The Gloucestershire Group

of Advanced Motorists

NEWSLETTER

Winter 2015

IAM Winter 2015

The Gloucestershire Group of Advanced Motorists Registered Charity 1054403

Group Web Site www.glosiam.org Twitter: @GlosIAM IAM Web Site www.IAM.org.uk

We are affiliated to The Institute of Advanced Motorists

Group President Dr. Timothy Brain, OBE, QPM Vice Presidents Mr. Anthony Whitehouse, MBE Mrs. Jean Whitehouse Mr Peter Davies Group Chairman Tom Carr Secretary Rod Harrison

Treasurer Sarah Goodwin Chief Observer

COMMITTEE MEMBERS Membership Secretary & Associate Coordinator Phil Tebble Webmaster James Thomas Newsletter Editor David Sheppard Committee Members Jean Sheraton Angus Watson

EDITORIAL So 2015 is well and truly here. Where did 2014 go? Last year was a very busy one for the Group and 2015 looks as though it will be the same. One of our many new initiatives we introduced last year was the bi-monthly e-newsletter. This is a shorter newsletter than the traditional hard copy, with material pertaining specifically to the Gloucestershire Group. Feedback we have received has been favourable, and we would, of course, welcome any further comments, positive or otherwise regarding this new idea. Copies are either emailed or posted to members as they wish. If you have not received the e-newsletter, either by email or by post, do please let us know. The reason we have reverted to a hard copy this time is that we wanted to include a report on the recent AGM. Details of the elections held to fill various posts within the Committee appear elsewhere in the newsletter. This leads me on to the main point of this editorial. You will know by now that Tony is standing down as Chairman of the Gloucestershire Group. I would like to take the opportunity to express my thanks to him for his support to me as editor. He was always ready to offer his opinion, advice and guidance, for which I have been very grateful. Frances has also decided to step down from the Committee. Her work on the newsletters in the past has been invaluable a

and I was very pleased to hear that she has offered to continue to do so in the future. May I belatedly wish you all a Happy (and safe) New Year.

Keep on the black stuff! David.

One of our social meetings last year involved a session on car valeting, kindly delivered by Rod’s stepson. See above and below

valeting, kindly delivered by Rod’s stepson.

Another of the events of 2014 was our gazebo display outside Asda in Cheltenham last June. From Rod..... Tony is standing down as Chairman as he is in the process of moving to pastures new in the south of the country. We owe him enormous thanks for his dedicated work over the last 2 years. Tony joined the Group committee in 2012 and was persuaded to take on the role of Chairman in 2013 by Peter Davies who

was then our Chairman and Chief Observer. He took to the role with enthusiasm, setting up regular meetings of the Group executive officers, and lending his hand to the various publicity events that we hold. He declared his aim, whilst in office, was to encourage younger drivers to embark on “Skill For Life”. In this respect he fostered a close relationship with the Under 17 Car Club (U17CC), and it’s Pathfinder offshoot. This project is on-going and we hope to establish a link for young graduates of the U17CC to transition directly into “Skill For Life” after passing their DSL test. He also worked hard to form a working relationship with Hartpury College, and we have held a couple of events there too. Despite a setback in health early in the year Tony continued to support the Group throughout 2014 during a period where the new IAM Regional system was established and the IMI National and Local Observer programmes launched. Tony, was presented with a farewell gift of a bottle of champagne on behalf of the membership at the November Committee meeting, as he had been unable to attend the Group meeting, and at that time was expected to move house before Christmas. As he steps down as our Chairman we offer him our sincere thanks for his work and support over the last 2 years and wish him and Barbara a successful move and a very happy life in their new home.

younger drivers to embark on “Skill For Life”. In this respect

(U17CC), and it’s Pathfinder offshoot. This project is on

U17CC to transition directly into “Skill For Life” after passing

Frances Hunter has served on the Group Committee since 2009, primarily as the publishing expert for the Group Newsletter. As a Graphic artist she has produced the Newsletter layout, covers and illustrations, not to mention many of our posters. Indeed she has very kindly offered to continue to help in that role. Thank you Frances for all you have done for us. Rod Harrison Secretary ******************** We welcome Tom Carr as our new Group Chairman. He has written a few lines telling us about himself. Name: Tom Carr Address: Ashley Lodge, Charlton Kings Age: 74 Occupation: Retired Company Director I had a 4 phase working life, firstly as a mining student, then as a police officer followed by a 2 year spell in traffic engineering and for the majority of the time in the banking and finance world. My service in the police in Northumberland lasted 10 years, 8 of which I drove police patrol cars and occasionally motorbikes.

I clocked up over 300,000 miles, successfully attended several driving and traffic courses and examinations and gained a First Class Certificate at the driving school of the Lancashire County Constabulary. I dealt with every possible kind of accident and fatality and was involved in countless prosecutions and incidents witnessing the worst possible cases of road behaviour – in many instances amounting to criminal acts and arrested a considerable number of drink drivers and some notable (and in one instance infamous) villains. I was an examiner for accident investigation purposes, and did some driving instruction and examining as a reserve. At this time I was also involved in rallying, a member of the Federation of British Police Driving Clubs and a couple of motor clubs one of which had as its president no less a person than F1 World Champion Jim Clark. In 1965 I joined the I.A.M. For the following 31 years I spent most of it in various positions in the Banking and Finance Business concentrating on industrial finance and leasing. I began as a sales executive and progressed through area and regional management posts with one company (Lombard) before finally becoming in sequence the Sales & Marketing Director, New Business Director and finally Deputy Managing Director of Royal Bank Leasing which was the “big ticket” operation of the Corporate Division of the Royal Bank of Scotland. In addition to my new business activities in both companies I was also one of the training and development managers both for staff and facility purposes. My jobs required extensive travelling throughout

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horse Ford Cortina to top of the range BMW’s and –

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Leasing which was the “big ticket” operation of the Corporate

Britain– mostly by car and I averaged 30,000 to 35,000 miles a year for 3 decades in over 20 company cars ranging from the work-horse Ford Cortina to top of the range BMW’s and owned numerous cars of my own – including a sports car. I have driven most types of vehicle – buses and large articulated lorries excepted - and had a lot of experience towing caravans. I have driven in every weather condition imaginable and on road surfaces of just about every kind – including safari type roads and the odd desert. I have hired cars all over the world and have driven in 25 different countries. I have attended the off road Land Rover type courses and taken part in driving events at venues like Silverstone. I have a keen interest in motor sport – F1 in particular and have been to race tracks in many different places apart from the obvious ones in this country, Monaco, Daytona and Kyalami in South Africa to name but a few, and was involved in the financing of a famous F1 team. Since retiring in 2000 (and spending 8 years of that time in Portugal) I have clocked up another 210,000 miles. Thanks Tom.

Chairman Tom and Secretary Rod at an IAM function

********************************** We offer a warm welcome to new members, associates and friends to the Group. We wish you well with your preparation for the Advanced Driving Test. Remember that details of all our social events, Advanced Skills days and other items can all be found on our website www.glosiam.org

The following are new associates, preparing for Skill for Life James Thomas Danny Wingrove Roland Courquin Roger Smith Peter Dowd Ian Roberts Kendra Hall Mike Cooke Jean Sadler Congratulations to the following associates who recently passed their Advanced Driving Test and are now full members. Candidate Observer Andrew Couchman Rod Harrison Mark Shere-Massey (F1RST) Angus Watson Yvette Drake Keith Meikle Astrid Boylett-Cairns John Kitchen Kimberley Clay (F1RST) Anthony Bishop & James Hayward Congratulations also go, of course to the observers, without whom none of this would happen!

COCKPIT CHECKS!!! Sounds like something you do in an aircraft doesn’t it? However, if you are planning to take the Skill For Life test, graduate to a F1RST or take the Masters assessment, then you need to do a set of recognisable checks when starting off. Start with a short description of your vehicle: Model, engine, fuel, Front/Rear/4WD wheel drive, how many gears, auto/manual, extras like Cruise control or Satnav etc. Next describe the POWDERY checks. A brief description of each item to illustrate what you check as follows: P – Petrol/Diesel Sufficient for the journey O – Oils Engine & Brake fluids checked. W – Water Coolant and Windscreen wash fluids checked D – Damage Any new damage to the vehicle E- Electrics Lights and ancillaries all working R – Rubber Tyre condition and pressures, and wipers condition Y – You Are you fit to drive? Now you are ready to start the vehicle. This might look complex, but it is quite simple in reality. It is important to check that brakes are fully serviceable before moving off and that there are no other faults on the vehicle. Driving position and head restraints Correct Mirrors Set Doors Closed confirm in mirrors

Dr Timothy Brain’s ‘academic letters’. What should have read

Sounds like something you do in an aircraft doesn’t it?

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Seat belts All fitted Parking Brake On Gear Neutral/Park Ignition on Check lights all go out that should Steering lock Release Pump footbrake Check steady pressure Depress clutch Start engine All warning lights out except for parking brake Brakes Feel servo operate Steering Servo operates Set up lights/wipers/heating etc After moving off, look for a safe area to do a Moving brake check - brake gently to ensure brakes all operate evenly. At the end of the drive, shut down in an orderly manner. Parking brake applied, gear to neutral/park, turn off any ancillaries, then shut down engine. Simple eh? Thanks Rod for this timely reminder. Report on the Annual General Meeting 15/1/2015 The Group AGM was held on the above date at Churchdown Community centre. The weather outside was very cold and wet, so it was very gratifying to see such a large audience gathered. The first challenge was to change the overhead projection of Dr Timothy Brain’s ‘academic letters’. What should have read OBE, QPM, actually read OBE, QPR. Considering the state of

Queens Park Rangers F.C. at the moment, the error had to be, and indeed was corrected promptly. Apologies to Dr Brain. Tony opened the meeting by welcoming our special guests, including our speaker for the evening, Superintendent Charlie Laporte. (All AGM photos courtesy of Dr David Cairns)

Superintendent Laporte gave a brief outline of his career of 27 years as a serving police officer. He went on to describe the Tri Force initiative, stretching across Gloucestershire, Wiltshire and Avon & Somerset. He explained the ‘collaboration’ of teams of officers under the headings of ‘Firearms’, ‘Road Policing’, ‘Collision Investigation’ and ‘Dogs’ Some of the statistics he quoted made for fascinating reading. For instance, Road Safety Progress figures quoted that in 1974, in Gloucestershire there were 1400+ KSI (Killed or Seriously Injured), whereas in 2013, the most recent figures available, there were 200+. In answer to the question ‘why

was this?’, Charlie mentioned a number of answers, including

‘slight’ injuries on Gloucestershire roads in 2013

He explained the ‘collaboration’ of teams of officers under the of ‘Firearms’, ‘Road Policing’, ‘Collision

Investigation’ and ‘Dogs’

available, there were 200+. In answer to the question ‘why

was this?’, Charlie mentioned a number of answers, including improved vehicle design, better road planning, compulsory seat belt wearing, air bags, better equipped ambulances, better driver attitude and not least, the valuable work done by the IAM. He went on to quote 32 fatalities, 181 serious injuries and 842 ‘slight’ injuries on Gloucestershire roads in 2013, which works out at 1055 injuries or approx. 3 per day. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the age group at greatest risk was the 20-29 year olds. Evidence would suggest that the main reasons for accidents occurring was due to driver reaction, i.e. failing to look or failing to judge speed or path. All in all, a very interesting and thought provoking address, after which, we took a short break for refreshments and a chance to chat.

Tony then called the meeting to order again and we began the ‘business’ of the AGM. We heard reports from the Chairman, and the Secretary, outlining the activities of the past 12 months and the plans for the next year. Tony informed the meeting officially that he was standing down both as Chairman and Treasurer. Elections then took place, the details of which are outlined below; Tom Carr was elected as Chairman Rod Harrison was re-elected as Secretary Sarah Goodwin was elected as Treasurer

‘business’ of the AGM. We heard reports from the Chairman,

These posts are for one year duration. Other Committee members whose 3 year period has not yet elapsed will continue in post. The meeting ended with a short address from our new Chairman, Tom Carr who shared some of his past driving experiences and some of the characters with whom he had come into contact. Our President Dr Brain also gave a short talk thanking the Group for its continued work in helping to keep Gloucestershire roads safe. A reminder from Phil........ GROUP SUBSCRIPTION The yearly subscription to the Gloucestershire Group of Advanced Motorists is now £14. The Group subscription is entirely separate from the subscription to the national IAM which is collected directly by the IAM. The £14 group subscription for 2015 was due on 1st January. Renewal forms were sent out to members before Christmas, so if you have yet to renew your subscription, please do so as soon as possible. In order to control costs it is regretted that the group will be unable to send future newsletters to members whose subscription remains unpaid.

We do hope that you will continue to support our efforts to promote additional driver training as a way of improving the safety on the roads in Gloucestershire. If you are not a member of the national IAM you can still support the Gloucestershire Group by becoming a Friend of the Group for the same £14 subscription (Friends cannot vote at the AGM or become members of the committee). GIFT AID Gift Aid is a valued extra income for the group at no cost to its members. For each £14 subscription the group can claim back an amount from HMRC (Her Majesty’s Revenue & Customs). A ‘Gift Aid Declaration’ form was included in the letter sent out before Christmas. Phil Tebble Membership Secretary 01453 885779 Phil can be contacted at membership@glosiam.org

HMRC (Her Majesty’s Revenue &

A ‘Gift Aid Declaration’ form was included in the l

A Short History of the Committee of the Gloucestershire Group of Advanced Motorists. The Group originated from the Severn Vale Motorists, but under the initiative of Anthony Whitehouse was registered with the IAM as the Gloucestershire Group of Advanced Motorists.

A rival Gloucester Group had attempted to use the same name, but Anthony had already registered the group with IAM. This latter Group became the Glevum Group before dissolving after a few years.

Anthony Whitehouse, who was a member of the police force, joined the Group in 1974, approximately 6 months after his wife Jean. Jean became the Group Secretary in 1979, and Anthony became Chairman in 1981. They remained in those posts until 1997.

Anthony was an IAM and RoSPA examiner for 25 years retiring in 2005. He was awarded an MBE for services to Road Safety. Jean was elected to the IAM Council and later made a Fellow of the Institute.

During these early years the group flourished and at one time had over 600 members. Anthony was instrumental in developing the IAM Observer qualification scheme and ran an annual rally that was attended by delegates from across the country.

Anthony and Jean Whitehouse made the decision to retire and move house when Jean suffered a period of ill health. They had run the group between them for an impressive 18 years. They were both appointed Vice Presidents of the Group, and remain so today.

The Chairmanship then passed to Gordon King in 1997 until his resignation in 1998. This had been a difficult year for the Group, but David Webber then took over the helm and retained the title until 2002.

John Smith had joined the committee in 2000 as the Newsletter Editor, and was then elected as Chairman in 2002, serving until 2005.

Peter Davies joined the Group in March 2000, becoming an Observer after passing his test. He became Membership Secretary later that year and Chief Observer in August 2004. He was elected as Chairman in January 2005. At this time the Secretary was Nick Kelly and the Treasurer Linda Ricketts.

Katherine Pugh joined the Group in November 2004, after graduating from university. In November 2005 she became the Newsletter Editor. The newsletter changed dramatically in both content and presentation under her hand.

Sadly, Katherine died on 31st December at the young age of 26 as the result of a tragic accident. Peter, speaking at her funeral, said “during the short time she was with us her enthusiasm reached out to us. She was an inspiration and a light has gone out in our lives’’. In 2008 Dennis Sutton became Secretary. In 2009 John Seed became Treasurer and Phil Tebble Membership Secretary and Associate Coordinator. David Sheppard also joined as Newsletter Editor. Phil and David remain in post today.

Peter stepped down as Chairman in 2011 after 6 years in post, whilst retaining the title of Chief Observer. Glen Simpson succeeded him as Chairman but resigned after only a few months. Phil Tebble, the Membership Secretary, and

funeral, said “during the short time she was with us her

light has gone out in our lives’’

Associate Coordinator held the post of acting Chairman for the remainder of 2011.

Peter Davies accepted the Chairmanship again at the AGM in January 2012 for one further year. In this year, Rod Harrison was elected Group Secretary.

Anthony Higgs joined the Committee during 2012 and accepted the post of Chairman, serving until the end of 2014. As John Seed had retired as Treasurer, Tony also took on the duties of Treasurer. Tony played a major part in shaping the future of the Group at a time of rapid change within the IAM.

During 2012, Peter Davies retired as Chief Observer having served in that role for 8 years, and was appointed a Vice President in 2013. James Hayward succeeded him as Chief Observer.

At the AGM in January 2015, Tom Carr came forward and was duly elected as Chairman. Sarah Goodwin was elected as Treasurer.

Many other unsung people have also served on the Committee, some of whom are current members of the Group. Also serving on the current Committee are Jean Sheraton, who first joined in 2008; James Thomas is our Webmaster and Angus Watson has recently joined the Committee.

Many thanks to Rod for the research done to produce this excellent item on the history of our Group

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Breaking news from IAM

A quick reminder that if you don't already 'like' the IAM on Facebook follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn or Google+ or subscribe to our YouTube channel, now is the time to do it. As of September we have exceeded 6000 likes on Facebook, while @iamgroup has topped 7600 followers on Twitter. IAM Drive & Survive has its own Twitter with more than 2000 followers. And if you have a Twitter account, don't forget to retweet our posts! So help us boost our totals and encourage your friends and family to do so as well. Make use of that redundant tax disc holder

With it no longer being compulsory to display a tax disc, the IAM has come up with a novel way of using your now redundant windscreen disc holder for a very worthwhile purpose.

motorists’ records ing a Driver’s

The tax disc-shaped IAM information document gives the opportunity to list essential information on the driver such as emergency contacts and medical information, should the driver be unable to give that information for himself.

Following the demise of the tax disc and the digitisation of motorists’ records the IAM will be introducing a Driver’s Declaration to replace driving document checks by groups and examiners.

The IAM aims to have this in place very soon. Look out for news of this important development.

A timely reminder, especially as the bad things always seem to happen in the winter months. Delaying Repairs Motorists are delaying essential maintenance to their vehicles, because they are unable to afford the costs according to a poll by Britannia Rescue. The most common defect is bald tyres but other problems include faulty brakes, broken windscreen wipers, broken or missing side mirrors and defective brake lights. Eighteen per cent of motorists have driven without a valid MOT certificate. Some were unaware of this and as many as 21 per cent of drivers did not realise they were breaking the law when driving with a defective brake light. Alarmingly, 15

per cent believed that it was not illegal to drive a car that has bald tyres. On average 18% drivers delayed fixing these common faults for more than four months and 13 per cent taking six months. Lots of these drivers do not see the urgency for repairs while their vehicle can still get them from A to B. This writer says that it would be possible to have an electronic tag for vehicles that are within MOT legality.

Dates for your Diary

There will be a full programme of ‘Introduction to Advanced Driving’ Saturdays with Mike Addis. These will take place at Churchdown Community Centre on the following Saturdays, February 21st, May 16th, September 12th, December 12th. These sessions run from 10am to 4pm. All other meetings start at 7.30pm. Meetings are free. Visitors are always welcome. Refreshments are available.

There will be a full programme of ‘Introduction to Advanced Driving’ Saturdays with Mike Addis. These will take place at

Date Name Subject

19 March Adam Garbutt Engineering Safety in cars

21 May Pete Doherty IAM IAM Masters Programme

16 July Mike Lovelock Police High performance driving

17 September

Monica Frewer & Nye Lewis

Basic life-saving skills

19 November

Simon Edwards Crash Investigation.

Directions to Churchdown; All meetings take place at Churchdown Community Centre, Parton Road, Churchdown GL3 2JH. Thanks to all contributors to this issue. Please keep your items, adventures, pictures etc coming. Send them to me at newsletter@glosiam.org See you next time! David.