link 269 2014 07

THE LINK

the newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists

the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists Page 1

The Newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists

We hope you will find this July newsletter interesting.

This time, read about our recent visit to MG Motors in Birmingham. And maybe sign-up for our visit to the Bloodhound SSC project. The Crash Investigation findings of Yannis make interesting reading. And learn about the new Quality Managers in the IAM Regions.

On the back page are Contact Details for the Club Committee. Members, feel free to contact us to talk about what the Club is doing, and what you would like to see it do. In the middle find details of upcoming meetings, 3-in-a-Car driving update sessions, etc. We hope to see you at (even just one of) our events soon.

Find more information on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk - in fact, this newsletter is put-up there about a week after you receive this hard copy. You can also sign up to our email distribution of IAM and Group news releases.

Regards, The Editor

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 and is displayed freely on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk

Paper copies are printed, collated and despatched by Group volunteers.

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

Circulation 450 no: 269 July 2014

COPY DEADLINE for the next issue is: Sat 23rd August

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

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



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

mailto:[email protected]



July 2014 Read this newsletter on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk

Who we are and what we do

Bristol Advanced Motorists is an independent volunteer-run Membership Club which offers a local club focus for existing IAM Members, to enable them to follow their interest in Advanced Driving.

The Club is affiliated to the IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists), which is well known for the IAM Advanced Driving Test, although the IAM now claims to: “support the raising of driving standards, campaign for increased on-road kills, urge all road users to act more responsibly and safely, and inform/influence government and decision-makers to ensure that road safety receives the focus that it requires”.

Bristol Advanced Motorists also provides Advanced Driving Guidance to enrolled Members of the Public (Associates), preparing them for the IAM Advanced Driving Test. See details of our guidance course on page 39.

The national IAM also has a commercial arm, consisting of: ► IAM Drive & Survive - for Occupational Driver Improvement, and ► IAM Driver Retraining Academy - for Offence Re-training.

Money-back Offer for South Gloucestershire

under-25 Young Drivers who pass the IAM Test

SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE COUNCIL Road Safety Team is providing funding as an incentive to promote better driving and reduce casualties

in the vulnerable under-25 age group.

RESIDENTS in the SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE Local Authority Area, or those who WORK PERMANENTLY in that area, or alternatively

who are undertaking FULL-TIME EDUCATION in that area, qualify for the refund upon passing the IAM Advanced Driving Test before reaching 25, and within 12 months of starting guidance.

BRISTOL GROUP

Do YOU know a Young Driver who could benefit?

Further details: [email protected] 0117 969 1746

Page 2 the LINK – newsletter of Bristol Advanced Motorists



Read this newsletter on our website www.iam-bristol.org.uk July 2014

Contents this Issue

page Editorial 1 Who we are / Young Driver Refund Offer 2 Recent IAM Test Successes 4 Group News 5 Membership Renewals and Resignations 7 Membership Numbers / Internet Cashback Fund-Raising 10 Has the LINK newsletter got a future? 11 IAM Region Support Re-structuring 12 IAM Chiswick News 13 Join the Social Media Revolution 15 Regional Liaison Forum 16 Bristol City Council 20mph Implementation 17 RoadSmart new Police Driving Workshops 18 Three-in-a-Car - and Your Invitation 19 Group Visit? To Bloodhound SSC in Shirehampton 20 CALENDAR – WHAT’S ON ? 21 Future Meeting Speakers / Advanced Motorbiking? 22 Bloodhound SSC - Meeting Report 23 MG Motors - Group Visit Report 25 MG3 Driving Impressions 28 Driving Assessment Day for the Public / Portishead Show 29 Driving Development in the Group 30 AGM Speaker - Yannis Georgiou 31 Driving Tips from the Chief Observer – Tyre run-out 33 Advanced Driving Notes: flat-blade wipers 34 more: supreme fuel; look out for MAMILs 35 more: modern motorway driving 36 Driving News: How Long does the Grass Grow? 37 General Motoring News Clips 38 39 Course / Assessment / Refresher / Dates

CONTACT US: your guide to who does what 40

All content compiled by the Editor unless otherwise credited. Contributors: Annette Alphe (IAM), Geoff Bevan, Martin Evans, Tony Gilbert, Pete Goodman, Paul Hunt, Clare Reeves, Ken Rossiter, Amanda Smith (IAM).

Thank you also to all people talked to during research. Photos by various unknown Members, unless credited otherwise.

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

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

We currently have ten Members plus one Complimentary on that list.




Recent IAM Test Successes by Clare Reeves

The Committee and Members of Bristol Group congratulate the following people, who have recently passed the IAM Advanced Driving Test after taking part in the Bristol Group’s Skill for Life Associate Scheme.

ASSOCIATE OBSERVER ADRIEN CLARKE DAVE PENGELLY KERINA EVANS GARY NUNN WENDY GRIFFIN ANDREW NICHOLLS GRAHAM HOOPER MARGARET JAMES / CLYDE BROWN PHILLIP MORGAN ALAN DUNN GEORGE SCOTT MARTIN BAKER JAMES WILLIAMS GEOFF BEVAN

You will all be Upgraded to Group Full Member until the end of 2014.

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

Jane Jenkins (above) and Jim Williams (right)

accept their Certificates from Group Chairman Andy Cole at a recent Group Club/Social Meeting. photos: Geoff Bevan



Group News

NEW TRAINING ADMINISTRATOR Chief Observer Geoff announces that Mark Gollop (right) has kindly accepted the role of Training Administrator, taking over from Margaret James who recently resigned from the post.

In addition to being a serving Police Officer and Scout Leader, Mark passed the IAM Advanced Driving Test in 2011 and enrolled on the 2012 FAD course. He passed his Qualified Observer Test in June 2013 and has recently joined the Skill for Life seminar presentation team. Mark will automatically become a member of the Training Committee. Geoff says that Mark is already “doing brilliantly well”. OBSERVER SHORTAGE LOOMING 30 years ago the IAM thought that 50% of those who took a new fixed-length-course and passed the Advanced Driving Test would continue as Observers to help others. It has never been as idyllic as that, and it was also soon realised that passing the ADT was not sufficient in itself to become a good, effective Observer, so extra ‘training’ was developed. Nevertheless, generally sufficient Observers have been available, although in Bristol Group the number has over recent years steadily reduced.

Now, however, we have a surge in the number of Associates enrolling, which is ‘loading’ our Observers more than usual, and also we have a situation where we have very few Observers “south of the river” to deal with Associates in that area. We have few remaining female Observers.

The Group is therefore putting more emphasis on identifying ‘Observer potential’ in our current graduating Associates, and encouraging them to consider becoming Observers. Also, every person who achieves F1RST grade in the IAM Test will be strongly encouraged. Consideration is also being given to running a continuous rolling FAD and Observer Training programme, rather than the present method of running discrete courses every couple of years.

If you are interested in training to become an Observer, then please contact Mark: 01454 773234 [email protected]




UPTURN IN NEW ENROLLED ASSOCIATES Recent numbers have taken a welcome upturn, highlighting our current shortage of Observers. We had 24 Associates on the April course, the soon-to-start July course could have 25, and we already have 13 enrolments for the October course. We have enrolled two from the Gloucestershire Group, which currently has no Observers south of city, and also a batch of employees from one of our Local Authorities.

SKILL FOR LIFE DATES NEXT YEAR In view of the current increased Associate numbers, Committee has decided to continue with the same four-course format for 2015, and Secretary Martin has already booked the 2015 seminar dates with BAWA.

We find that many who enrol for Skill for Life don’t wish to take the Test, being satisfied with “improving a little”, so the Group is looking into providing some kind of ‘taster’ or ‘improver’ course to fill that need.

TEST RESULT ANALYSIS Test Result data is now on the IAM’s DTE computer system, and Group officials can have discrete access for analysis purposes. The Group’s Chief Observer intends to collate data on the grades obtained in each category, to identify where the average needs to be raised, by better training of Observers. Initial emphasis however will be on those items where candidates have failed through receiving ‘Unsatisfactory’ grades, with a view to targeting Observer training on those topics. Currently 61 recent Bristol Group tests are on the system, 35 passes, 19 F1RST distinctions, and 7 failures. Commentary, Observation and Planning, Positioning, Courtesy and Progress have the lowest average scores. WHO SHOULD GET THE GROUP CUP? ASK THE AUDIENCE ! At the run-up to next year’s AGM, it has been suggested that rather than the Committee deciding, the Members should have the chance to suggest someone. So, who will have “promoted the Group with distinction” come next March? Get your thinking caps on – or attend some Group activities over the coming months to assess some Group volunteers in action ! QUALIFIED OBSERVERS – STAND AS YOU ARE ! The externally-accredited National Observer qualification (the old Senior Observer by another name) is getting established. However, the proposed Local Observer has been discontinued, because the requirements were judged to be too similar to National and too cumbersome to implement. Qualified Observers will continue to exist as such, and to be approved within-Group, but the pass criteria will be based on the ‘Local’ proposals.



Membership Renewals 2014 by the Treasurer Before we get on to the table of current membership numbers, it is worth standing back and trying to understand our Club and our Members in the light of renewals and, more importantly, causes of lapses and resignations.

RESIGNATIONS and REASONS GIVEN This year we have had many more resignations than normal. We increased the annual Group membership fee from £15 to £20 this year, the first increase since 2007. Committee opted to increase it to £20 to avoid further losses and to avoid the need for another increase for a few years.

”THE PRICE IS NOT RIGHT” Some people have resigned because of the price, although in reality it is cheap for a club. Trouble is, most members (80%) no longer get involved with the Group as a club, so really the annual fee becomes to them rather like a regular donation to a charitable organisation. According to CAF (Charities Aid Foundation), physical volunteering has gone down again, and charitable giving is down by 15% in the last year, women much more likely to give than men, and most donors being “over 65” and “over 45” – so one can see how we have accumulated, over time, non-active, older Members.

Paul, [ three of several – Ed. ] I’m paying my £5 shortfall but the cost is too high, especially with increasing national fees, and I will be terminating both at next renewal. DEREK

Paul, Please be advised that I wish to resign forthwith. Having taken early retirement I am reducing my non-vital outgoings. KATE

Martin, I could not vote against the fee increase at the AGM and then do nothing. So I have cancelled my Standing Order and I enclose a cheque instead. Going, going, but not quite gone. NORMAN “I CANNOT ATTEND GROUP MEETINGS” Some people have resigned because they consider they need to attend Group Meetings, yet cannot do so through time or distance constraints.

Paul, [ two of several – Ed. ] I am resigning – I have a prior commitment on Tuesday evenings and cannot therefore attend any Group Monthly Meetings. ALAN

Paul, I am resigning because I have moved from Shirehampton to Keynsham, which is much too far from BAWA (Filton) to travel to events there. IAN

[Keynsham is in fact well-within the Group’s natural catchment, and is only 10 miles from BAWA. We currently have 16 Members who support us from afar, throughout the UK, including Scotland and the Isle of Man – Ed.]



“I AM NO LONGER DRIVING” Many of our Members are elderly. So, naturally, some have become deceased during the last year, whilst others have had to cease driving.

Paul, [ one of several – Ed. ] The eye hospital tells me my motoring days are over. I am paying the £5 subs update for this year but I have to give up my car and will not be renewing next year, neither with the national IAM nor the Bristol Group. I have enjoyed my membership since I joined in 1990 although I haven’t been able to attend meetings, etc. in recent times. KEITH

Paul, [ one of 4 similar – Ed. ] For a few years my Father has not been fit to deal with his own affairs, although he has wished to continue supporting you through Membership. This increase, and the need to adjust the Order, is a good point to cease. I hope you understand the awkward situation. YVONNE, Power of Attorney. “I NO LONGER HAVE A FAVOURABLE PERCEPTION OF THE GROUP” Half a dozen resigning Members this year have given as a worrying reason that they perceive the Group has changed since they first joined, such that they no longer have sufficient attraction to either attend meetings, nor to support it as armchair Members. Here’s a typical example: Paul, I no longer take part in Group activities but I continue paying my national and Group subs to support the basic principle of passing-on improved driving standards to the public. However, the £5 Group subs increase this year (cheque herewith) has made me think about whether to continue.

I suppose we must expect price rises - but really, the IAM is supposed to be a Charity volunteer outfit and things seem at the point of getting out-of-hand. From what little I can garner from the Advanced Driving magazine, etc., IAM personnel seems to be growing like topsy, and with Skill for Life, new Observer standards and the elite Masters, F1RST and other things, it seems to be getting very expensive, serious and technical, not at all like the relaxed, friendly, social club atmosphere that existed when Examiner Paul Hodge was active in the Group as Examiner and also above: Paul Hodge - recent archive photo Group Meeting host.

I expect a lot of longer-term Members like me joined the Group in the 1990s, or before, and remember those good-old social days. Sorry, but I will not be renewing with the IAM this year, nor with the Group next January. ELAINE



The Group’s Chief Observer Geoff comments: “Paul, Elaine expresses the view that, “It seems to be getting very serious and technical, not at all like the relaxed, friendly, social club atmosphere that existed when Examiner Paul Hodge was active in the Group.”

“It’s the way things are going! I did warn everyone when I took-on the role of Chief Observer that things will change in the IAM - that standards will move more seriously towards better driving and away from the old laissez-faire, local club ethos which was prevailing at that time and still does prevail in many small Groups across the Country.

“It is interesting that those who speak to me about the Group [Observers and active Members - Ed.] mention the ‘good order’ we’re in - yet those who talk to you [Members considering whether to renew or not - Ed.] seem either to malign or speak disparagingly of us.

“Yes; former Examiner Paul Hodge was a crowd-puller in his day, with his bonhomie approach, and we were all rather sad to see him go. But with his emphasis focused strongly on Smoothness at the expense of real car control, his style wouldn’t easily work with our local Examiners of today and certainly not with me! [ Smoothness is still one of the vital six S’s, but nowadays maybe slightly lower down the list. Examiners are experts in the ADT – Observers are volunteers working to their requirements. – Ed.]

“FAD (the Further Advanced Driving course) is a good example of the Group’s increased expectation. You could say that our current ADR (Refresher course) is the old FAD, whilst the new FAD standard has increased somewhat. Increased expectation is also why Tony is developing training for Observers, Members and Associates in the more technical elements of advanced driving, such as overtaking and cornering.

“I, perhaps vainly, with a philosophy of pursuing the potential in an idea rather than looking for potential problems, feel that we in Bristol have been torchbearers in raising standards, and that the IAM, to a degree, is following some of our leads. Even so, there are many Groups which are finding difficulty in maintaining pools of skill or raising enough enthusiasm to push themselves forward to raise their expectations and standards.”

Footnote from Editor Paul: Only recently IAM Chiswick advised Groups to ensure that the words "club" and "social" are used in their descriptions, to make Groups inclusive and interesting to Members and new Recruits. The Group Committee welcomes any Member to come along and sample our Group Monthly Meetings, 3-in-a-Car, or other events, or even to see how our current-day Skill for Life courses for Associates are run. Introduce yourself to an organiser. You will be most welcome.



Group Membership Stats as at 27 June 2014 NOW end 2013

● Group Full Members renewed – Cheque/SET/SO 258 - ● Upgraders from 2013 renewed as Full Members 16 - ● Group Full Members – new joiners from outside 1 - Sub Total 275 (297)● Group Full Members renewed (but underpaid so far) 18 - ● Group Friends (not able to take the Test) 1 (1) ● Group Donators (supporters, ex-IAM Members) 4 (12) ● Newly-Upgraded Associates (year to date) 21 (33) ● Associates enrolled and under guidance 51 (34) Grand Total 370 (377)

Thanks to all those existing Full Members and newly-Upgraded Associates from 2013 who have renewed.

STANDING ORDER PAYERS STILL NOT UPDATED At the time of writing we still have 18 Members who have paid at the old rate and not yet paid the increase. Some are only contactable via the post – our efforts continue, to try to elicit a response from each of them.

Use our Charity Cashback Scheme

HEN SHOPPING ONLINE

WShop via www.easyfundraising.org.uk and raise a percentage cashback reward for the Group at no extra cost to you – our members have so far raised over £570.

WHEN MAKING INTERNET SEARCHES Each time you search the web with iambristol.easysearch.org.uk and click on one resulting option

you will raise half a penny. It soon adds

th EasySearch.

eoff Bevan or Martin Evans

up - our members have raised over £150 wi UNSURE WHAT TO DO ? Just contact the Group’s Gand they will advise you.


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

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


Has the LINK got

a future? Maybe not. able comments by a new member, who had

n

r n.

mal

,

f are

. Some want much-reduced content y

18 months ago some unfavouralso obtained some comments from a graphic designer, prompted a deeplook into various aspects of the presentation of the LINK newsletter, iparticular the font, print quality, and structure of the contents.

The cover - ‘misty, 1940s b&w’ - has not been replaced by the suggested ‘lively driving shot with a car’ but at least it is now updated in colour.

Printing in-house with our copy-printer costs less than £100 each issue. Professional printing is getting more difficult to source and the cost annot be justified. The best recent quote is £510 per issue for black c

printing, (not including cover). Add £80 for a double-sided sheet of colouphotos. Professional photocopying is, surprisingly, slightly dearer agai

The font predominantly used - Comic Sans - has been criticised as “childish, with a lack of credibility for an expert subject”. I think this has ome from American graphic designers who started the ‘Kill Comic Sans’ c

campaign. Is the LINK a technical journal? Surely more of an infornewsletter? Radstock College (where I did C&G Desktop Publishing) and UWE confirm that a heavy-bodied, shaped font (like Comic or Chalkboardand similar special fonts used by many top-quality magazines) is ideal formodern paper printing – and that using a single column in A5 is fine. The poor paper of old newspapers needed Times New Roman with its serifs to make it more readable, whereas thin, sans-serif fonts like Calibri are suited to the screens of electronic devices. So we’ll stay with Comic.

“More defined content needed”, was the final major comment. The LINK is no longer a structured, traditional newsletter, because the practice oubmitting Department Reports has ended, and member contributionss

rare today. Most content is “reported by the Editor” from what he can glean. Information also appears via the Group website, email list, etc.

A NEW STUDY INTO THE LINK ? The question of whether the Group continues to publish a newsletter is till under discussion. Some of Committee want it moved from paper, into s

a solely electronic form on the websitein a much larger font size. Some want just a Diary page, without even anmention of Skill for Life Courses, Test Passes and the like. We have a stock of covers to last until the end of 2015. Will that be it? Do we even have to inform our non-attending Members of Group activities? What do you think? Get in touch with the Editor.



Restructuring of IAM ‘Region Support’ MANAGERS’STAFF EXAMINERS REPLACED WITH ‘QUALITY

News.

t of a and

llowing (shortened/edited)

ve been

ndards makes it essential that we optimise our re is a lot of work to be done and we have

ll-time staff to get us where we want to

combined .

n t’. We would like to thank Andy for

as a

s current activities in a ‘handover’ role until 0th September; and we believe after that date he will still be involved

with IAM Tests and National Observer Assessments. ]

This important change overlaps Group News and IAM Chiswick

Formerly each Regional set of IAM voluntary Groups had the supporvolunteer Regional Co-ordinator (later called, Regional Group Contact) part-time paid IAM Staff Examiner. a

The IAM has already put in place full-time paid Regional Managers to replace the voluntary Co-ordinators, and has recently appointed a

hiswick-based Director of Standards. The foCemail from Amanda Smith (IAM Staff Examiner and Quality Process Manager) describes the latest change whereby Staff Examiners hareplaced in the Regions by full-time Regional Quality Managers.

“It is the IAM’s vision to become the biggest provider of driver and rider training in the UK; to achieve this we need to become the recognised experts in three key areas: – Expertise and Standards; – Inform and Influence; and – Training and Development.

“The focus on Expertise and Staservice delivery in this area. Theidentified the need for a team of fube. This means re-structuring our current Staff Examiner roles.

“Following a consultancy process we are pleased to advise you that Steve George has been successful in his application for the role of Regional Quality Manager for the Southern Region ( the nowformer Regions 1 and 2 ). Steve will therefore be covering a big areaHe also has a broader remit because he will carry out assessments for, and qualify, IAM Drive & Survive trainers.

“We are sorry to advise that Andy Poulton, Region 1 Staff Examiner, informed us that he didn’t wish to take-on a full time role, and accordingly o30th June he will become ‘Role Redundanhis hard work, commitment and professionalism during the last 12 yearsStaff Examiner. We look forward to continuing our relationship with Andy, not only as an IAM Examiner but also hopefully utilising his experience as a voluntary advisor.” [ Editor’s Note: We believe that existing Staff Examiner Andy Poulton will be continuing hi3



THE INSTITUTE OF ADVANCED MOTORISTS GROUP BRIEFING

SEARCH OUT THE NEWS SOURCES As well as the Journal, Advanced Driving, there are many other channels through w

IAM Chiswick News INSIGHT

£149 SKILL FOR LIFE FEE TO RISE ON OCT 1ST Promote the IAM and Skill for Life to your friends, family and work colleagues. BUY NOW TO BEAT THE INCREASE ! EW IAM ‘DIRECTOR’ MARK LEWIS – A BIO A

hich Ilarly to makeok, Twitter,

asiona

a O

imon Best and others.

r the

making sure that the IAM maintains a high level of riding Peter Rodger

lectric guitar.”

enewal time, and another incremental increase. There is however a

correct, the penalty no longer applies to telephone renewals, with Direct ebit, online and phone renewal all quoted at £32.

n it, and contained our

skills

AM news is published, so sure you catch everything. NRG Minutes, IAM website

you need to trawl all of them reguINSIGHT, e-newsletters, Faceboand the Forum. Committee also gets occ l further e-updates.

N GRLast issue we mentioned that Mark Lewis has been

PHY ppointed as the

een received fromE

IAM Director of Standards. A brief biography has bIAM Chiswick, from Annette Alphe, the Executive Assistant to IAM CS

“Mark joined the IAM early spring 2014 but if you ask any of his colleagues, it’s like he’s always been here. Prior to joining the IAM, Mark worked as a Consultant foUnited Nations. Previous roles included Head of Security during the London 2012 Olympics and a long service with the Metropolitan Police Service. “Mark’s main responsibility isand driving standards. He’s also working closely with Chief Examiner to develop a plan for the future of the IAM and advanced riding and driving. “Mark has a keen interest in cars, motorcycles, coaches, buses and articulated vehicles. He’s keen on flying light aircraft and enjoys playing the e[ Hopefully not both at the same time – Ed. ] IS YOUR IAM CHISWICK MEMBERSHIP FEE DUE? Rsevere penalty of £3.50 if you pay by cheque. If the paperwork is

D

The unconventional-size envelope ‘encourages’ you to opewithin is a star fold-out-flap leaflet which attempts to explain what yChiswick membership fee is used for: ► Driving Road Safety and Defining driving and riding excellence ► Making our roads safer by developing people’s► Providing members with further driving development opportunities ► The voice of advanced drivers through high impact campaigning, lobbying, and influencing ► Rewarding and thanking with great member benefits

[ Editor’s comment: Sounds good – I’m almost tempted to renew! ]



NEW IAM PRODUCT – MATURE DRIVER'S ASSESSMENT

Price: £35

any purchasers of the IAM’s DriveCheck 55 assessment for older people older than the target audience – presumably that is why t announced (on Twitter) this new Assessment in which an

AM Examiner gives you – or a loved one – a ‘trusted second opinion’ as to hether you are still safe to drive. It is conducted in your own car,

eport is given, with a certificate to

nt, as

ecially-

ir knowledge at bserver Training Days’. With the appointment of the new Director and

Quality Managers, RTT activity has been suspended pending review.

Mare considerablythe IAM has jusIwover journeys familiar to you, and if you’d like a friend or family member to sit in, that’s fine by the IAM.

It is also aimed at giving reassurance to older drivers who are re-starting driving after a long break – such as when coping with ill-health of a partner– or those anxious at reapplying for a licence having reached 70. The Assessment offers an impartial second opinion to help you make the right ecision. A confidential written rd

recognise you as an ‘Excellent’ or ‘Competent’ driver, or advise that your driving isn’t quite up to scratch – and what you might do to improve it.

Presumably the IAM Examiners have had extra training – existing ‘medically approved’ assessments from other sources do not just consider the driving as such. They take place over journeys the individual would normally make, and assess such things as judgement of speed, space and istance combined, ‘action’ and ‘reaction’ times, ‘thought capacity’, and how d

physical conditions such as stiffening joints and restricted movemewell as eyesight and hearing deterioration, are affecting the driving process – factors of which the driver may be unaware himself.

These new assessments are conducted by IAM Examiners. Book through IAM Chiswick www.iam.org or 020 8996 9600 ‘ REGIONAL TRAINING TEAMS ’ SUSPENDED

hese Car/MC Teams were set-up in 2011, Senior Observers spTselected by a Staff Examiner being invited to act as a ‘Flying Squad’ to visit various other Groups in their Region to impart the‘O



Join in with Social Media

IAM Chiswick has a policy of increasing its involvement with ‘Social Medto ‘engage’ more with people who use those ‘modern’ and ‘immediate’ facilities. IAM Chiswick is using Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and 3 separate LinkedIn pages/groups.

ia’

ook and Twitter, although the

.

e

at the ite

count

Bristol Group also has a presence on Facebactivity is limited because a keen Member Helper is needed to spend the required time operating, posting comments on IAM-related sites, and moderating incoming comments. In May, our involvement seemed

actually joined the Group as an worthwhile however because a personssociate because of interaction with our Twitter accountA

A recent study by ONS suggests that computer, Internet and Social Media use is increasing, with 83% of UK households having access to the Internet, and 73% of UK adults going online every day in 2013. But thbiggest increase is in mobile ‘phone’ usage, with 53% of UK adults now having one with Internet access (a doubling over the last 3 years).

This has led companies and clubs to view websites and social media as ‘the most valuable contact medium and marketing tool’, although as a consequence other communication channels suffer and become fragmented, such that different news appears in different places.

There is an art to using Social Media. For a good example, just lookaward-winning Isles of Scilly Police on Facebook – “Best government sfor engagement – in the world.” Other Police Forces, and other large organisations, have tried to copy, but silly, puerile efforts even by high-ranking officials have make some look less than professional, and nconsidered comments have even led some into disciplinary action. u

Look at our efforts. Open access, no need to be a registered user. DON’T DO IT WHILST DRIVING THOUGH ! ! !

View our ‘open’ Facebook page. www.facebook.com/BristolAdvancedMotorists

Freely see all the tweets on our ac

@iam_bristol

https://twitter.com/iam_bristol


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

http://www.facebook.com/BristolAdvancedMotorists


Regional Liaison Forum - Exeter by Martin Evans e April RLF, which was held at the

d

This meeting in which was mostly a formality, the only 'exciteme of Tim Soper as Vice-Chair, taking over from Nor an NRG representative to

the last 2 years a non-he

h

egional Operations Manager he d:

ommercial – Ed. ]

rs

ce of news and discussion. e to attend

ber

I represented the Bristol Group at th run-down 'Exeter Arms' - hopefully it wasrather sad an cheap!

cluded the RLF AGM,nt' being the electionman Dadd. The Vice-Chair is also

because forLondon. A Treasurer is still needed,IAM member (the wife of Chairman Roger!) has been graciously doing trole. The RLF 'Lona Williams' memorial trophy was presented to PlymoutGroup's Roger Riddle - well deserved!

The RLF has lost 8 Groups recently (due to boundary changes putting South Wales and some other Groups into the Central Region) and now comprises 24 from the South and South West. The whole Southern Region (57 groups) is made up additionally of the old South East area – but they have a separate RLF to minimise travelling.

The rest of the day was taken-up mainly with presentations from IAM Operations Director Pat Doughty and RMark Trimmer. In Bristol Group we are pretty much up to date with tcurrent issues and future plans but the main points of interest include► IAM Membership is on the increase, with 3 months of sustained growth (the first time in 3 years), currently standing at 90,123. [ Roughly, 70k Car, 10k Motorbike, 5k both, 5k C► Skill for Life sales were 6,500 (one year to current date), which again is up but still much lower than the 8,000+ from only a few yea ago. Interestingly, our Region has shown a 12% increase in SfL sales. ► Group integration (mergers) continues (a number of adjoining Groups merging to become one unit). Currently the number of separate Groups nationally is just above 200.

T► he focus for IAM growth is now on the 26+ age group. ► 922 have registered for IMI National Observer accreditation - of which 538 are now qualified - and 87 cancelled their application. ► IMI Local Observer accreditation is now 'on-hold' after feedback received from the trial. ► Skill for Life will increase in cost to £149 from 1st October.

Once again the RLF proved a valuable sourIf any Ordinary Members from the Bristol Group would lik(not just committee people) to see what goes on, please contact me -it's an interesting day. The next RLF is on Saturday 27th Septem- location believed to be Exeter, but not at the same hotel.



2 ph Bristol City 0m Council Consultation

cling and s time,

und the table by reps from the Freight Transport e.

t ed

he programme of imposition of 20 limits in the Bristol City Council area

g

be is being

ars after our Secretary Martin raised this

d from the 60 mph

-UP OUTSIDE THE CITY n

own as Olveston, Peasdown, Wellow, and 0mph.

BRISTOL ZONES The April meeting, concerning the Northern zone, was attended by our representative Tony Gilbert. Tony reports that the roll-out continues, with an alleged 80% support of Bristol residents. The consultation (rubber-stamping) continues via these meetings, with some major roads in the outer areas being removed from the 20mph restriction. BicyPedestrian pressure groups were noticeable by their absence thiTony being joined roAssociation, the Road Haulage Association, Firstbus and the Fire Servic Another meeting has been reported in the local press, regarding the Easarea. Changes to the original plan again see some major roads removfrom a 20mph imposition. For example, east of The Fountain junction boththe A420 and A431 remain as 30mph, as do outer sections of Speedwell Road, Fishponds Road and Staple Hill Road. AN INCREASED LIMIT Thas held up other speed limit reviews, one longstanding issue being the very slow and unrealistic 30mph on Newfoundland Road outbound leadinon to the M32, all the way to the St. Pauls Junction 3 roundabout bridge. A statement was previously made that, “We cannot be seen toincreasing limits whilst an overall speed reduction planimplemented”. Finally, 3 yeissue, BCC has finally put a date on relaxing the limit slightly, to 40mph.

Sent: 19 June 2014 09:43 Subject: Accepted: 20mph Discussion Group I can confirm that this change is scheduled to be included with the slight changes to the pilots due to take place in March 2015. The proposal is that the 30 will be change to a 40mph limit

bottom of the M32 (by the petrol station) up to the currentjust after the St Paul's junction.

Helen Wigginton, Bristol City Council 20mph LIMITS ARE CROPPINGSouth Gloucestershire Council has announced that a number of urbaroads in their area, adjoining the City Council boundary, both cross-boundary roads and beyond, will also be made into 20mph areas, “for consistency”. Apart from Bath, Kingswood and Keynsham, many smaller t s and villages further afield, sucheven Coleford in Gloucestershire, are now 2



Police Driving Workshops

year-olds, since a third e people in that age group. Polic s are caused by human er

a ’

,

t Belts.

ed and

O

but makes then worse. Advanced tra s. It would be quite possible, and usefulhave been told this is not possible because the coby a private company.” More info at www.roadsmart.org

Avon and Somerset Police in March announced6,000 places available over the coming year on

free 2-hour interactive driving awareness sessions, with 1,500 claimedto be taken-up straight-away. The funding source is not clear – originally there was talk of funding from speed camera fines, but the RoadSmart

17-24 sessions are Open to All, although the Police are keen to attract of serious crashes in the Force area involve spokesman Supt Ian Smith said, “Most crasheror and the aim of the scheme is to increase

drivers’ awareness of the potential hazards to look out for on the roads and to build on their experience to increase their safety.”

One of our committee attended a session. There were only 9 people in the class of 20 places, almost all there because they had recently hadcollision. Although it was an ‘over 25session, the lecturer apparently elivered the ‘17-24’ content in error, d

but no-one noticed.

The content was very basic, by no means a competitor to the IAM. “You will learn about the top four causes of young driver collisions andmost importantly of all, how to avoid them” was a talk about Distraction,

rink/Drugs, Speed and SeaD(Over-25s are supposed to cover “Defensive driving, enhanced spemanagement, fuel efficient drivinghow to avoid common collisions.” )

ur attendee said, “At least the presenter said that Driver Error is the cause of almost all crashes, and that Speed does not cause crashes, ining was mentioned at least 3 time, to hand out IAM leaflets, but we

urses are run on contract



Three in a Car The May 18th event at M5 Gordano Services went ahead, as this photo shows. The Editor has received no text to support it, but it looks as if there was a good turnout of Observers and Associates. But, where were you Ordinary Members? Perhaps some of you will

e below).

T, MEMBERS, this is YOUR opportunity to get a few tips from

– they are

-Car dates in your Diary:

attend the next one (se

Your Invitation to THREE-IN-A-CAR Bristol Group is an organisation that provides Advanced Driving Guidance. Mainly to new Associates.

BUthe Group’s Observers, and other Members, to assist you in maintaining your high driving standards. You’ll be welcomefree and they’re an ideal way of 'keeping in touch' with AdvancedDriving. Put these other Three-in-a

Sunday 10 August 10.00am Old Sodbury, Cross Hands Saturday 13 Sept 10.00am Gordano M5 Services Sunday 19 October 10.00am Keynsham, Ashton Way

Three-in-a-Car is really an essential activity in which ALL Bristol Group Members should partake.



Group Visit proposed – Bloodhound SSC by Martin Evans

f you would like to get 'up close and personal' with the amazing loodhound project, I am proposing a Group visit to the Bloodhound echnical Centre in Shirehampton. (Probably in September.) his is where the land-speed record car is being designed and built.

rom the Bloodhound website: ~~~~~~~

e jet re, Bristol.

LOODHOUND Project. Evening and weekend events are available for ren are, of course, welcome.

ar

e ase merchandise during

ps so if we get p use the

ur name down (no commitment at this stage) please

MARTIN EVANS

IBTT F~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Bring your group, club or organisation to see the build of the ultimatand rocket powered car at the BLOODHOUND Technical Cent

Enjoy a guided tour of the workshop and receive full briefing on the Bgroups of up to 50 people. Child

For a donation of £500, your group will receive; ► a tailored presentation in the BLOODHOUND Boardroom ► a workshop tour to see the build of the world's first 1,000 mph c progressing. There will with ample time for questions and photographs.

Visitors will also have the chance to test their skills in th► BLOODHOUND driving experience and purch the event. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I have sent invitations to both Bath and Weston IAM Grou5 that would b0 eople e £10 each. (More if less than 50, becatotal of £500 per party would still have to be paid.)

If you wish to put yoemail [email protected] or phone 0117 979 8061 (home).



CALENDAR for Bristol Advanced Motorists Next Club/Social Meeting Topic – July 22nd

Freewheelers – Voluntary Motorbike Emergency Service

BAWA Pavilion Room 7:30pm for 7:45 start

LYJU ue 22 Monthly Meeting BAWA Pavilion 7:30pm for 7:45 start

AUGUST

T Freewheelers – Voluntary Motorbike Emergency Service

9)

Tue hairman

23 Copy Deadline for LINK newsletter (September issue)

ct

S

Sun 10 Three in a Car driving update session (see page 1 at Cross Hands, Chipping Sodbury, 10:00am start

12 Exec Committee Meeting - second Tuesday of each month.. If you wish to raise an issue, contact the Group C Sat Tue 26 Monthly Meeting BAWA Pavilion 7:30pm for 7:45 start

Speaker Martin Davey. Royal Aeronautical Society projewith schools to build a micro-light.

Wed 27 kill for Life Course seminar three – Meet an Examiner BAWA 7:30pm SEPT Sun 07 Free for the Public – Driving Assessment Day, BAWA 10-2 Mon 08 Newsletter Collation at BAWA 4:00 until 7:00 approx *** More helpers needed *** – contact Andrew Nicholls

at S 13 Three in a Car driving update session (see page 19) at Gordano M5 Services, 10:00am start Tue 23 Monthly Meeting BAWA Pavilion 7:30pm for 7:45 start Dr. Sarah Jones – Environmental Health Protection

the BAW

BAWA Location and Travel Directions

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

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



Future Monthly Club Meeting Speakers

ave been organised by our Monthly Reeves have been listed here before – and

der in the CALENDAR page. Several ideas are being 5, and at the moment we have confirPaul Ryman-Tubb - Motor Insurers' Bureau

andra Tweddle - Diabetes Support n Society

http://www.fingerprintsinuganda.org/

ject – uch int en et i h

Speakers for the whole o, Clare

f 2014 hMeetings Contact . Theyyou will find a reminfollowed-up for 201 med: January February S March Martin Baker - Great Wester May Tim Hills - Uganda project

We also have lined-up a Driver Trainer from Avon Fire and Rescue; UWE Racing car; IAM Drive and Survive - dates not yet confirmed.

The Group is still on the lookout for fresh leads and ideas to keep the momentum going. So if you have a contact – or an idea for a subs as a topic, erest or hobby you are passionate about – thg n touch wit Clare at [email protected]

ARE YOU THE NEW MONTHLY MEETING SPEAKER ORGANISER ? tor, the Group

rs on

er.

Now Clare has taken-on the task of Associates Administrais looking for someone else to find and book Monthly Meeting speakeinteresting, relevant topics for 2015. INTERESTED ? Speak to the Chairman or any Committee Memb

SUPER SUNDAY

Kingswood, BRISTOL BS15 4JT.

r the ,

up’s website. he Motorbike Group’s website direct: www.bamo.org.uk

Or phone 01275 372637 or email [email protected]

Interested in Advanced Motorbiking ?

orbike Group, Bristol Advanced Motorcyclists is a separate IAM Motroviding Advanced Riding guidance for newcomers, at p

events, and acting as a club for existing Members in Bristol.

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

Get a taste with a free assessed ride, and maybe sign-up foMotorbike Skill for Life course. Grab a bacon buttie and a cup of teameet like-minded people, and maybe attend the various presentations. Use the link on our own website to access the Motorbike GroOr go to t



The only way is forward hound Supe

by Clare Reeves rsonic Car

ered at BAWA for the Group’s May roup Secretary, Martin Evans, on

en ea in the

up

The 2015 record attempt will be at a relatively modest pace of 800mph as an average over two runs within a one hour time limit, with a further attempt in 2016 at 1,000mph. A question was asked concerning the fuel used for such an attempt - and apparently any fuel will do.

So who is sitting in the cockpit of this vehicle propelled by a Typhoon fighter engine with 135,000hp? – one Wing Commander Andy Green, the current World Record Holder at 763mph, which took place in Nevada in 1997, beating Richard Noble’s 1983 Nevada record of 633mph.

an update on the Blood

Forty-one members and guests gathMonthly Meeting, eager to hear from Gthe progress of the Bloodhound car, for which he is one of a volunteerteam of 550 ‘Bloodhound Ambassadors’.

Bloodhound SSC is a local project and, apparently, housed in a nondescript warehouse in Shirehampton, having outgrown its previous home of a Council-funded shed alongside the docks in central Bristol.

The World Land Speed Record attempt, the whole reason for Bloodhound, Pan, an arwill hopefully be undertaken in 2015 on the Hakske

orthern Cape of South Africa. In order to create a completely flat, safe N19km x 500m track; 300 people, many no more than children, are picking stones by hand.



The architect of the 14 metrRon Ayres, whose career had

e long Bloodhound has been aerodynamicist

Bombers to British Aerospa

Recent and future UK testsundertaken at Newquay Airp lic upon paying a once-only subs at a walk-in-the-park speed

A few basic facts on Bloodhound – the car weighs 7.5 tons, each wheel made by Otto Fuchs in Germalloy wheels will rotate at 10 used in the Eurofighter airc

Landmark Engineering Project’ to

s to come forward to meet future

run hitting the

rs and

und

ull details, and contact Martin.

taken him from Handley Page and the Victor ce work.

of the Bloodhound have been and will be ort, where testing can be seen by the pubcription to the project. The next test will be

of 200mph in spring 2015.

any weighs 105kg and these tyreless aluminum ,000rpm. The engine is a Eurojet EJ200, asraft, with an additional hybrid rocket.

Martin explained that part of the Ambassador’s remit was in education. Bloodhound is a project to break the World Land Speed Record with a peed of over 1,000mph. But it is also a ‘s

get young people involved and excited about science, technology, engineering and maths – so called ‘STEM’ subjects, and to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineerskills shortages in the UK economy. Videos of Joseph Leekie Academy, Walsall, and Heathland School, Hounslow, showed each school conducting their own land speed record with the attendance of the Guinness Book of Records; the latter school producing a world record 287mph from a very small unmanned vehicle racing across a playground, oneheights of 344mph.

Competitions in South Africa and Britain to design Andy Green’s helmet have taken place in schools.

Whilst of course we all wish Andy Green and his team of 67 designeengineers all the very best, they are not without competition – one Rosco McGlashan of Perth, Australia is hot on the heels of the Bloodhoproject – neither side declaring the actual date of their attempts.

Much more information can be found at www.bloodhoundssc.com POSSIBLE GROUP VISIT A new venture offered by the Bloodhound project is a Group Visit to the Technical Centre, in Shirehampton, Bristol. Martin is exploring the possibility of an IAM visit. See page 20 for f



Group Visit: MG Motors by Pete Goodman

ere

for the act e gave

some Longbridge history the old-fashioned way… Of course, a long ; 2 periods of war production; 1930s

Aerospace

Brits have it back Chinese SAIC,

e ng,

ive

and Minis to the Golden

After a trip up the M5 all 25 or so of us arrived at Longbridge on time for 1pm on Thursday 12th June. Inside the Visitor/Sales Centre there wlots of shiny new MG6 and MG3 cars displayed for our examination.

After all signing in, we were shown into a lecture room by our guideday, Doug Wallis. He apologised about his over-bright tie and the fhat the high-tech presentation system was not working! Instead, ht

uscomplex story; Opened in 1904depression; merged with their British Morris rivals post war; rationalised in the 60s to BMC, then British Leyland; privatised to Britishwho invested little and sold for profit to BMW. who took the 4-wheel-drive Land Rover technology and Mini name, then let theas MG Rover and we failed again – Remnants scooped up bynow the 65 acres that is left of the Longbridge site builds kits from

his grave. In its heyday 20,000 people China… Lord Austin would turn in worked on the site. Now there are 400 in total.

On a brighter note there is a larger mothballed production line for futurment, a decent-sized Engineering & Technical Centre remainidevelop

and new investment is being seen in engine development and testing. The Technical Centre inputs car development for China and the UK. Respecttotal new car market sizes are around 20million and 2million per year.

The tour then went on to a re-located Lord Austin’s office – I bet thosewall panels could tell a story… and rooms with pictures of the old site over the years. Lord Austin originally worked for Wolseley, a sheep-shearing machine maker, and he is reputed to have got the idea to go into car making whilst supporting the shearing operation in Australia!

We then went on to the museum. An old 1907 Rover 8HP stood just inside the entrance, and in the theatre we saw another video loop featuring assembly line footage from pre-war, then through to see more old Rover/Austin models from the 1930s via Healeys Jubilee MGTF of 2002. There was much clicking of cameras at this point!

Next we went to the ‘production line’. It was fairly leisurely compared with what you might expect. Doug stated ‘it starts and stops dependant on demand’ but I was not sure of its current state! We were told that production has hit 1000 this year so far, and that’s a new record production for a whole year, thanks to the MG3 being launched. We did see an MG3 being run on a rolling road, which was interesting.



Then it was on to the Engineering and Technical Centres; here Doug was limited in what he could show us. However, we saw a stripped down Audi A3 (clearly now learning from the Germans after showing them how

ome

me

s ething

above: Some of our party in the Longbridge ‘factory’. Others are taking photos.

Most of the BMC Longbridge complex has been flattened. MG occupies the small newer post-war southern section of the plant. All components are shipped-in by container from the SAIC factory in Lingang, China. The short ‘production line’ batch-assembly area in the background is where enough loose parts are bolted-on to the partly knocked-down car (one seen entering, top right) to justify a “made in Britain” VIN plate. A rolling road test to the left, out of shot, a water leak test and final inspection (both out of shot to the right) complete the process. Production is done to order and, with the introduction of the new MG3, has recently increased from 2 to 12 cars a day. Three of the larger MG6 model can be seen in the foreground.

to produce cars in the late 40s!) and clay models of the upcoming MG5, which looked to be a Focus-sized hatch. Information boards showed swork of the Centres, including the new engine test facilities.

Finally it was back to the showroom for a further look at the new cars andthe promised test drives; not sure if anyone got one of these, as they were slow to materialise. We thought perhaps lunch added to a drive hoon non-motorway roads was a more appealing prospect.

So, overall, an interesting day that was another sad reminder of UK plc’fall from engineering greatness, but with a small glimmer that sommay rise from the ashes.



above: As can be seen on the far right of the previous picture, these are two partly

he

knocked down MG3s ‘out of the container’. Out of another container come engine/transmission, front suspension, front bodywork, wheels and other bits and pieces for bolting-on, to complete the ‘British made’ car.

below: The Chinese have a strange idea of MG heritage. Here is a Mini Cooper ‘S’ in tsmall “MG Museum”. All the caption boards (one seen by the front wing) are in dual language Chinese and English, each headed with an MG badge.



above: Archive photo of ‘export or die’ production of the Austin A40 Devon in the oldLongbridge factory post World War Two, late 1940s.

- Brief Driving Impression

drive in an MG3 with Doug, our tour guide. Here are Martin’s impressions.

“I thought the look of the MG3 was fine if a little boring. Stepping inside I was pleasantly surprised how nice the interior was, and it seemed well put-together. I managed to get a comfortable seating position after adjusting seat and steering wheel and when I checked all the main controls they seemed light and well placed.

“Pulling away from the car park it was apparent the suspension was reasonably firm (which I like) without being 'jolting' or noisy. Picking up speed and the steering and general handling was fine for a car of this class but what let it down for me somewhat was the engine, which seemed fairly noisy if revved in a vain attempt to pick up speed but simultaneously showed its lack of power and made quite a big fuss of getting up to 60mph. The claimed 106hp seemed a lot less than the 100hp Focus 1.6 that I am used to - and that's a bigger car. This was admittedly '4-up' but with a 1.5 litre petrol engine I was expecting more.

“I thought it would make a good driving school car and for the price it seemed good value.”

MG3

The promised Test Drives did not easily materialise. However, three people managed to go for a four-in-a-Car



FREE Driving Assessment Days for the Public

community rather than expect people

se, and marshals at the entrance to direct the hordes of participants!

those Observers who It really was

ecial thank-you to

success. Mark and Marlene are already planning another. Thank-you.”

Bristol Group held one of these on Sunday 8th June at BAWA.

The standard DCA procedure was used, with a 40-minute route out through Brentry and Easter Compton and return on the M48 and M4 and the A38 back to Filton. The event was more to enlist Associates than just give a free assessment, so the idea was to have the candidates feelingthat their driving was reasonable but that there were areas where Bristol Advanced Motorists could help them improve - and maybe they should sign up for the Skill for Life course, especially as a buy-on-the-day 10% discount was on offer. 5 people actually signed-up.

Another similar event is planned for 07th September, immediately prior to the October course, with the added incentive to sign-up before the SfL price increase on 1st October. These events are likely to become regular, and we will move to going out in the to come to us at BAWA all the time. We are planning to improve our ‘presence’, with publicity banners, a gazebo as a ba

Chief Observer Geoff said, “A huge thank you to all helped with the latest DriveCheck Assessment event.splendid of you to give up so much of your time! And a spMarlene who took on the organisation of the event, which was a great

does not often get out-and-about in me

.

e

and,

ishead, BS20 7RA,

Publicity of the past – Portishead Show Most Group Publicity these days seems to be done by sending email shots to established contacts. The Group the field with publicity, as it used to. Casual appearances have becodifficult to organise, whilst larger shows tend to have expensive site fees

However, Ken Rossiter reminds me that on Sat/Sun July 26th/27th the PORTISHEAD FLOWER SHOW and COUNTRY FAIR is being held. This used to be one of many local outdoor events the Group attended in th1980s/90s, with stand, tent or caravan. Local Members Ken Rossiter, Jo Brutto, Rita Henshaw, Mike Tebbutt and others used to lend a hwith committee members Andrew Nicholls and John Tyrrell.

The show is at the Show Field, Clapton Lane, Portopposite Gordano School, where there is free parking. Admission £5.

://www.portisheadflowershow.com/Details at: http



Driver Development in the Group

‘Member Development’ Committee man Tony Gilbert has been organising

eed.

ng topics in which

he

Driver Development sessions, initially in Overtaking, to improve Observers’ coaching skills in the topic. Participation has since been opened-up to Members, and now Associates.

For safety reasons, a rigid briefing and operating practice has been developed. The sessions take place on specially selected quiet, little-used roads. For overtaking, of course another car has to be present, and an Observer drives the car to be overtaken, at a consistent and low sp

t is planned to run sessions to similarly cover other driviIcoaching skills need to be improved, the next on the list being cornering.

above: A camera on time-delay perched on a car roof apparently took this shot of tattendees at the overtaking training gathering on 10th May. Development Officer Tony is far left, whilst Chief Observer Geoff is centre rear, badge on waistcoat.

If you would like to find out more, initially about the overtaking sessions, please contact Tony.

07973 730 498 [email protected]



AGM Speaker After the official AGM business, Chief Inspector Yannis Georgiou (pictured right) of the Roads Policing Unit, Avon and Somerset Police, gave us presentation. We were half-

There were 203 ksi in Avon & Somerset last year – involving 65

ged 35 to 45. Motorcycle statistics have remained static for several

ear junctions. Youngsters 17-24 in cars, children in ars not wearing seat belts or restraints, and under-16 pedestrians.

ads in town are the most frequent ksi incident-location in Winter, with ral A-roads in Summer.

aexpecting an update on the latest Police young driver post-test training initiatives, but in the event, Yannis gave us a talk on the old subject of ‘Accident’ Investigation. However, later in his talk, the causes of the

ashes reflect on the need for driver responsibility and awareness. cr

Yannis started by outlining the latest Police re-structuring – Road Policing, Firearms and Dogs sit together, and, like many Police functions, Avon & Somerset has joined with the Wiltshire and Gloucestershire Forces to form a tri-force unit. The A&S Collision Investigation Unit was set-up in 1993, mirroring the operation of the CID. The Officers involved are now qualified in investigating incidents, and are recognised as expert witnesses in Court. The Unit is multi-faceted and involves many people, such as Family Liaison and Media/Community Impact Assessors. The scene and evidence is reconstructed and treated the same as a criminal investigation,using ‘ABC’ - Accept nothing - Believe no-one - Consider everything. Car, Driver, Vehicle condition, Manner of driving, the ‘Fatal Four’. Each incident involving death is treated as ‘unlawful killing’ until proved otherwise. Yannis described the new 3D laser scanning equipment now in use. Expensive at £242k per set of kit, but it replaces manual measuring and mapping, and speeds things up considerably.

Yannis listed the predominant crash types resulting in death or serious injury. deaths, 25 of those on motorcycles. Motorcycles top the list, being the type of vehicle with the highest crash and injury rates per vehicle

lometre travelled. Most such crashes involve a single vehicle, and males kiayears but deaths had a 150% increase last year. Pedal bicyclist incidents increased 40%, most nc

RoRu



Yannis gave 3 examples. Pictures shr, speeding excessively and not wearing ern about the Fatal Four, covered in

/Drugs, Speed, Seat Belts.

y cctv on a bus – but was judged obility Scooter rider started to cross a

some considerable distance cted into a shop front - illustrating that

impact.

onstruction of a car hitting a erception? Speed and distance

een, and b) What was the liability of the driver – did he do everything he

d

ec ed

work nal

use of technical problems reading the files sent by email – Ed. ]

owed the first, involving death in a single vehicle crash. A young drivea seat belt - illustrating Police concthe RoadSmart programme – Distraction, Drink

The second incident had been captured btoo disturbing to show us. A Mroad unwisely, was hit by car and carried before the car and scooter impacollisions don’t stop at the initial point of

The third set of pictures showed recpedestrian after dark. Visibility? Pjudgement? In apportioning blame, a) Was the Pedestrian there to bescould? Reconstruction showed that after dark with dipped lights the driver would not have been able to even perceive the pedestrian, dressein black, until he was 15metres from him. Very surprising to learn. In reality, only at 10metres would he have started to see something, and at 5metres he could only see the legs and maybe lower thighs. Again, the vehicle does not stop on impact but carries on. Even if the driver saw the pedestrian at best-case 15 metres, at 30mph he is travelling at 13m/sand with good reaction time of 0.7 sec he would hardly have lost any speat all at impact and would travel-on several metres after impact.

Yannis ended by praising the road safety contribution of the IAM –which stops collisions in the first place. The Police welcomes “professioobservers” to view certain Police operations, spending time on patrol, at briefings, at training. [ Group Secretary Martin has already done so – his report has not so far appeared in the LINK beca

Footnote by the Editor: Food for thought That third case-study, of not being able to see a pedestrian after dark inlighted conditions did not seem right. The following evening provedvalidity though, when I was driving home from the Skill for Life Course. After dark of course, with dipped headlights, on the long, straight, street-lit Soundwell Road, Staple Hill. All of a sudden I noticed a slight pale movement near the road surface only a few metres ahead. Too close to avoid, if it had been static. A moment later I passed the pedestri

the

an, ow on the pavement. He had correctly judged he could safely nip across

n’t noticed him or his dark clothing at all.

nthe road in front of me. What I had seen was the white sides of the soles of his trainers. I had



DRIVING TIPS FROM THE CHIEF OBSERVER The Editor says: I noticed today on ‘a well-known Internet Auction Sitean advert for a pair of brand new tyres, and in the description was,

’

The tyres have some red lines on the outside, so I don’t know if they “are rejects.” So it’s time to print this tip from Chief Observer Geoff.

Tyre Run-Out: This May Surprise You! Although most tyres are made to high standards there are still variations in the thickness of rubber, the steel belts and radial webbing which make up the tyre’s tructure. As we know, one consequence of variations is a weight difference

ted.

ees.

red

ft

ideally,

ti nd don’t forget that all modern cars

p the mistake of misreading 2.2 bar as me as 2.2 bar – Ed. - and,

e

ace car.

saround the tyre so that wheels have to be balanced when new tyres are fit

But here is something which might surprise you - rather less well known is something called 'tyre run-out', a measure of how straight the tyre will run if allowed to roll unaided along a horizontal surface set on a slight decline. Some will run straight and true, others will veer to the left or right by varying degr

You can actually see an indication of this on most new tyres - Look for coloulines around the circumference of the tread. Some of these lines are to give the tyre distributors easy to read information about the tyre but one of them is the 'run-out indicator' (usually red or blue) and will be to varying degrees to the leor right of the tread centre. The nearer to the centre line, the straighter the tyre will run, and the distance from the centre denotes the degree of the run-out.

A steering problem can arise if both tyres on an axle run out significantly in the same direction - which could easily be confused with poor tracking. So,when you're next buying new tyres you should select the two with run-out lines of about the same degree from centre, but on opposite sides of the centre. That way the two will cancel each other out and you'll get straight steering.

Regardless of the tyre combination, a regular check of the tyre pressures (when hey are cold) is the best way to avoid premature wear. You may even see an mprovement in the fuel consumption. Aave tyre ressures in bar - so don’t makeh

22 pounds per square inch. [ 220 kPa is the sawhile we are at it, 1 bar is equivalent to 14 p.s.i. ]

A quick check of condition at the same time is good practice. Look for a minimum tread thickness of 1.6mm in a continuous band across the central three-quarters of the tread width, around the whole circumference.

Modern tyres have a series of 'wear indicators' (raised lumps) in the tread between the grooves. When the tyre has worn down level with these indicators (at 1.6mm or 2mm) it is time to replace it - and contrary to popular belief, fit thnew tyres on the rear wheels - rather than the front. That way, the best tread is available on the rear-end - the end which breaks away first on a slippery surf- and in a downpour that’s where you need the maximum grip, whatever the



More A

is the

bhave found it not easily possible to do so. F at blades have arm fittings

style arms sit closer to the

elative to the screen, to apply even pressure and move more smoothly and

rn original equipment, d

dvanced Driving Notes UNIVERSAL-FIT FLAT WIPER BLADES One thing that has stayed largely unchanged on cars since the 1960s‘coat hanger’ wiper blade. Many new cars come with the new flat, flexible lade design of wipers but drivers of older models wanting to upgrade

lincompatible with previous, and anyway, new-screen and have different spring tension.

Recently though, Federal Mogul has introduced a flat blade with their ‘Retro-Clip Upgrade’ fitting.

Many of the older arms will clip directly to it, simply, although a bit more involved than simply sliding it on. The chunky fitting also holds the armaway from the screen in its original position, maintaining spring tension.

The integrated construction of a plastic flat flexible blade is much more rigid, removing all the play and wear inherent with the many joints of the ‘coat hanger’, permitting the blade to retain a vertical ‘attack angle’ rmore quietly over the varying screen curvature of modern large screens, without distorting or leaving streaks.

Flat blades are also low-profile and the aerodynamic shape of the blade backing is not liable to high-speed wind-lift, so extra ‘aerofoils’ are not eeded. The new retro-clip blades look like moden

except for the chunky connectors, and can even give a less-obstructeview along the bonnet line immediately in front of the car.

The cost of two (individually-sold) blades is less than the old ‘coat-hanger’ type too – because no metal aerofoil is needed on the driver’s side.

[ Nothing is completely new - my 1970 Ford Escort GT had slimline flat, stainless metal-backed, flexible blades – very trendy and unusual - Ed. ]



‘SUPREME’ or ‘ADVANCED’ FUEL – IS IT WORl in my

TH IT? Toyota, I am also a

in h

– a few years ago the standard

l e second tankful the haze had disappeared

– and the MoT test smoke results were very low. Job done.

But should I continue to use it? By the 4th tankful the engine was noisier at tickover – “crisp” sounding, like new – whereas at 40mph and above it was virtually silent. The car seems to run more freely, easily reaching 70mph on a light throttle, whereas before it used to meet some resistance at 65mph, needing extra pressure to reach 70. It also starts instantly.

uel consumption is difficult to compare over a short period. However,

r,

ll ard – the MAMIL. No, this is not a

urry animal, but the Middle-Aged Man In Lycra, that breed of bicyclist s

), ind

not obscure

c

vailable from the AA, or at

Although I only ever use branded diesel fuelong-term user of Millers Dieselpower Plus additive, and, since sulphur content was reduced, I use a lubricity additive as well.

Yet, at night, accelerating away from roundabouts on the Ring Road, I could see diesel haze shown up in following headlights – which is invisibledaylight. I have a suspicion that maybe modern fuel does not have as muccarbon-removing detergent additive as oldfuels were promoted heavily on their cleaning properties. Because the

to try the more expensive ‘supreme’ dieseMoT was coming-up, I decided with its extra detergent. By th

Ftwo tankfuls on mainly long motorway journeys yielded a very good 72mpg.

I have used ‘supreme’ petrol briefly too, in our Vauxhall 1200cc petrol caand the MoT emissions were a perfect 0% on both tests. So I would sayit’s definitely worth the extra cost, especially in the run-up to the MoT. LOOK OUT FOR THAT MAMIL We are all aware to look out for Bob, Tom and Lola (if you don’t know: Berk on bike, Twit on motorbike, Little old lady jaywalking) – but we are anow urged to look out for another Hazfwho regards the bicycle not as a convenient mode of transport, but as anexercise speed machine on wheels. To help, the AA Charitable Trust haintroduced some handy yellow/transparent stickers, 1¼ inch wide (35mmwhich can be placed inside your car adjacent to the side mirrors, to remyou to look carefully every time you use the mirrors. But do the actual mirror. The bicycle sticker is intended for the passenger side and the motorbike one for the river’s side, although both hazards dan of course come up on either side.

Abranches of Halfords.



MODERN MOTORWAY DRIVING

Residents of Bristol are used to hopping on and off motorways, and usinthem as local roads. But if you make longer journeys on

g motorways, the

two, which eem to have worked in reducing the previous stop-start jams, and make

nd hopefully the driver behind is alert and not too close. It is surprising

any motorway on-slips are being re-laid-out with two sequential on-slips ith just a single-lane on-slip. Many

to

if there’s no Hard Shoulder, don’t stop on the the next service area or junction.

OWN OFF MOTORWAY BRIDGES has been a spate of objects being thrown off motorway bridges. So

on bridges and, where possible, safely to avoid passing directly under them.

intended purpose, you will notice a change has come about.

Usually it is no longer a 70mph cruise on an open road – despite a reported reduction in traffic, the number of vehicles seems higher, such that the vehicle separation distances are often not sufficient for safe stopping at 70mph. The case for an increased 80mph limit seems a non-starter.

A surprising number of lengths of fully ‘Managed’ or variable speed limited ‘Controlled’ motorways have come into use in the last year orsestimated journey times from off-line route planners realistic again.

Recent surveys suggest drivers do not like motorways without a hard shoulder, fearing they will be run-into should they break down. But it is not broken down vehicles which are the problem – it is the danger of drivers pulling out of slow-moving lanes in congested sections into faster-moving lanes. A vehicle approaching the scene may have to brake – ahow frequently this arises – so don’t pull out, and when you are moving more quickly than is the lane alongside, keep a very good lookout ahead.

Mto avoid the pinch point issue, or wjunction roundabouts have new white-line markings to channel vehicles inthe correct lane, or have physical lane-separation for different routes. You do not have to travel far from Bristol to see examples of these, or to see entry-metering lights, or the other changes to road markings, etc.

► Controlled motorway – the normal lanes have variable speed limits. Hard Shoulder is retained at all times, strictly for emergency use only.

► Hard shoulder running – Hard Shoulder opened to traffic only at busy times, with speed limit in other lanes also reduced. Don’t drive on the Hard Shoulder lane unless overhead signs show that you can do so.

► All lane running – there is no Hard Shoulder at any time on these sections of motorway. Obey the variable speed limits displayed.

In the event of an emergency -motorway. Use a refuge area, or exit at

WATCH OUT FOR BRICKS THRTherekeep a look out for suspicious people change lanes as you approach,



Driving News? How Long does the Grass Grow?

ar, which is

e ’

ith

e’ n)

e media

ee. and

South Gloucestershire, along with other Councils, is reducing its expenditure on ‘Street Scene’ to save money, one result of which is a eduction of grass-cutting to a ‘core standard’ of 2 cuts a yer

allowing grass to grow tall, as it did before cutting became de-rigueur.

Some Parish Councils are not getting the financial message however, and are paying for extra grass cutting – so the Council Tax payer still pays.

Devon Council stopped cutting verges a couple of years ago, and in locations where they still do limited cutting, it is only cut 1 yard (metre) from the edge of the road. This is not only to save money, but also to encourage wild flowers and wildlife to flourish, because road verges are ne of the last remaining ‘unimproved’ types of meadow land and are good o

for pollinators as well as diverse plants and other wildlife.

Monmouthshire County Council has taken one step further, in line with thWelsh Government’s ‘Pollinators Policy’ and the ‘Bees for Developmentorganisation, and has sown many acres of grass and roadside verges with 10 types of wild flower seed - the flowers will encourage bees as well as other pollinators, and the grass will not be cut in June and July. You may even see the signs bearing the ‘Bee Friendly’ logo.

left: The start of the project wMonmouthshire Council Deputy Leader Phil Hobson(third from left) and other interested parties, showing the logo / road sign for ‘Bee Friendly Monmouthshir(apologies for low resolutio

photo: Wye Valley Review

Meanwhile, some SGC and BANES residents have complained in ththat grass has not been cut along roads such as the Ring Road and the Keynsham by-pass. Why complain? It’s ‘back to nature’ and good to sGrass on the central reserve cuts glare from modern bright headlightsany reduced cross-view at junctions and roundabouts should force drivers to reduce speed in line with the reduced visibility, which may even improve traffic flow on all arms of a roundabout. But this advantage is being lost because SG Council is to cut some ‘visibility splays’ at roundabouts.



General Motoring News Stories Just a few of the most interesting of the hundreds since lastCHANGES TO CONCEPT OF ‘VEHICLE EXCISE TAX’ As the October withdrawal date for the physical tax disc approaches, it appears that the electronic-only DVLA record will move emphasis

issue.

way from the vehicle, to whether the keeper has the vehicle taxed,

ay is

5 since 2010,

was a result of The Stobart Group ‘re-positioni g’ as an Infrastructure and Support Services business, and selling 51% of its original Transport and Distribution business Eddie Stobart for £2‘asset investment holding entity’, IoM-based D

If you wondered how Eddie could profitably operate multi-drop deliveries with expensive artic trucks, the sale revealed loWhether this is a real sale or yet another comp ar. However, Douglas Bay Capital has previous formlogistics firm TDG, and later selling it to Frenchfirm Norbert Dentressangle, which has previouxpressed an interest in Eddie Stobart . . . . .

,

asimilar to vehicle Insurance. When a keeper sells a vehicle, any tax unexpired will be re-claimable, whilst the new keeper will have to newly pongoing tax in his name. Changes will start or cease “when informationreceived by DVLA”, which may cause uncertainty of exact dates.

DSA has merged with VOSA to become DVSA In April 2014 the two agencies merged, to provide both Driver Training and Tests, and Vehicle Roadworthiness standards, Tests and Enforcement Services, still supporting the independent Traffic Commissioners. But there are few external signs of the name change as yet.

EDDIE STOBART LOGISTICS SOLD The news that the TV series, Eddie Stobart: Trucks and Trailers was tosuddenly cease, after airing to large audiences on Channel

n

81 million to the ouglas Bay Capital.

w profits and high debt. lex finance deal is uncle in road haulage, buying UK sly

eThose with a long memory will recall that Pam Hunt, then Social Organiserorganised a Group visit to Eddie Stobart’s Avonmouth depot in the 1990s.

MOBILITY SCOOTER MADNESS A British Motorsport fan, who lost a leg in an accident and so now uses a Mobility Scooter, has set a world record for the longest distance travelledin 24 hours on such a device. 53-year-old Steve Tarrant completed 190 miles at the Goodwood Circuit, Sussex, in his continuous 24-hour run, only stopping occasionally to exchange the batteries.



Know someone who could be a better driver?

Word-of-Mouth is one of the best publicity methods – so tell people about the IAM Advanced Driving Course - which can help a driver be more confident, safer - and make driving more enjoyable. For £139, the IAM Skill for Life package contains the IAM Advanced Driving Test itself, with in-car driving guidance and three seminar sessions to prepare you. A six-month commitment is needed to complete, with ideally one drive per week. Age is no barrier. Bethany (pictured) was 17, whilst Doris was 80 when she passed. South Gloucestershire resident young drivers could have the £139 fee refunded.

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

Advanced Driving Course Dates ( PRE-BOOKING REQUIRED )

OCTOBER 2014 Seminars on Wednesdays Oct 22

rd. . .

ep 02nd.

nd, Oct 29th, Dec 03JANUARY 2015 Seminars on Wednesdays. Jan 21st, Jan 28th, Mar 11th

APRIL 2015 Seminars on Wednesdays. Apr 22nd, Apr 29th, Jun 10th

JULY 2015 Seminars on Wednesdays. Jul 15th, Jul 22nd, S

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

Getting Rusty Yourself? Try our Refresher

The Refresher course is for existing Bristol Group Members. You need to be a current national IAM and Bristol Group Member.

ars of an Associate course, and your s.

m-bristol.org.uk

You share the three classroom seminObserver will give you six driving guidance sessions, tailored to your needThere’s no Test, but you get a Certificate upon completion. Cost: £39.

For details of Course, Assessment or Refresher, contact: 0117 969 1746 or associates@ia



CONTACT US: Your guide to who does what

TO ENQUIRE ABOUT SKILemail [email protected]

L FOR LIFE OR A REFRESHER phone direct 0117 969 1746

NUMBER: 07071 20 11 73

anced Motorists 07714 992 639 [email protected]

ADVERTISED PUBLIC ENQUIRY

Executive Committee, Bristol AdvChairman Andy Cole

Vice Chairman Marlene Baker 01454 619289 [email protected]

Secretary Martin Evans 0117 979 8061 [email protected]

Treasurer Paul Hunt 0117 960 8494 [email protected] 860365 publicitPublicity Officer Geoff Bevan [email protected]

Associates Administrator Clare Reeves 0117 969 1746 [email protected]

0117 960 8494 Newsletter Editor Paul Hunt [email protected]

Database Administrator James Rowland [email protected] 152 405

Membership Development Tony Gilbert 07973 7

[email protected] 498

Publicity Events Organiser Gary Nunn 01454 851 984 07557 765 946

[email protected] Young Driver Rep. Barnaby Ellis [email protected]

Other Post Holders Committee Minute Taker Clare Reeves 0117 969 1746

[email protected] Meeting Contact Clare Reeves Ideas for speakers? Tell Clare

at [email protected]

Chief Observer and Web Administrator Geoff Bevan [email protected]

[email protected]

01453 860365

Training Administrator Mark Gollop 01454 773234 [email protected]

Group Display Boards & LINK Collation Organiser Andrew Nicholls 01749 860321

[email protected] Events Organiser vacant contact Secretary for the moment

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

PHOTOGRAPHY NOTICE: Please note that by attending the Meetings and Driver Guidance Sessions of Bristol Advanced Motorists, you agree to your image being captured and used to promote Bristol Advanced Motorists and its activities.

This may include in our newsletter, on our website or for general promotion. If you tary. wish to withhold your permission, please contact the Group Secre

[email protected] or phone 0117 979 8061




The Cover of the hard copy version

For 2014 the BA5-size pa

ristol Group has adopted a neper version of . It cont

971 of r imag lifton now in full colour, rather than monochrome.

t d as a feature, bland new IAM ‘letters logo’

For the benefit of non-Members who look at f the ates a nd a brief text about the Group, with

ably-equipped Smartphones to our website.

Co

1

w ‘wrap-around’ cover for the the LINK inues the tradition first

started in about 1 having a cove e of Bristol’s iconic CSuspension Bridge - but it’s

The traditional IAM bu ton logo is use distinct recognition rather than the which would become ‘lost’.

the LINK, the back onew cover incorpoa QR code which directs suit

r strap-line a

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

Cover printed by:

Print & Stationery Management Co Ltd 03 Farendell Road, Emerald Park East, Emersons Green, BRISTOL BS16 7FF

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



ASSOCIATES AND OBSERVERS NEEDED

Despite it becoming increasingly difficult to reach Members of the Public with publicity, Bristol Group has gained an increasing number of Associates in the first half of 2014, and this trend looks to continue.

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

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

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

5, which means that many Observers are dealing with 3 Associates at the

Information about Skill for Life can be obtained from:

:

photo: IAM

2same time, which is rather too much of a time commitment.

So please continue to be a good ‘Sales Persuader’ for the Group, but alsoconsider becoming involved with the core activity – OBSERVING.

[email protected] 07071 201173 or 0117 969 1746

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


link 269 2014 07

Documents

iam advanced driving

iam driver

advanced driving guidance

iam regions

iam chiswick

national iam

bristol bs34

existing iam members