50 years of IAM in Lincolnshire

IAM Lincolnshire celebrated their 50th anniversary with a social meeting which also incorporated their AGM. 

The group were delighted to be joined by Ida Pankhurst, the widow of Ken Pankhurst who founded the group in 1973, together with her daughter and son. Ken launched the group together with Police Sergeant, Bob Hardisty, who was already an IAM examiner in the county. Between them, they developed and ran the group very successfully for many years. Also at the meeting were Glenys Allerton and Jenny Currie both of whom were officers of the group from the outset together. Several other longstanding members also attended.

The group were also very grateful to be supported at the meeting by Marc Jones, Lincolnshire Police and Crime Commissioner, Stuart Donald IAM Chairman, Tony Kildare IAM CEO and Steve Ellis, IAM Area Service Delivery Manager. Lincolnshire Police Sgt Mike Templeman, gave a short talk on the importance of road safety and shared details of his upcoming run for charity in memory of the 48 people who lost their lives on Lincolnshire’s roads in 2022.  

Tony Kildare presented the group with a certificate in recognition of achieving 50 years of service to the IAM and improving road safety. 
  
The members were given a short presentation covering the groups history, including past successes such as the training of the entire Red Arrows team of 1991. This was supported by a display of photos and memorabilia from the past including a photo of the then Chief Observer, Glenys Allerton, sitting in the cockpit of a Red Arrows aircraft! 

IAM Lincolnshire Chairman, Roger Hicks, said he was delighted that the group, after 50 years, was still successful and continues to make better drivers in Lincolnshire as a fitting tribute to Ken and Bob’s foresight in 1973. 

The meeting concluded with a buffet and our special guest, Ida Pankhurst, cutting the anniversary cake.