January 2021
 
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.
 
On hold until further notice.
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:

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
 
 
We're now on
Facebook
AND
Twitter!
Find us on facebook
@wiltshireroadar
The COVID-19 Secure Newsletter
 
Mike Southgate
 
 
It is with sadness I must announce the passing of our friend and Life Member Mike Southgate.  Mike died on 13 Jan after a short illness and our thoughts and prayers are with Mary and his family, who happily were blessed with the arrival of Mike’s granddaughter, Rosie, on the same day.
 
 
 
 
Mike was one of life’s true Gentlemen and a member of our Group for 16  years.  He was an advanced bike tutor and had served on the Committee for many years as the Treasurer.  He was also a dedicated Blood Biker.  Mike made everyone feel comfortable with his gentle, fair and pragmatic approach (although one has to challenge his judgement as a Northampton Saints supporter!)
 
He had an inner steel which supported his desire to always do the right thing; he had bags of moral courage but never let a difference of opinion sour a relationship.  There was always a glint in his eye which indicated his sense of fun and his generous personality will be sorely missed.
 
Mike was quite an athlete and had run many marathons and was often tearing round Wiltshire on his bicycle – quite quickly I might add.
 
He was a great team player, but his first team was his family and particularly Mary who is also a life member of our Group.  They worked so well together and Wiltshire RoADAR is all the better for their membership.
 
If anyone wants to pass a message to Mary then please do it via the Chairman 
 
Bob Fram
 
Chair's message
The new year has crept in under a lockdown and more restrictions placed on us to try and contain this horrible virus.  I hope all of you are keeping safe and well and I know there are plenty of members who are volunteering in many ways to help us all get through the pandemic; I wish to thank you all for doing so.
 
We have stopped all activity where it is necessary to meet face to face and this will continue until such time as the lockdown restrictions allow us to be out and about. 
 
The Committee continues to meet (virtually) monthly so we are prepared to recommence our activity as soon as we can.  If you want to join one of the meetings with an idea or to help with our development please let us know and we will welcome you; fresh ideas and a new perspective always welcome.
 
In the meantime I wish all of you the very best, please follow the rules, be considerate, stay safe and healthy.
 
Regards
 
Bob
 
Please help keep your club going
We still have a few subscriptions to be paid so please do this before the Membership 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
No tutoring to take place.

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.
 
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!
Presumption is that, like all of us, we are planning what we can do later this year once this pandemic is sorted. 
 
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! 
 
Myself, we are planning a 3-week trip around the coast of Spain in our T5 camper van in April - but I suspect that may have to be moved!!

Until then, stay safe!
 
Peter
 
News from RoADAR HQ 
 
Accreditation - every group has to be accredited with RoADAR, and a re-accreditation takes place every three years. The Wiltshire Group Committee reviews the paperwork and advise on whether we accept the proposal from HQ, or not. A summary of significant changes would be submitted for all group members for review and input. In the past, we held an extra-ordinary meeting for members to voice their opinions. See note from HQ about this being delayed.
 
Dear Chairman and Secretaries,

I trust you are keeping well and safe.

As you may be aware, the time for the three-yearly renewal of accreditation has now arrived for some groups.

Normally we would ask groups to submit any changes they would like to make, for example adding or removing vehicle categories or amending proxy votes etc. This in turn would be reviewed and agreed, granting another three-year accreditation.

However the unusual circumstances over the past 10 months has understandably had an impact on individuals, groups, operations and contact with committee members.

Therefore, after close consideration and review, we shall be granting a 12-month accreditation extension to all groups due to renew in 2021. Accreditation will therefore expire and re open for accreditation for those groups on the same date in 2022.

Thank you for your work and dedication in keeping groups and members abreast of the changing situation during these difficult times.

Best wishes
Amy
 
Amy Brant
Head of Driver Training
T: +44 (0)7880 785 056
 
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.
 
See here for more info: https://www.roadcraft.co.uk/ 
 
Group Meetings and look ahead

 
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
 
Protocols - Risk assessments have been completed and are held by the Chairman.
 
No tutoring to take place until restrictions allow. Presumably, assuming we return to a Tiering system, then the following remain in place. 
 
 
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 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 
  • 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 - sometime in 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.
 
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   £3,275
 
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.
 
Membership Secretary: Mr Gary Franks
Hon Secretary: Mr Mark Sealey
secretary@wiltshireroadar.co.uk
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