, not all search engines will find it – so use Google, Yahoo or AVG.)


http://www.twitter.com/iam_bristol


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Letters to the Editor MONTHLY MEETINGS In the light of the very low attendance at Summer meetings, should the Group cancel Monthly Meetings in the months of July and August? JOHN TYRRELL

The Editor replies: John, Committee discussed this and pretty quickly decided unanimously that we should continue. Yes, the numbers may be low – 23 at our July meeting is only 7% of our Full Members – or 6% of Members and Associates together – but cancelling the meetings is the thin end of the wedge and could be the start of a downward spiral. Many IAM Groups would be very pleased with that level of attendance at their meetings! We know our membership is shrinking – as is participation in our various activities - but the aim of any organisation should be to increase membership and activity, and to increase the involvement of existing members. And that is our plan. E-MAIL NOTIFICATION LIST I have looked at the LINK on the Bristol Group website. This process seems to run very smoothly and the newsletter appears very sharp and crisp on screen - with colour included, of course. I’m very happy for it to only come to me this way in the future; it will even prompt me to look at the Group website more frequently. RICHARD AVERY

The Editor replies: We are compiling a list of members who will be sent an -mail notification that the latest LINK issue is available online. e

On Fri, Jul 12, 2013 at 3:37 PM, Paul Hunt <[email protected]> wrote: The JULY issue of the Bristol Group LINK newsletter is now available on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk No log-in is required - it is available for public access. Click on "Newsletters" on the left side options bar and select the issue you need whether in ISSUU flip-book format or standard PDF. Regards, Paul Hunt, Newsletter Editor Bristol 1009

Those members on the list, like Richard now is, will NOT receive a hard copy in the post. There are 4 members and 1 complimentary on the list at the moment. We also send a PDF copy to four complimentary recipients, but the bulk of newsletters – over 400 covers - is sent by post. CONGRATULATIONS Hi Paul, Just a short note to say thank you. I have received my copy of The LINK. I found it to be very practical and very informative. Clearly a lot of time, dedication and hard work goes into the Newsletter. A good write up on Mark Trimmer. I also enjoyed the articles on HGV Awareness Driving and the Hertfordshire Police Response Course. Regards, GORDON R FINDLAY The Editor replies: Thank-you Gordon for your kind comments.





What’s the IAM Driving Course all about ?

A couple of recent enquiries have shewn that the public has a misplaced perception of the IAM Skill for Life Advanced Driving course.

“I thought it was only for Porsche drivers – I drive a humble Ford Focus.”

“I didn’t think it took place on the road – I thought it was done on a race circuit - hanging the tail out on corners, skid control, like shown recently on BBC3.”

“Being a woman, it has taken me quite a while to drum-up the courage to phone – I thought it was for men only.”

“I am surprised the IAM is a charity – how can you give guidance to a professional standard if you are charity volunteers?”

Don’t be put off by the word ‘Advanced’. The IAM Skill for Life Advanced Driving course is best regarded as the next step up after the standard ‘L’ test. There is no track driving, no skid control. It is all done on normal public roads – it helps you develop your driving skills to make you a better driver – a thinking driver – and encourages you to be the best driver you can be. At the end of the course you take the IAM Advanced Driving Test, which covers about 35 miles over an hour and a quarter’s driving on all types of roads. The IAM course is Quality Assured by the Driving Standards Agency, which runs the normal ‘L’ Test.

People who take the course – and about one third are women – drive a variety of everyday cars. Some may have a Mercedes, but most are towards the Vauxhall Corsa end.

The IAM ‘London Headquarters’ has paid staff, and is a Charity and a Company. But all the local people, who actually give the driving guidance, are volunteers who belong to local not-for-profit charity ‘IAM Groups’. That said, they have undergone thorough training, to an independently recognised standard, to give advanced driving guidance.

There are 215 local Groups around the country. We in Bristol deliver a thorough guidance programme which not only includes practical in-car guidance covering the whole syllabus (usually around 10-12 sessions), but also three 2-hour evening seminars, two of which cover the basics, the third being an opportunity to meet an IAM Examiner and to hear first-hand what the Test involves and what he is looking for.

The cost is £139 all-in including the Test. People usually make one payment. (It is possible to pay by instalments, increased price of £150.)

Take the plunge – it’s an enjoyable experience.



The IAM Driving Course and start dates

The Skill for Life full Advanced Driving course is open to the general driving public – anyone who holds a Full EU Driving Licence. The course, based on the System which forms the core of Police driver training, develops skills and performance in car control and enables drivers to gain knowledge of a wide range of Advanced Driving principles, which can help a driver feel more confident, safer - and make driving more enjoyable.

Whether a brand new or young driver, or a driver ‘with years of experience’, you will benefit from this comprehensive driving programme - drivers who have passed the Advanced Driving Test reduce their risk of being involved in a road crash by up to 75%.

The Skill for Life course begins with two theory seminar sessions, before you embark on a series of regular, individually tailored, on-road guidance sessions, at times convenient to you and your Observer. The course gives drivers the skills required to pass the IAM’s Advanced Driving Test, the ultimate accolade in driving safety.

Bristol Group aims for you to complete course and Test within 6 months.

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

Young Driver aged 17-24 ? Then you could have your Skill for Life fee refunded when you pass the IAM Test. See page 8 for details.

2013/4 Advanced Driving Course Dates TELL FRIENDS, FAMILY, COLLEAGUES ( PRE-BOOKING REQUIRED )

OCTOBER 2013 Seminars on Wednesdays Oct 09th, Oct 16th, Nov 27th. JANUARY 2014 Seminars on Wednesdays Jan 22nd, Jan 29th, Mar 12th. APRIL 2014 Seminars on Wednesdays Apr 23rd, Apr 30th, Jun 11th. JULY 2014 Seminars on Wednesdays Jul 09th, Jul 16th, Aug 27th.

Don’t have the time or commitment? Enquire about our one-off DriveCheck Assessment.

For further details contact Associates Administrator Pam Hunt, on 0117 960 8494 or at [email protected]




Contact Us Your guide to who does what

TO ENQUIRE ABOUT SKILL FOR LIFE OR A REFRESHER phone direct 0117 960 8494 e-mail [email protected]

ADVERTISED PUBLIC ENQUIRY NUMBER: 07071 20 11 73

Executive Committee, Bristol Advanced Motorists Chairman Andy Cole 07714 992 639

[email protected] Chairman Marlene Baker 01454 619289

[email protected] Martin Evans 0117 979 8061

[email protected] Paul Hunt 0117 960 8494

[email protected] Officer Geoff Bevan

01453 860365 [email protected]

Associates Administrator Pam Hunt 0117 960 8494 [email protected]

Newsletter Editor Paul Hunt 0117 960 8494 [email protected]

Database Administrator James Rowland 07817 152 405 [email protected]

Training Administrator Margaret James 01454 776416 [email protected]

Membership Development

Tony Gilbert

07973 730 498 [email protected]

Publicity Events Organiser

Gary Nunn 01454 851 984 07557 765 946 [email protected]

Young Driver Rep. Barnaby Ellis [email protected]

Other Post Holders Minute Taker

Clare Reeves 0117 969 1746 [email protected]

Monthly Meeting Contact

Clare Reeves (note different

e-mail address)

Inform Clare Reeves of any potential speakers at [email protected]

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

[email protected] Display Boards & LINK Collation Organiser

Andrew Nicholls 01749 860321 [email protected]

Social Events Organiser vacant contact Secretary for the moment

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






















The Cover of the hard copy version

The A5 paper version of the LINK has the glossy thin card cover which is reproduced left.

The image shows Bristol’s iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge, designed by renowned Engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel and opened (after his death) in 1864.

The cover is printed free of charge by Bristol Printing and Office Supplies firm PRISM. PRISM Director Doug Lodge is a Member of the Bristol Group, and in the past held Group positions of Treasurer and Chief Observer.

Please view the advertisement below, printed on the back cover.

www.prism-ltd.co.uk


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


THE GROUP NEEDS MORE ASSOCIATES Publicity is the Key

above: Chief Observer Geoff (right) pictured talking to that valuable commodity we MUST acquire for the Group – a Member of the Public (left) who is interested in signing-up for the Skill for Life course and IAM Advanced Driving Test.

photo: Barnaby Ellis

Reaching Members of the Public with Publicity efforts has become extremely difficult in the last few years.

As an existing Member or Associate, you can be a good Sales Persuader for the Group. Do you know someone in your family, circle of friends, or amongst your work colleagues, who could benefit from joining the IAM and our Group? Every new Associate will help towards securing the short, medium and long-term future of both your local Group and the IAM itself.

Remember we have our YOUNG DRIVER REFUND SCHEME available – those aged 17-24 who pass the IAM Test can have their £139 SfL fee refunded. (Note: Conditions apply: Residency/Work/Education in the South Gloucestershire Local Authority area, or Residency ONLY in the Bristol City Council area; completion in 12 months.)

Information about Skill for Life can be obtained from Associates Administrator Pam Hunt.

phone 0117 960 8494 e-mail [email protected]



newsletter of bristol advanced motorists...the link – newsletter of bristol advanced motorists...

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