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
Potential for Group Meeting in July
First Aid course
Being planned for post COVID-19 lockdown - not before 21 Jun.
Skillshare
We will start again in May 2021
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.
On hold until further notice.
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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:
Welcome
Please welcome the following to the Group:
Darren Burton - Bike
Simon Doherty - Bike |
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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We're now on
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AND
Twitter! |
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And so the lock down continues but at least there is light at the end of the tunnel. I trust you and your loved ones are all keeping safe and well.
I was struck by an article I read about skill fade. Many of us will not have driven our cars much or ridden our bikes for a long time now, or not as often or as far as we would like. We all know we need to continue to practice our skills to keep them honed. The great golfer Gary Player when he was told he was a really lucky golfer said, “it is funny: the more I practise the luckier I get”. As we emerge from lockdown please be aware we may not be as good a driver or rider as we were when it started. Please take some time to build your skills up to your pre lockdown levels and do some revision of Roadcraft and the Highway Code. As advanced drivers and riders our skills will come back quickly but we need to be honest with ourselves and we will need a bit of theory revision and practice to do so.
Another casualty of COVID is the Calne Bike meet which has been postponed until 2022.
The Government Roadmap gives us some timelines as to when activity can re commence. We will plan for the following:
No activity until we move into Step 2 (not before 12 April) existing risk assessments and protocols are sufficient:
Bike tutoring can recommence from 12 April - no meeting indoors
First Bike ride out - 3rd weekend of April; rule of 6 applies. Meeting outside only.
First Skill share on 1 May - rule of 6 applies so pre booking and meeting outside only.
Car tutoring – we are waiting for more information but may be possible in step 2 if both tutor and associate are happy. We will follow the lead of DVSA. May be delayed until Step 3 (not before May 17th)
We may be able to hold a Group meeting in July once we are in Step 4 (not before 21 June)
If there are any revisions to this it will be published in the March Newsletter.
In the meantime I wish you and yours stay safe and healthy.
Regards
Bob |
It was such a shock to hear of Mike’s death. I had seen him just after Christmas, socially distanced of course, from his doorstep. He was a bit groggy after having been in hospital just before Christmas, but otherwise seemed fine.
Personally, I had known Mike for a good few years and enjoyed his company on many May Trippers jaunts. We were on the first one in France. I remember us all travelling on a ‘Peage’ motorway. I thought we might be about to take the wrong fork but Mike who was at the back looking after us as Tail end Charlie knew for sure. His trademark yellow helmet sped past us and got us on the right track. He was a mild-mannered man but could take definite action when necessary. He also gave me my cross check ride up Hackpen Hill. I have to say he did not miss one of my many faults on what was an exhilarating and very enjoyable ride.
We all wanted to contribute to honouring his passing and it came up about there being a bike escort. Mary, his widow was very receptive to the idea. As Mike had been a very keen Blood biker it was thought that two blood bikes one from his local branch and Steven Hyde from SERV Wessex would attend. These bikes of course would take precedence. John Pearce of Pearce Funeral Services, a personal friend of the family, also took the idea on board. He wanted the bikes to lead the cortege. So, some of us from Wiltshire RoADAR volunteered. The route turned out to be quite convoluted as the junction at The Moonrakers pub was partially closed. Fortunately, Geoff Brown the on-duty Severn Freewheeler and Chairman of Gloucestershire RoADAR knows Swindon well. He had done the route the day before and was a very safe pair of hands to lead us all.
Richard & Anne Eamer, Barbara & Mark Sealey, Sue & Winston Castle, Steve Hyde & Geoff Brown
The ‘Honour Guard’
We all grouped before the off in Kennet Avenue a little way away from Mary’s house. We worked out the final order, then just before the hearse arrived, we took our positions. Mike was shown every respect from a good group of local friends and well-wishers giving him a great send-off from his home. It was very thought provoking and an honour to be a part of the process. John Pearce led us all at a slow walk down the slope of Kennet Avenue, a tricky piece of work as all the Wiltshire crew were two up. Then the procession to Kingsdown crematorium.
First of all, right into Thames Avenue, where cars slowed for us all to pass. Right at the end and onto Thamesdown Drive towards St. Andrews’ Ridge then right onto Cricklade Road and left through Queensfield Housing estate to emerge by Arkell’s Brewery then left to Kingsdown road and into the quiet grounds of our destination. A final grouping of the bikes as a guard of honour under the leafy glade as the rest of the cortege carried on to allow the family to attend the funeral.
We all hoped that Mike would have approved in his quiet way.
As a footnote Mary has generously donated his kit to The Blue Knights Devon Chapter who donate serviceable motor cycle kit for young riders who could not otherwise afford appropriate clothing
His yellow helmet, of which many of you will be very familiar, still has pride of place in the garage…
Winston Castle
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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!
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Presumption is , like all of us, we are planning what we can do later this year once this pandemic is sorted.
Ohm Driven Racing
Our own, Wiltshire RoADAR sposnored, Gary Franks will be racing again this year.
Racing will be starting as planned and Group memebrs are welcome to visit.
It has not yet been announced when spectators will be allowed. Please check the series website for the lastest details:
https://www.ccracingclub.co.uk/championships/ccrc-hot-hatch-challenge/
Dates are as follows (all at Castle Combe):
Monday 5th April 2021 Howards Day
Monday 3rd May 2021 Mayday Madness Race Day
Monday 31st May 2021 Combe Challenge
Saturday 12th & Sunday 13th June 2021 June Race Weekend
Saturday 3rd & Sunday 4th July 2021 Classic And Retro Race Weekend
Monday 30th August 2021 Combe Countdown
Saturday 18th September 2021 Grand Finals Day
Gary Franks.
A few of us planning some iron butt rides - but you know what they say; plan early plan twice but at least it gives us a conection with riding and touring!
Please let us know of any plans you may have; any road trips, any places
to drive/ride to; maybe you have plans to unicycle the length of the UK
- if you are planning this, please let us know as this would be great
to read about!
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News from RoADAR HQ
We received this update from RoADAR HQ on 24 Feb:
I trust you are keeping well and safe,
Following
the recent government announcement it is unlikely that we will be able
to resume tutoring or testing for cars or bikes throughout England,
Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland prior to April 12th, we are
in close contact with the DVSA and we will receive further updates
closer to the time.
Anyone
who receives an automatic retest notification should still book through
the online portal to ensure you can retain your last test result, and
so that your retest can be booked as
soon as it is safe to do so. Tutoring and testing is also currently
paused in the Republic of Ireland, and we will be monitoring the easing
of restrictions there too.
Fleet
training and testing undertaken by RoSPA is also paused until at least
April 12, although it is important to note Emergency Service testing and
Banksman
courses are continuing where essential work is required.
Group activities
In
England, while people will be allowed to meet outside within the “rule
of six” from March 29, the advice at that point will still be to stay
local as
much as possible, and we would therefore advise against group ride-outs
until at least until April 12 when the restrictions are due to ease
further (although the rule of six will still apply outdoors and groups
won’t be allowed to meet indoors, with limited
exceptions).
From
May 17, people should be able to meet in groups of up to 30 outdoors,
or of up to six indoors, representing another opportunity for group
activities
to resume, although we understand that social distancing could still be
required. From June 21, with all legal limits on social contact due to
be removed, we anticipate that all group activities will be able to take
place without restriction. Please note, the dates above are subject to change by the Government depending on how the easing of restrictions goes in the earlier stages.
In
Scotland, there will be a return to the previous tiered system from
April 26, and so groups will need to assess their ability to hold
activities against
the tier that they are in and what the specific rules are with regard
to meeting up and travelling between areas. No date has yet been set for
the complete lifting of restrictions.
For Wales, we are awaiting the next review of restrictions which is due to take place on March 12.
Similarly for Northern Ireland, we are awaiting the next review, which is due to take place on March 18.
Please do liaise with your Regional Coordinator and or Regional Senior Examiner where appropriate to do so.
With
spring just around the corner, we very much hope that groups will be
able to get out and about to enjoy the improving weather over the coming
months but we’ll continue to be led by
official guidance. In the meantime, stay safe.
Best wishes
Amy
Amy Brant
Head of Driver Training
T: +44 (0)7880 785 056
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New Books! Updates to Roadcraft are here!
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.
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Group Meetings and look ahead - July?
We think we may be able to hold a monthly meeting in July but we will have to stay flexible so watch this space!
Virtual events. Any volunteers? 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!
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
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Protocols - Risk assessments have been completed and are held by the Chairman.
No tutoring to take place until restrictions allow and no sooner than 12 April.
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
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Gloves to be worn by associate.
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Tutor to wear an outer layer of clothing which can be removed and placed in a bag for washing post tutoring session.
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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.
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Promotional activities
BikeSafe Dates for 2021
Wiltshire Police have proposed dates or BikeSafe:
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 Castle Combe race circuit - Bikes and Cars. Make best use
of Gary's RoADAR Wiltshire Racing antics to spread the word. Dates for the Castle Combe Road Racing National Weekend is 4/5 September
- Calne Bike meet postponed to July 2022
- We will continue to seek support from Wiltshire Council Road Safety Committee.
- 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
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First Aid Training - COVID-19 dependant - sometime after 21 June 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 interesteds. 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.
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Committee minutes
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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.
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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 New reduced price £3,100
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 their own mind.
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