December 2020
 
Dates For Your Diary
 
 
We would like to attmept to run a virtual meeting BUT WE NEED A VOLUNTEER TO COORDINATE IT PLEASE.
 
Get in touch with the Secretary if you can do this
 
 


First Aid course
 
Being planned for post COVID-19 - more to follow


 
Skillshare
 
We will start again in April 2021
  
               

Monthly Ride-Outs

COVID Secure monthly Bike Ride-Outs  on the 3rd Saturday of every even numbered month and the 3rd Sunday of every odd numbered Month. Email will be sent out to Bikers and added to the Forum.
Do you have a topic you would like discussed, or know of an interesting speaker?  Please contact Les Brown at speakers@wiltshireroadar.co.uk 
 
 
Congratulations

Congratulations to the following members who have passed their Advanced Tests recently:  

Steven Hyde - Bike retest - GOLD

Welcome
 
Please welcome the following to the Group:

No new members this month
 
Merchandise
Don’t forget that we have a range of clothing available to purchase. We also offer a range of books, such as Roadcraft, Motorcycle Roadcraft and the Highway Code, and these are available at discounted prices.

For more information visit the Merchandise page of our web site at www.wiltshireroadar.co.uk.
We are always looking for more articles, ideas and news for the newsletter. Have you been somewhere interesting recently that would make a good story? If you attend any group events then take a camera and send us your pictures!

Please forward all contributions to newsletter@wiltshireroadar.co.uk
 
 
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The COVID-19 Secure Newsletter
 
Happy New Year!
 
 
I hope you managed to have some sort of happy Christmas given the circumstances; I seem to have managed to eat and drink far more than expected, there was only the 2 of us at home this was quite an echievement!  It is good to see the back of 2020 and I know we all look forward to a much better and particularly more social and interactive 2021.  The vaccination programme will go some way to helping us revert to our new normal but I am not going to try and predict when this will be given the dynamic nature of our experiences this year.  For us, seeking to improve road safety, I am looking forward to a better 2021 where we can continue to make a difference.  No experience is ever wasted and I am sure we will have found new and better ways of working due to the circumstances forced upon us. 
 
We have to remain dynamic ourselves and the latest COVID – 19 Tier system helps us to do this.  I have detailed below how our activities will be shaped by whichever tier in which we find ourselves.  The Committee will continue to try and make the best of the circumstances but if you have any ideas or want to organise something please do get in touch – we do not have the monopoly of good ideas.
 
I take this opportunity to wish you all a safe, happy, healthy and enjoyable 2021
 
Bob Fram - Chair 
 
Please help keep your club going
 
We still have a few subscriptions to be paid so please do this before the Mmbership Secretary Starts his strong email reminders

You will need the following Information:

Account Name: Wiltshire RoADAR
Account number: 80006998
Sort Code: 20-84-58
Payment for Annual Subscription £17.00
Please make your Reference Your Name + SUB
 
Otherwise please make your cheques for £17.00 payable to
Wiltshire RoADAR and send to Gary Franks our Membership Secretary
 
Latest COVID advice
This is how we propse to control Wiltshire RoADAR activity given the COVID-19 UK Tier system.
 
Please remember the Tier system applies to you and where you live.  Should you leave home for any reason you take your Tier with you and you should avoid, where possible, entering a Tier higher than your own.  With this in mind here is how the Tiers affect our activity.
 
Car tutoring:
 
Tier 1 – can go ahead given the agreement of tutor and associate.  You MUST follow the published protocols (published below).
 
Tier 2 and above. – no car tutoring.
 
Bike Activity:
 
Tier 1 and 2 – Bike tutoring and ride outs can take place but the published protocols MUST be followed (published below).
 
Tier 3 and above – no activity.
 
Meetings
 
We will not hold face to face meetings until the advice allows us to do so.  There have been suggestions for a virtual monthly meeting, but we need a volunteer to organise and run these – please let me know if you are happy to give this a go.
 
 
We received advice from RoDAR HQ on 2 Dec informing us tutoring and examining may continue in Tier 1 - 3 areas .  We have taken the decision to be more restrictive as we have interpreted the rules differently.
 
Members' Activities
 
Have you been up to anything to do with Riding or Driving lately? If so, then please let us know as we would love to include it here; photos would be great too!
Wiltshire RoADAR – Wiltshire Seven White Horses Ride
 
Our last ride out of 2020 saw 8 bikes and one pillion turn up for a ride around Wiltshire, visiting seven white horses carved into the chalky landscape.
 
 
Meeting at our forever favourite starting point, Sally Pussey’s in Royal Wootton Bassett, on a dry Saturday morning we split into two groups of four, following the route above, mostly! The forecast was for sunny spells interspersed with showers. The sky looked like it would be kind to us, but it seems the BBC almost got something right this time! As midway round, we were caught in a very heavy downpour!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
My group and Jane eager to set off!
 
The plan was to take a photo at a viewing point for each horse. This meant we would probably be doing some u-turns, which we did.

 
Our first stop at Hackpen Hill
 
Moving onto Cherhill, then to Devizes where it started to pour down, we stopped for a cuppa tea and a bacon sarnie.
 
 
 
As you may be able to tell, the weather took a wet turn! It was at this point one of the group mentioned there were actually eight white horses in Wiltshire! But luckily for us Andy knew Devizes well and lead us to a parking spot only a short distance from a nice  café.
 
Our next stop was towards Westbury, Bratton Camp, and this turned out to be my favourite of the lot. Weather was changing for the better and the sun was out. And the view across to the horse was superb!
 
The horse is there, but hard to see!
 
Moving on from here, we followed the route to Pewsey and then onto our final group photo of the day overlooking the Alton Barnes white horse.
 
 
 
Alton Barnes white horse.
To ride this route meant passing through many chocolate box villages, with thatched roof cottages and village greens. It was not a fast ride, more of a burble around Wiltshire. Googlemaps suggests a time of around 2 hours. I think you could spend a whole day doing this, stopping off frequently for sustenance and taking photos.
A great ride, so thanks to all that joined for the last one of the year!
Here’s to many more happy rides in 2021 – what could possibly go wrong!
As well as the route shown above, here is a Relive link of the ride: Wiltshire RoADAR Seven White Horses Ride
 
The View from the other Group
 
The December Ride-out was looming large and I was eager to get my RT1200 Beamer on the road.  I am falling in love with her as she is a very reliable ride and so comfortable.  My true love was my Blackbird but she was just a tad uncomfortable when draped over her tank on a long ride.
 
To make the ride a bit longer I had decided to deliver a few local Christmas cards so up and out at break of day and programme the Sat Nav to find them all and off I went.  Nice to practice some slow riding on quiet urban roads before making my way to Sally Pussey’s.  As I came off the J16 roundabout I spy a well ridden bike behind me.  I hope it is a fellow ride-outer and sure enough he follows me in.  Great to see some old friends and new as we chat before the off.
 
We were over the rule of six limit, so divided into two parties.  Markey Mark was my leader and as no one else had been a ‘tail end Charlie’.   I decided to volunteer.  I remember seeing others do it and that the backmarker stays well back to give everyone a chance to sort themselves out and let the marker rider get going again before you have to stop.
 
We were a small band of four so no real skill was needed as the backmarker and the other two riders were very experienced.  Markey Mark had been handed a map by Peter which was a pretty pink.  Peter could provide no good reason for this even after some ribald comments.   Peter’s group went first so after another five minutes we set off.
 
First off was Hackpen Hill so turn left out of Sally’s, a bit of a relief as turning right can take ages and make for a very straggling tail end.  Then a quick nip round the top of J16 and past the Garden Centre and a tricky little road with some right-angled bends which are always sharper than you remembered.  All safely through and an easy right onto the A4361.   We are settled as a nice group riding in fine weather.  Then a left at Broad Hinton for Hackpen which must be on most peoples’ favourite ride list.  We passed the other group as they were on a photo mission.  Peter looked like an old AA combo man as he saluted us by.  I love this road, such a delight to take the bends nice and accurately (for me at any rate) then let the big bike open up as you power up the hill leaning nicely into the bend, a little counter steer and up to the top of the hill.  Mark decided to carry straight onto Marlborough, always a lovely town to amble through.  We picked our way down to the Saturday Market.  What a lovely county Wiltshire is.  I am a relatively recent migrant here and love it.  Past Rick Stein’s restaurant where we had enjoyed the £10.00 off Sunak surprise in the late summer.  We cracked on, the pace was good but not in any way onerous.  Mark was wearing in new tyres so it was even smoother than his usual runs.
 
 
Parked up in Devizes
Past Marlborough College and down the Bath Road and onto a five-minute stop at the Old Divine Café site.  The weather was starting to turn a little inclement but no matter.  Then as we pulled out,  big fat drops fell from the sky.  Why hadn’t I used the time to put my wet weather gear on?  It really striked cold, as well as wet.  I fiddled with my heated bars and seat.  Well, my beloved ‘Bird had none of such fripperies which I now see as essentials.  The bars were soon to hot to handle while the seat warmed up the puddle I was sitting in.   Devizes homed into view.   At last! A proper stop, we went round once and found the bike park and I waddled off to the café in The Shambles.  A true delight, Hot Chocolate and a hot breakfast and a chat to a fellow Triumph (car) enthusiast TR6s & Stags were the main topics.

The delightfully homey Shambles Café
 
Back to the bikes and pull the wet weather gear over the wet leathers and off!  A delightful ride to the Calne Cherhill White Horse.  We met Pete’s group just pulling into the car park from the other direction as he had followed the route a little more closely.  The poor horse which needs a little cheering up, more grey than white but a stunning view and well worth a visit.
 
 
Admiring the stunning view at Cherwell
 
The afternoon sunlight was lovely but we saw dark menacing clouds beating their way up the valley towards us so a hasty retreat.  Mark and I went back to Marlborough as I had one more card to drop off in Ogbourne St. George.  A great ride out thanks guys.
 
 
News from RoADAR HQ 
 
Department of Transport Consultations:
For those of you who do not routinely read Care on the Road there was an interesting article about RoSPA's response to recent Department of Transport consultation on changes to the Highway Code and road safety due to a reduciton in roads policing.  They are worth a look, if your magazine has already been recycled  you can find the full response to the policing quesitons here.
 
Customised RoSPA training awards:
 
We received the following from RoADAR HQ which has prompted some strong responses across RoDAR due to the change to the status of the existing RoSPA diploma.  We have made our displeasure known to HQ who seem to be indifferent to  the concerns of volunteer groups - this is something we will try an address again as our accreditation is renewed in  March 2021 - I am not expecting much change to be honest.
 
The message.

You may have noticed that we have recently made some changes to the RoSPA Diplomas in Advanced Driving and Advanced Riding Instruction, so I have outlined below what these changes are and how they affect members. I would be very grateful if you could please share amongst your members, so that we can help everyone to understand these changes.

What has changed?

The RoSPA Diploma in Advanced Driving Instruction has now been replaced by the RoSPA Level 4 Award in Advanced Behavioural Driver Training, and the RoSPA Diploma in Advanced Motorcycle Instruction has been replaced by the RoSPA Level 3 Award in Advanced Motorcycle Instructor Training.

They are qualifications for those who wish to work as fee-charging trainers. While the content is similar to the Diplomas, a RoSPA advanced test Gold is still a prerequisite, and the courses still last for five days, each is an update to the Diploma in that the techniques taught are better aligned with modern understandings of learning and teaching practice.
Both also still enable successful delegates to apply for the respective DVSA registers (the Register of Fleet Trainers, and the Enhanced Rider Scheme).

These new qualifications are customised awards that benefit from being bench marked against Ofqual level descriptors and are quality assured and regulated by RoSPA Qualifications. Please note, this course is not on the Ofqual register. They are approved by the DVSA.

RoSPA Qualifications is a separate entity from other areas of RoSPA and operates independently with its own governing body and management team.

What does this mean for RoSPA Diploma holders?

For RoSPA Diploma holders that work as fee-charging trainers, when they are next due to renew they must take the relevant new qualification.

For those members who hold a Diploma but are not fee-charging trainers, then they can maintain their Diploma status simply by taking the usual test when they are next due to renew. However, they should bear in mind that the Diploma will organically be phased out as more and more people choose to take the Level 4/Level 3 qualification.

RoSPA Advanced Driver and Rider members who take the new levelled qualification will be able to do so at a discounted rate (£1,100 for the Level 4 in Advanced Behavioural Driver Training, and £1,165 for the Level 3 in Advanced Motorcycle Instructor Training) by quoting their membership number at the point of purchase.

For more information on either of the courses, please email enquiries@rospa.com 

Reminder of the page: RoADAR Head Office or type in RoSPA Advanced Drivers and Riders in to your facebook.
 
New Books!   Updates to Roadcraft are coming!
 
Bikes
Motorcycle Roadcraft is the police handbook for rider training. It’s used by all the emergency services and forms a key reference for riding instructors.

Updates for this new edition include a new overtaking chapter with separate sections on passing stationary vehicles, single stage overtakes, and multi-stage overtakes and new explanations of advanced concepts, such as limit points on left-hand bends. Guided by a working group of experienced instructors, Motorcycle Roadcraft is essential learning for police officers preparing for the demands of operational riding.
 
Cars
Roadcraft is the police handbook for driver training. It's used by all the emergency services and forms reference for driving instructors.

Updates for this new edition include a new overtaking chapter with separate sections on passing stationary vehicles, single stage overtakes, and multi-stage overtakes and new explanations of advanced concepts, such as limit points on left-hand bends.

Guided by a working group of experienced instructors, Roadcraft is essential learning for police officers preparing for the demands of operational driving.
 
See here for more info: https://www.roadcraft.co.uk/ 
 
Group Meetings and look ahead

 
As requested at the AGM we would like to try and hold a viritual meeting in November and December.  We also need someone to volunteer to coordinate and run the event.  If you have the capability to do so or have idea on what we can do drop a line to secretary@wiltshireroadar.co.uk  and we will get things rolling!
 
This Years' Speakers
 
Thanks to Les for organising our guest speakers.
 
New Speakers
 
Les is working hard to identify. speakers who will be able to attend meetings when they resume.  if you have any ideas please let him know at speakers@wiltshireroadar.co.uk 
 
Protocols - Risk assessments have been completed and are held by the Chairman
 
 
Car tutoring protocol
 
Overview
 
This is a voluntary activity and both parties (Tutor and Associate) must be content to be in the same car as each other (normally the Associate’s car).  It is recognised each individual has their own circumstances and acceptance of level of risk.  There will be no judgement of individuals who do not wish to conduct car training.
 
Wiltshire RoADAR have a written risk assessment which is available on request.  The mitigation factors listed below are to minimise the risk of coronavirus infection for the Tutor and the Associate.  These are the absolute minimum required and if individuals wish to add their own factors then this is up to them and will be fully supported by the committee.
 
Essential Mitigation Measures
 
  • No training if either party has displayed COVID 19 symptoms within 7 days or is self-isolating in line with Government guidance (including Test and Trace protocols).
  • Face covering to be worn by both tutor and associate.  These must be in place prior to entering the vehicle.
  • Associate to ensure vehicle interior is cleaned with sanitiser prior to tutor entering the vehicle.
  • Ensure hands are clean (washed for 20 seconds and/or alcohol gel as a minimum) prior to fitting face covering.
  • Gloves to be worn by tutor when in the vehicle.
  • Tutor and associate must not touch their face when in the vehicle or prior to removing gloves and washing/sanitising hands.
  • Vehicle ventilation system to be on and drawing air from outside the vehicle (NOT on recirculation). Ventilation enhanced by opening rear windows to allow air flow over tutor and associate to go out of the vehicle.
  • Avoid face to face activity and conduct discussions outside the vehicle where safe and legal to do so.
  • Any equipment taken into the vehicle by the tutor to be sanitised post the session (alcohol wipes or a bleach solution).
Recommended Additional Mitigation Measures
  • Gloves to be worn by associate.
  • Tutor to wear an outer layer of clothing which can be removed and placed in a bag for washing post tutoring session.
  • Tutor may use a disposable seat covering if so desired.
 
Bike tutoring Protocol

We must ensure the safety of both the Associate and the Tutor.  The following protocol is to be followed:
  • Both parties must be happy to partake in the tutoring session – there is no penalty for not wishing to partake provided communication is clear.
  • No tutoring if either the Associate or the Tutor have displayed symptoms within the last 7 days or are told to self- isolate by the Government Test and Trace protocol.
  • All must follow Government guidelines on self-isolation and shielding.
  • Appropriate Social distancing must be rigorously applied. 
  • Follow Government guidelines for hand cleansing and personal safety – hand sanitiser to be used appropriately.
  • Avoid busy locations for meeting and take own refreshments.
  • Associates to be encouraged to bring their own copy of Roadcraft and the Highway code for ease of reference during briefing and de briefing sessions.
  • Tutor explanations and diagrams to be suitable for understanding from 2 metres.
 
Rideout Protocol
 
Maximum of 6 riders:
  • Pre booking with the ride leader essential; do not just turn up on the day – first come first served – if more register then we will split into 2 groups
  • RV to avoid busy spaces where there will be gatherings of people.
  • All riders to arrive at RV with full tank of petrol and ready for the ride.
  • Rides to be planned for no longer than 2 hours to prevent the need for rest and fuel stops.  May be longer if cafes and other facilities (toilets) are open -we will review as this happens.
  • If you want a cup of coffee bring a flask and nibbles for yourself.
  • Ride to avoid busy beauty spots where there is likely to be lots of traffic. 
There is a thread on the forum where discussion and latest info will be placed. 

Feel free to contact Mark Sealey with any questions. And please do let him know if you want to come so he can pre-book if the numbers grow.
 
Promotional activities

BikeSafe Dates for 2021
 
Wiltshire Police have proposed dates or BikeSafe:
 
April 25th
July 4th
August 29th
September 12th
October 3rd

 
We will be supporting Wiltshire Police with BikeSafe both with tutors to make up the instructor numbers and to help promote the Group.  We do this in conjunction with WABAM so it is a great way to reinforce advanced riding and to gather new members.

Proposed Promotional activities 2021

Outline events for next year are below, all of which will need member support so please do help us promote our Group:
  • Promote the Group at Casle Combe race circuit - Bikes and Cars.  Make best use of Gary's RoADAR Wilsthire Racing antics to spread the word.
  • We will have a stand at the Calne Bike meet in July (already paid for as this year's event was cancelled).
  • We will continue to seek support from Wiltshire Council Road Safety Comittee.
  • Attend the Emergency Services Show should it go ahead.
If you have any ideas for events, then please get in touch with the committee using the committee email address :
 
 
Look forward to hearing and discussing your ideas.
 
Presentation material

A generic set of slides has been created for use if you are asked about Wiltshire RoADAR and have the opportunity to present. This could be at a local club, workplace etc. Please send a mail to committee@wiltshireroadar.co.uk   and the slides will be sent over to you.
 
We also have flyers and business cards so ask for these via the same means
 
Notices
 
First Aid Training - COVID-19 dependant - postponed to 2021
 
It is intended to provide a first aid training day (subsidised by the Group).  This is highly recommended for all tutors as part of our responsibilities for the safety of our associates but also an excellent skill for all of us; you never know when you will need it.  It is compulsory training for me at work and one of my colleagues saved her husband’s life as she had first aid training.
 
This will probably be on a Saturday as soon as we can after the lockdown; we have 15 already interested s. Watch this space for more (we will communicate with those who have registered an interest directly). It is not too late to register interest (this does not commit you) so email the Chairman if you wish to be included  
   
Media coordinator - Help us to broaden our reach
 
To help promote the group we have a variety of online media platforms, FaceBook, YouTube, Instagram and Twitter. To help make the most out of the opportunities that these outlets provide, we could use some help from someone who has experience of using such tools. Drop me a line at secretary@wiltshireroadar.co.uk  if you would be interested in helping promote our group.
 
 
Communication 
Committee minutes   
 
These are available from the Group Secretary if any member wishes to see them. If you are interested in reading the minutes, then please send a mail to the Group Secretary whom will promptly forward them onto you.
 
Forum

Please could all Members use the Forum on the Website which can be used for any purpose but particularly coordinating events, hints, tips and general conversation.  It is easy to register on the website so please do log on and chat away.
      
Test results 
 
Reminder to let the Membership Secretary and your tutor know when you have taken your Advanced Driving/Riding Test and result. This is so our database is kept up to date; there is no need or pressure at all to have the result published on the website or in this newsletter if you wish to keep your result confidential.  
 
Car and Bike adverts!
 
This is a new venture for The Newsletter. Putting members bikes and cars for sale.
You will know it should be a good vehicle as it is being sold by a fellow member.



BMW, R1200RT Tourer FSH BMW panniers, GIVI top box, Bagster tank cover BMW Motorrad SAT NAV Holder   £3,575
 
Very nice well cared for bike. Low mileage, 55,300 miles, only three owners, garaged.
Mount for Motorrad SATNAV tested with Garmin SUMO 660 and BMW Motorrad VI.
Bagster tank cover. Owned and carefully ridden by a Wiltshire RoSPA Advanced tutor. 
 
This is a magnificent bike. 
 
It is also on Auto Trader and is at the keenest price for the year.  A stunning Bike at the price of a winter hack.
 

 
 
 
 
 
Please note:
Wiltshire RoADAR does not take responsibility or vouch for the sales.  It is for the purchaser to try the vehicle and make up his or her own mind.
 
Membership Secretary: Mr Gary Franks
Hon Secretary: Mr Mark Sealey
secretary@wiltshireroadar.co.uk
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