CADAM Newsletter March 2017 by Davewilprint

AN C

V AD

CIRE

R AND

RIC ST

ST E E C

ED MOTO

2016 Committee Gordon Burley Chairman & Senior Observer

01285 654315 gpburley@waitrose.com

��

Frank Williams Vice-Chairman

��

f.t.williams@btinternet.com

David Mellor �� 01285 643883

Secretary

davemelloriam@aol.com 3, Fraziers Folly, Siddington, Cirencester GL7 6HR

Robert Lang �� 01285 650735

Treasurer

robert@the3rs.demon.co.uk 11, The Maples, Cirencester GL7 1TQ

Gareth Zimmerman ��01453 840132 / 07711 702384

Membership Secretary

gareth.zimmerman@btinternet.com Safflower House, London Road, Stroud GL5 2AT

Frank Lucas �� 01666 824999

Associate Co-ordinator

colinflucas@googlemail.com

Rod Hodges �� 01666 822535

Committee Member Vince Harris �� 01285 652552 Webmaster vince@cirenit.co.uk Kate Tucker �� 01453 843735 kate1tucker@hotmail.com

Main Contact

March 2017 | 3

Contents Your Committee from 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Dangerous drivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Chairmans Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Meetings, Forthcoming meetings, Useful information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Treasurerers Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Highway code - Driving in adverse weather conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Notice of CADAM 2017 AGM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Nomination form for 2017 CADAM group committee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Membership Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Highway code - Driving in adverse weather conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 ...........................................................................................................................

A PHYSICIST WRITES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-13 Jokes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Killer drivers to face life sentences Dangerous drivers who kill are set to face life sentences, under plans put forward by ministersďż˝ Dangerous drivers who cause death by reckless driving, speeding, street racing or distracted by using a mobile phone could now be treated in a similar way to those charged with manslaughter. This also applies to people under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Give your views - The Ministry of Justice wants your views on whether the current maximum penalties should be increased. Give your views by 1 February 2017. Other proposals include: creating a new offence of causing serious injury by careless driving with a maximum sentence of 3 years. Increasing minimum driving bans of those convicted of causing death In 2015, 122 people were sentenced for causing death by dangerous driving with a further 21 convicted of causing death while under the influence. While the UK has one of the best road safety records in the world, deaths and injuries still cause devastation to victims and their families.

4 | Volume 47

Chairman’s Report It has been a fairly quiet few months and new associates joining has gone a little quiet� We had our Christmas social evening which was well attended; good food, good company and a few laughs� January speaker described the now defunct Severn – Thames canal and many recognised the landmarks he showed us. I believe there are strong moves afoot to reopen which, I think, would be a major boost for tourism in the area. The new regime at IAM RoadSmart is moving on a pace and they have just announced the new regional management system, ASDM – Area Service Delivery Managers. Kate, Patrick and me met our new area manager at the Area 4 Regional forum; yes we are now in Region 4. Let’s hope it all pans out the way it is intended and we get the support we deserve as volunteers. By the time you read this, we will have learned all about the SS Great Britain at the February meeting. We will then be bracing ourselves for our AGM in March. As you will see later in this Newsletter, if you have not paid your subs by the AGM, your membership will have deemed to have lapsed, so get that cheque in the post to Robert. If anyone wishes to support the Group more actively, we will be pleased to have your input at the meeting. Safe motoring,

R AND

CIRE

TE S CE

RIC ST

Gordon Burley�

V AD

AN C

ED MOT

I R O

March 2017 | 5

17S#)(*,R+"".7&,4.""

HB;.(&,I+"".7&,

!"#$%&#'()*+ ,(*-'($. /+012*)00*31!"#$%&#'()*+

Meetings

.%+(2U1456 The group usually meet in Daglingworth Village Hall at 7.45pm &&(+17,)##0'U17 'U18%*"19:!(&&0$$316;;<=1<4><=? Wednesday of each month. The exceptions being December, when

)7&),0.B

/"#'&,0.

on the first the meeting

is held on the second Wednesday, and August, where there is no meeting. Notice will be given should any of these dates change. Refreshments of tea or coffee and biscuits are provided and family, friends and visitors are always welcome as guests. Map data ©2012 Google

Daglingworth Village hall is located in the !&(,;+)&%(+#1' centre of the village of Daglingworth, approximately 2.5 miles north west of Cirencester, off the A417, grid ref: SO993051 - postcode GL7 7AA. Forthcoming Meetings

CADAM AGM please come along and support your committee who work very hard all year for you. 1"1*%*$01D0$('1*(1.%-G$"H1A()01.0*"%$March 1st @ 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm - Daglingworth Village Hall, Daglingworth

ILLUSTRATED TALK ON ‘AQUAE SULIS’ the Roman name for Bath, its rituals and customs. April 5th @ 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm - Daglingworth Village Hall, Daglingworth

7,%#1(.%(<'A

MORE SAFETY TRAINING, with Gordon Burley

7,B)#%&;$)& May 3rd @ 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm - Daglingworth Village Hall, Daglingworth

RANGE ROVER FROM INCEPTION TO PRESENT DAY. Its amazing off road ability. With 7,)##0,;&(.+"' historic vehicles to view and touch. June 7th @ 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm - Daglingworth Village Hall, Daglingworth

.1;,'&.(+17

L+17

=+"+(2

Useful Information

This Newsletter is published by the Committee of the Cirencester and District Group of Advanced Motorists. The Group is an official provider for IAM RoadSmart. ',.1;,+1'$).1%&

The views and opinions expressed in this Newsletter are those of the Individual contributors and do not necessarily represent those of the Group Committee or the IAM.

,+1Q#)0.(+#1

Please note: Articles submitted for publication may be edited for content or length. Please send any contributions for publication, articles, letters or pictures to the Chairman,

-$).",/#00$1+(2,/#$1%+"3,/#00$1+(2,4#$'&3,56,/#""&7&,!)&&13,!"#$%&'(&),!85,98: Gordon Burley via email at: gpburley@waitrose.com. )&;,%*.)+(2,<1$0=&),5>6?9@9A,.1;,.,8+0+(&;,/#0B.12,<1$0=&),C5@5D66AE

Copy date for the Summer issue is 14th May 2017 with an anticipated delivery date of 1st June 2017

c.org.uk/village-hall-database/village-hall/daglingworth-village-hall

6 | Volume 47

F&='

Treasurer’s Report At the time of writing (19th January), the balances of the Group’s deposit and current accounts total £3,217.67. Renewal of Subscriptions for 2017 My thanks to all CADAM members who have renewed their subscriptions promptly for 2017. Also, a reminder to any CADAM member – Full Member, Associate, Group Associate and Friend – from whom a renewal payment has been requested for 2017, but not received, that £15 was due on 1st January 2017. • Full Members are reminded that paid-up Full membership of the national IAM is a prerequisite of Full membership of CADAM. • Associates are reminded that paid-up Associate membership of both the national IAM and CADAM is a prerequisite for participation in observed drives. • Group Associates are reminded that paid-up membership of CADAM is a prerequisite for participation in observed drives. • Observers are reminded that paid-up membership of both the national IAM and CADAM is a prerequisite for participation in observed drives. • Please note that where a subs renewal payment for 2017 is due, but is not received by the AGM on Wednesday 1st March 2017, CADAM membership shall be deemed to have lapsed. Robert Lang, Treasurer

Driving in adverse weather conditions. Driving in wet weather The Highway Code - Rule 227 Wet weather. In wet weather, stopping distances will be at least double those required for stopping on dry roads (see ‘Typical stopping distances’). This is because your tyres have less grip on the road. In wet weather you should keep well back from the vehicle in front. This will increase your ability to see and plan ahead • if the steering becomes unresponsive, it probably means that water is preventing the tyres from gripping the road. Ease off the accelerator and slow down gradually • the rain and spray from vehicles may make it difficult to see and be seen • be aware of the dangers of spilt diesel that will make the surface very slippery (see Annex 6: Vehicle maintenance, safety and security) • take extra care around pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and horse riders.

March 2017 | 7

Notice of CADAM 2017 AGM The 2017 AGM of CADAM will be held at 7.45 p.m. on Wednesday 1st March 2017, in Daglingworth Village Hall. AGENDA 1. Apologies for Absence 2. Minutes of the 2016 AGM

2.1 Acceptance of the Minutes of the 2016 AGM

3. Officersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Reports for 2016 3.1. 3.2. 3.3. 3.4.

Chairman Treasurer 3.2.1. Acceptance of the 2016 Accounts Membership Secretary Associate Co-ordinator

4. Election of the Officers & Committee Members for 2017

4.1. Chairman 4.2. Vice-Chairman 4.3. Secretary 4.4. Treasurer 4.5. Membership Secretary 4.6. Associate Co-ordinator 4.7. Group Contact

4.7. General Committee Member (s)

5. Any Other Business

The Group Committee shall consist of Full Members; for which Full Membership of the IAM is a prerequisite. It shall comprise a Chairperson, Secretary and Treasurer, and at least three further Members; the total number shall not exceed 20

8 | Volume 47

Nomination form for 2017 CADAM group committee x

If you wish to make any nomination(s) i, for the 2017 CADAM Group Committee, please complete and return this form (or a copy thereof) to the Secretary ii, by Friday 24th February 2017. OFFICE

NOMINEE

PROPOSER

SECONDER

Chairman*

Vice-Chairman

Secretary*

Treasurer* Membership Secretary Associate Co-ordinator Group Contact General Committee (2) *Group Rules require that this office MUST be filled i) The Nominee, Proposer and Seconder shall be Full Group Members; for which Full Membership of the IAM is a prerequisite. N.B. Proposers and Seconders, please first obtain the consent of your Nominee(s). ii) Mr D J Mellor, 3 Fraziers Folly, Siddington, Cirencester, GL7 6HR. March 2017 | 9

Membership Report Congratulations and welcome to full membership to Hazel Thornton, observed by Gareth Zimmerman. Our number of full members is now 76, with 14 associates under training, 5 group associates under training, 15 friends of the group and 1 honorary member, making a grand total of 111. However, the final totals will probably be somewhat less, as it will depend on who has paid their annual membership fees by the AGM in March 2017. Gareth Zimmerman, Membership Secretary

Driving in adverse weather conditions. The Highway Code - Rule 226 You MUST use headlights when visibility is seriously reduced, generally when you cannot see for more than 100 metres (328 feet). You may also use front or rear fog lights but you MUST switch them off when visibility improves.

10 | Volume 47

March 2017 | 11

A Physicist writes . . . How often does it happen that you’re driving along a local road and you see a familiar face on the pavement looking in your direction, so you give its owner a wave or perhaps a toot on the horn – but you get no equivalent response? Conversely, how many times have you been walking along when you saw the lift of a hand from a driver, but you had no idea who it was (unless maybe you recognized the car)? The explanation for this poor visual communication is, of course, that whereas you can see out perfectly clearly from the driving-seat, it’s much harder for people to see in, because the light reflected off the windscreen from sky and surroundings is usually much brighter than the light being reflected off you. A pedestrian might identify you more easily if he or she was wearing Polaroid sunglasses. These use the fact that light reflected off a flat, more or less horizontal surface tends to be horizontally polarized (meaning that the ‘light waves’ are vibrating from side to side instead of in all directions), as shown in the diagram. So the reflected light will be partially blocked by the lenses, which only allow vertically polarized light through them. On second thoughts, though, you would probably have difficulty identifying the pedestrian, behind the sunglasses! But the reverse problem of seeing the driver through the windscreen leads on to something potentially serious that happened to me a couple of days ago: I arrived near home on our local bus (not for the first time or even the hundredth), alighted from it and, as usual, strolled along to its rear end intending to wait for it to move off, before thinking about checking for traffic in both directions and crossing the road. During the short stroll I saw someone I knew, a locksmith called John, get into his van in front of his house a few yards along the road. He then reversed out so as to face me, and straightened up to wait behind the bus, but still some way away from it. As the bus departed I expected John to move off after it, past me, but he didn’t. Instead, I saw the lift of his hand. I returned the wave, assumed that he was kindly letting me cross the road, and started to walk. Before I was halfway across (luckily), there was the blare of a horn right beside me. It was from another van travelling in the opposite direction, which had been concealed from me by the bus. When I did get safely across, John drew level with me, wound down his window and explained that he had actually been pointing at the approaching van, trying to draw my attention to it. As best as I could, I said thank you very much, and don’t worry about what nearly occurred. Later I started to count the different lessons that might usefully be learnt from this narrow 12 | Volume 47

escape. I could think of half a dozen at least... Pedestrians first: you may know the rules for crossing the road – but never forget how easy it is to be distracted from them, for example when a driver is – or seems to be – waving you across. It’s your responsibility to check for other traffic! (Remember too that the direction-indicators on the front of some cars can be hard to see, not only after dark against the glare of the headlights but also in daylight because of being positioned close to daytime-running lights. And vehicle-owners: are you aware of how visible your indicators are, or aren’t, against the other lights?) Drivers next: for the same reason of possibly distracting pedestrians, take great care in gesturing to them (or flashing other drivers, for that matter) to say that they may cross in front of you. Be as sure as you can that there are no other hazards, especially approaching traffic, that they might overlook. Certainly do not try to give any other sort of message with gestures – remember that your hands, like the rest of you, are likely to be hard to see behind your windscreen, as I explained at the start. (I am not at all attempting here to transfer the blame for my near-miss to John, but I might not have started crossing the road with such confidence if he had kept his hands on the wheel...) Better, really, never to signal that you are giving way – either with your hands or with your lights. Instead, just let the pedestrian or other road-user calmly work out what your intention is from the speed (if any) and position of your vehicle, giving them time also to take full account of any other traffic. When you’re on the move and passing stationary vehicles of any sort (and on whichever side of you), be ready for some idiot to step out from behind one! Watch for opportunities to prevent a possible accident or incident by obstructing it. For example, if John had been thinking at a really high level he could have stopped me stepping off the kerb by simply rolling his van slowly towards the bus. More generally, I’m reminded of times when I have obstructed a driver who clearly had the intention of overtaking me dangerously on a roundabout (on the outside or even the inside), by straddling the lanes while going round it. Similarly, if I’m starting along a length of road that has been ‘narrowed’ on the right-hand side (by parked cars, for instance), and in the distance an oncoming vehicle is about to move out and then present me with a tight squeeze as it passes, I see nothing wrong with moving out a bit myself first – deliberately and clearly giving the other driver no room to pass at all. I think that’s enough lecturing for one column! Anyway, I’m glad to have been extracting lessons from a near-accident, instead of from an actual one... Peter Soul, Thames Valley Group March 2017 | 13

In a shoe repair store: "We will heel you We will save your sole We will even dye for you."

In a Restaurant window: "Don't stand there and be hungry; come on in and get fed up. ";

In a Podiatrist's office: "Time wounds all heels.";

In a Non-smoking Area: "If we see smoke, we will assume you are on fire and will take appropriate action. ";

On a Septic Tank Vehicle : Yesterday's Meals on Wheels

On a Maternity Room door : " Push. Push. Push. ";

At an Optometrist's Office : "If you don't see what you're looking for, You've come to the right place.";

At a Car Dealership : â&#x20AC;&#x153;The best way to get back on your feet - miss a car payment.";

On a Plumber's Van : "We repair what your husband fixed." ;

Outside a car exhaust fitting Shop: " No appointment necessary. We hear you coming. ";

On another Plumber's Van : "Don't sleep with a drip. Call your plumber. ";

In a Veterinarian's waiting room : "Be back in 5 minutes. Sit! Stay! ";

At a Tyre repair Shop : "Invite us to your next blowout. ";

In the front yard of a Funeral Home : "Drive carefully. We'll wait. ";

On an Electrician's Van : "Let us remove your shorts. ";

And the best one for last...; Sign on the back of a Septic Tank Vehicle: "Caution - This Vehicle is full of Political Promises"

At the Electricity Company: "We would be delighted if you send in your Payment on time. However, if you don't, YOU will be de-lighted. "

A group of women were at a seminar on how to live in a loving relationship with their husbands. The women were asked, "How many of you love your husband?" All the women raised their hands. Then they were asked, "When was the last time you told your husband you loved him?" Some women answered today, a few yesterday, and some couldn't remember.

The women were then told to take out their mobile phones and text their husband: "I love you, sweetheart." Next the women were instructed to exchange phones with another woman and read aloud the text message they received in response to their message. Below are 12 actual replies. 1. Who the hell is this? 2. Eh, mother of my children, are you sick or what? 3 Yeah, and I love you too. What's wrong? 4. What now? Did you wreck the car again? 5. I don't understand what you mean? 6. What the hell did you do now? 7. Are you sure this is for me? 8. Don't beat about the bush, just tell me how much you need? 9. Am I dreaming? 10. If you don't tell me who this message is actually for, someone will die. 11. I thought we agreed you wouldn't drink during the day. 12. Your mother is coming to stay with us, isn't she?

14 | Volume 47