Well done to the following members who have passed their advanced test / re-test:
Gold
Lee Dann (M)
Nigel Hitchings (M)
Andy West (M)
Neil Burton (M)
Silver
Markus Westphal (M)
Jonathan Webster (M)
Jon Eaton (M)
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A warm welcome to new group members:
Peter Hartland (M)
David Jackman (C)
Mervyn Woodward (M)
Martin Wakely (C)
Lesley Holdship (C)
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At present no activities have been planned.
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If you have interesting snippets or would like to write a short article for this newsletter then please let us know.
All contributions welcome.
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Wanted: Group Ride Leaders |
We need more volunteer Ride Leaders - No experience required, full training given.
Interested?
Call Stephen Wilkinson-Carr on 07976 644485 for more details.
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Welcome to this the one and only open letter from your current Chairman.
I need to ask if anyone is willing to take on the role of Chairperson from January 2025 as I am only standing in until a person can be found to take on this important role.
NO Chairperson equals no local group. If no Chairperson is found to take on and help run the group, then it will go into a form of closure until HQ either closes the group down completely or a person volunteers to take on this important role. This means all the hard work put in by the current and past committees and members past and present will be lost. It will potentially mean a reduction in road safety within Gloucestershire and surrounding areas, the next nearest group being Wiltshire. The next Chair will be helped by me and the committee to understand what is required, which I have to say is not as difficult as you may think, or as time consuming. I stood in at the AGM in September to stop it closing on that evening. However, I am unable to cover it long term. If you value your RoSPA grade and group, please contact me by email chair@glos-roadar.org.uk and I will explain more of the workings that require maybe an hour or two a week. It could be more, depending on how much you wish to grow the group or maintain the excellent level that Stephen Wilkinson-Carr has moved it to. I stress again no new Chairperson by end of January 2025 equals no group. Adam
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Annual General Meeting 24 Sep 2024 |
New Dual Tutor: Cam Mowbray |
2025 Kawasaki Ninja H2 HySE
Kawasaki Motors has unveiled its first hydrogen-powered motorcycle with an internal combustion engine at the Suzuka Circuit in Suzuka City, Japan. This motorcycle is a result of ongoing research that began in March 2023.
The hydrogen-powered bike features a 998 cc in-line four-cylinder supercharged engine, modified to inject hydrogen directly into the cylinders.
This results in water and moist air being emitted from the exhaust. The chassis has been adapted to accommodate hydrogen fuel canisters and a hydrogen fuel supply system.
According to Kawasaki, hydrogen burns much faster and over a wider temperature range than petrol, providing a more responsive feel.
While the brand has not disclosed the bike's specifications, it is known that the H2 SX model produces 210 hp and 137 Nm of peak torque.
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Tutor Refresher Event: 26 October 2024 |
This event was held on Sat 26th October and attended by 30 group members: Advanced Tutors; Group Tutors; Dual Group Tutors and Potential Group Tutors. There was a nice mix of two examiners, 12 Car Section Members and 16 Motorcycle Section Members.
We had two presentations: one by Stephen Wilkinson-Carr on the SLAP test and one by Adam Slaughter on Observation. The level of interaction was so high that each talk could easily have lasted 2 hours!
After lunch the motorcyclists went off for their practical session and the car drivers were treated to an extended session with Examiner Mike Addis (rated highly by all).
Thank you to all attendees for your time, support and valued contribution. Hopefully, there will be another Tutor update session in the Spring. As soon as that's confirmed, we'll let you know.
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While motorcycling around southern England I’ve often passed this tiny, gorgeous-looking property in Stanton Drew.
[Click on red text or photographs for more information]
It’s known as The Round House, even though it’s hexagonal, and served as a Toll Touse when Turnpikes (toll gates) were in use.
The story of The Round House here
The various tolls levied
Pay your toll here…
Information boards
Guess what? Almost everywhere I visit seems to have a Toll House that used to be run by a Turnpike Trust.
Some examples:
Gloucester
The former Toll House at Kingsholm Gate is thought to have been built for the Cheltenham and Gloucester Turnpike Trust in 1822 in the form of a Lodge House with protruding front. Currently it is a domestic property with only minor changes to the original tollhouse structure.
We have an amazing history in the UK don’t we?
In case you’re interested, here’s a Flickr site that has >4,500 photographs of Lodges, Gatehouses and Toll Houses.
It turns out that Toll Houses were everywhere in the past and, while many have disappeared, many of Gloucestershire’s are listed here.
I hope you found this article interesting.
Stephen (Editor)
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Cheltenham Racecourse Fireworks: A Spectacular Family Event
The highly anticipated Cheltenham Racecourse Fireworks returns on Saturday, 9th November 2024, offering one of the largest and most exciting firework displays in Cheltenham and the South West. A beloved family event for over three decades, it continues to draw crowds of up to 12,000 attendees each year.
More than just a fireworks show, this year’s event promises a full evening of family fun. Special guests Bluey and Bingo will delight children with their lively antics, while the thrill of Danter’s Funfair adds excitement to the night. New for 2024, a spectacular laser show will make its debut, providing an extra layer of entertainment for all.
Organised by Cheltenham Round Table, every ticket sold helps support local charities and good causes, making it an event that truly benefits the community. Gates will open at 5pm, with the Cheltenham firework display lighting up the sky from 7pm. Early arrival is recommended to enjoy all the attractions and secure parking.
Bring the whole family for an unforgettable night of fireworks in Cheltenham, funfair rides, and community spirit at Cheltenham Racecourse. As one of the biggest firework displays in Cheltenham, this is a must-see event and one not to be missed this November!
Full details & tickets here
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Explore this magical after-dark experience and follow the new illuminated trail around the fairy-tale grounds of Sudeley Castle, now in its 9th Year.
Meet iconic characters from this well-loved tale as you follow the story to discover what has happened to The Sleeping Beauty.
New for 2024!
The Sleeping Beauty. Our Princess has fallen into a deep sleep for 100 years. The spell will not be broken until the heroic Prince finds and awakens her. Meet the wicked fairy, who has cast a spell on the Princess, and the good fairies trying to save her. Enjoy this new Spectacle of Light as you discover a magical trail around Sudeley’s glorious gardens.
Festive Food and Cheer!
Sip festive warmers of spiced mulled wine and sprinkled hot chocolate as you join the magical trail around these wonderful grounds. Tuck into simple take away hot food and delicious donuts from the Castle Terrace. Before your journey home why not treat yourself to a winter warming drink and browse the lovely gift shop for some unique Christmas gifts and souvenirs.
The Spectacle of Light at Sudeley Castle runs on selected evenings between 22 November – 30 December 2024.
Full details & tickets here
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Westonbirt Enchanted Christmas |
Full details & tickets here
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Tony Norton recently passed his motorcycle test at 86-years-old, possibly the oldest person to do so in the UK.
Who knew?
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Recommended Books (Clickable) |
Interim Chair - Adam Slaughter
Secretary - Rob Newman
Treasurer - David Blackledge
Membership Secretary - Ben Mitchell
Car Coordinator - Mike Hall
Motorcycle Coordinator - Paul Smith
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