My final Chatter of 2024, yet again this year seems to have flown by!! I usually report on test passes in this newsletter, but with four outstanding I will report next month.
Elsewhere in this newsletter we remind you that Group annual subs are due on January 1st, and for another year we have kept the cost the same, helped in no small part by almost 85% of our membership taking this newsletter by email. I hope you agree that membership of the group continues to be excellent value for money. If you haven’t already done so, please help us by signing Gift Aid on your subscription. By signing, providing you pay tax to cover the amount, we can claim £2.50 back from the Inland Revenue on each £10 subscription. On average this raises £350 each year for Group funds.
We have again published details of our Bank Account details (Page 15) for those who wish to pay by Bank Transfer. Please note that it is VERY IMPORTANT that you quote your full name as your reference on any payment and ALSO SEND us your Membership form either by post or scanning.
In the November newsletter we announced that we were considering running the prestigious Bolton Group Diploma in 2025. At the moment there are places available which we would like to fill to justify running the course. We have extended the closing date to Sunday December 8th, so if you are still considering enrolling and maybe have questions please speak to myself or Steve Peary – contact details on Page 2
Just to follow up on my Chat last month, Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham is ‘confident’ more regulation will be brought in to curb the practice of ‘out-of-area working’. That means Taxis licensed by Wolverhampton council could be BANNED from working in Greater Manchester (and any other area).
I know the Bolton News has reported people seeing a naked cyclist riding around the Bolton area, but has anyone seen a couple on a tandem similarly naked? My son-in-law saw them early in October riding along Colliers Row Road, opposite Longshaw Ford Road which comes up from Barrow Bridge. Don’t think they will be out much in winter though!!
Just a reminder that we still include a free ‘Check Drive’ in your subscription. This is for IAM/group members who wish to have the assurance that they are still able to drive to IAM Advanced test standard. Or maybe have changed cars to an automatic (or even electric) and need some assurance that you have adjusted to a different style of driving. Contact Roy Sammons (roy_sammons@yahoo.co.uk) to arrange.
I must offer my personal thanks to everyone for all the hard work and commitment given to the Bolton & District Group during 2024. There are so many of you, performing different roles, and without you the Group could not survive. The Groups are the lifeblood of the IAM – without the volunteers who would prepare Associates for the IAM test?
On behalf of your committee, may I wish you all a very Happy Christmas.
Roy Sammons