Dates For Your Diary
Next meeting is on 10th November, From 7.30pm for a 7.45pm start .
November 10th – Our very own Steven Hyde takes us through his recent Malle Rally experience.
SkillShare & Social
1 November 2025 meeting at the REME Cafe, Lyneham. 9.30 am for 10 am start. See main section for more details.
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.
Next ride out Sunday 16 November Details will be forthcoming via email to all bike members.
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Do you have a topic you would like discussed, or know of an interesting speaker? Please contact speaker at speakers@wiltshireroadar.co.uk |
Congratulations
Congratulations to the following members who have passed their Advanced Tests recently:
Ryan Jones - Car, Gold, Tutor Paul Warner
Ali Cuthbert – Bike, Silver, Tutor Mark Sealey
Please let your tutor know if you have passed recently.
Please welcome the following to the Group:
Jason Rees - Car
Joshua Sherry - Bike
Eddy Peersman - Bike
Les Wilson - Car
Ed Deacon – Car – welcome back!
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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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“October: when the sun clocks off early, the roads get slipperier than a politician’s promise, and your fog lights finally earn their keep."
With autumn rolling in, it's not just the squirrels preparing for chaos - drivers and riders alike face the seasonal gauntlet of wet leaves and low sun.
As the season shifts, so too does our focus—toward sharper skills, deeper awareness, and a renewed commitment to excellence behind the wheel and on the saddle. Whether you're navigating twisty lanes on two wheels or cruising country roads in four, Wiltshire RoADAR is where passion meets precision. Whilst the change in the clocks go back ostensibly to make travelling to work safer we have the added risk of it getting dark earlier. Despite my ( and my dog’s) body clock taking a while to adapt we need to ensure we are on top of our driving and riding skills.
Our advanced skills aren’t just for passing tests—they’re for surviving roundabouts designed by someone with a grudge, and country lanes that seem to narrow every year. Whether you’re on two wheels or four, we train to stay sharp, stay safe, and occasionally laugh at ourselves (usually after missing a gear and pretending it was “a tactical downshift”).
So let’s embrace the season with a grin, a good set of tyres, and the kind of driving that makes other road users say, “Well, that was unexpectedly competent.”
Paul Prictor, our Membership Secretary, has sent out a friendly reminder to all members. The cost is just £20, which covers all our fantastic group activities like monthly meetings, attending events, and providing 3-yearly First Aid courses. We'll send out three reminders, and if we don't hear back, we'll assume you're off on new adventures. But if you decide not to renew, just drop Paul a quick message.
Stay safe
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October's Group Meeting - a fascinating talk from Wiltshire Air Ambulance volunteers, Ruth and Claire.
In the heart of Wiltshire, where winding country lanes meet bustling towns, a yellow and green helicopter cuts through the sky with purpose and urgency. This is the Wiltshire Air Ambulance—a lifeline for thousands, a symbol of hope, and a testament to what community spirit can achieve when lives hang in the balance.
Operating since 1990, Wiltshire Air Ambulance has evolved into one of the UK’s most respected emergency medical services. It’s not just a helicopter—it’s a flying emergency room, staffed by critical care paramedics and doctors who bring hospital-level treatment directly to the scene. Whether it’s a motorbike accident on a remote trail, a cardiac arrest in a village, or a serious fall in the hills, this service delivers rapid, expert care when every second counts.
But this miracle of modern medicine doesn’t come cheap. In 2023, the charity’s annual operating costs rose to £4.5 million, and by 2025, they surpassed £5 million. That’s over £13,700 every single day. Unlike NHS services, Wiltshire Air Ambulance receives no regular government funding. It relies entirely on donations, fundraising events, and the generosity of local businesses and individuals. Every pound given is a step closer to saving a life.
Each mission costs between £2,300 and £2,500—a figure that reflects not just fuel and maintenance, but the cost of highly trained personnel, advanced medical equipment, and the infrastructure to support 24/7 operations. In 2023 alone, the crew responded to 1,167 incidents, and in 2024 that number rose to 1,343. These aren’t just statistics—they’re people. Parents, children, friends, and neighbours whose lives were changed, or saved, by the swift arrival of the air ambulance.
The equipment onboard is nothing short of extraordinary. From portable ventilators and ultrasound machines to blood transfusion kits and surgical tools, the helicopter is stocked to handle the most critical emergencies. The inclusion of doctors on board since 2019 has elevated the level of care dramatically allowing procedures like advanced airway management, anaesthesia, and even emergency caesarean sections to be performed on-site. This isn’t just rapid response; it’s frontline medicine in motion.
Behind the scenes, the charity is powered by volunteers, fundraisers, and everyday heroes who give their time, energy, and resources to keep the rotors turning. People like Eric Woods, who survived a devastating accident thanks to the air ambulance and now volunteers to give back. His story is one of many—proof that this service doesn’t just save lives, it inspires them.
Wiltshire Air Ambulance is more than a helicopter. It’s a promise: that no matter where you are, help can reach you. It’s a beacon of resilience, powered by compassion and community. And it’s a reminder that when we come together, we can lift each other—sometimes quite literally—out of the darkest moments.
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Taking both Car and Bike tests?
We have a handful of people who have passed both their car and bike tests. If you wish to do the same it can be confusing as we include the training in your memebrship of Wiltshire RoADAR but your membership of RoSPA only covers one free retest. My thanks to Ryan Jones who calrified the situation with RoSPA.
If you are a bike member,
you can just pay for an interim car test @ £55. My main membership would
be bike (first one to pass) so "free" retest would be bike. Car retest
would be same interim @ £55.
One hopes (by extrapolation) it is the same if your intial membership is for a car - please let us know if you find any difference. (Although we know the Bike test is more expensive than the car test.)
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SkillShare and Saturday Social
Due to popular demand, we’ve decided to change venue for our monthly skillshare. We are now meeting at the REME Museum Café in Lyneham.
Skillshare returns on 1st November so we will be offering taster sessions to potential members. This does not remove the Saturday Social but merely adds to it. Bring a friend and join us on the first Saturday of the month at the Wiltshire RoADAR Saturday Social.
Come and meet your fellow members; exchange notes with other associates; meet some of our tutors and pick their brains.
We usually stay chatting eating cake and drinking tea until 11 ish.
The first Saturday of the month - 09:30 - REME Museum, Calne Rd, Lyneham, Chippenham SN15 4XX
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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!
Group rideout
The intrepid riders met at the Salt Deli cafe just North of Salisbury.
The route initially took us around Salisbury, which as many will know is best avoided at weekends, up Snakey Hill to Wilton. We then headed South on the A30 towards Shaftesbury before turning East and climbing Zig Zag Hill. Next was Cranborne, Alderholt before crossing the A338 and into the New Forest. We saw all the usual wildlife, along with Pannaging Pigs who were excitedly munching on acorns. Pannage is an ancient practice that is still used today by New Forest Commoners, who turn out their pigs into the Forest during the season. The pannage season usually lasts around 60 days, but this year there has been a bumper crop of acorns, it has been extended to the new year.
We had an enjoyable lunch at Sammy Millers Museum’s new cafe, the great man walked by us, but he looked busy.
The next stop was to Rugged Roads in Sway where Annette decided the braces of my Klim suit, although only a couple years old, were faulty and they exchanged them. I have always found the staff at Rugged Roads helpful - they are stockists of many brands including Touratech, Klim and, Motionpro. The route back from Sway took us through Burley, Poulner and the Gorley Road to Fordingbridge. After taking my old commuting route through Rockbourne, Coombe Bissett and past Salisbury Racecourse we then said our goodbyes at the Wilton Garden Centre.
Apart from the first section I was the only one who knew the roads, which was one of my objectives. Trevor’s satnav thought he was riding in fields. Together with good lunch and service meant the day was a success.
My ride door to door was 120 miles and the shortest of the four riders. Many thanks to Neil for carrying out the role of Tail end Charlie, and Keith and Trevor for joining in.
The November rideout leader is Paul Prictor; further details will be provided soon.
If you would like to lead a ride, please contact me rideouts@wiltshireroadar.co.uk
Steven Hyde
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Roadcraft updates
October 2025 sees introductions of new versions of Roadcraft.
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Keeping DVLA Updated
The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has issued reminder about updating your address details without delay if you've moved house. Failing to do so could lead to major issues with your driving licence and vehicle registration.
You can still drive while you wait for your new documents to be sent to you.
Once you have moved, you should follow these steps and update them as soon as you can. This meansyou must update your:
• Driving licence
• Vehicle log book (V5C)
• Direct Debit
• Personalised number plate documents
• Trailer register certificate
You do not need to change anything if your address is only temporary such as being at university
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Promotional activities
SkillShare - at REME Cafe, Lyneham on 1 November- in addition to the Saturday Social.
Wiltshire Police BikeSafe
Successfully supported by Wiltshire RoADAR motorcycle tutors and WABAM Observers. Dates for 2025 are as follows:
All done for this year. Thanks for all the tutors that supported this.
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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Booking a Retest
Please be aware you need to book your 3 yearly retest directly with RoSPA via their website. Sadly we cannot book it for you as it is all done electronically. You may also need to check when your re-test is due if you have not been paying your subscriptions to RoADAR as they will not remind you.
Tutors will be happy to conduct a refresh should you wish one prior to a re test.
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Membership and GDPR
Due to GDPR we are required to remove an individual's details from our Group database when they are no longer required by us. We remove a lapsed member's details if they have not paid a subscription by the 31 Dec following the AGM (3 months after the subscriptions are due). If a member has forgotten to pay their subs and pays after 31 Dec we will require a joining form to be completed so we can replace them on the database.
It all seems a bit strange, but we do not want to get on the wrong side of the Government's Information Commissioner. We understand if members forget or are late with their subscriptions, but please help us to keep our database accurate and compliant.
This is, of course, separate to those of you who maintain a membership with RoADAR HQ.
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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.
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.
If you have read this far, thanks! If you have any feedback or suggestions about content for your newsletter, then drop us a line at newsletter@wiltshireroadar.co.uk If you can't leave constructive feedback though, then we don't want to hear from you!
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