Chairman's Chatter June 26

Secretary's Scribbles June 26

Electric Avenue June 26

(A series of articles highlighting this new technology.)

 

 

It seems that something is being announced almost every day at the moment in the world of electric vehicles, with mainstream internal combustion engine (ICE) manufacturers giving details of new models and upgrades to existing units, so we want to keep you up to date with all this new-fangled electrickery techy thingy, as only your dedicated newsletter team can!

 

Goodness me, it’s the June issue, already!  Just where is this year going, at this rate it will soon be Christmas!  But, never mind that summer holidays are on the horizon, and along with all that you might be thinking it’s time to look and see what’s available, if you are thinking of changing your car.  Well, I have just looked at a video presented by Jack Scarlett of Fully Charged show fame, now rebranded “Everything Electric” and he has reviewed used electric cars that make a lot of sense if your budget, like mine, does not stretch to a brand new model, and right now there is a lot of choice out there.

Definitely worth a look at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hh4JraqoRSI

 

Now if a new EV is what you are looking for, but up till now the ones you have seen are to big or to expensive, then the companies form South Korea might just have the answer.   We have mentioned the Hyundai Inster before.  Joining its sister company, Kia has now launched the EV2 the smallest of its EV range and joins the rest of the Kia EV’s - those being EV3, EV4, EV6, and EV9.  If you would like a look, Kia Bolton at Middlebrook is the place to pop along to.  By the way, this is the only Kia dealership in the UK that is wholly owned by Kia.. (thought you might like to know that…) anyway, have a look at the new baby of the EV fleet just might be for you:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WE6ecBr0naA

 

Just going a bit “off road” for a moment, on June 21st, the Lancashire Vehicle Club are holding a classic car event at Moss Bank Park, Bolton.  The event runs from 10:00am till 4:00pm and there is always a lot to see and do.  Plus, if it’s a nice day weather wise, then a wander down memory lane is always a good way to spend a lazy Sunday.  Now in the past they have been joined by Chorley Motor Group, our friend Miles Roberts who is the EV wizard is usually there as well.  Since the last meeting, the new high end IG models from MG have been released and there is a chance they might be there, along with the MG electric ones and Citroen, Nissan, and others as well.

 

New Skoda’s are always worth a mention in our column, and joining the Enyaq and Elroq is the baby of the range that is the new Epiq.  The names indicate their matching ICE car partners, Kodiaq, Karoq and Kamiq.  This is the one that Skoda think will be the biggest seller in the EV range and it has just been announced that the price will match that of its ICE partner, the Kamiq.  It is another one that might be worth a look if you are thinking of a smaller EV that might fit into your life.  Have a look and watch what has been released so far.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0H-of0xqQn0

Finally, for this month car magazine Auto Express has tested a range of plug-in hybrid cars that might be a stepping stone to going full electric.  These give a limited range of electric power, but have the back up of a petrol engine for longer distances, and not have the fear of range anxiety.  The top 5 of the ones tested were in descending order:-in 5th place was the Range Rover Sport, 4th was BMW X3 3rd was Honda CR-V, 2nd was the Volkswagen Tayron, but the winner was the MG HS plug-in Hybrid. Being described as the best Plug-in hybrid you can buy right now. 

 

As always we trust you like the world class, award winning, journalism we bring you, not just this month, but every month, so look forward to seeing you again next month, until then drive safe and remember to tell everyone about our fantastic, advanced driving course.  The next one starts in August 2026, with an introduction evening on 6th August at the usual venue, Lostock Parish Centre.  If you know of anyone that you think might be interested, then invite them along for a hot drink and a biscuit or two, we don’t bite, Honest!

 

Barry Sloan – Publicity Officer

 

 

    

The System of ‘Life’ Control ‘continued’ – by Lynn Jordan

Position

 

In driving, your position on the road is crucial for safety, visibility and stability.  You choose where to place your vehicle to be safe and protect yourself and others.  Sometimes you position the vehicle to gain a better view or improve your control.

The same principle applies in life:  we all occupy different positions in our families, workplaces and communities. 

Consider your position in various aspects of your life:

• Family – Are you the youngest, the oldest, the peacemaker or the one who does all the organising?
• Work – Do you see yourself as the problem-solver, the motivator or perhaps the person who prefers to listen?
• Society - What role do you play?  Are you comfortable with where you fit in, or do you wish things were different?

Feeling safe and satisfied with your position is ideal – there’s no need for change if you’re content.  However, sometimes you might feel stuck, then a shift in perspective can reveal new possibilities.  For example, at work ask yourself: ‘Am I happy with my current role?’  If you consider pursuing a promotion, think about what you might gain (status, pay, new experiences) and what you may lose (time with family, work-life balance).  Weighing up the pros and cons helps you make informed choices.

Remember, your position is not fixed.  Life is constantly developing.  Changing your position isn’t just about moving up or down – it’s about finding the place where you feel secure, fulfilled and true to yourself.  Take time to reflect on your current position, explore alternatives and consider what matters most to you.  By doing so, you can navigate life’s journey with greater confidence and clarity

 

Speed

 

In advanced driving the speed phase is key.  If the speed phase is not right then it affects all the other phases.  The speed phase isn’t about going faster – it’s about approaching hazards at a pace that keeps you safe and in control.  Life is much the same.  When faced with problems, some people slam on the brakes and avoid the issue, which others rush in without a plan, leading to stress, mistakes and overwhelm.

When a challenge arises, the key is to find a balanced pace, slow down enough to think clearly, but keep moving forward so you don’t get stuck.  Develop self-awareness and ask yourself:  How do I usually respond to challenges?  Do I freeze, rush or take things step by step?  Recognising your pattern is the first step to changing it.  Remember, whatever your response, it is shaped by your current knowledge, skills and emotional state.  Do not judge yourself harshly, but instead consider what resources you have to handle the situation better.  If your decisions don’t work out, learn from it and try again.  Remember your perception of a problem may not be the full picture.  By slowing down you give yourself time to gather more information and consider alternative viewpoints.  These strategies encourage self-compassion, transform setbacks into stepping stones and help you respond more flexibly and creatively. 

 

By mastering your own ‘speed’, you’ll handle life’s hazards with greater ease and less stress.  It’s not about always moving quickly or slowly, but about choosing the pace that serves you best in each moment.  With self-awareness, flexibility and a willingness to learn, you can navigate life’s journey with confidence and resilience.

 

Gear

 

In advanced driving we talk about using a responsive gear, giving good acceleration and deceleration as required.  Just as drivers select the appropriate gear for hills, bends or overtaking, in life we need to adapt our approach to suit family, relationships, duties, work, leisure, hobbies.  Sometimes we need to slow out pace, conserve energy or focus on detail.  Other times we need to take bold action, accelerate progress or embrace new challenges.

In life, your ‘gear’ could be your mindset, skills, emotional state or support systems.  Consider:

• What resources do I need right now?
• Do I need to slow down and reflect, or is it time to push forward?
• Am I using the right strategy for this situation?

Flexibility and adaptability is essential.  Being able to ‘shift gears’ – change your approach, try new strategies or adjust your attitude – gives you more options and greater control over your goals and dreams.  If whatever you’re doing isn’t working, do something different.  If you feel stuck in life, it’s a sign to try a new approach.

Just as learning to drive and change gears smoothly takes practise, so does learning to shift ‘gears’ in life.  Mistakes are part of the process, use them as feedback to refine your learning and approach to challenges.  By learning to select the right ‘gear’ for each situation, you’ll move yourself out of surviving and into living.

 

Acceleration

 

In advanced driving, the acceleration phase is about moving through and away from a hazard, leaving the challenge behind and returning to smooth progress.  It’s the moment when, having assessed and dealt with the hazard you commit to action and move forward confidently.  In life, acceleration represents growth, progress and the pursuit of your goals.  It’s about taking decisive action, after careful preparation, moving beyond obstacles and towards what matters most to you.

Having clarity with your goals is important.  Many clients will tell me what they don’t want, but are unsure of what they really want.  Define your goal in positive and specific terms.  Once you have set a goal the acceleration phase is where intention becomes action.  Ask yourself:

• What is the next step I can take towards my goal?
• How will I know I’m making progress?
• What skills and strengths can I draw on now?
• What support do I need to keep moving forward?

Acceleration is about taking ownership of your actions and results.  Recognise and celebrate each milestone, no matter how small.  Acknowledging progress, fuels motivation and builds momentum.  Visualise yourself moving confidently towards your goal, see yourself as having achieved the goal and imagine how it will feel when you succeed.  Sometimes acceleration means pushing through discomfort or uncertainty.  View any setbacks as ‘learning opportunities’, reset and try a different approach. 

Remember growth is a journey, sometimes fast, sometimes slow, but always forward.

 

Conclusion

 

Just as a skilled driver navigates the road with awareness, adaptability and purpose, so too can you steer your life with confidence and clarity.  Life, like driving, is not about avoiding hazards, but learning how to move through them with skill and resilience.  Each phase of this system – gathering information, choosing your position, managing your speed, selecting the right gear and accelerating towards your goals – invites you to reflect, adapt and grow.  The road ahead is bound to have its twists and turns, but with these principles you are well-equipped to handle whatever comes your way.  Trust in your ability to choose your own path and attain your own goals.

 

Website - www.byb-beyourbest.co.uk

Full article - https://www.byb-beyourbest.co.uk/resources/

Email – lynn.byb@gmail.com

Phone – 07766 651418

 

 

A message to new Associates

If you are one of our new associates on the August 2025 course, I’d like to give you a big welcome to Bolton Advanced Motorists.  I hope that you will enjoy your time with us as much as I enjoyed my course.  We will be asking you to change some of your driving habits so that you can pass your Advanced Test.  Some associates find this difficult.  If you are one of these please persevere.  You must attend consistently; if you go out with an observer on one Sunday and then miss the next two, when you next have an observed drive you will have forgotten much of what you were taught during the initial session.  During the week you must practise what you are learning on a Sunday morning.  Then you should find that around Session 5 it all starts to come together and you can see the benefits of driving using the System of Car Control, IPSGA.  If you find that it takes longer, don’t worry.  Tell your observer and, if necessary, speak to your mentor.  The Group has over 55 years’ experience of preparing drivers for their advanced test and, whatever your problem, I’m confident that we will have the answer.                                                                  Gary Whittle

Report of the 2026 Annual General Meeting

 

On 5th May 2026 the Chairman, Roy Sammons, welcomed everyone to the Annual General Meeting.  He began by thanking two of our most loyal supporters, Steve Cottam and Steve Peary, who both moved on to pastures new in the latter part of 2025.  Steve Cottam, who has been involved with the group since 2003, and for the last 19 years serving as President, is standing down as President at this AGM having moved to the North of Scotland.  Steve Peary chose to become an Examiner and National Observer Assessor.  This meant that he has had to stand down from being involved in running the Group.

 

Turning to the dedicated Observer Team who provide the foundation of our Sunday morning sessions the Chairman was proud to report that all of them attended 90% of our Sunday morning sessions – absolutely brilliant.  That is a remarkable commitment to the Group which he truly appreciated.  Members of the Training Team continue to give even more to support training new observers and Diploma candidates with their drives.

 

We began the year with 13 Observers, reducing by one when Steve Peary moved on.  During the year we welcomed Pete Pritchard as a trainee and when he fully qualified as a National Observer we were back up to 13.  We have four waiting to join our next training course.

 

The Chairman continued by talking about our test passes for 2025 which were more than disappointing at nine, though sadly this belies the fact that we trained many more.  Our 2024 total, at 13 passes, was a marginal improvement over 2023 when we had 10 passes which was much lower than the 23 in 2022. We still ask for your help in recruiting new Associates, remember that personal contact and recommendation remains our best form of recruitment.  Despite the price, there is still no better value for money, but people don’t realise that until they take the course.

 

Of those Associates who enrolled during the year, almost 40% did not take the course through to Test.  It is discourteous that often they will not even speak to us to explain their reasons.  Whilst this is very disappointing for us, we hope that the sessions our Observers undertook with Associates were not wasted and improved their driving standards.  Sadly, we will never know – and neither will they!

 

He then asked what makes the Bolton Group ‘tick’?  It is all down to all our volunteers and members, without whom the Group would not exist.  From the Committee who give their time unstintingly, attending meetings and planning all our courses and events, to our dedicated Observers who support our courses, training needs and Diploma.  To the members who attend the Group meetings, and join together for our trips and other visits.  There are too many to name individually – and it’s dangerous if he happened to miss someone from the list!!  Whoever you are, whatever you do, your effort is greatly appreciated.  Certainly we are, he believed, the only car group in the region to have a regular monthly meeting, along with other social events.

 

We now needed to follow up on the merger of East Lancashire Group with Bolton Group, the EGM’s having been held and the merger approved by both Groups.  With our ASDM Dave Cox and Head Office the transfer process is underway for members, post code areas and any remaining funds.  At present he did not have a timescale for completion, although he hoped it will be just two or three months.

 

Last year he reported on the unexpected cancellation by Dobbies Sports and Social Club of our room hire after 25 years.  Lostock Parish Centre, and this very room, came to our rescue and he thought, with hindsight, it was a good move for us – and certainly him as he lived just down the road!   We were pleased to be here.

 

The records kept by Lynn Jordan contribute significantly to the effectiveness and planning of our Sunday mornings.  Along with Vince Dover and Dougie Phillips, our Sunday morning sessions run like clockwork, including drives for trainee Observers, and those training for National Observer. 

 

We had sufficient numbers to start our 2026 Diploma Course in January, and we are very grateful for the assistance of senior instructors from the GMP Driver Training Unit in running the Roadcraft classroom sessions.  The six participants are about to start their practical drive training before the driving tests at the end of June. 

 

Katherine Whittle was standing down from the role of Group Contact, a role she had held for four years.  This position is the first point of contact for anyone who has enrolled on a course, or an enquiry of any type regarding what we can provide.  As such it can be seen as the ‘make or break’ point in the person enrolling on a course and is therefore a vital role to the Group.  We thank Katherine for the time she has given this role over those years, and we welcome Committee Member, David Wilkinson, who will take over from Katherine – thank you David.

 

Barry Sloan, our Publicity Officer, has continued to maintain the Group’s presence with vigour on all forms of social media, with our own public Facebook page.  We thank Barry for his enthusiasm in maintaining and co-ordinating our presence, and equally to Steve Peary for keeping our website up to date and relevant.  Steve had to create a new website for the Group, having been abandoned by IAM RoadSmart.  Our thanks go to Steve for saving the day.

 

The Chairman had now completed 29 years in office, and was required to make clear the IAM guidelines recorded in the IAM Group Handbook. These state: “It is very strongly recommended that the post of Chairman be held for no more than three years and that there be a break of at least one year before being nominated again”. He did not wish to prevent anyone who would like to take the role from doing so, yet he was also conscious that too many groups are closing, just like East Lancashire, because they are unable to form a fully working committee.  We are very fortunate to have a dedicated Committee of 13 people to keep the Group together, and with the necessary varied skills to do so.  He was happy and honoured to be Chairman of such a strong, active and enthusiastic IAM RoadSmart group, with the support from the team around him.  Noting that there is no ‘I’ in TEAM, he was very conscious that playing an active part in the Group was a hobby and for a hobby to be rewarding we needed to feel a sense of personal achievement.  He hoped that everyone involved felt just that and closed, as usual, with the biggest possible ‘Thank You’ to everyone.”

 

The Secretary thanked the Chairman for his work during the year.  He had worked harder than any other committee member and his dedication, devotion, enthusiasm and leadership skills inspired us all to remain one of the top IAM RoadSmart Groups.

 

The Advanced Driver course cost £204 between 1^st April 2025 and 31^st March 2026.  It now costs £210.

 

We recruited 22 associates during the year compared with 21 last year and 15 in 2023-24. Twenty-two members didn’t renew their subscriptions.  Our membership at the beginning of May 2026 consisted of 123 full members, 14 associates and six friends.  These add up to a total of 143 compared with 152 at this time last year.  We are currently sending out only 20 monthly Newsletters by post compared with 117 by email.  Members who received it by post were asked to think about transferring.  They would get access to the Newsletter’s web links and save the Group printing and increasing postage costs.  Special thanks were due to those who sent postage stamps for their newsletters. The Group subscription remained at £10 for another year.

 

The Secretary closed by repeating what the Chairman had said many times, personal contact and recommendation continue to be very important in recruiting new associates.  Sincere thanks were given to those who had encouraged friends or relatives to enrol this year.

 

The Treasurer reported another steady year.  Continued use of online banking resulted in prompt payment of invoices but we still needed to encourage more members to pay their subs by bank transfer to eliminate cheque processing.

 

Another slight drop in members and associates coming through meant a slight reduction in Charity Account income.  A diploma course was run during the year helping income after paying out additional room hire and the production/printing of course material.  An advance purchase of stamps was made to negate some of the price increase due in April 2026 with the surplus shown in stock on the balance sheet.  We need to encourage more members to receive the newsletter by email to bring down these postage expenses.

 

A good year for our meeting raffles and a slight profit on Xmas dinner helped our Social Account income.  The surplus was more than offset by increased speaker expenses and one-off long service gifts to Steve Cottam and Steve Peary giving us an overall balance drop of £350.  Cash in both accounts remains in a healthy position to cover all payments needed.

 

Roy was thanked for producing the balance sheet and liaising with the Reporting Accountant to have the accounts audited.  Special thanks for Margaret and her band of helpers in organising the meeting raffles and her production of the committee meeting minutes.  Thanks to Chris for organising the speakers and looking after the clothing and regalia account so expertly and to Vince and Lynn for the social events.  Also to the Lostock Parish Centre for the use of the meeting rooms.

 

Those committee members who had to seek re-election were re-elected.  All office-holders were also re-elected with Vince Dover filling the vacant Vice Chairman position.  Contact details can be found on the inside front cover of the Newsletter.

 

Gary Whittle, Honorary Secretary

 

 

 

 

 

Test Passes and Masters and National Observers July 25

The following Associates have been successful in their Advanced Test since the last newsletter went to print:

Masters success: 

 

 

 

 
Test Passes:

 

Paul Dunning

 

 

 

We now have fifty fsix IAM F1RST passes in the Bolton & District Group since the F1RST award was introduced.

Congratulations on your achievement and we hope you will enjoy your driving and continue to support the Bolton & District Group for many years to come. 

Your next challenge is to maintain (and build on) the skills you have achieved during your course.

National Observer:

 

Congratulations to IMI National Observer Passes

 

We offer our congratulations to the following who have recently taken their National Observer Assessments and passed;     

 

Pete Pritchard

 

We now have a full complement of National Observers in the Bolton Group and are ‘leading the way’ in our region of IAM RoadSmart in completing conversions from Local Observer status to National Observer.

This follows many months of training, both classroom and driving assessments, and we are delighted with your success and proud of the results.  We now have an additional five National Observers on the books, with the possibility of two more interested and who will soon be starting training.

This his places the Bolton and District Group in a strong position with fifteen National Observers and we intend to celebrate this success.  This includes three of our current National Observers who recently took their N.O. five yearly reassessment.  Geoff Baker, Dougie Phillips and David Wilkinson all completed their assessment and passed without issue.

Many congratulations to you all on these fantastic achievements and thank you for ensuring the continued and future success of the Bolton and District Group.

It will help if you buy a badge for the front of your car – it will give you a ‘conscience’ to drive behind!  Also one of the Bolton Group window badges helps to advertise the Bolton Group.  Please speak to Chris Knowles.

 

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2026 Annual General Meeting Summary Report

2026 Annual General Meeting Summary Report

 

On 5th May 2026 the Chairman, Roy Sammons, welcomed everyone to the Annual General Meeting. TBA

Group Required Contract Statement to Members

Here at the Bolton & District Group of Advanced Motorists we would like to thank you for renewing your membership with us, as part of your membership contract with us, we will contact you with information on training, committee, and social events, together with newsletters/magazines relating to the group and Road Safety.

Pictures, videos and written updates of Bolton & District Group of Advanced Motorists, events such as training, committee and social events at which you may be in attendance or referred to, will also be regularly published on Social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter etc, group newsletters/magazines and group related websites.

Bolton & District Group of Advanced Motorists also shares your information with IAM RoadSmart in order to administer membership activities.

Option to Withdraw from the above

You have the right to withdraw from receiving or participating in any of the above, by contacting Bolton & District Group of Advanced Motorists.

 

I DO NOT WISH TO:-

□   receive information on training, committee, and social events, together with newsletters/magazines relating to the group and Road Safety.

□   to appear in or be referred to in or on any group social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter etc, group newsletters/magazines and group related websites.

Signature:                                                                          ______________________

Name (in capitals):                                                            ______________________

Date:                                                                                 ______________________

Membership Number                                                        ______________________

 

 

Please notify the Bolton & District Group of Advanced Motorists by email to gkwhittle@btinternet.com or by letter to:-

Gary Whittle,

Group Secretary

Bolton & District Group of Advanced Motorists,

50 Albert Road West

Bolton

BL1 5HG

 

If you do not return this document with your Subs renewal form we shall continue to communicate with you as we do now.

 

..

Reg Local - a series of video’s on How to Pass an Advanced Driving Test

There are 9 modules and can be found by clicking the following link; 

 

https://www.youtube.com/c/RegLocal/playlists

 

Introduction

System of Car Control

Steering

Braking

Acceleration Sense

Cornering

Overtaking

Signalling

Commentary

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