the newsletter of bristol advanced motorists · read this newsletter on our website mar 2016 recent...

the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists

Circulation 375 as hard copy or electronic no: 279 March 2016

The Newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists

Bristol Group … 1 st place Achievement Winner 2015

The LINK newsletter is issued by Bristol Group every two months, distributed as hard copy or email, and also posted on our website. It is primarily about our club, the local affiliated Bristol Car Group.

This time of year we are of course looking forward (?) to the AGM. YOU can have a real input. Come along, vote for (or against) the people standing for election, and don’t be afraid to give your opinions on what your club has done, or should be doing in the next year.

There is also attention on the national IAM at the moment: ● Firstly, 2016 sees the 60th anniversary of the IAM – in March or June, depending on which historical date you take. ● Secondly, new Associate guidance materiel is due in April.

Which brings us back to the local Bristol Group – in September it will be 20 years since we started our fixed-length Associate courses, which evolved into today’s Bristol version of Skill for Life.

Members, send-in a piece for publication – or contact the Editor about what your Club is doing, and what you would like to see it do.

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.

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

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

mailto:[email protected]

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

Mar 2016 Read this newsletter on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk

Contents this Issue

page Editorial 1 Notice of AGM / AGM Document Availability online 3 Chairman’s Message 4 Recent IAM Test Successes 5 Sprinter Girl - a different Test Success 6 News about Members – Bob Lewis / £10 Reward 7 Observers 8 The FAD course - a description 9 IAM Masters 10 Membership Renewals – only down by One 11 Membership / Advanced MC / Advert: BS Harmony 12 New Associates 13 Group News - various topics 14 Recommended Businesses 16 Gift Aid Changes 17 2016 is IAM Diamond Anniversary 18 IAM Chiswick News - Hopkirk and F1RST 19 Free Assessment for the Public / Attend our Monthly Mtg 20 CALENDAR – WHAT’S ON ? 21 CONTACT US: who does what in the Group 22 Three-in-a-Car Dates for 2016 23 MV Balmoral Meeting Report 24 Foxy Ladies 26 Social Media / EasyFundraising 28 From the News – Rover – Jeep – Chrysler - Infiniti 29 Dumball - It’s a Goa 31 The Write-In 34 Driving Topics – Falling Radio Masts and Falling Trolleys 37 Chris Gilbert - Training and DVDs 38 Advanced Driving Refresher Course 39 Feedback Required 39 Course / Dates / Assessment 40

All content compiled by the Editor unless otherwise credited.

Contributors this issue: Marlene Baker, Pauline Barnes, Geoff Bevan, John Dunham, Martin Evans, Richard Furneaux, Tony Gilbert, Mark Gollop,

Pete Goodman, Paul Hodge, Paul Hunt, Clive Jenkins, Richard Jones, Peter Lark, Erica MacGilp, Clare Reeves, Steph Savill, John,

Group Archive materiel and IAM Chiswick sources.

Thank‐you also to all people who assisted withresearch.

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


Read this newsletter on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk Mar 2016

Notice of Annual General Meeting

Notice is hereby given by order of the Group Executive Committee that the 58th Annual General Meeting of BRISTOL ADVANCED MOTORISTS

will be held on Tuesday 26th April 2016 starting at 7.30pm at the BAWA Leisure Centre, Southmead Road, Filton, Bristol

to enable the Trustees of the Group (Registered Charity No. 289807) to present their Annual Report and Accounts for year end 31 Dec 2015

for approval by the Group Members, and to conduct an election.

Secretary: Martin Evans 22 Highfields Close, Stoke Gifford, BRISTOL BS34 8YB

dated Saturday 27th February 2016 IAM Group No: 1009

ALL Members, Associates, Friends, Donators are invited - but note only fully paid-up Members of both the IAM and of the Group may vote.

After the formal business there will be a buffet, followed by a talk by Police Superintendent Rhys Hughes

WANT TO STAND FOR COMMITTEE YOURSELF? Nominations are invited from current Full Members (of both Group and IAM) to stand for committee. Nomination Forms are available online or from Secretary Martin. Nominations from the floor on the night will only be accepted if Nominee, Proposer and Seconder are all present.

Notification: AGM Document Availability online An electronic version of Bristol Advanced Motorists’ Annual Report and Accounts for the year-end 31 Dec 2015 will be available to view and download on our website at www.iam-bristol.org.uk at the latest by 04 April as required under the Group Rules. There is easy access via a button on the homepage. [ We cannot say “available now” because this newsletter is being despatched earlier than the scheduled date. ]

Paper copies of the Annual Report are no longer circulated to Members, but will be available to study at the actual AGM on 26th April.

Any Full Member of the Group who wishes to have a paper copy beforehand can download and print it, or may request one from the Treasurer (either for collection in person, or to be sent by post).


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


Chairman’s Message

We are now nearing the end of Bristol Advanced Motorists’ year, with our AGM on Tuesday 26th April.

I extend a warm welcome to all of you to come along to the AGM. That official meeting is a time when you can express your disapproval, or give us new ideas for the coming year. I shall be delighted to see you all.

I will be your Chairman for just one more year, if elected, but only you can choose, at the AGM.

We, as your committee, have been busy. This time you are seeing one of the results. As you see, this paper LINK looks very much like the version some of you have been reading on our website. Martin, Paul and Andrew must be congratulated and thanked for their part in sourcing, buying and testing a new printer, which has been funded by those members who support our Group’s Easyfundraising scheme.

On another note, our Treasurer Paul has done a splendid job in securing Gift Aid re-payments from HMRC to bring us now completely up-to-date. Marlene

WRITE TO US: Please send to the Editor your reports, letters, comments and images for the next issue by : Sat 17th April

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

ADVERTISEMENTS The LINK accepts small ads. and display ads, full, half or quarter page. Contact the Editor for rates and a deal.




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, and thanks also to the respective Observers who advised them.

Certificates are presented to successful Associates at either our Group Monthly Meetings or our Associate Course Seminars, both of which are held at the BAWA Club in Filton.

All successful Associates are Upgraded to Group Full Member until the next general Group renewal date – which is 1st January 2017.

SUCCESSFUL ASSOCIATE HIS/HER OBSERVER

ROBERT BRUCE NICK PERRY STEVEN CARLIN MARTIN EVANS DAVID LAKEY VINCE ROBERTSON ASHLEY MORRIS DAVE PENGELLY LYNNE POOLE TONY GILBERT HARRIETT WHITELEY RICHARD PARSONS

above: Debbie Wescott (left) is presented with her IAM Test Certificate by Group Secretary Martin Evans at a recent Bristol Group Skill for Life Seminar. photo: Geoff Bevan



Sprinter Girl A DIFFERENT TEST SUCCESS Not everyone turns up for driving guidance, and for the IAM Test, with a family hatchback. Alison Cross didn’t even use a car – she had a Mercedes Benz Sprinter 311 van. Alison says she is not a courier – she uses the van as personal transport and for personal use across the UK and Europe. She is therefore used to the size, rear vision and manoeuvring aspects but had to get used to the IAM way of driving and to ‘the System’.

Did YOU take your IAM Test on an unusual vehicle? Let the Editor know.

above: Alison Cross (left) receiving her IAM Certificate from Bristol Group Chief Observer Geoff Bevan at a recent Bristol Group Skill for Life Seminar. photo: Alan Dunn



News about Members BOB LEWIS We are sad to report the passing of Bob Lewis, one of our long-standing Group Members, at the age of 94. Bob, latterly of Stonehill, Hanham, passed his IAM Test in Bristol in August 1985.

Bob was impressed by the ideology and attitude to life and education, and the training methods, of IAM Examiner Paul Hodge, which led to Paul becoming involved in minibus driver training for the staff at the Bristol Cathedral School, where Bob worked as a teacher.

Bob had an interesting earlier life, involved with wartime activities in code-breaking and translation. His second wife, Emily, who survives him, also did wartime work at Bletchley. When he became more elderly Bob still maintained an interest in advanced driving and attended some Bristol Group Monthly Meetings, the last time in late 2014.

WANTED

£10 Reward

SEEN THESE PEOPLE? WE NEED THEM ON OUR SKILL FOR LIFE COURSE

Bristol Advanced Motorists is offering a £10 reward to its current Members and Associates for referring a relative, friend or colleague who signs up and pays in full to take the Skill for Life advanced driving programme with us. Terms & Conditions apply (see below).

The offer applies to all Bristol Group Members and Associates as a publicity and recruiting initiative, for a trial period.

Terms and Conditions: The offer applies to referees who take the Skill for Life programme exclusively with Bristol Advanced Motorists. Neither the IAM nor any other IAM Group is subscribing to or taking part in this offer. The referrer must notify the Group with details of the person they will be referring before that person enters into the Skill for Life agreement with the IAM. Retrospective referrals will not be accepted. Only current Members and Associates of Bristol Advanced Motorists may claim a fee. There is no limit to the number of referrals any such person can make – there is £10 for each referral. Bristol Advanced Motorists reserves the right to withdraw the offer at any time.

For further information, call the Sheriff on: 0117 256 5555



Observers

Martin Williamson (pictured right) was an Observer with the Group but stood-down a few years ago.

He has now returned to the corps by studying for, and passing, the introductory ‘Local Observer’ IMI qualification. Well done, Martin, and welcome back.

OBSERVER NUMBERS A couple having just resigned, Bristol Group’s current corps is 26, of whom 11 hold the IMI National qualification, 8 hold the new IMI Local qualification, the remaining 7 being of “Qualified” status – although a couple are “on hold” and a few are overdue for requalification.

DEADLINE FOR QUALIFIED OBSERVERS TO CONVERT TO IMI The deadline for Qualified Observers to gain an IMI qualification has been brought forward slightly by the IAM, to Dec 31st 2017. After then, only National or Local Observers will be permitted to Observe.

TRAINEE OBSERVERS Congratulations to all seven participants in the two Further Advanced Driving courses of 2015, who have successfully passed the theory and practical tests and have been awarded FAD certificates.

MIKE BALLARD RALPH COLMAR ALEX GOSTELOW PHIL JONES and IAN TROUGHTON SARA WATERHOUSE MARCUS VENN

Five of them are now undertaking Observer training, which will lead to the introductory ‘ Local Observer ’ IMI qualification.

CALLING POTENTIAL NEW OBSERVERS – PARTICULARLY LADIES Bristol Group needs more Observers – so please consider putting yourself forward. Our female Observers now total just one, with one female trainee. So obviously more female Observers are required, considering that a third of our Associates are women, and especially as “young mums” and “Foxy Ladies” are amongst our target recruits.

If you are interested, please contact the Bristol Group Secretary.



The Further Advanced Driving (FAD) course

► Think you are a cut above the average advanced driver, and want to improve beyond the basic IAM standard?

► Thinking of becoming an Observer?

Then this course, designed and run exclusively by Bristol Group, could be for you. It is a fixed- length course of 4 months.

It is anticipated, although not obligatory, that having completed FAD, participants will continue-on to a subsequent Local Observer course, and upon completion become an Observer with the Bristol Group.

The FAD course is based on the Police Drivers’ Handbook, Roadcraft, and also requires a good knowledge of the Highway Code.

There are four seminars, led by the Bristol Group’s Chief Observer and National Observers, and a programme of on-road guidance. At the end, there is a written assessment, and a driving test, in which you must incorporate a comprehensive demonstration of knowledge, the System of Car Control, and a mandatory commentary to Roadcraft standard based on 'Observe - Anticipate - Plan'.

Upon passing all elements of the course, participants are presented with a 'Further Advanced Driving' certificate.

The Bristol Group requires, prior to commencement of the course, that potential participants undertake a driving assessment with an Observer, to ascertain the participant’s quality of driving and overall suitability for this demanding course. Those whose driving skills have not developed beyond the minimum Advanced Driving Test standard may not pass this initial assessment and will be recommended instead for the Group’s Advanced Driving Refresher (ADR) course.

The next FAD Course begins with a seminar on Wednesday 4th May 2016, and on the next three Wednesdays. The written assessment will be on Tuesday 23rd August. A follow-on ‘Introduction to Observing and the Observer Course’ will be held on Tuesday 30th August.

To enquire further about the FAD course, which costs £39, contact Bristol Group’s Training Administrator Mark Gollop:

[email protected] 01454 773234 07789 621 323




IAM Masters

In 2014, the IAM introduced the Masters Test as a “higher standard” of advanced driving. It is the former “IAM Special Assessment” (SA) re-invented as a Test, either for existing Members or as a direct entry route to IAM membership for non-Members. To retain a valid Masters qualification, one has to take a Masters re-test every 5 years.

It seems to have generated more appeal than did the SA, mainly amongst IAM Observers. Ten Bristol Group Observers and two Bristol Group Ordinary Members currently hold a Masters Certificate.

The latest Group Member to pass Masters is Alex Gostelow, who has also just become a Trainee Observer. Alex entered fully into the spirit of things and even dressed in a chauffeur’s jacket and cap for his Test! left: Alex Gostelow (right, unfortunately without the chauffeur outfit) receiving his IAM Masters Certificate (with Distinction) from Bristol Group Chairman Marlene Baker at the January Group Meeting. photo: Geoff Bevan

PREPARING FOR MASTERS ( For IAM Members. Add £30 for non-Members.)

If you are interested, you normally apply to IAM Chiswick to take it “cold” (£129), or pay extra (total £249) to have some pre-test ‘mentoring’ from an existing Masters-holder who has been “appointed” by IAM Chiswick, and who receives a small fee from them.

Some Masters Mentors undertake “unofficial” Masters mentoring within the Group they belong to (mainly for Observers who wish to take Masters), just because they are keen to do it. This activity seems accepted by Chiswick, even though it is outside the normal scheme. No Group funds can be spent on this activity though, because Masters plays no part in Observer Training and, importantly, Masters mentoring for existing Members cannot be considered as “for the public benefit”.



Membership down by only One into 2016

Thank-you very much for renewing your Group Full Membership at the start of another year – and a special welcome to the 17 who have renewed for the first time after being Upgraded to Full Member upon passing the IAM Advanced Driving Test in the 12 months to October 2015.

Unlike previous years, this January the renewal process was fairly painless and the majority quickly resolved, perhaps because Reminders were sent out early, on 01 January. We still however have 4 Members who yet again paid their Standing Order at the old £15 rate and four people who are paying a subscription but who are not contactable.

For the first time in many years, the Group Membership total has not dropped substantially, but only by one Member, the 5 resigned and 16 lapsed Members being almost balanced by the 17 Upgraders who have renewed as Full Members and the 3 existing IAM national Members in the Bristol area who have joined us as new Group Members.

All your renewals mean a lot to the Group’s organising Committee. Without our loyal Member-supporters, and those who go further by volunteering, 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. Thank-you.

Don’t forget that this is your Group renewal which runs from Jan 1st for everyone. Your national IAM Membership fee is renewable each year on the anniversary of the date you first signed-up for SfL (or the date you passed the IAM Test before the days of SfL). MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR GROUP MEMBERSHIP Paying your subscription is just the beginning. Bristol Advanced Motorists is not solely about Associates and Observers. You can of course train to be an Observer and pass on advanced driving skills to others, but it is primarily a Members’ Club, with an active calendar of monthly meetings with talks, advanced driving update sessions, and social events. We hope to see you at some time this year.

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



Group Full Membership Stats NOW end 2015

● Group Full Members from 2015 renewed 241 - ● Upgraders from 2015 renewed as Full Members 17 - ● Group Full Members – new joiners from outside 3 - Running Sub Total 261 262● Group Full Members renewed (but underpaid so far) 4 0 ● Group Friends (not able to take the Test) 0 1 ● Group Donators (supporters, ex-IAM Members) 3 4 Running Sub-Total 268 267● Newly-Upgraded Associates (year to date) 13 50 GRAND TOTAL 281 317

Interested in Advanced Motorbiking ?

Bristol Advanced Motorcyclists is a separate IAM Motorbike Group. Newcomers, turn up at 09:00 on the FIRST SUNDAY of any month at Kings Oak Academy, Brook Road, Kingswood, BRISTOL BS15 4JT. (NOT January) Get a free assessed ride, grab a bacon butty and a cup of tea.

www.bamo.org.uk 01275 72637 [email protected]

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New Associates

The Bristol Group provides guidance for people who have enrolled on the IAM’s Skill for Life Advanced Driving Programme, and who want to receive guidance in our geographical coverage area. Currently, we have 55 such ‘Associates’ enrolled and under guidance.

Bristol is amongst a minority of IAM Groups which provides a fixed-start-date ‘course’, consisting of 3 seminars, with a series of additional one-to-one on-road driving guidance sessions (at individually mutually-agreed dates/times) from the same allocated Observer throughout. See the back page for course dates and our contact details.

An average of 20 people enrol on each course, so the seminar sessions are reasonably small, friendly and welcoming. At the seminars the Associates meet and realise that they are not alone, but part of a set and also part of the club which is Bristol Advanced Motorists. All Associates are welcome to attend our Monthly Meetings and socials. On the January course we welcome:

BRENDA ARMSTRONG JONATHAN BARNFIELD JAMES BEALE KANE BURCHILL GEORGE CLUTTERBUCK LESLIE DAVIDSON HELEN ELLERY ROBERT HARRIS GLYN McGLYNN JACKIE RAMSCAR DELWYN ROWLANDS BARBARA SHERRIFF DEBBIE SHORT RAY THOMAS ZOE WILDGOOSE STUART WREN

The age range of this set ranges from 78 down to 20, with four Young Drivers hoping for an eventual refund from the South Gloucestershire Council scheme when they pass the IAM Advanced Driving Test. As you see, 38% are women. The members come from all parts of Bristol and South Gloucestershire. The previous (October) course had 23 people, also including some from North Somerset, B&NES and Gloucestershire - and sometimes we have people from even further afield. LOVE

t under

ake things further and join this full Skill for Life course with us.

DRIVING ? The IAM recently nationally advertised a free taster assessmentheir Love Driving campaign. Bristol Group welcomed 13 of those applications, and we are pleased that Debbie (above) decided to t



Group News by the Editor

IAM REGIONAL MANAGER ATTENDS BRISTOL COMMTom Docherty, Regional Manager South, attended our November

ITTEE

en his.

that

,

issue

tes not enrolled, ve been applied for, etc.

16

he re

k

Committee Meeting. He suggested a monthly conference call betwehimself and the Group Officers - but little interest was shown in t

Tom explained the Group Scorecard (a compilation of management erformance result figures) which is issued to all Groups. He stated p

that it is a tool to identify Groups that need help, and to enable IAM Chiswick to assist them to achieve the standards expected by fee-paying customers, and not a means to chastise or penalise under-performing Groups. There is no league table comparing Groups. (Incidentally, Bristol is doing rather well, whereas we understandconversely several Groups are not meeting the laid-down targets.)

Tom said that whilst it is recognised that Groups are run by volunteersAM Chiswick is in control of Associates as a business – and Associates I

are fee-paying customers. There is a need for business performance standards alongside volunteer effort, because the paying customer has expectations which are different from those expected within a volunteer Group. The data on the Scorecard may not accurately agree with Group records as it is calculated on the last 12 months sincerather than a fixed period or calendar year. Measures relate to : ● Number of National and Local Observers ● Skill for Life sales and enrolments ● Skill for Life status – outstanding Associa outstanding Tests after they ha ● Test pass and fail numbers, and pass rate ● Days to ‘Test-ready’ : (Bristol 156, KPI 170, Region average 2 )

Tom asked our opinion of a potential Integration (merger) of Groups in a a. The IAM is canvassing for views as it wishes to reduce the t

number of Groups, but mergers will not be imposed without agreement. There are mixed feelings regarding benefits and demerits, primarily the distance needed to travel by members and volunteers, and the requirement for all Observers to be high quality and to be able to worindependently. There is an ‘on-going flux’ in the matter. Bristol is naturally placed to be the major partner in a merger, although it would not ‘take-over’ other Groups – for example, in a merger all committpositions would be voided and applicants would be needed for all posts.

ee



T l

,

HAS RESIGNED FROM COMMITTEE ames has been the Group’s Database Administrator for many years,

ommittee.

system. The ith

ED ete Goodman has kindly offered to prepare Monthly Meeting Reports

iece in this issue. Pete

t

d socialise. ’

never know, there might be some ‘advanced driving’ involved too!

Members – have you any thoughts? Ideas to Pete please.

he third and final subject addressed by Tom was the collection of FulGroup Membership fees by Direct Debit. This is being trialled in the new integrated Central Southern Group, and some others. It would involve two separate Direct Debit payments, still not one combined feethe Group being paid one month after the IAM Chiswick fee. We arelooking at the scheme. It requires integrated databases between Chiswick and the Group, and the Gift Aid arrangements are unclear. There would also be a complex two-year adoption period to convertfrom existing Standing Orders, and also from our current universal January 1st renewal date, involving refunds or variable payments. Watch this space. JAMES ROWLANDJbut has now had to stand down from that post and from the CThank-you, James, for your efforts over many years.

Our Vice-Chairman, Andy Cole, has taken-on the role. At the same time, the Group is transferring to a different databaseGroup still does not have a Membership Secretary to interact fully wMembers, Associates and Enquirers, so doubtless there will be more discussion to see if that can be achieved. SOME GROUP VOLUNTEER POSTS FILLPfor the LINK – starting with the MV Balmoral palready organises the Meeting speakers and provides a few words of preview for publicity, so he has a head start with the task.

Pete Goodman has also offered to look at Social Events – ith the help of Pamela Parnham, who at the moment is w

an Associate with the Group.

The initial thought is to organise some visits – hopefully aweekends to accommodate those Members who still work. But, ‘Social’ can go much further. Members can actually get together anFor example, our Motorcycle colleagues have a monthly ‘Breakfast Meetat a different café or attraction on the outskirts of Bristol, for a coffee and bacon butty, to keep the social side of the club going. You



FEBRUARY 2016 WAS 600TH COMMITTEE MEETING Every Committee Meeting is numbered – February’s was apparently the600

maths

es to years.

h were roadcast when the snow and ice appears.

:

I ELL ME MORE.”

th since the Group started back in 1958. At one a month, the doesn’t quite add up, but one would have to delve into the archivsee how often committee meetings were held in the early

HEARD ON HEART FM Bristol Group was approached by local radio station Heart FM to provide driving advice. Secretary Martin Evans , who is an Observer and an ADI, recorded some Winter Driving Tips in January, whicto be held in reserve and b

VOLUNTEER ROLES STILL AVAILABLE IN OUR GROUP

We are still looking for helpers – particularly: ■ Field Publicity Organiser – and Field Publicity Helpers

■ Young Driver Advocate ■ Observers – last but not least – vital for providing our core activity of Associate guidance

Interested?

Contact the Secretary or any Committee Member, and say

“ ’D LIKE TO JOIN THE TEAM. PLEASE T

f but it can be anything else. As in this case, with a Footcare service and an

Recommended Businesses We offer in the LINK the opportunity for Members to recommend – ree – a business you have had good service from. Ideally motoring,

Event Caterer.

Trudi Coombes Dip BSY

a (footcare) • AHCP (reg)

t: 07867 793 859 e: [email protected] Mobile & clinic-based footcare specialist



Gift Aid is reclaimed by the charity from the tax you pay for the current tax year.

“I want to Gift Aid my donation of £…………. I am a UK taxpayer and understand that if I pay less Income Tax and/or Capital Gains Tax than the amount of Gift Aid claimed on all my donations in th

like all IAM Groups, have a lot of older members . . . . .

For your information, extracts from the new wording are:

like all IAM Groups, have a lot of older members . . . . .

For your information, extracts from the new wording are:

at tax year

ift Aid by the Treasure

H ulschange to the wording appearing on the Gift Aid Declaration, which must be inc

Bu t worryDeclarations dated before that remain valid, and there is absolutely no update or

The new wording is claimedstates the donor’s responsibility to makhas not paid enough to cover Gift Aid claimed on his behalf. However,

xplain

er people out of ax, and therefore ineligible to offer a Gift Aid Declaration. And we,

DBristol Group is able to reclaim Gift Aid on Membership subscriptions. For each participating £20 Group Full Member, we can claim £5 from H paid.

To authorise the Group to claim Gift Aid on your behal complete one of our Gift Aid Declaration forms (physically or by email).

end you a brand-new 2016 one.

ift Aid by the Treasure

H RC has recently announced a compulschange to the wording appearing on the Gift Aid Declaration, which must be inc 6th April 2016.

Bu t worryDeclarations dated before that remain valid, and there is absolutely no update or

The new wording is claimedstates the donor’s responsibility to makhas not paid enough to cover Gift Aid claimed on his behalf. However,

xplain

er people out of ax, and therefore ineligible to offer a Gift Aid Declaration. And we,

DBristol Group is able to reclaim Gift Aid on Membership subscriptions. For each participating £20 Group Full Member, we can claim £5 from H paid.

To authorise the Group to claim Gift Aid on your behal complete one of our Gift Aid Declaration forms (physically or by email).

end you a brand-new 2016 one.

GG rr

MM ory orporated from

ory orporated from

RC has recently announced a comp

6th April 2016.

t our existing ‘donors’ need not our existing ‘donors’ need no - all existing completed

replacement.

- all existing completed

replacement. thing needed in the way ofthing needed in the way of

by HMRC to by HMRC to be clearer, as it now pointedly e good any shortfall of tax if he be clearer, as it now pointedly e good any shortfall of tax if he

accounting experts are urging organisations to more thoroughly eGift Aid to ‘donors’, who still may not appreciate their responsibility, especially as upcoming tax changes may take many old

accounting experts are urging organisations to more thoroughly eGift Aid to ‘donors’, who still may not appreciate their responsibility, especially as upcoming tax changes may take many oldtt

it is my responsibility to pay any difference.” ce.”

O YOU WISH TO SIGN-UP ? O YOU WISH TO SIGN-UP ?

MRC against Income or Capital Gains Tax that you have already MRC against Income or Capital Gains Tax that you have already

f, you MUSTf, you MUST

Contact the Treasurer and he will s

Contact the Treasurer and he will s

GIFT AID GOOD NEWS All the Group’s pending refund claims have recently been submitted to HMRC so that we are totally up-to-date (to 31 Dec 2015), and all the money due will be in the Group’s bank account by the time you read this.


Mar 2016 Read this newsletter on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk Mar 2016 Read this newsletter on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk

2016 is IAM Diamond Anniversary Year

IAM Chiswick is planning to celebrate the

ikers will have a separate one on July 2nd at arty.com

[ Why bikers are having a separate one in this era of “one IAM” is cle

ts – for £10 a head.

●●

to

were accepted and 400 tests per week were

arron.

a lady was first to pass

unbeam Talbot 90. In

driver in the Services (in her case, the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force).

amm: on the cover of her book No Excuses, Putnam, 1957 nbeam Talbot 90 on the the 1954 Alpine Rally.

photo: Motorsport in Austria

60th birthday of the IAM with two “parties”. On July 9th for Car Members, at the British Motor Museum, Gaydon, Warwickshire. Bthe National Motorcycle Museum in Birmingham. image: chicop

beyond me – and anyway, the IAM Motorcyuntil 1976 - Ed. ] The IAM plans ‘star names’, vehicle displays, activities, and ‘free’ museum entry at the even

The actual inaugural dates are: ● March 10th, when The Institute of Advanced Motorists Limited was

Test was not introduced

incorporated in 1956. June 1956: the official launch of the Institute. 25th June 1956: Miss Sheila Van Damm, a leading rally driver, and later the

owner of the Windmill Theatre, became the first member of the public take and pass the IAM Advanced Driving Test. ● Autumn 1956: Test applications being conducted from 12 principal locations in the UK. ● 1976: The first IAM solo Motorcycle Test candidate was Lord Strathc

In these days of equality, it is fortuitous that the IAM Test. Sheila, at the time of formation of the Institute in 1956, was in the news after winning the Ladies’ Cup in the 1955 MonteCarlo Rally, and finishing 11th overall, on her Scommon with many other female drivers of that era, her first taste of motoring came during the Second World War, when she worked as a

left: Sheila van Dright: Sheila’s Su

the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists Page 18 the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists


Other IAM Chiswick News

PADDY HOPKIRK – IA

Older Members will knorally legend of the 19601964 Monte Carlo RallyBMC Mini-Cooper – not he is pictured with her

Appropriate therefore, that IAM Chiswick ppor

mbassador. to promote the

M AMBASSADOR

w of Paddy Hopkirk, s and winner of the

on a proper original the BMW namesakee.

has secured the su t of Paddy, 82, as Mature Driver AIAM Mature Driver Assessment. If you are reading this online, find out more here.

IAM F1RST MEMBERSHIP APPROACHES 3000 ( actually, c.2800 )

score in the IAM advanced as a novelty, although stream of the IAM.”

some Groups T rate whilst for other Groups a single F1RST is

a rarity. Individual Candidates, varying Observer standards and

dges and regalia is boastful. It’s

here for those who want it, at £5 (plus postage) available through the lease only order if you are a F1RST member.”

IAM F1RST – in other words, a ‘distinction’ driving test – was introduced in 2011. At first it wnow awards are around 2800 and “becoming a main

Results across the country are inconsistent though, chieving a 60% F1RSa

inconsistency of IAM Examiners all play a part in the variation.

IAM Membership Manager Paul Woozley tells me the IAM does not keep detailed data relating to F1RST awards, but an analysis done by a Member at the 1500 mark revealed that F1RST had been awarded: ● 62.4% to Car drivers ● 31.3% to Motorcyclists ● 5.9% to Commercial Vehicle drivers ● 0.3% to Caravan/Trailer Towing drivers ● 0.1% to Minibus drivers

SHOW THE BADGE ? The IAM has introduced a new, “high quality enamel lapel badge exclusively for F1RST Register Members.”

This is unexpected, considering the wearing of badistinctly “un-cool” nowadays – seen as geeky and/or tIAM online shop, but: “P



Free Driving Assessments for the Public UNDAY 20 MARCH 10:00am – 2:00 pmS YATE FIRE STATION

uiting

Members – it’s time to ask for your help!

The Group is holding another FREE DriveCheck day – to give members of the public the opportunity to compare their driving today with how they did on their basic DVSA driving test – with the aim of recrthem to a full Skill for Life course with the Group.

Can you help by mentioning it to friends or by displaying a poster (as left - it’s A4 size) in a prominent place - local shop, library or workplace?

If you are reading this online, you can download the poster in high resolution by clicking here. Otherwise contact Publicity Of

ficer Geoff

(see page 22) and he will advise you.

Thank-you from the event organisers, Marlene Baker and Mark Gollop.

Come to a Gro

Our Meetings are on meDecember) at the BA eaker, Members and Associates can mingle, meet Committee and Observers, discuss how the club is run and seek advice on driving matters

. You ay like ts and visitors

ing.

low.

ams

5367

up Monthly Meeting the fourth Tuesday of each month (no eting in WA Club. As well as hearing a guest sp

.

mIf you’ve not been recently – or at all - then come to oneit, and become a regular. The meetings are open to guesas well – so bring a friend. Admission is free but it is customary to purchase raffle tickets to help defray the cost of running the meetSee you at the next one. Don't miss it!!

See the Calendar on the opposite page – and future topics be

► March Wings over Filton – 1910 to 1939 - Chris Bigg ► April Group AGM - Police Superintendent Rhys Hughes ► May Litigation Solicitor (road transport) - Charlotte Willi► June Haynes Motor Museum - Ken Crane

any ideas for 2017 ? A topic you would like to hear Do YOU have about – or an interesting speaker you’ve heard at another club? Let Pete know: [email protected] 0117 960



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

Dates of Meetings – Members and Administration

MARCH Sat 05 Regional Forum Exeter - Secretary Martin will attend Wed 09 Advanced Driving Course – sem. 3 – Meet an Examiner BAWA 7:30pm ALL CURRENT ASSOCIATES WELCOME Sun 20 Assessed Drives for the Public – at Yate Fire Station

Another similar event to be held on 18 Sept, also at Yate. t

L

See details opposite. Organisers Mark and Marlene. Tue 22 Monthly Meeting BAWA Pavilion 7:30pm for 7:45 star Wings over Filton - Speaker Chris Biggs Wed 30 Training Committee Meeting

APRI T 12 Exec Committee Meeting - second Tuesday each moue nth. If you wish to raise an issue, contact the Group Chairman

wsletter - May issue. 0 Advanced Driving Course - Seminar One. BAWA 7:30pm

ue 2ghes

D A 7:30pm

Wed 13 Observers’ meeting – BAWA Room 4 All Observers will receive a personal invitation Sat 16 COPY DATE for the Group NeWed 2 Pre-booking essential - see page 40 T 6 The Group’s AGM - BAWA Pavilion 7:30pm speaker Police Superintendent Rhys HuWed 27 Advanced riving Course - Seminar Two. BAWMAY Wed 04 FAD Course – first session See page 9. Also on Wednesdays 11, 18, 25 May JUNE Wed 09 Advanced Driving Course – sem. 3 – Meet an Examiner

BAWA 7:30pm ALL CURRENT ASSOCIATES WELCOME

ou have finished with your LINK, don’t throw it away. Please

mpany rest room, or similar. It gets our name out there – and maybe attracts a new Associate.

DON’T BIN IT – PASS IT ON for publicity When ypass it on to a relation, friend or work colleague - or take it to a Doctors’ Surgery or Dentist’s waiting room (if allowed under H&S rules), co



CONTACT US: Who does what in the Group SE

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

ADVERTISED PUBLIC ENQUIRY NUMBER: 0117 256 5555

Executive Committee, Bristol Advanced Motorists

kChairman Marlene Baker 01454 619289 [email protected]

Vice k Chairman Andy Cole 07714 992 639 [email protected]

Secretary Martin Evans 0117 979 8061 [email protected]

Treasurer Paul Hunt treasurer@iam-bris0117 960 8494

tol.org.ukDatabase Administrator Andy Cole [email protected]

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

Publicity Officer Geoff Bevan 01453 860365 [email protected] 773234 Training Administrator Mark Gollop [email protected]

lopment .org.ukTony Gilbert 07973 730 498 Membership Deve development@iam-bristol

Other Post Holders Committee Minute Taker Clare Reeves l.comcreeves123@ao

0117 969 1746 [email protected] Monthly Meeting Organiser Pete Goodman 0117 960 5367

Pete Goodman am t details above Social Organisers see Pete’s contacPamela Parnh

Group Display Boards & LINK Collation organiser Andrew Nicholls [email protected]

01749 860321

Facebook & Twitter Miles Griffiths [email protected] Observer and

uk01453 860365

Geoff Bevan [email protected] Administrator

mbers as the ld rticularly to F

ate. lea roup Secretary.

OTICE:

sist voluntarily in Several other Mewelcome more, pa

running of the Group. We wouield Publicity Organiser & Helpers, cover the roles of

To volunteer, p

se contact the Gand Young Driver Advoc

PHOTOGRAPHY N ote th nd

ssions of ced M e used to ol Adv .

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 0117 979 8061

Please n at by attending the Meetings aDriver Guidance Se Bristol Advan

promote Bristotorists, you agree to your imaganced Motorists and its activitiesbeing captured and









2

The events are a sort of continuing professional development (CPD) gh standard they

achieved on their

r. One

and takes the others as are

o end of each

ely - een

016 ‘Three-in-a-Car’ Dates - words, Advanced Driving Update sessions In other

A further series of these free Group events has been arranged for 2016, organised by the Observer Team Leaders from our three Observer Teams - Brunel, Cabot and Colston.

arrangement, to help Full Members maintain the hi advanced driving test, and also to show enrolled

Associates the sort of standard they are aiming for.

At the venue, a Team Leader will assign you into a group of three (ortwo - or even four), at least one of whom will be a Group Observef you elects to be first to drive (very brave!)o

passengers on a course of his choice for 30 minutes or so, or, if you not familiar with the area, on a course directed to you en-route.

There is usually a good deal of helpful banter during TiC sessions sost points will be covered as you go round, but at them

drive there will be an opportunity for you all to enjoy a short and sometimes entertaining de-brief! Everyone catches-up on a few tips, however experienced they are. Someone else then elects to go next in their own car - and so on, until you’ve all had a turn.

he whole thing is done and dusted in around 2 hours, it’s completTfree of charge and it is good fun. No records are made of the drivesbut there's usually plenty of advice available!! Even if you’ve never bon a TiC you’ll be very welcome. Just turn up on time on the day.

Put these dates and locations in your diary:

Saturday 9 April 10:00am Cross Hands Hotel, Old Sodbury (Cabot)

unday 11 Sept 10:00am Ashton Way Car Park, Keynsham (Brunel)

vices (Colston) (A different location for this last one is being sought: look for a future update.)

Saturday 14 May 10:00am Bath Hill Car Park, Keynsham (Brunel)

Thursday 30 June 7:30pm Thornbury Leisure Centre (Colston)

Sunday 7 August 10:00am Cross Hands Hotel, Old Sodbury (Cabot)

S

Sunday 16 Oct 10:00am M5 Gordano Ser



MV Balmoral - Monthly Meeting January by Pete Goodman

Geoff Hales of the MV Balmoral Fund was the speaker at the Group’s January Club/Social Meeting, to talk about Britain’s classic coastal cruise ship.

Geoff started by telling us that he first saw Balmoral outside M-Shed, looking neglected, and felt like getting involved. He found out the ship was in a bit of financial trouble. Being ex-BBC, Geoff was keen to help by making a film – which he did. Geoff then introduced and showed his 50-minute documentary film on MV Balmoral’s history and recent refit.

Balmoral was built by J Thorneycroft of Southampton and entered rvice with the Red Funnel fleet in 1949. She

iesels. She was used for

he was sold in 1969 to P and A Campbell of Bristol for the White

le cted

o a major refit. As part of this, her car deck was enclosed to form an area that is now in use as a dining saloon.

photo: JoeMcKendrick / Waverley Excursions

se was powered by two unusual Newbury Sirron 6-cyl 2-stroke dcoastal excursions and as an Isle of Wight ferry for many years.

SFunnel fleet, effectively replacing the last paddle steamers Bristol Queen and Cardiff Queen, and was used in the Bristol Channel until Campbell’s folded in 1980. Balmoral moved to Dundee to become a floating restaurant. This venture was unsuccessful and the ship was placed for sale again. At this time the Waverley Steam Navigation Co. Ltd was looking for another vessel to operate alongside the world's last seagoing paddsteamer, PS Waverley. Balmoral was purchased by them and subjet



Balmoral returned to the Bristol Channel in 1986. Since then the shhas operated a summer season of excursions around the Bristol Chanwith visits to most coastal areas of the UK. In winter 2002, Balmora

ip nel, l

by a

s a self-service restaurant on board, along with o licensed bars, a heated observation lounge and a souvenir shop.

to ne 2015.

m.

The meeting was very

ng

an

See the schedule at wwIt starts with a ‘long weekend’ of sailings on the Bristol Channel “‘sometseeing cruises in the South and South-East, and

of Man, Whit

28 July -31 August sees a programme of trips in the

received new Grenaa 6-cyl 4-stroke diesel engines, partially fundedHeritage Lottery Fund grant. Today Balmoral can accommodate up to800 passengers and hatw

In December 2012 Waverley Excursions and Waverley Steam Navigation announced that Balmoral would not be sailing in 2013. The ship's operation had been hampered increasingly in recent years by extreme weather conditions and being second fiddle to PS Waverley.

Ownership of MV Balmoral transferred to a new charity MV Balmoral Fund Ltd, supported again by an army of volunteers, and is now operated by their subsidiary White Funnel Ltd. A refit at Sharpness docks tookplace in 2014, all hull paint was removed and some thin hull plates replaced. The Sharpness work and travelling to and from was heavily featured in the film. The refit, costing over £300,000, was funded with help from a Coastal Communities Fund Grant. Balmoral returnedBristol 8th June 2014 and started public sailing again on 15 Ju

Geoff answered many questions after the fil

interesting and was well supported, with 43 people attending, one of the bestattendances for a lotime. I think everyone went away happy after enjoyable evening.

.whitefunnel.co.uk

above: Group Treasurer Paul (right) giving Geoff Geoff (left) will treat it as a donation to Balmoral f

Hales his speaker fee of £50. unds. photo: Geoff Bevan

w

ime in May” with June

ehaven and S. Wales.

Bristol Channel.

July in N. Wales, Liverpool, Isle



Postscript: Balmoral has since received a grant of £52,000 from The Government’s CoasCommunity Fund, to bespecifically for two higcapacity generating setgive sufficient electric

ion is ensive, as

cr

tal used her-s, to ity

for today’s lighting and power requirements.

Marine conservatcertainly exp above: Speaker Geoff Hales in full flow

answering questions. photo: Geoff Bevan highlighted by the plight of the two remaining former cross-channel SRN4 Hover aft, which are in danger of being scrapped.

Foxy Ladies One of the ‘exhibitor standBirmingham last Octoberbasically an Insurance

by Martin Evans s’ at the IAM Groups Conference in

was the ‘Foxy Lady Drivers Club’. It is quotation service (using Cornmarket, the same

irm that runs IAM Surety). The not-for-profit club also offers a

nc last f

in, chatted with the director, Steph, who was impressed that Bristol Group runs ‘courses’ rather than ad-hoc

d it

courses

e

-

frange of “approved” female-friendly services – garages, breakdown, car sales, legal, helpdesk, confidequite a few awards in the

One of our delegates, Mart

e courses, etc. Foxy Ladies has won ew years – Tyresafe, IMI, Vuelio, etc.

drives from a car park on a Sunday (as many Groups do). She saimakes the message easier to get over – [and maybe is more secure forwomen candidates too - Ed.]. Steph is promoting our (Bristol) to her members nationally on the Foxy Lady blog, and by tweeting.

One of the things she asked Martin was how many female Observers whave – Martin had to be honest and admit just one, with another under training . . . . Here’s a much-shortened version of Steph’s blog entry: See the full blog item at: ttps://www.foxyladydrivers.com/foxyblog/2016/02/04/how-to-beh

a-better-driver-in-bristol/ For Twitter output, see https://twitter.com/FOXYtweets



FEBRUARY 4, 2016 FOXYSTEPH

HOW TO BE A BETTER DRIVER IN BRISTOL I’ve written before about mcourse

y IAM Skill For Life Advanced Motoring

is on my own or as part of a group of like-minded others in the same boat. And despite being happy with my

r women.) Bristol Advanced Motorists

in a and

y

ay or may not take, but will be encouraged to).

rd (out of 200 Groups) at

FOXY Steph

and how much I learned and have benefited since. But I might have liked a choice of doing th

organise precisely this group support for local motorists. (And cate

one-to-one arrangement with a brilliant female Observer who has become a friend, I might have chosen the latter for the camaraderie…

So I was delighted to meet Martin Evans at the IAM Conference. Martin is the Secretary of Bristol Advanced Motorists, where they

for an equal spread of men and organises courses where Skill For Life participants come together classroom situation to refresh and top up their motoring knowledgedriving skills. Having bought the Skill For Life package, this is free andhere is how the Bristol Group’s option works: 1/ Two seminars are held on a Wednesday evening in North Bristol. 2/ Skill For Life participants (called Associates from now on) are then allocated an Observer, with whom to arrange as many drives as theneed (within reason!) in preparation for the Advanced Test (which they m3/ In a third seminar they ‘Meet An Examiner’ to get a better understanding of what is required, and of course ask questions. 4/ In between all this, most Associates arrange drives weekly or fortnightly and take between 6 and 12 observed drives spread over 3 – 6 months before they are ready for the test.

With Bristol having a 90% pass rate to be proud of, and being the recipient of the IAM Group Achievement Awathe 2015 conference, this is a formula that works, and is fun.

I wholeheartedly recommend this - equally beneficial to men and womenalike. NB: FOXY Club members get a 10% discount when buying.


https://www.foxyladydrivers.com/foxyblog/2016/02/04/how-to-be-a-better-driver-in-bristol/

https://twitter.com/FOXYtweets





Bristol Group on Social Media Both are ‘open access’. You can look without being a registered user.

HOUGH ! DON’T LOOK WHILST DRIVING T

www.facebook.com/BristolAdvancedMotorists

Twitter: @iam_bristol

WOULD YOU GET A FACEBOOK ACCOUNT TO STAY IN TOUCH? ould you be prepared to adopt Facebook as a key method of sW haring

information within the Group? A former chairman of Northumbria Motorcycle Group considers it vital for his Group to embrace social

Facebook. IAM Chis a Social M visited Groups to

e rag

Your views?

media, with all Members signed-up to wick has a edia Communications Manager (Caroline Holmes), and

Executive (Slavina Dimitrova), who have alreadymbers to the world of social media and encouintroduce m e sign-up.

Let Editor Paul know.

by the Editor

y –

a cost to you. store

Use our Charity Cashback SchemeYou may have seen adverts for Cashback schemes on TV. Schemes where you can get a personal cashback discount. Why not try the Easyfundraising scheme which gives the cashback to a charity or good cause – such as the Bristol Group? Think of it as a donation to charitand charity begins at home.

SHOP ONLINE via Easyfundraising.org.uk – and registered retailers will make a donation to us, at no extr

And now you can Easyfundraise when you shop in- too !

raising account.

N EAS FUNDRAISING TARGET - .

Let’s set a target – Let’s try to raise £500 in 2016

1. Safely add your Credit Card(s) to your Easyfund 2. Physically visit a participating retailer on the High Street. 3. Make a purchase in-store and you’ll raise a free s. donation for u

Go to: www.easyfundraising.org/in-store

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

We have raised £988 in total so far.



From the News – relating to driving by the Editor

LA

29 January.

d confusicle, which continues to this day. It’s thought

-Rovers produced remain in use today.

its death knell through crash protection ut there are other factors – today people

for the original utility use. And they want shire farmer-friend gave-up on Rovers a

to theft, and as a result the insurance is And the reliability of recent models was

shi Shll t

.

But Jeep is the only remaining Chrysler brand that continues to be sold in the UK and Europe – which brings us on to another story.

ST LAND ROVER

The last Defender, the classic Land-Rover, rolled off the Solihull production line on

It was designed after the war as a simple, dependable, utility vehicle, with 4-wheel-drive, using car mechanicals, a steel chassis, and war-surplus aluminium sheet for the simple body.

Farmers used it in fields, and it could be used on the road. It becamean icon and even cause ion such as to form a new class of vehicle – the dual-purpose-vehover 70% of the 2 million Land

It is said that the EU brought and emissions requirements. Buse it as a car, rather thansafety and comfort. A Yorkfew years ago. They are pronetoo high for a utility vehicle. not good. His used Mitsubicar, and does not stand-up we

ogun is cheaper, but it is basically a o muddy clothing, nor nudging-open

metal farm gates and towing machinery and cattle trailers across fields

But that is what you get nowadays. Buy a Jeep Wrangler (right). It looks like a tough 4*4 – but all you get is a fancy body on – would you guess? – the basics of a Fiat 500X. Jeep is in its 75th year, and is one of the UK’s biggest growing brands.

photo: Dunsfold Collection (of Land Rover http://www.dunsfoldcollection.co.uk/

s)



CHRYSLER NO MORE Chrysler has said it will cease operations in 2017 – although it has practically ceased alrbeen very minimal, exthe Fiat-Lancia-based Y

Chrysler built cars inremembered for buyingof France and BarrAlpine and Horizon modsold to Peugeot-Citroen

eacept for Jeep, the only model now on sale being

psilon.

London briefly in the 1930s – but the firm is the UK Rootes Group in 1967 along with Simca

eiros of Spain. You may remember the Chrysler 180, els which followed. European operations were in 1978 (commercials sold to Renault Trucks).

iar unless you are a

.

us is to Toyota. the new

– Motorline Toyota, Bristol South.

ed debates” behind the scenes concerning the te. It remains to be seen if there is a demand

odel in the range, the back, costs from

nce of riding in cars from this

dy, becoming a service set-up only, sales having

From 1996, US Chrysler models the Neon, Voyager, PT Cruiser, Viper and

- 300C - and Dodge Nitrowere sold in the UK, but all have been quietly phased-out. Since the take-over of Chrysler by Fiat, ebadged Lancia models r

have been sold as Chryslers, now phased out also - except the Ypsilon, available to special order only. WELCOME INFINITI The name may be unfamilFormula One fan – the compsponsor of the Red Bull team

Infiniti is to Nissan as LexIt is therefore strange thatInfiniti dealer in Bristol is

One can imagine the “heattwo rivals being on one sifor another “premium brand”. The cheapest mInfiniti Q30 premium hatchObservers may one day get an experienew range.

any is a main

£21k - £25k. At least our



an Indian Adventure he end of the road is

957 Morris Oxford Series 3

of the 1949 Oxford MO but got the photo: Wikipedia

6 Isuzu petrol and diesel engines. T UK in

ned orge car in a country where most cars are Indian city emissions standards (now,

older Ambassadors were taken off the itted a cleaner diesel engine, but

volume saw production end on 26th May 2014.

January 2016 saw 38 old Ambassadors take part in the

a

ho mile

ast,

up the western coast to end in the tropical paradise of Palolem in Goa.

Another long-production car which has come to tthe Hindustan Ambassador, in effect the 1(pictured here) built in India by Birla since 1958.

Various Oxford models had been built in India since 1942 but the 1958 Series 3 was never superseded.

Initially it had the side-valve engine

0 and from 1985 received Japanesehe car was briefly imported to the

BMC B-series 1500cc in 19

1990, and later as the Fullbore Mk 10, dealer-improved with UK-spec parts, but only a few were sold. ( Has anyone ever seen one? )

Production in India declipopular as a taxi, and as a la

ver the years but the Ambassador was

very small models. New 2010there’s a surprise!) meantstreets. Hindustan Motors funeconomically-low sales

Dumball Rally - the world- famous annual fancy dress challenge on wheels. It’s a

charity banger rally, an extreme driving challenge for people that knowvery little about cars, driving as far as they can in one week, onmission to raise money for the Teenage Cancer Trust.

This year’s route, it’s a Goa, saw around 150 participants – mainly singles in their 20s / 30s – [ including my niece, Caroline Densley, whas been a regular Dumballer over many years – Ed. ] take a 1300(2000 km) journey southwards from Chennai on India’s east coaround the base of India, over the heights of the Western Ghats and



En route they passed stunning scenery – jungle, mountains, waterfalls, gs

a

continuous hairpin bends of the Pollachi to Valaparai road – and thinof interest – the huge Sholaya hydro-dam, a Tea plantation in the hills, large bridge built in the wrong place, a balloon fiesta at Coimbatore, a

nature reserve, the Keralan houseboats in Alleppey, and much more.

The Dumball has been going for ten years. It was founded by a group of individuals who were fed-up with reading about the japes of the rich and famous taking part in the other Gumball Rally – and who wanted a piece of the action – on a fraction of the budget. So, in 2006, they decided to create the ultimate ‘peasant’s road trip’, using cheap cars, ‘done-up’ with funky embellishments, fancy dress, and driving in convoy, to a far away place, then sell the cars, get on a plane and fly home.

It quickly got bigger and better for 2007, since when it has been the famous convoy adventure, well organised, doing something stupid to raise money for a very serious cause, the Teenage Cancer Trust. And wherever they stop, the party starts, in a spirit of camaraderie, style and childish excitement. This year’s rally raised over £126,000.

There is an attitude: “If nothing goes wrong, something has gone wrong. Be ready for failure – and rejoice in it when it inevitably happens. The fun really starts when you break down, get lost, or suffer tedious set backs.” This year, apparently only one Ambassador seriously broke down – Indian mechanics can quickly fix almost anything

There are no big prizes - the “best performer” group/team gets the heralded ‘Spirit of Dumball’ award – a monkey carved out of a coconut which was bought for three euros on the first ever Dumball, and passefrom winner to winner ever since. Somewhat like the infamous garden trowel that was treated in the same way as a raffle prize when he Bristol Motorcycle IAM Group started, also in 2006.

.

d

t



The participants had to quickly get used to the madness of driving in India. An International Driving Permit (bought, with no Test) is all that’s needed to supplement most Driving Licences. In India, every driver does whatever he wants, on the understanding that every other driver will also be doing the same thing. I am told it’s fun, but requires courage, stupidity, assertiveness and a relaxed approach to the “rules”. There’s a lot of horn use – but they’re all smiling.

Any journey in India is an epiand potholed, meaning that on

c joly low average speeds are achievable.

s – but the road is usually kept open – just

above: Pimping the ride before the start photos and logos: dumball.org

urney. Most rural roads are not great,

There are many roadworkdrive through the rubble.

Dumball: Inspired by Adam Horn. “ One Life: Live it ! ” Lots about Dumball and the 2016 event at www.dumball.org



The Write-in (Letters to the Editor)

I’M HAPPY TO RENEW I do enjoy the LINK and I am grateful for being allowed to retain this connection [ as a Group Donator – Ed. ] with the world of the Institute. I remember well the day in March 1961 when I failed the test and the following day when I passed, having had the benefit of some kindly instruction from the Examiner. Sincerely, John Dunham

CONGRATULATIONS Hi Paul & Martin,

I have downloaded the Kindle version of Reg Local’s book on your ead

ec iv g me to offer my congratulations to chievement Award. I intended

to do so after the conference, but I am sorry it slipped my mind. l eserved. Regards, Richard

( RICHARD FURNEAUX, former IAM Region 1 Co-ordinator )

Martin says: T ‐ but a pleasant one for the Group, Committee and Observers to be recognised. Hope you are keeping well ‐ and you e always welcome to visit the Group any time you fancy.

me

Membership, but am one of the Members who etings. It isn't because I'm not supportive or that I

e

s

Thanks for the latest (November) copy of the LINK. Interesting, as usual. recommendation; it looks like a good r .

R e in the newsletter remindedthe Bristol Group on getting the Group A

done, very much dAnyway, wel

hanks Richard... it was quite a surprise

ar 29 YEARS ON Dear Paul, I have just finished reading the latest edition and want you to know howinteresting and informative I find the LINK - and that it includes sothings I wouldn't otherwise have known. Keep up the good work.

I am in my 29th year of doesn't attend medon't think they are interesting, but it's quite a long way from my homin Ashton Gate to BAWA and I have reached an age where I don't like driving very far at night.

You may remember that I did the Refresher course a couple of years ago with Pam as my Observer, although you yourself came with me on one of the drives. I found this course so helpful and am so glad I did it.

With kind regards to all. Pauline Barne



IT’S NOT A MEANINGLESS BIT OF PAPER Paul, Re a letter in the September edition. Whilst I respect Robert’s comments on “Great course - but I don’t want to take the test”, I take strong issue with him when he refers to it being “a meaningless bit of aper” for people who “may need the egotistical self-gratification”.

nise, who also recently passed the IAM Test, and I feel

of my

lt it important to go into my driving future

hat

s a ly, supportive environment

t members to

to to learn to

p

Both my wife Devaguely insulted that something we (and our Observer Tony Gilbert) worked so hard for is so lightly dismissed.

Having a more or less unblemished driving record since 1963, partproblem (and I suppose Tony’s) was un-learning many of the sloppy habits picked up over this time. Sloppy not necessarily dangerous. I also learnt much new Highway Code information. How many could name five different road crossings? I couldn't! I can now!!

At the age of seventy, I fewith an up-to date assessment of my driving skills and a certificate (which will be jealously valued) to prove it. No Robert, not a meaningless bit of paper or an exercise in egotistical self-gratification. For us it’s a badge of honour (and hopefully a bit less insurance to pay). Richard JonesKEYBOARD DRIVING Paul, I was a little disappointed with the tone of the piece: "Keyboard Driving Changes" in the January LINK. You may be unaware but a key and successful part of the old www.advanced-driving.co.uk and hencewww.advanceddrivinghub.com is the informal 'Driving Day' events t‘members’ themselves organise. Several Bristol Group members have attended ADUK days across the UK over several years and I think it'great way to develop your driving in a friendwith drivers from the wider 'Advanced' world including: other IAM Groups; RoSPA members; HPC members and Police Advanced. There is more to Advanced Driving than the IAM way - great though our organisation is. Perhaps you should give it a try? Martin Evans

The Editor replies: I mentioned the Forums as "news" to alerthem ‐ I know a few already look at them. Also, the IAM is disappointed at thelow number of IAM members who use the ‘member facility’ which is the IAM Forum on the IAM website. I personally scan all the Forums now and againcheck for news or issues. But there is the old saying, "What we havedo, we learn by doing", attributed to Aristotle, and you can apply that to people tapping keys rather than actually driving. As for the Driving Days ‐ yes, it is practical activity. Let’s just say, "All well and good if it floats your boat”.



WHY I AM RESIGNING

d

ssured my decision has nothing to do with Bristol Group

Associate scheme se

d time

John

Dear Paul, I don't want you to think I've just left without warning, so I am advising you that I will not be renewing my IAM nor Group membership for 2016. I am reassessing all my outgoings and cancelling various subscriptions that no longer give value for money.

My decision to cancel my IAM Chiswick subscription is due mostly to the policy direction the IAM appears to be heading. If local Groups arereduced to just Observing then the benefits of being an ordinary IAM Member make it no longer viable. Also, the IAM magazine appears to have moved away from the motorist and seems more glossy and “upmarket”, so to speak, and less relevant to the ordinary Member. The other consideration was that I didn’t save money on any so-called ‘member benefits’, not even on Insurance or breakdown cover.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who contributesto the Bristol Group’s LINK newsletter. It has always been informative and full of interesting useful items that I connected with, so to speak, and it provides more useful information for the normal motorist likemyself rather than the IAM national publication, and I have enjoyereading it over the years.

Please be aitself. Wishing you all continuing growth and success.

Regards, Erica MacGilp

Editor’s Note: I remember recruiting Erica to the Group’swhen manning the IAM publicity caravan at Tesco, Yate, in 1993. She had thenew‐fangled "Internet” and "Email" thingies at home ‐ and for some years she fielded all e‐mail contacts to the Group ‐ printing them off and posting them on to the Secretary ‐ before any of the Committee were Internet‐connected. WHY I AM CONTINUING – BUT ONLY FOR NOW Hi Paul, Here is a cheque – sorry it’s late. I will continue for this year, but please don’t expect much physical support, as I only have limiteavailable, I have personal commitments and I am also a Motorcycle Member – and motorcycling is my hobby.

Best wishes to the Group for the coming year. And thanks for the effort that the volunteers, and you personally, contribute.



Driving Topics

A SAD DAY FOR RADIO AFICIONADOS – no more 1548 kHz As your Editor was driving on the A466 at St. Arvans, near

hepstow, on Wednesday 17 February, at 2:01 pm CNewsreader Adam Hurd was unceremoniously cut-off mid-

ern” with DAB - ger factor in Bristol was that the lease was up on the

or

ed bal Radio Smooth 1260 (also

roadcast from the site) was abruptly shut off with no warning at all to

as provided the most reliable signal on the edge

s recently Greater

bridges, headlamps it

n most incidents ll Green

wise,

wheelbarrow. You can report abandoned trolleys on 07775 531 052.

sentence in his 2 o’clock news bulletin, to be replaced by a “retune to other sources” loop message, bringing to an end Radio Bristol broadcasts on 1548kHz AM (Amplitude Modulation), previously known as 194 metres Medium Wave.

The BBC is stopping AM - MW transmission to cut costs where there is “another signal available” – and questionably to “get modbut a big“Mangotsfield” transmitter site and the landlord had sold the site fdevelopment – it is a large field surrounded by expanding Lyde Green and the Bristol & Bath Science Park. The 1548 loop message stoppat 01:04 am on Saturday 20 Feb when Globits listeners. The tall twin masts will be felled soon.

Medium Wave provides a constant signal in a car, unlike FM which nd the ‘new’ DAB which can cut-out completely occasionally breaks-up a

for periods. 1548 AM hof the Radio Bristol reception area, and with the Mangotsfield transmitter being the most powerful remaining (5kw), AM haprovided the best quality radio signal in Central and

BEWARE OF FALLING TROLLIES Keep your vision raised and look out for objects thrown offalthough with poor LED street lighting and modern cut-off is difficult to see anything on the bridge at night, wheoccur. In recent months the A4174 Avon Ring Road at Longwe

Bristol too.

has seen a breeze block and a batch of glass milk bottles dropped onto vehicles, but in January a supermarket trolley broke a lorry windscreen and injured the driver. There is a little-known company, Trolleythat patrols and removes over 400,000 trolleys from streets, etc. eachyear. Extra patrols of the surrounding area yielded nothing – but a week later your Editor walked a mile of the Ring Road path and saw two abandoned trolleys – one each Asda and Sainsbury - and an old metal



Chris Gilbert - his courses and DVDs by the Treasurer

In his former working life Chris logged over a million miles teaching

orld of advanced driver training.

f

owever, it is all drawing to a close. Chris has said he will retire from 2016. Just a few training sessions are

ngtraining.co.uk/ 01753 528474

oo. They are popular, yes, but the ands, and the commercial viability is

rime sales’ are reduced because of illegal to public audiences without a licence

ttp://www.driving4tomorrow.com/, Group Shopkeeper, can obtain them

ht discount.

artin.

Police Officers high speed pursuit and 999 driving in a variety of vehicles, without a single mishap.

Since appearing in the original Roadcraft video, Chris has become well-known and well-respected in the wChris's police driving career also included teaching both Prince William and Prince Harry to drive in preparation for their DVSA 'L' driving tests.

He now provides practical driver training to the public – anyone who wishes to improve his or her driving skills, “from a Micra to a McLaren”. He has a relaxed, friendly style, devoid of sarcasm.

or his Chris is also well-known fseries of advanced driving DVDs. He has produced three now.

above: Chris Gilbert photo: Paul Hunt

He gave a talk at the Bristol Group Meeting in May 2008, and some oour Members have travelled to see him speak at other venues too.

Hthe practical side at the end ofavailable. http://www.advanceddrivi

The future of his DVDs is in doubt tproduction costs are many £thouscompromised because ‘pcopying and lending, and showing

e at hSee details and buy onlinlternatively, Dave PengellyA

through the Bristol Group at a slig

Contact Dave via Group Secretary M



Advanced Driving Refresher (ADR) Course

Training Administrator with the Group, Mark Gollop, describes below rks.

ill. Bristol Advanced Motorists offers this ourse as a comprehensive update back to the Skill for Life standard

hich

en some time since you a great opportunity to

brush-up on your advanced driving with constructive feedback following est!

9 Southmead Road, Filton, Bristol,

or more information contact Bristol Group’s Training Administrator

what the course is and how it wo

Driving is a degradable skcof driving. It costs £39 and is open to those who are current membersof both the IAM and Bristol Group.

The course runs alongside the Skill for Life Associate course. You willcover all the syllabus - with 3 seminars, 6 observed drives and, upon completion of the course, a certificate of competence.

Seminars 1 and 2 review some of the theory of modern advanced driving. Six weeks later, seminar 3 provides you with an opportunity tomeet an IAM Examiner – and in your case, to ask any questions wmay have accumulated since taking your IAM Test.

ADR participants will be allocated a one-to-one Observer, with whomthey will have a series of 6 refresher drives following seminar 1, tailored to your specific requirements. If it's bepassed your Advanced Driving Test, this is

each drive – and without the added pressures of having to take a T

The three remaining ADR courses of 2016 start with seminar 1 at the BAWA Health and Leisure Centre, 58

S34 7RG on the following dates:- B

● Wednesday 20th April (2nd and 3rd seminars 27 April, 08 June) ● Wednesday 13th July (2nd and 3rd seminars 20 July, 31 August) ● Wednesday 19th October (2nd and 3rd seminars 26 October, 07 Dec)

FMark Gollop at [email protected] or phone 01454 773234 or 07789 621323

Do it now! contact Paul: 0117 960 8494 [email protected]

What did you think of this Newsletter?

Let the Editor know your thoughts on presentation and content. He wants to hear from as many of you as possible.



Know someone who could be a better driver?

Word-of-Mouth is the best publicity – so tell people about the IAM Advanced Driving Course - it makes your driving more confident, safer, more enjoyable. For £149, the IAM Skill for Life package contains IAM associateship, the syllabus text book and the IAM

itself. FreeAdvanced Driving Test p c

whilst Doris was 80 when she passed.

of s, or

ex lanation seminars and & in- ar driving guidance are provided by our volunteer Observers. A six-month commitment is needed, with ideally one drive a week. Age and gender are no barriers. Beth (pictured here) was 18,

Young Drivers aged 17-24 could have their fee refunded courtesySouth Glos Council Road Safety, if they are resident in South Glowork or undertake full-time-education in South Glos. Ask for details.

Advanced Driving Course Dates (PRE-BOOKING ESSENTIAL)

Dates to be arranged

Skill for Life Course, a

ssociat

APRIL Seminars on Wednesdays. Apr 20th, Apr 27th, Jun 08th. Seminars on Wednesdays. Jul 13th, Jul 20th, Aug 31st. JULY

OCTOBER Seminars on Wednesdays. Oct 1JANUARY 2017

For details of how to buy theand what it involves ple

9th, Oct 26th, Dec 07th.

se contact: 0117 969 1746 or a

[email protected]

’t want a full course? CK ASSESSMENT – cost £35.

structured 90-minute Assessment e, and a written report about

d, with advice on how to improve. .

Know someone who doesn

Then mention our one-off DRIVECHEAn Observer will give the person oneof their driving, at a convenient date/timthe main points of the driving displayeContact our Chief Observer Geoff, on 0117 256 5555



as a trial,

1971 of having an image of Bristol’s iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge. The traditional and familiar IAM button logo is used as a distinct recognition feature on the cover.

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, and there is also a QR code which directs suitably-equipped mobile electronic devices to our comprehensive website. Cover photo by photographer: www.TonyGilbert.co.uk

Cover printed by:

Print & Stationery Management Co Ltd 107 Longmead Road, Emerald Park East, Emersons Green, BRISTOL BS16 7FG

0333 456 1501 [email protected] www.prism-ltd.co.uk

EXTRA - The Cover of the hard copy version

The LINK is primarily distributed as a hard-copy A5-size paper version.

For March 2016 the paper version was colour-laser-printedinstead of the usual copy-printed mono ink production.

The current cover (above) continues the tradition first started in about



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 Associate numbers in recent years, and this trend looks to continue at least in the short term. We still however need Members to act as recruiting salesmen to recommend the IAM Test and the Bristol Group.

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

M


photo: IAM Chiswick

embers, “Can you be an

round 25, which means

t.

der’ for the Group, nd continue to promote our YOUNG DRIVER REFUND SCHEME

also consider ecoming involved with the core activity of the Group – OBSERVING.

Information about can be obtained from: associates@iam-

I

Observer for the Group?”, The number of Observers on our books is reducing. The number in recent years has steadily reduced from 50 to the current level of athat many Observers are coaching 3 Associates concurrently, which is too much of a commitmen

So by all means continue to be a good ‘Sales Persuaaavailable for South Gloucestershire residents. Butb

Skill for Life bristol.org.uk 0117 256 5555 or 0117 969 1746

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

the newsletter of bristol advanced motorists · read this newsletter on our website mar 2016 recent...

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