Well, here I am with a new job – TVAM Chair! (gulp).
As I write this, it’s only my second day in the role and it feels like I’m on the steepest bit of the learning curve. I’m also worried there are things I’ve not found out or been told about.
Perhaps I’d better introduce myself. I live with my wife of 43 years in Newbury, having moved from Thatcham just about a year ago. We have two children, and two grandchildren (so far).
Although initially trained as an engineer, I’ve worked in software development since 1979. I ran my own company in Newbury for ten years, and for the past ten years have managed teams of software developers and/or software projects. I’ve been both a Director and Trustee of a charity multiple times in the past.
Some fun facts. I’ve got a Private Pilots Licence (long since expired, which basically means I haven’t got one), an amateur radio licence (I was even a morse code examiner), I’m in a choir and I’ve performed in several stage musicals.
I haven’t always been a biker. My father was anti-bike. When I was in my teens, my brothers and I were given a choice – either get a bike or continue living at home. I still managed to get a second-hand Honda S50 at 17, maybe that didn’t count. Quite a few years later, in 2009 and the week before they introduced the mod 1 part, I passed my bike test. My first introduction to advanced riding was a BikeSafe day, and I joined TVAM having been invited on a guest ride by Alan Mossman.
It took me a while to get to advanced test standard, but thanks to my observer (Nick Caiger-Smith), a weekend of 7Ws and a trip with WAGs to France, I got there in the end. I’d caught the bug, and wanted to learn more, so I kept going with training. I trained to become an Observer in 2014, with the idea that the best way to benefit from an organisation is to contribute to it. It worked: I learned more about advanced riding after I got a gold badge than before. It was followed by National Observer qualification in 2017, a Masters Distinction in 2018, and becoming a Skills Day Track Instructor in 2022.
I put myself up for this role because I want to contribute and believe I can add value. Being part of a team is important, and I’ll be looking to build
on skills within the club to improve what TVAM offers. We are succeeding in many ways, yet there are opportunities to grow. The standard of our training is well known to be very high, for example, yet perhaps we could step up our efforts to reach other demographics.
I was coordinating our work with road safety organisations before I took on this role and will, at least for the time being, continue to do that. As I write this, we’ve just booked some dates and venues for Be A Better Biker in 2024, and I will be seeking help from the membership to run the events.
Finally, I should echo what Barrie has said on previous months about the forthcoming St. Crispin’s. We will again be marshaling people on arrival into correct parking areas, and on leaving please ensure you use the exit nearest the road and not through the coned-off areas. It is much appreciated how well everyone has supported the changes and helped St. Crispin’s to run smoothly. Of course, we need this support to continue into the new year.
Kevin Dunwell
TVAM Chair