Dates For Your Diary
Group Meeting
11 April Liddington Village Hall. Infomal meet with "Ask the Tutors"
First Aid course
Fully booked. There may be some who drop out so speak to Peter Genet to be on the reserve list.
Skillshare
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.
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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:
Bill Smith - Bike - Gold
Tom Eatough - Bike - Silver
Stuart camp - Bike - Silver
Welcome
Please welcome the following to the Group:
Tony Law - Bike
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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 |
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
Facebook
AND
Twitter! |
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I am pleased to announce we have achieved our re-accreditation with RoSPA. This will last for 3 years. This was straightforward as we had done most of the hard work for the initial accreditation but thanks to you all we have maintained our governance above the standards required by RoSPA. I have attached the certificate below should you wish to see it.
We will resume our monthly meetings in April. We have assessed the COVID risk and whilst there are no legal reasons to do anything we will do the following:
- Space out seating and keep the room well ventilated (bring some warm clothing!)
- Request all those attending are fully vaccinated (we will not be checking but rely on individuals to make their own judgement).
- Request masks are worn in the building unless speaking to the Group (and having your cup of tea!!)
We do not have a speaker but will do an “Ask the Tutor” Session so we can have a bit of a laugh and chat about any bad habits we have developed - I suspect the latest changes to the Highway code will create some debate!
There will also be a chance to win £50 off a track day with our very own Gary Franks and Driven Ohm racing – see the Driven Ohm Racing section below.
As we start to get somewhere near living with COVID there are a number of events where we will attend to try and recruit new members. These include Driven Ohm Racing events, Calne Bike Meet on 30 July and potentially Castle Combe Motorcycle Grand National 20 & 21 Aug. If you are able to attend any of these events and help us promote the Group please let me know at chairman@wiltshireroadar.co.uk. We are, of course, providing Skillshare again this year.
I hope you are all keeping safe and well and look forward to seeing many of you this year.
Regards
Bob
Speakers for monthly meetings
A big thank you to Les Brown who has booked our speakers over the past few years. He can no longer do this so I would be grateful if someone would volunteer to find interesting speakers for our Group meetings. Not an onerous task but an essential one. If you feel you can help us out with this please get in touch with the Chairman or Secretary.
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Covid protocol
We continue to review these protocols at every Committee meeting and see no reason to change them at the moment for the next month. Clearly with the changes in legislation some may feel these protocols are excessive; we continue to have your safety at the forefront of all we do - personal choice must lead the way. From1 April we will no longer insist on a lateral flow test as these will no longer be free of charge. The responsibility is on us all to do what we think is right for us and our loved ones. The bottom line is if you do not feel safe doing something then do not do it!!
Wiltshire RoADAR COVID Secure Car Tutoring Protocol
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 the this is up to them.
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).
- Associate and tutor to have conducted a lateral flow test within 2 days of the training session. A positive test should be treated as per Government guidelines and precludes training.
- Face covering to be worn by both tutor and associate. These must be in place prior to entering the vehicle.
- Ensure hands are clean (washed for 20 seconds and/or alcohol gel as a minimum) prior to fitting face covering.
- Tutor and associate must not touch their face when in the vehicle or prior to washing/sanitising hands/ or removing gloves if worn.
- 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.
Recommended Additional Mitigation Measures
- Tutor wears disposable gloves when in the vehicle.
- Any equipment taken into the vehicle by the tutor to be sanitised post the session (alcohol wipes or a bleach solution)
- Associate to ensure vehicle interior is cleaned with sanitiser prior to tutor entering the vehicle.
Wiltshire RoADAR COVID Secure 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 Track and Trace protocol.
- It is strongly recommended both the Associate and the Tutor conduct a lateral Flow test no sooner than 2 days prior to the session. A positive test should be treated as per Government guidelines and precludes training.
- 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 useful at all times.
- Avoid busy locations for meeting, follow the latest Government guidelines for the use of cafes and/or 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.
Advice will be updated as and when it is recieved. But, please follow government guidelines.
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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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April 2nd - South West Peninsula Spring Rally
This is a road rally organised by Somerset Advanced Motorists which involves plotting a route throughout the South West Peninsula. It will require some navigational skills, mental dexterity and observational ability, but above all, it is designed to be an enjoyable event for all Riders on two or three wheels.
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Our Own Peter Genet and his wife Sally are setting off on an epic journey in their camper van later this year. He says:
This is something we have been thinking about for many years, and now we’re about to embark on an 8 week, 4,000mile trip, from Cricklade to Athens and back again. Our plan is to spend a couple of weeks in and around Croatia before following the coast through Albania, to Greece. Then onto the Corinth canal and finally Athens. This trip takes us through areas of Greece we’ve never been to before, not to mention Albania. Our return journey will be via Italy, we think, taking the ferry from Ladochori to Brindisi; up the coast to the Italian Dolomites, where we head back home some 8 weeks later.
We will provide updates here but you will be able to follow his progress via this link. Hopefully an inspiration for others to complete an adventure big or small and tell us about it in the newsletter.
Safe travels Peter and Sally
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Training with Gloucester Group
Our car advanced tutors have been busy helping the Gloucester Group train some new tutors. This was an opportunity for the 2 Groups to share ideas and we also managed to train a new tutor for our Group as well. Thanks to Dave Venman, Nick Carrington and Les Brown for their efforts here.
We are also training some new Bike Advanced Tutors as a joint effort which is proving very beneficial to all concerned. The sharing of ideas and resources is helping us improve our training and thus our tutor cohort.
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RoADAR Regional Coordinator South West -Opportunity
An opportunity has arisen for a regional coordinator to cover the 6 groups within the South West of the country as the current Regional Coordinator Mark Bull is resigning from the position.
The attached document provides further information on the role, including requirements and fees. I would like to emphasise at this time that the location of the individual applying does not need to coincide with the area that the role shall cover, but a knowledge of the area would be beneficial.
Should you wish to register their interest in the role of Regional Co-ordinator South West, please do so by emailing me at anixon@rospa.com outlining your current experience, and why you feel you would be the right person for the role.
Andy Nixon
RoADAR Manager
M:+44 (0)7880 785 056
E: anixon@rospa.comanixon@rospa.com>
www.rospa.com
The closing date for registering your interest is Friday 11th March. After this time we shall invite those who have been successful in registering their interest to meet face to face for an informal interview.
More details are here
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Driven Ohm Racing
Preparations continue to have 2 race cars prepped for the pre season test on March 26th at Castle Combe. Steve Waight will be returning for a limited campaign in our second Cooper S R53 car, and will use this test to dial himself in. Steve ran with us in 2020 and 2021 and is no stranger to Combe. He will be debuting our new R53, #887 alongside Gary in the lead car #905.
We hope to be able to host some sponsors on March 26th and get a real buzz going for the season ahead.
Gary has a car available for a track day experience on 20 May at Castle Combe If anyone would like to join him. It costs £250 per person but this includes the car, fuel and all the necessary trimmings, all you need is your full driving license and clothing which leave no exposed skin (Gary has helmets if you do not have your own). You will need to bring a pic-nic or sample the delights of at Bar- H in the paddock for refreshments on the day.
If you come to the Group meeting on 11 April there will be a raffle where you may win the chance for the Group to pay £50 towards your day
Gary's race programme is below:
Please look at the dates above and if you can come along to suport Gary please do and also take some fliers and business cards with you to hand out to the petrol heads - this is a great opportunity to recruit more car drivers.
Gary Franks
Follow progress on Facebook @Driven.Ohm.Racing.
Please check the series website for the lastest details:
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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A Threat to Public Access in the Countryside Starting with Green laning (Trail Riding and Other Motor Vehicles on Byways )
For those who use byways Consultation Deadline 8th April 2022 (please resopnd even if you do not!)
The Landscapes Review published by DEFRA was aimed at informing the government on how National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty can be better managed.
The government published its response to this review that includes further consultation that departs from the spirit of the report and its recommendations, for more inclusive “Landscapes for everyone” with the inclusion of some potentially damaging questions that could provide a platform for legislation that bans motorcycling and other motor vehicles on unsealed and minor tarmac roads.
Question 16
Should we legislate to restrict the use of motor vehicles on unsealed unclassified roads for recreational use, subject to appropriate exemptions?YES EVERYWHERE
Anti public access activists have seized this as an opportunity to embark on a renewed campaign to distort public and governments perception on the issue. Motorcyclists, and more importantly, the wider general public need to take action to combat this type of discrimination. It's motoring and motorcycling this time, but who next - mountain bikers, horse riders, carriage drivers, fell runners, wild swimmers, climbers, canoeists - if "they" don't approve you could be next on their hit list!
Actions speaker louder than words
It's time to stop ranting on social media and ensure your voice is heard by the people who matter in Government. In conjunction with the National Motorcycling Council and LARA we have developed information to help you do that which is here. YOU need to step up and be counted, you must not think that someone else will do this.
You also need to spread the word as you see more stories appear on the subject and make sure you share and comment, as well as encourage friends and family to respond to this important public access issue.
Do not delay take action today - Consultation Deadline 8th April 2022 |
Travelling in the EU ? you need a new nationality sticker
From 28 Sep 21 if you are travelling in the EU please be aware of the following:
If your number plate includes the UK identifier with the Union flag (also known as the Union Jack), you do not need a UK sticker.
However, you will need to display a UK sticker clearly on the rear of your vehicle if your number plate has any of the following:
- a GB identifier with the Union flag
- a Euro symbol
- a national flag of England, Scotland or Wales
- numbers and letters only – no flag or identifier
If you’re in Spain, Cyprus or Malta, you must display a UK sticker no matter what is on your number plate.
You do not need a UK number plate or sticker to drive in Ireland
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Promotional activities
Skillshare - 2022
We are starting Skillshare again this year and alternating between the North and South of the County. Our first event is on 2 April at Three Trees Farm Shop in Chiseldon. Sadly the Haven in Salisbury has closed and we are moving to 3 Guys Cafe 2 Rhodes Moorhouse Wy, Salisbury SP4 6SA (just off the A345 north of Old Sarum, Salisbury) for the Southern version on 7 May.
BikeSafe Dates for 2022
Wiltshire Police have the follwowing proposed dates for BikeSafe:
7 May
19 June
24 July
28 Aug
4 Sep
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.
Calne Bike Meet - 30 July 2022
We have a stand at this huge event on Sat 30 July. Please make a note in your diary as we will need plenty of people to help us promote our Group on our stand ( Car and Bike memebrs please!)
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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The new highway code changes are in detail here. These introduce a hierarchy of responsibility for the safety of all road users. Reading through them they seem to formalise what advanced drivers and riders should be doing already but please be aware of these changes – they come into force in Jan 2022 and many will not read them properly if at all! Remember ALL other road users are dynamic hazards!
The following is doing the rounds on Social media but please do read the complete list of changes at the link
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Books! These are the latest version of Roadcraft (been out for a while now). Please ensure you are using the latest version to keep up to date with your skills.
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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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
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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