The SAM Observer March 2023

The Cover photo was taken by Mike Roberts at a Classic Vehicle Show in Shotley.

Please send in Pictures for our 2023 magazines covers Do not to crop them too tight. I need the full size files from their phone/camera. Only 2 files per member! My email can't cope with folders full, thanks.

Mike Roberts

My Picture, Bob Rhodes

Chairman’s Chat

At last my first Chairman’s chat, well we’ve had the SAM AGM so all officers and committee members have been voted for. The committee is already working hard with the running of the group, we are working on a way to get more members to group nights, big Bob Rhodes is the man to go to if you have any ideas for guest speakers, or any other activities you might like to see at group nights (keep it clean).

I went on my first social ride for a while last week to the Wild Blackberry café at Bromeswell it was a very enjoyable if a bit messy ride, the bike needed a good clean when I got home ( It didn’t get it) My 310 GS with it’s knobbly tyres got a few looks when I turned up, with questions about legality and grip on the road, but all was well. Trevor put me in Vini’s group which is always a fun group to ride in, Vini behaved himself impeccably, maybe because he had a national observer riding number two, only joking, you always get a spirited ride with Vini. Don’t forget social rides are open to associates with an associates only group.

I called into see our friends at Orwells the other day 1st stop tea at the burger van where someone said somebody had stolen a customer’s bike from outside the shop, all staff were out looking for the culprit including Garry from the workshop who took off his orangey red jacket and white crash helmet to join in the search, after a while Garry asked what was he wearing? An orangey red jacket and white helmet! Garry went to the workshop and came back with his orangey red jacket and white helmet, a customer had seen Garry jump on a bike and riding off, thinking it was being stolen he ran into the shop and reported it, Garry was riding it round to the workshop. Needless to say a good laugh was had by all. Hopefully see you all at next group night.

This year the Committee has decided it would be informative for the membership to see the draft minutes of February’sAGM before next year.

Besides the reports and a precise of the explanation given on the evening the recipients of SAM awards are also included.

Glyn Hill

New Associate Members

A warm welcome is extended to our most recent Associate members:

Ian Kirton Jan Cowley Stephen Mortimer Charlie Yapp

Paul Jewby

If anyone else has joined us and not had a mention yet, let the Editor know and he will put your name in the next Issue

Welcome

from another group

Will Harrison transferring from Lincolnshire

James Elphick transferring from ELAM, East London

SAM Theory Evenings

As most of you know, on the 4th Wednesday evening every month, SAM holds its monthly Theory Evening. Based on an ever revolving subject list of important rider skills these nights are an informal evening of facts and lively banter all aimed at improving your ride based on the information in the Advanced Rider Course Logbook.

Each session covers one of the four main topic areas;

Overtaking

Planning & Positioning Cornering Gears & Acceleration

Mainly aimed at Associates going through the course, these evenings are also a good way for full members to brush up on their theory and add their experiences and questions to the session.

The great benefit of attending these sessions in the classroom means it saves time on the road, covering theory and has the added advantage of an opportunity to discuss any issues you may have generally on your Advanced Rider Course.

Next theory night meeting will be March 22nd 2023. 19:30 ~ 22:00.

Subject for the theory night is Cornering

Paul Ballard

SAM Chief Observer

The 2023 SAM “Ton-up” Challenge

Sponsored by Orwell Motorcycles

I’m pleased to be able to announce the launch of the 2023 SAM Challenge.

This year I would like you to find 20 locations spread across East Anglia that all have the word “ton” in their name. There are 5 in each of the following counties; Suffolk, Norfolk, Essex and Cambridgeshire.

Plus, you will need to visit the premises of our sponsors, Orwell Motorcycles, and take a photo from inside their showroom.

Firstly, please email me and I will send you the place names in the form of an anagram along with a clue as where to find them. Then simply provide me with photographic evidence of your visit with a picture of you and/or your motorbike alongside anything in the town or village with the name of the location on e.g village sign, notice board, church sign, road sign, war memorial etc. If you successfully visit all 21 places your name will be entered into a draw to stand a chance to win a voucher to spend at Orwell’s;

1st Prize of £200

2nd Prize of £100

3rd Prize of £ 50

The prize draw will be held at Orwell Motorcycles on the evening of our September group night.

The Challenge is free to enter and is open to all fully paid-up members of Suffolk Advanced Motorcyclists, whether full, associate or joint. Closing date for entries is 31st of August, 2023. Everyone who completes the Challenge will receive a 2024 SAM calendar which will be your free entry into next year’s SAM Calendar Challenge as a reward for your efforts.

So if you fancy riding your way around East Anglia in pursuit of some wellknown and not so well known towns and villages please email me at nigel.chittock@btinternet.com and I will register you for the Challenge and send you the clues along with some terms and conditions.

Nigel Chittock

We are looking for new Observers to join the team

Observers are a valuable asset to the club and give of their time freely in the interests of improving Motorcycle Road Safety. To ensure we continue with the fantastic work of the current team I am organising an assessment day, for those members who are interested in trying out for this demanding role. Assessments will take place on Saturday 1st April 2023 (Not an April fool). Before you send that email or grab the phone and call, let me give you some of the facts.

The assessment day will be long and tiring; you will be assessed by members of our current Observer team throughout the day. After the festivities have ceased you will be told if you have the ability to become an observer or not and that you are able to commence SAM observer training later in April.

Being an Observer for SAM requires a number of qualities; you need to be; committed to improving the standard of riding for both yourself and others; have very good communication skills and to commit time to train. You should have a good knowledge of Roadcraft and be able to put across the concepts to people from all backgrounds and abilities. Be riding to at least the IAM test standard and have enough concentration left to observe another rider. Be a fully paid-up member of SAM and the IAM. Have loads of patience. Be able to give freely of your time to observe, attend regular refresher training sessions with other Observers, support SAM organised events and share your skills with others.

The training process; Following successful selection on the Assessment day, you will need to commit to attending the three evening classroom training sessions of around 2 hours each, these will be done in the weeks shortly afterwards all being well. Then there will be a number of practical assessments which will focus on your riding, communications skills and teaching ability, each of which will be driven by you. You would be expected to have completed all of this hopefully by the end of Summer 2023 so that we can use your new found skills. Following all that, you will then be assessed by an IAM assessor who will, after successful completion promote you up to National Observer. This is a new feature this year, as the IAM are disbanding the Local Observer qualification from April 2023 in favour of National Observers which will be the benchmark for the future.

I make no apologies for the tough process, however, there is a minimum national standard required and this is verified by the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) where upon success you will have earned an external qualification endorsed by

them. The programme is designed not only to get the right people with the correct skills but also with the right attitude.

If you have not been put you off by now and you are still keen then please give Paul Ballard the Chief Observer a call on 07850 715063 or better an Email pgb284@gmail.com to book your place. Closing date for applications will be 25th March 2023.

Paul Ballard

Wanted – deputy for Communications & Website.

Do you have some IT skills you would like to put to use on behalf of the club?

You don’t need to be an expert at websites or coding, just have a reasonable level of IT knowledge – such as Word and/or Excel.

You also don’t need to join the committee or commit to hours of work every month.

What I need is someone who can managed some minor website updates, issue the occasional email to members, and respond to any related emails while I am not available due to holidays etc.

The SAM Website is based on WordPress, I use a basic online email system, along with the Event booking system – all of which are quite simple to use – I am happy to provide appropriate training to a willing volunteer, along with some detailed “crib” sheets for reference.

Most of the requirements will entail simply copying a previous version and making the necessary edits and then saving.

If you are interested in helping out with this please email me at communications@suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com and we can arrange to meet and discuss in more detail. Thanks

Les Smith

SAM Communications and Webmaster

Ride Leaders

Social Ride Coordinator

Trevor Read

Ride Leaders

Eric Aldridge Ken Beckinsale Kevin Bolt Chris Bond

Jeremy Duszynski Brian Ellis Vini Evans Mike Roberts

Steve Hart Jon Marriott Alex JonesFred Sparrow

Andrew Robotham Les Smith David Wood

Graham Woollard

Please check the SAM Calendar online for last minute changes/cancellations –this also includes a link to the registration page with more details..

Suffolk Advanced Motorcyclists

Minutes of Annual General Meeting 15th February 2023

The AGM was held at Kesgrave War Memorial Community Centre, Twelve Acre Approach, Kesgrave

The meeting commenced at 19.30 with 45 members present. Chairman’s Welcome

The Chairman, Glyn Hill, welcomed everyone to the AGM/Group Night meeting.

A Brief synopsis of the SAM year 2022 was given by Glyn

Membership

The SAM membership stood at 250

There were 60 new Associates during the year and 54 Full members

Group Nights

There continued to be monthly Group Nights and Theory Nights throughout the year

It was recognised by the Committee that attendance at Group Nights had fallen slightly. In an attempt to identify the problem and encourage attendance a Members Survey was carried out with members invited to give their views and ideas. The results had been published in the November Observer Magazine. The Committee continued to resolve those issues identified where this is possible.

Training

During this year there were 27 Test passes (including 9 first passes) which is a credit to our dedicated Observer Team.

In addition there were now 7 members who have passed the Masters and 5 with distinction

Geoff Scott had arranged 8 assessment rides during the year to encourage riders to maintain/improve their riding skill and this opportunity will continue to be available in the future.

Training rides for Ride Leaders had been arranged followed by regular well attended Social Rides arranged by Trevor Read This year we have had excellent new routes and venues provided by Vini Evans. There were now 19 Ride leaders and there is always room for more.

Website

The new SAM website was made available and administered by Les Smith. There are still a few issues but these are being resolved by Les as soon as they are identified.

All social rides can be booked using Eventbrite with invitations for each ride sent out to all members by Les Smith. Other events like Theory Nights are also using Eventbrite as a booking method.

The Publicity Team

The team led by Glyn and Dean was supported by a band of helpers

The Publicity Team had undertaken demo days and attended shows throughout the year to promote the club.

We have purchased a computer to enable the Team to enroll new members on the day and at the Copdock Show alone we had enrolled 19 new members

Other

Glyn thanked Richard Ockelton for his time as Chairman. Richard has been a good ambassador for the Club and had worked hard during his time on the Committee.

Nigel Chittock had once more successfully arranged the SAM Challenge with routes and destinations around East Anglia with 49 completed entries and he was preparing the Challenge for 2023.

As usual SAM supported CCMC on 3 fun runs this year and at their Copdock show providing Marshalls for Bike Parking

SAM had held 2 charity rides during the year. One for Somersham Ward Ipswich Hospital and the other for SANDS West Suffolk Hospital

Sadly, Steve Bingham, had passed away in October this year. He was an active member of SAM as an Observer and the Events Coordinator on the Committee. He was also a SERVCS blood runner.

The Committee continued to have a few vacancies and there is always space for enthusiastic members who are willing to give their time to help the running of the club.

Previous AGM Minutes for 16th February 2022

The minutes of the previous AGM on 16th February 2022 had been published in the SAM Observer January 2022 magazine and the meeting was asked if there were any objections to the minutes. There were none and their approval proposed by Vini Evans and seconded by Felix Oliver and approval was confirmed with a show of hands by the members,

Treasurer’s Report by Bryan Duncan

The accounts had been published in the SAM January magazine and slides indicating the income and expenditure were shown to the membership.

Bryan explained that due to the influence of Covid on the accounts for 2021 it was difficult to compare these with the 2022 accounts. Covid in 2021 reduced the number of new Associates, there had been fewer demo days and shows, fewer attendances at Group Nights and these all contributed to distorted figures in the annual accounts.

However, in general the account in 2022 was healthy, mainly with the income from annual subscriptions and a £3000 contribution from Copdock CMCC. The use of Gift Aid gave the club additional income and Bryan would like all members who pay income tax of £5 or more to complete a Gift Aid Form to reclaim more monies for the club. In general the club’s income was static and would not vary sufficiently to make any exceptional increase. The expenditure however is always likely to increase.

The Committee chose to use the Clubs funds to improve our image and make the various teams more efficient. Therefore the cost of promotional equipment, including the one off payment of the computer, resulted in the ‘high cost’.

The cost of the venue was also highlighted. The membership was given the criteria required if they wanted to find an alternative venue.

The Chairman asked if there were any questions or objections to the accounts. There were no objections and the accounts were formally proposed for acceptance by Geoff Scott and seconded by Trevor Read and approved by a show of hands from the members.

Election of Officers

The formal election process then took place.

Glyn Hill handed the chair to Geoff Scott who continued to Chair the initial section of the AGM.

The Officers:

Chairman, Glyn Hill

Vice Chairman Dean Harris

Treasurer, Bryan Duncan

Secretary, Eric Aldridge

Stepped down and all were standing for re-election. The following were unopposed officer nominations:

Glyn Hill for post of Chairman

Glyn was previously on the Committee as Chairman

Proposed by Dave Franklin and Seconded by Trevor Read with no objections and approved by a show of hands

Glyn continued the election process as Chairman

Dean Harris for Post Vice Chairman

Proposed by Geoff Scott and seconded by Trevor Read with no objections and approved by a show of hands

Bryan Duncan for post of Treasurer

Proposed by Geoff Scott and Seconded by Paul Ballard with no objections and approved by a show of hands.

Eric Aldridge for post of Secretary

Proposed by Geoff Scott and Seconded by Trevor Read with no objections and approved by a show of hands

Annually one third of the Committee has to stand for re-election.

On a rolling cycle the following Committee members stood for re election

Dave Franklin for post of Membership Secretary

Proposed by Geoff Scott and Seconded by Trevor Read with no objections and approved by a show of hands

Les Smith Webmaster and Communications

Proposed by Felix Oliver and Seconded by Trevor Read with no objections and approved by a show of hands

Geoff Scott for posts of Associate Training Officer and Continuous Training Coordinator

Proposed by Bryan Duncan and Seconded by Dean Harris with no objections and approved by a show of hands

Robert Rhodes for post of Publicity Events Organiser

Proposed by Trevor Read and Seconded by Geoff Scott with no objections and approved by a show of hands

The Committee election was completed.

The AGM closed at 20:20.

The SAM Awards for 2022 were presented

The David Arbon Ride Leader of the Year Award Presented by Geoff Scott to Trevor Read

Chosen by Ride Leader Team secret ballot.

The Maddock Trophy –

Presented by Glyn Hill to Bryan Duncan (John and Jenny Maddock founded SAM in 1989 Sadly, John passed away in 2015.)

Awarded to a member who has made an outstanding contribution to the running of the group.

Gosden Trophy –

Presented by Paul Ballard to Dean Austin

Awarded to Associate who has shown sparkle and enthusiasm.

(Bob Gosden is a retired IAM examiner and member since 1979 and could not attend to present the trophy.)

Awarded to the outstanding Observer who has qualified during the latest Observer training programme. Chosen by Observer team.

The Trophy was constructed and donated by Rob a former Chief Observer and founder member

Rob Day Trophy Presented by Paul Ballard to Jonathan Marriot

The Chairman’s Trophy –

Presented by Glyn Hill to Brian Ellis

Awarded at the discretion of the Chairman in recognition of an outstanding contribution by a member to the running of the SAM group.

Other Awards

Bryan Duncan received Life Membership for the club. He has served 13 years as a Committee member (11 as treasurer). He received the award from Glyn Hill.

That concluded the Award Ceremony

Where are we going and how are we getting there?

Social Rides in April

Breakfast Run Sunday 2nd

Wings Café, North Weald Airfield, CM16 6HR. 01992 523588

Please meet at B&M Copdock (car park behind if open) in good time so that the last group can get away by 9o/c. It’s a popular, and hence busy, venue so we don’t want to be too late getting there. We’ll settle in by trundling down the A12 to Stratford then cutting across to Nayland. A testing little section follows across to Bures and on to Halstead. Then it’s through Finchingfield to Thaxsted, down to Broxsted and suddenly you’ll recognise where you are as we appear at Stansted Airport. We’ll make our way down to Hatfield Heath and Moreton to join the A414 for a short stretch before forking off to North Weald Airfield where we double back at the roundabout and enter at the Gatehouse. Turn left, past the market and follow the perimeter road carefully around (give way to aircraft) to the Wings Café.

Jaunt, Saturday 15th

Urban Jungle Café Beccles

Starting once again from Beacon Hill (well I like it because it’s close to where I live) so that we can be off by 12:30. The first stretch is along the B1078 to Otley then turning off at the old Clopton Crown. At Charsfield it’s off to Framlingham and Peasenhall, round the back of Heveningham Hall to Halesworth. Finally to Beccles via Brampton. Enter the Nursery premises off the ‘new’ roundabout. Hopefully the café will have more than just the one person serving and cashing up this time. It can be worth the wait simply to savour the different surroundings.

Chip Run Thursday 20th

Meeting at Copdock in the car park behind B&M – if the gate is open, in front if not – so that the last group can get away by 18:00

Join the A14 and hop straight off again to go down Wherstead Hill and along the Strand as far as Freston to re-join the A137 at Brantham. At Ardleigh we’ll turn off, going through Langham and Boxted, to hook up with the A134 at Nayland for the final run in to Sudbury. Park up at a convenient spot on Market Hill then walk back a short distance to the Codfather opposite the church.

Vini Evans

Advertise in our magazine

Annual Advertising Rates: Advertise on the SAM website for an additional £25. Contact Felix for more details

07712649860

editor@suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com £50 for ½ page £75 for full page

Norfolk Advanced Motorcyclists

3rd Monday of the month, 19:30, at The Cottage, Thunder Lane, Thorpe St Andrew. NR7 0JD

Chairman, JohnYoung, 07948538036 Secretary, PaulMilner, 07834600665

SAM Events for your Diary 2022

Please see website and magazine for updates

March 2023

Wednesday 15th SAM Group Night. Announcements, followed by Guest speaker, Ethan, he is bringing along his very modified R100, and a very subtle modified GS. Both bikes are his and he is also bringing a cut down engine to show how it all works. Happy to do question & answer session. 19:30~22:00 at Kesgrave War Memorial Community Centre, Twelve Acre Approach, Kesgrave, Ipswich IP5 1JF Bar serving drinks, including teas and coffees. Card Only

Saturday 18th Saturday Jaunt to Goodies Food Hall, Long Stratton. Meet at Beacon Hill Services in time for 13.00 departure

Wednesday 22nd Theory Evening 19:00 ~ 22:00. Come along and learn more about Roadcraft. Topic: Planning & Positioning, Contact: Paul Ballard, Meet in The Board Room

Sunday 26th Dexterity & Control 09:00 ~ 14:00 Sidegate Primary School, Sidegate Ln, Ipswich IP4 2QT Motorcycle Dexterity & Control Days give you the opportunity to practice the art of riding a motorcycle slowly, and to learn the techniques that will help you do it

April 2023

Sunday 2nd Breakfast run to Wings, North Weald Airfield, CM16 6HR Please arrive in time for departure at 09.00 latest Departs from behind B&M, IP8 3TT,

Wednesday 5th SAM Committee meeting 19:00~22:00. Kesgrave War Memorial Community Centre, Twelve Acre Approach, Kesgrave, Ipswich IP5 1JF

Saturday 15th Saturday Jaunt to Urban Jungle Cafe, Beccles. NR34 8TT Meet at Beacon Hill Services IP6 8LP, in time for 12.00 departure

Wednesday 19th SAM Group Night. Announcements followed by Guest speaker, 19:30~22:00 at Kesgrave War Memorial Community Centre, Twelve Acre Approach, Kesgrave, Ipswich IP5 1JF Bar serving drinks, including teas and coffees. Card Only

Thursday 20th Fish and Chip Run to Cod Father, Sudbury Please meet behind B&M Home Store, IP8 3TT, in time for 18:00 start.

Saturday 22nd Dexterity & Control 09:00 ~ 14:00 Sidegate Primary School, Sidegate Ln, Ipswich IP4 2QT Motorcycle Dexterity & Control Days give you the opportunity to practice the art of riding a motorcycle slowly, and to learn the techniques that will help you do it

Wednesday 26th Theory Evening 19:00 ~ 22:00. Come along and learn more about Roadcraft. Topic Gears & Acceleration. Available to Full Members. Meet in the Board Room. Contact: Paul Ballard

May 2023

Wednesday 3rd SAM Committee meeting 19:00~22:00. Kesgrave War Memorial Community Centre, Twelve Acre Approach, Kesgrave, Ipswich IP5 1JF

Sunday 7th Breakfast run to Iron Horse Ranch House, Market Deeping. Meet at Tesco, Stowmarket - 08.30 in time for last departure by 09.00 departure

Wednesday 17th SAM Group Night. Announcements, AGM, 19:30~22:00 at Kesgrave War Memorial Community Centre, Twelve Acre Approach, Kesgrave, Ipswich IP5 1JF Bar serving drinks, including teas and coffees.

Saturday 20th Saturday Jaunt to Blue Egg, Great Bardfield. Depart from Beacon Hill Services. Please arrive in time for 12.30 departure latest

Sunday 21st Dexterity & Control 09:00 ~ 14:00 Sidegate Primary School, Sidegate Ln, Ipswich IP4 2QT Motorcycle Dexterity & Control Days give you the opportunity to practice the art of riding a motorcycle slowly, and to learn the techniques that will help you do it

Wednesday 22nd Theory Evening 19:00 ~ 22:00. Come along and learn more about Roadcraft. Topic: Overtaking, Contact: Paul Ballard, Meet in The Board Room

Thursday 25th Fish and Chip Run to Chip Inn, Long Stratton Please meet at Beacon Hill Services in time for 18:00 start

MEMBER INFORMATION

A lot of useful information about SAM and its activities is available on our website. Below are some key links members will find useful.

CONTACTS

Contact details of SAM’s Committee & Observers, complete with photographs so you can recognise everyone.

https://suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com/contact-us/

CALENDAR

Our online calendar with relevant links which can also be linked to your smartphone. Contact: Les Smith

https://suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com/sam-calendar/

OBSERVER ASSOCIATE CHARTER

What is expected of the Observer and Associate while preparing for the IAM motorcycle test. Contact: Paul Ballard

https://suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/SAMMembers-Group-Social-Rides-Charter.pdf

CARING SAM

Our customer service & complaints procedures.

TBA

DISCOUNT SCHEME

Contact: Brian Ellis

Proof of identity will be required to be shown. (e.g. Current IAM/SAM membership cards). Save your membership fee, and more, by using these retailers who give a discount to SAM members.

Contact: Dean Harris

https://suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com/disc

ADVERTS

Got something to sell? Want to see what other members are selling? See our online adverts section. Contact: Mike Roberts

TBA

SHOPS

T-shirts, sweatshirts, fleeces, hats, and more are available from SAM’s two online shops. Contact: Mike Roberts

https://suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com/sam-shops/

FORUM

All the latest news and discussion on all things SAM and motorcycle related. Have a read, and then register to join in. Contact: Mike Roberts

Editorial 2023

Again another successful AGM with a good turnout. Congratulations to all the prize winners, again well-deserved awards. It’s great to see such dedication amongst the Observers, Ride Leader and Committee members who give up their time to ensure that the club runs smoothly so we can all enjoy the all the ride-outs, Club nights, website and of course the magazine. Without your help the magazine would be very dull. As editor I’m tasking each of you to write at least two articles a year, by golly we would have a magazine worth reading.

Soap box time. I don’t think that members realise what an important tool the magazine is. The club has a 3rd of the membership active who come to group nights and ride outs, for the rest of the membership their only contact is via the website and magazine. I belonged to another club which also had a magazine, there were over 100 members when I joined, and like us had a monthly magazine, then due to costs it became by-monthly, then as and when…within two years all the members had lost interest and dropped away until only 5 hardy souls remained.

I have been asking for almost a year for someone to take over the editorship, yet everyone has kept their head below the parapet. It doesn’t matter if you’re an active member or not, just take a couple of hours a month, and if members send stuff in make the job much easier. I don’t write the magazine, I take the information given to me and format it so that we have a slick magazine, In 2012 we won “The best group newsletter award” so it’s something we can be all proud off editor@suffolk-advanced-motorcyclists.com

Safe Riding Felix.. Editor

More thrilling adventures awaits

Thank you

To all the members who have contributed to this month’s magazine. 

Note from Editor

Please check the SAM Calendar, Forum & Facebook page for further details and for any changes after going to press. Especially in winter months when the weather can be unpredictable Disclaimer

The articles published herein do not necessarily represent the views of the Institute of Advanced Motorists or the Suffolk Advanced Motorcyclist Group. They are the opinions of individual contributors and are published with a view that free expression promotes discussion and interests.

Any comments please email the editor.

Closing date for copy Friday Friday Friday Friday after club night

If you’d like to help save the Group on the printing and postage costs of your monthly ‘hard copy’ of the ‘SAM Observer’ by opting to receive an email notification instead, then please give me your email details on Group Night or send me an email.

I hope that you have been enjoying the reports that members who go on ride outs have written, and as you can see, it doesn’t have to be a wordy passage, so feel free to scribble a few words down, a few pictures and next month you will have another great magazine to read

Don’t forget to take your cameras and a notebook to record your trip then you can write a nice article about it for your favourite magazine. I have a word template if anyone would like it, email me and I’ll send you a copy which has all the formatting re-set on it. Please remember that we use Times New Roman as the main font for the magazine at a size 16 so that when the printer converts the A4 pages down to A5 the font looks like a 12. I like pictures to be separate to your articles because I can make them bigger or small to fill the page

GDPR

All members will have received a GDPR letter and form explaining that if you wish to opt out of receiving communications from SAM in emails, magazines, etc. Then complete and return the attached form as directed in the letter. Please only complete the form if you wish to opt out. Otherwise do nothing. Similarly, if you DO NOT wish to be mentioned in SAM publications, or other forms of SAM publicity as described in the letter then complete that section of the form. If you are happy to be included then you do not need to do anything.

If you have any questions or concerns please contact me. My contact details are in the magazine and contained in the letter.

EricAldridge SAM Secretary.

Mr Castle hiding in plain sight

Ian Luff receiving his certificate from Paul Ballard.

Random picture Taken somewhere by a member.