Month: February 2015

Hi everyone,

It’s been a busy month at TVAM. The Training Team rolled out a new Trainee Observer (TOb) process at the Core Skills Day on Saturday 7th February. The new process mirrors the Observer/Associate relationship whereby each TOb is assigned an experienced Observer as a Mentor who will guide them through their entire training. This new format is more time efficient and less arduous than the old yellow card (see page 6).

The event was held at Marlow Fire Station, kindly loaned to us for the day by Keith Wheeler of Bucks Fire and Rescue. Since national cutbacks in Police funding, Fire and Rescue have taken a lead in Road Safety and this is a relationship that we hope to build on.

Our Committee, especially Secretary Peter Dowlen, has been compiling the Annual Report and preparing for the AGM on March 15th. The AGM, held after the monthly St. Crispin’s meeting, is your opportunity to have a say in how your club is run so please make an effort to attend.

There will be a packed agenda this year as in addition to the formal business of the elections we have the discussion of Andy Slater’s Task Force Report on our relationship with the IAM.

After shadowing Andy Wedge for several months as Deputy Chief Observer I will be standing for the post of Chief Observer when he steps down for a well-earned rest after 5 years.

Thanks to Andy’s support I now have a much better insight as to what is involved in the role and if elected I am sure the learning will continue.

We also have a vacancy for Chair as Charon Willis will be standing down due to the demands of work and family making it impossible for her to continue in this role.

Currently we have no nominations for this position and would welcome interest from TVAM Full Members. If this is of interest to you please come and have an informal chat with any of the Committee.

It seems to be a long cold winter but the green shoots of a new biking year are beginning to show with social rides in the TVAM Calendar, TVAM Track Days at Castle Combe and 7Ws filling up fast, so get along to your local team meetings and give them your support.

Safe Riding

Pat Coneley

Deputy Chief Observer