Advance Autumn 2013 by D & G Grp of Adv Motorists & Motorcyclists

Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists and Motorcyclists

JOHN F. BLACK MOTOR ENGINEERS

~Air Con ~Diesel Tuning ~Servicing ~Repairs ~Diagnostics ~Exhausts ~Tyres ~Motorhomes ~MOT testing for classes 3,4,5 & 7

Tel: 01387 267473

6B Catherinefield Ind Estate, Heathhall, Dumfries DG1 3PQ

THESE ARE JUST ACCIDENTS, RIGHT? But did the drivers act on all the available clues? If so maybe they might have avoided or reduced the consequences of the situations.

A ‘skill for life’ course could help you spot the clues. Why not plan to steer a course for safer driving and riding? Find out more by visiting WWW.IAMDUMFRIES.ORG.UK

Group Committee Members for 2013/14 Chair, Chief Obs

Graeme McColm

01387 720425

Vice Chair

Jamie Wood

07759 260621

Secretary

Helen Cameron

07707 035518

Treasurer

Russell Wears

01387 263893

M/c Coordntr Andrew Bird

01387 259500

Car Coordntr Stewart Cameron 01387 264005 Committee

Anne Lind Andy Campbell Bob Sloan Neil Martyniuk Clint Smith John Parry

07727 913742 07717 798109 07764 349459 07725 941180 07952 751433 07841 202445

To e-mail any member of the committee, please in the first instance, use the group contact e-mail address: dumfries@groups.org.uk

This magazine was published by: Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists. For more details of our activities see our web site at: www.iamdumfries.org.uk Contact the Group Secretary: dumfries@groups.iam.org.uk

Facebook: Dumfries & Galloway IAM (Motorcycles) Group Magazine contributions to: editor@iamdumfries.f9.co.uk

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this magazine are those of the contributors and not necessarily those of the Editor, Group or the Institute of Advanced Motorists, to which the Group is affiliated. Reg Charity No. SC 023511

Copy date: Latest article submission date for the Winter13 issue: 8 November Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s on? - check for more details & late changes at www.iamdumfries.org.uk Monday 9 September 7:30 pm. Roland Proudlock presents The South of Scotland Car Club. Monday 14 October - 7:30 pm. Our very own Jim Hunter will put you through your paces as you make your way through a Table Top Rally. Meetings: Aberdour Hotel, 16 Newall Terrace, Dumfries, DG11LW Meetings start at 7:30 pm unless otherwise stated.

For membership and all other enquiries call: 07707 035518 or e-mail: dumfries@groups.iam.org.uk Photography notice: Occasionally we may take photos during meetings, guidance sessions or at other events in order to promote the Group and its activities. Photos may be reproduced in our web sites, our magazine or through other promotions. If you wish to withhold your permission for your image to be used please contact the Group Secretary. ÂŠ Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists

The Chairman’s comments - Graeme McColm Welcome to the Autumn edition of Advance. This is the first Autumn edition in quite a few years that I am able to say we have had some fantastic weather over the last couple of months. Hooray! I would like to thank Tommy Jardine (DJ for West Sound Radio) for all his hard work as our President for Dumfries & Galloway IAM. Tommy has agreed to help out in future if we require his skills but for now has decided to take a back seat. You will be greatly missed and we wish you well in all your future commitments. Thanks again Tommy. Back in early summer we held a Treasure Hunt organised by Russell Wears. This event was well attended and everybody seemed to have a good night. It was a beautiful evening, and the route of the hunt took us a walk round Dumfries town centre before heading by car or bike towards Castledykes Park and Glencaple then onto Ruthwell Station before heading back to The Five Arches. Many thanks to Russell for all your hard work, a very enjoyable evening. Once again the syllabus of events for the coming season is being put together; you can see on page 1 the first couple of events that have been organised. I encourage you to try and get along, join in and support our club. Thanks again to everyone who has helped with the running of the club. If you have something to offer us please let me or another committee member know. Hopefully we will still have a couple of months of decent weather left before winter sets in so lets get out and about and enjoy ourselves - and drive safe.

Advertise in ADVANCE ADVANCE is published three times per year. The cost of an advert per issue is £50 full page, £30 half page. Discount is available for annual adverts. Adverts will appear in both the print and online versions of the magazine. Advertisers can also have a thumbnail icon on the group web site www.iamdumfries.org.uk. Small ads are available too at £2 per insertion, maximum 4 lines. Contact the Editor: editor@iamdumfries.f9.co.uk

Your contribution? There is space waiting here in ADVANCE for your contributions. We welcome copy from members for inclusion in this magazine. If you have any comment on motoring, roads and safety issues, interesting anecdotes on driving or riding experiences or anything else of general interest please send © Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists

it off to editor@iamdumfries.f9.co.uk. or talk to a committee member if you want to run it past someone else first. If it is suitable it will be included, if space allows. It always helps to include a photo or two as well. The Group reserves the right to edit or amend articles submitted for publication which may be published in the group magazine print and online editions.

Membership Renewal It’s that time of the year again when membership subscriptions are due. Again we have held the annual fee at £10 which is a small sum and good value for all the Group has to offer. Everyone needs to complete a Membership (Renewal) Form which will be sent out or can be downloaded from the group web site. Please complete this form even if you are paying by standing order as this ensures we have the latest details for you - often people change their phone number/address and/or e-mail address and this can make it difficult for us to keep track of members and ensure that we can communicate effectively. If you have already completed a standing order form in the past then your payment will occur automatically on 16 November - thank you. If not then please consider doing so this year, it greatly helps with the group accounting. The standing order form (and membership renewal form) is available to download from the group web site. If you prefer other methods of payment then please do so but avoid sending cash through the post. The Treasurer, Russell Wears attends most group meetings and usually has copies of the forms with him if you want to pay him directly. If you signed the Gift Aid declaration on the membership form last year you don’t need to do it again but if you signed it some time ago or now wish to Gift Aid membership then please sign the declaration so our records are up to date.

Treasurer’s Report - Russell Wears The past year was quiet in terms of finance and the group is in surplus, such that the membership fees covered our expenditure. The group is now registered with HMRC for submission of electronic gift aid claims, making it much easier and quicker to claim. Last year’s gift aid claim was paid at £125. The surplus of £427 in the accounts is due mainly to income from Skill for Life (£31 or £21) deferred from 2011/2012 and membership payments balanced against default payment on advertising bills for our magazine. The newsletter would normally bring in a surplus of £180 over printing and postage costs. © Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists

Membership income was £1020, this refers to full members only. Associates’ membership fees are included in their Skill for Life payment. The 5 associates’ Skill for Life programmes over the year were either paid for by the group sponsors or by themselves. The accounts have been audited and approved by our auditor. Dumfries and Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists and Motorcyclists

SC023511

Receipts and payments accounts For the period from

Day 1

Period start date Month April

Year

2012

Day

Period end date Month

Mar

Ye a r 2013

Section A Statement of receipts and payments Unrestricted funds

Restricted funds

Expendable endowment funds

Permanent endowment funds

Total funds current period

Total funds last period

to nearest £

A1 Receipts Donations

1,155

Legacies

1,675

Grants

Receipts from fundraising activities Gross trading receipts Income from investments other than land and buildings

620

685

868

Rents from land & buildings

Gross receipts from other charitable activities

667

999

2,512

4,167

Proceeds from sale of fixed assets

Proceeds from sale of investments

A1 Sub total

A2 Receipts from asset & investment sales

A2 Sub total

Total receipts

2,512

4,167

209

242

A3 Payments Expenses for fundraising activities Gross trading payments Investment management costs

Payments relating directly to charitable activities 1,284

625

1,909

2,731

Grants and donations

Governance costs:

120

Audit / independent examination

Preparation of annual accounts

Legal costs

Other

A3 Sub total

A4 Payments relating to asset and investment movements Purchases of fixed assets

1,413

625

2,039

3,316

2,756

Purchase of investments

A4 Sub total

Total payments

1,460

625

Net receipts / (payments)

1,052

(625)

A5 Transfers to / (from) funds

2,756

2,085

6,072

427

(1,905)

Surplus / (deficit) for year 1,052

(625)

427

(1,905)

Advanced motorcyclists get skilled - IAM report Coaching motorcyclists to advanced riding standard comprehensively improves their skills and attitudes, according to a study published by the IAM. Respondents said undertaking the IAM advanced riding course made them feel safer, more confident, more attentive, more observant and more decisive in their riding. By doing so it also adds to their enjoyment on the road. The top five reasons for taking the IAM advanced test were: To improve general standard of riding To become a safer rider To reduce the risk of being involved in an accident To become a more confident rider For achievement/challenge Riders under the age of 30 were more likely to identify ‘improving my general standard of riding’ as a reason for taking the test and to obtain cheaper insurance. Younger riders also showed a pleasing level of responsibility as they were more likely to select ‘to demonstrate to others that my riding was of a high standard’ and ‘to influence other people’s riding’ as reasons for taking the test. Results of the survey showed: Ninety-nine per cent of riders said the IAM advanced test had a permanent positive effect on them as a rider. Ninety-seven per cent of respondents said that the IAM advanced test had increased their enjoyment from riding. Ninety-four per cent of respondents said that the IAM advanced test had made them safer riders. Sixty-one per cent of respondents said that taking the advanced test had helped them to avoid a specific accident or incident. IAM chief executive Simon Best said: “The IAM advanced riding qualification makes motorcyclists safer and more skilled. Motorcycling has a positive role to play in reducing congestion and emissions and should not be held back by safety concerns. We want to work with the government, manufacturers, dealers, police and road safety officers to promote the many benefits of safe motorcycling.” Full report can be viewed here: http://www.iam.org.uk/images/stories/policyresearch/evaluation-adv-motorcycling.pdf © Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists

My road to advanced driving - Jackie Meddicks As someone who has to drive regularly, and having passed my driving test more years ago than I care to remember, I decided it was time to update my skills and find out what bad habits I had developed! So, my family contributed to the cost of a Skill for Life course for my birthday present. I was introduced to my observer at one of the social evenings and he took me out a few days later for my first observed drive. The conclusion was, that although I was safe, I had developed bad habits – oh dear, my steering wheel grip, using gears for slowing . . . to mention but two! What was a limit point, anyway? He told me that things would not improve overnight and that I had to practise. I did try, but, as they say, old habits die hard. I clearly remember one observed drive, trying sustained rev gear changing and feeling totally infuriated with myself for not being able to get it right – why is it so difficult? At that point I told my observer there was NO WAY I was going to subject myself to the test. He patiently continued to work with me and gradually things did improve. I was then observed by someone else and was advised to apply for my test. The examiner phoned within five days of sending in the application. We arranged a date. It was a lovely evening, but I was very tense. He was understanding, encouraging and enthusiastic. At the end, he said that he wished we could all realise that he only wants to see a ‘normal’ drive. I experienced Jackie with certificate presented by Chairman, Graeme McColm great relief when he told me I had passed. I now feel that I am a better driver, but need to continue developing those far ahead observation skills and use of the system at all times, not to mention all the other points we are told about during observed drives. The volunteers in the organisation give their time freely. I am very grateful to my observer who is very skilled in what he does and who had to have great patience with me. What’s more, the social evenings are a bonus and an opportunity for trying out new things and meeting new people.

One in 20 adults involved in a road accident last year - IAM One in 20 adults was involved in a road accident in 2012, according to the IAM. Using information from the National Travel Survey published by the DfT it shows that 5.2% of the population were involved in an accident. This means 2.4 million were involved in a road crash last year, with around 800,000 injured! © Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists

The Smiths get a double Dave Smith and his nephew Andy Smith both successfully passed their IAM motorcycle advanced test this summer. Dave was awarded a ‘F1RST’, only the second time one of Dumfries & Galloway Group’s motorcycle associates has achieved such a good result. The IAM F1RST Register recognises excellence during the IAM advanced driving or riding test. Members receive a special certificate and membership card complete with the F1RST logo. There are a number of new challenges awaiting F1RST members. They can consider such things as going on to take the IAM’s new Masters qualification, or attending one of the many IAM circuit based Skills Days. Indeed Dave now is looking at taking the IAM Masters course. Andy Smith, who is under 25, was refunded his Skill for Life fee through the Group’s young persons scheme which has had limited funds available to encourage young drivers and riders to take a Skill for Life course.

Left: Andy Smith receives his pass certificate from Graeme McColm Group Chairman and Chief Motorcycle Observer, Right: Dave Smith, Motorcycle Examiner Mike Stevens and Andy Smith.

F1RST membership is attained by taking the advanced test for car, motorcycle or commercial vehicle and achieving a score of 1 in every category. It provides a means for IAM members to improve their road skills by retaking an assessment and working on the areas where a score of 1 was not achieved. Existing IAM members can take a Member's Assessment in order to try and achieve the all 1s score. Existing members who previously passed the test with the qualifying score within the last two years can be added to the Register retrospectively. © Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists

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DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY GROUP OF ADVANCED MOTORISTS & MOTORCYCLISTS get a ‘Skill for Life’ and become an ADVANCED RIDER ADVANCED DRIVER /IAMDumfriesandGallowayCars

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We offer the following services for your motorcycle needs:

Fully trained mechanics

· MOT’s · Servicing · Repairs · Diagnostic testing · Van available for collection/delivery or recovery of your motorcycle

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Discounts available for IAM and Curvy Riders

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A7 01

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75 A wn e To entr C

A75

From the Edinburgh Road roundabout /A75 Dumfries bypass take A701 north. After 0.5 miles take 2nd exit at the roundabout (by Esso/Tesco Express) onto Tinwald Downs Road. In 0.4 miles take left into Downs Way Industrial Est. then first right behind Downsway Garage - we are at the end on the left.

www.dngmotorcycles.com Tel: 01387 320312 mucker5uk@yahoo.co.uk

Is life a blur? The Police can now take immediate action against motorists who fail roadside eye tests under tough new rules introduced this year. The DVLA has introduced a new system (available between 8am and 9pm) to deal with roadside eyesight test failures more quickly. Previously the Police had to notify the DVLA in writing or by fax and this could mean a delay of several days before a licence was revoked. The new method allows police officers to make contact by phone or e-mail which could result in revocation of a licence in just a few minutes. It is only the DVLA which has the power to revoke licences.

Eyes - if in doubt, check them out

Roadside eyesight tests can only be carried out in daylight but in hours of darkness and when the DVLA service is not available if the Police deem the circumstances merit immediate action, they can use powers to impose bail conditions which could include requiring the person not to drive. Drivers must meet the eyesight standard for driving by reading a number plate from 20 metres. A motorist who drives when unable to meet this standard is committing an offence and can have their licence revoked by the DVLA. Once revoked, a licence will not be returned until a driver can demonstrate that their eyesight meets the required standard Missing Mona Lisa spotted in Norfolk? (with necessary corrective lenses). â&#x20AC;Ś. not the fastest getaway vehicle!

Group Members and Associates can get a free basic car wash, or two jet wash tokens when you fill up. Just show your membership card, or for Associates your IAM confirmation letter. Let the staff know you would like the free bike/car wash before you pay for your fuel. This offer may be withdrawn at any time. ÂŠ Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists

The sun has got his hat on, but he’s shining low .. We are moving into that time of the year when we can encounter low sun and the problems it causes to our vision and safety. Dirt and smears catch the sun and increase glare so make sure your windows are clean both inside and out, remembering also to keep the mirrors clean. Make sure your wipers are in good condition because sunlight hitting moisture on the screen (and in the air) can make things a lot worse. Maybe it is time to renew them? If you decide to wear sunglasses to reduce glare be aware that sunglasses can impair your vision, at times of reduced light, so take care. As you get older, your eyes adjust to changes in light level more slowly, so watch out driving between sunlit areas and shadow. If you see shadows ahead across your path, slow down and make sure you can see into them. Obviously you should not look directly at the sun and if you can't see, slow down. You still need to be able to stop in the distance you can see to be clear. You’ll need to keep your eye on following traffic in case other road users can’t properly see you against the sun. If however the sun is be- Pedestrian silhouetted against white wall. Van driver will hind you, then it will be in leave dark shadow into full low sun = impaired vision the eyes of drivers coming towards you and so they might not see you! It is not all bad news however because low sun can be used to your advantage in some circumstances. Low sun creates long shadows and so can give advance warning of other road users’ movements when for instance moving shadows appear in advance of vehicles. © Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists

I’m amazed at how much better my driving is - Lara Smith For quite a few years my husband has been on my case to enrol onto an IAM Skill for Life advanced driving course. I hesitated for a number of reasons which were proven to be unfounded. Not having the time to commit to a hard course and feeling self conscious that after 20 years of driving I should know what I am doing, but also realising that I had bad habits!!!!! Now sitting on the other side of the fence so as to say, I am amazed at how much better my driving is, the flexibility of the drives building up to the test meant it was not such a big ask in terms of time; the patience from my observers was amazing as we ironed out the "little" bad habits. As a parent we spend so much of our time taking our most loved here and there to various activities, I feel better equipped to deal with a situation in the Lara receives her certificate from Jamie Wood, best way possible should I ever need to. Vice Chair of the group I strongly recommend a Skill for Life course to everyone.

The Secretary Reports - Helen Cameron The start of our new session is fast approaching and I look forward to a varied programme of monthly meetings. At the time of print the programme for the full year is not yet finalised but the first two months are set and we plan to arrange for the full syllabus to be sent along with your renewal forms for 2013-14. Please keep checking the web site for up to date information. The first meeting will be on Monday 9 September at the the Aberdour Hotel starting at 7.30 pm. with our first speaker, Roland Proudlock. Monday 14 October sees a Table Top Rally, also at the Aberdour Hotel. For those who have not taken part in a similar event I can assure you that it is great fun reading maps and trying to find the correct route using the clues given. It is team work so it is a good way of getting to know fellow members. The committee works very hard on your behalf to bring interesting and varied subjects and would appreciate the support on the evenings as it can be embarrassing if we bring a speaker along and there are only half a dozen people present. I would like to thank all those who do attend and we always have a good evening. Any suggestions for speakers are always welcome. Over the summer we have had some passes and I would like to congratulate motorcycle members Andy Smith, Dave Smith and Richard Bradley – the m/c team and successful car pass, Lara Smith - Observer Stewart Cameron. © Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists 13

Apologies to Jackie Meddicks who passed in April 2013 and was not mentioned in the last magazine, her certificate was presented by Graeme McColm at the AGM. We will present the certificates we have at the September meeting. Since the last magazine we have taken the IAM gazebo to the Barony and the Air Museum Open Day. Both days had great weather and it was good to engage with members of the public and raise the profile of the group. Our next outing is at the Moffat Agricultural Show on Saturday 31 August. If you can spare a couple of hours to help out with any of these events then let me know. I hope to see lots of you at the September meeting - please do come along.

Do you always do what you are told? -nieuwsblad.be/ dailymail/ CEN Did you hear about the 67-year-old woman who set out to drive the 50 or so miles to Brussels to pick up her friend from the station? She set up her satnav and started off. The journey was expected to take a good hour, it took longer, but she just followed the instructions. When she got to Zagreb, Croatia over 800 miles away, she realised she was no longer in Belgium and decided something might be wrong! She admitted to being preoccupied and having a few things on her mind so had just kept going. Her journey had taken her through six countries, she had refuelled twice and even slept in a layby. Her son, back at home called the Police when the friend whom she had gone to collect turned up at the home. The Belgian authorities searched her home and were about to launch a full scale manhunt when she phoned to say she was in Zagreb. She eventually got home after two days and a journey of about 1800 miles! From Switzerland another tale this time not the one where satnav tempts you to drive off a cliff but but one where the satnav tries to get you to drive up a cliff! Robert Ziegler was following his satnav directions which directed him up mountainous terrain in BergĂźn, Switzerland. Although Ziegler had his suspicions about the route he kept going, in the hope that each little turn would get him to the main road, instead he ended up getting stuck on the mountain path! In the end he and his van had to be rescued by a mountain rescue team using a helicopter. The moral of these stories? Well, no doubt you can work it out yourself. ÂŠ Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists

Motorcycle Chief Observer’s Diary - Graeme McColm Well that’s another summer over and I am pleased to say that the weather has been fantastic, a huge change from the last couple of years. Andrew Bird and myself are off to local observer training on 17 August, this is to look into becoming assessors for this region and perhaps further afield. Looking ahead to the weekend of 5 and 6 October we are heading south again this year to attend the Annual National Conference of the IAM (car and motorcycles) to be held at The University of Warwick. On Sunday 4 August nearly all of the motorcycle observers took part in a organised charity run to Newton Stewart. We helped marshal the run from New Galloway to Newton Stewart. The sun shone and it was well represented and a fun day out for all. As normal on the first Sunday of the month we hold our motorcycle day out. This year the events have been organised by a rota of our observers and I would like to thank them for all their effort and expertise. One Sunday we were even joined by our local examiner Mike Stevens - thanks Mike. Throughout the summer months we have had a few associates pass their advanced tests, well done to all - see Helen Cameron’s ‘The Secretary Reports’ for the roll call of honours. As with every club there is always a need for new members and the Dumfries & Galloway Group is no different. In order to keep the club running in years to come we need people joining all the time, bringing fresh ideas and skills to help us deal with the new challenges which are no doubt around the corner. So if you know someone who would benefit from a ‘Skill for Life’ course now is the time to put their names forward. Even if you can’t immediately think of someone suitable why not put the word out and actively seek suitable candidates. If every member signed up just one person we could double the club and make the roads in Dumfries & Galloway safer for them and indeed for all road users. Please enjoy what’s left of the good weather, hopefully we will be lucky enough to have a good autumn too. Above all STAY SAFE.

Mucky Donna and the Erotic Eskimo - Russell Wears Andalucía in southern Spain was long the poor relation of the Spanish regions. In recent decades much has been spent on transport infrastructure in Andalucía and it is well worth a visit. Away from the coast there are empty motorways, some of them brand new. Local roads are surprisingly well surfaced and © Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists

recently constructed, even the country back roads are smooth. It can be difficult staying on them, round every corner the scenery is so breathtaking. In the mountains north of Málaga peaks rise to 6000 feet and further east in the Sierra Nevada they can reach over 11,000 feet. Spectacular scenery is all around from salt lakes where flamingos breed to limestone Karsts where you can clamber amongst amazing rock formations. Some of the most important baroque churches in Europe can The Alhambra be found in Andalucía, along with the world’s largest Gothic cathedral and some of the world’s most stunning Islamic architecture. The three perhaps most important cities in Andalucía: Sevilla, Granada, Córdoba (and along with Ronda) form a square in which all of this can be found along with the famous Pueblos Blancos. Hire a cottage in the mountains, book flights and a car or a bike (an R1200 GS is easy to find in Málaga). Then enjoy a fortnight in one of the most stunning regions of Europe. Take the train to Sevilla for the Real Alcázar and its Cathedral, drive to Córdoba to see the Mezquita and drive to Granada for the Alhambra. Explore the area around Ronda and Antequera for the scenery and the Pueblos Blancos. Take a trip to the beach to cool down. Enjoy the heat, it’s a quirk of geography that the area enjoys so much sunshine in its summer.

Sevilla

Córdoba - the view from our patio

Mucky Donna and the Erotic Eskimo? They are well worth a visit. The two main supermarket chains in Andalucía are Mercadona which when pronounced by the Spanish sounds like Mucky Donna, not to mention the corporate jingle they broadcast in the shop every five minutes. The other is Eroski which you get if you sort of concatenate (connect/link together - Ed) Erotic Eskimo! Just blame the heat! © Dumfries & Galloway Group of Advanced Motorists & Motorcyclists

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mor e pe r f or ma nc e , le s s pollut ion

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Crossflags At Crossflags we strive to create the best customer experience in the area. Please come and see us when you are considering your next vehicle purchase. York House, Annan Road, Dumfries DG1 3AW 01387 253473 Fax: 01387 253472 www.crossflags.co.uk