Chairman's Chatter . . .
2012 is ahead and we have a good year behind us. Our test passes this year stand at a very creditable 38, which is 3 better than last year. We may get two further tests before the end of 2011 but I think it is unlikely. We continue to strive hard to recruit new associates but it looks as if the recession will affect us for a while yet. But we should not be despondent, 38 test passes (with two waiting) is something which many groups would love to have - but are unlikely to ever achieve.
On a positive note, our success is due to the unstinting commitment of many members (and associates) who help with our publicity stand. Keeping our name in the public eye is crucial, but lets not forget that personal recommendation makes a very strong contribution. News items carried in the Bolton News also encourage many to join our courses. Unfortunately we have been unable to hold any Mature Driver seminars with the BMBC Road Safety Unit during 2011.
Your trustees are proud to have such loyal and dedicated members, because whilst your committee works very hard to put plans in place, it is you, our supportive members, who actually help make things happen. Of the 320 members in the group almost 50 of them give their time as Observers. They give their time - in several cases mid week and Sunday mornings - as well as using their own cars and petrol for associate demonstration drives and observer training drives. In particular I thank them for coming to Chorley Street when we often have insufficient Associates to take out.
I must offer my personal thanks to everyone for all the hard work and commitment given to the Bolton Group during 2011. There are so many of you, performing all types of different roles, and without you the Group (and also the IAM) could not survive.
Just a reminder that your annual subs may be due on January 1st. When you renew, please consider signing up for Gift Aid - which makes your subscription worth £12.50 to us. If you are one of the 38 who have passed the test this year, please consider staying with the Group and, for example, help to pass on the good word on our display stands or joining in with our social activities.
Roy Sammons
Secretary's Scribbles . . .
In last month's Newsletter we published some advice from the IAM (in particular from its Chief Examiner, Peter Rodger) about driving in wintry weather. This was accompanied by details of the new IAM website, www.drivingadvice.co.uk, which has been launched to help motorists prepare their cars and drive them safely this winter.
I'm one of those who think that you can never have too much advice, and, if it's conflicting, then you can decide for yourself what you want to do, so I welcome these efforts to advise motorists - but have they gone far enough? I have been following a debate on whether there is a need to have specific tyres for winter driving.
Some of the controversy has been fuelled by the introduction of the Bridgestone A001 "all weather tyre" in the UK. This tyre has been designed to cope with the more challenging winter driving conditions whilst at the same time maintaining high performance during the summer months. This, of course, means that unless you have recently purchased these tyres you are probably driving on ones that are less than ideal in winter.
Honest John, who writes in The Daily Telegraph, says that, if there is any likelihood of severe conditions where you live or where you have to travel, you should buy a separate set of wheels and fit full "Winter Compound" tyres from November until March. These are said to be at their best at temperatures below 8OC where standard summer tyres are severely compromised, traction is relatively poor and braking distances are hugely increased. He goes on to say that full winter tyres on a two wheel drive car are generally more effective on snow and ice than summer tyres on a four wheel drive vehicle.
Another writer, Mike Rutherford, in the same paper, suggests buying an old 4x4 as a second family runabout (a 90's model 4.0 litre Jeep Cherokee is recommended as being available for only a grand or two!) Haven't these people heard that we're in a recession? But then again can you put a price on safety? This second writer does end his article by advising that the best and most cost-effective tip is to stay off the roads when they're covered in dangerous ice or snow. So that you don't lose out he suggests arranging with your boss in advance to work from home when commuting is dangerous, stressful and unpredictable.
I suppose that, if you have managed to read this far, you are expecting me to end by giving my definitive advice. But, as I wrote in the second paragraph, I'm one of those who think that you can never have too much advice, and if it's conflicting then you can decide for yourself what you want to do, so I will leave that decision up to you! But I will wish you many miles of happy driving in 2012.
Gary Whittle
Home : Course Details : How To Join : Meeting Place : Events : Fun Quiz : Contact Us : Driving Tips
