Well we are well into 2007 now and hopefully not long before we have some warmer weather to be riding in. I am glad to report that there are some associates who are still undergoing observed rides in this colder climate, but alas still a lot that are not. So if you are placed with an observer and not active then please make contact with your observer, to let him or her know what your intentions are. We currently have 81 associates who are undergoing observed rides or at least placed with an observer, but approximately half of you do not keep in touch with your observer. So I am pleading with those of you who are not active to make contact and get out there with your observer, it is very frustrating as an observer to have people that just don’t bother. As it is preventing some other person from being observed as most observers have a maximum number they wish to have at any one time. If there are any of you who are not sure who your observer is or lost their details, please let me know and I will sort it out for you. 

I would also like to inform you all that I shall be standing down as Chief Observer at the AGM in May, I will be replaced by David Spicer who is another Senior Observer with the group. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the observers who I have had the pleasure of working with during my time as Chief Observer, it has been very rewarding to have such a good team working in the same way to further our cause in road safety and riding skills. I joined SAM in the spring of 1997 and passed my test in October of that year and joined the committee soon after and been there ever since, I have had numerous roles such as Treasurer, Chairman and Chief Observer for five years. So I feel that it is time that I take a step back and let some one else have their ideas how SAM can progress, I wish Dave all the very best in his role as Chief Observer I would also like to let you know that as reported in the last newsletter Mark Nicholls had completed his hours, he has since completed his check ride and is now a qualified Observer.

We have also lost Peter Emmins as an Observer as he is moving to Scotland at Easter, so Peter, thanks very much for all your hard work whilst an Observer and I am sure I speak for every body in wishing you all the best in your new venture. We have had another six passes since the last newsletter, they are Millard Patton, Matt Page, Steve Davies, Gary Whiteside, David Cole and Robert Ranson well done to you all. This brings our tally of passes since the last AGM to 32, but we have a good few awaiting their tests so hopefully the figure will rise before this years’ AGM. One point I would like to bring across to all the Associates who are test ready now or indeed in the future, that when you do take your test to let your Observer or the Chief Observer know the result (good or bad) as we have report to the IAM every year on passes and indeed failures.  Well that’s about it for me in this newsletter, next time you will be able to read your new Chief Observers’ report. Take care and safe riding. John Goodson