News and Events
Using the SLAP test for for decision confidence
Thursday 26th October 2026 Doors open 18:30 for 19:00 start
Beckington Memorial Hall
Bath Road, Beckington, BA11 6SF
Confidence vs Over-Confidence
SWAM 3-in-a-car event
Monday 7th September 2026 19:00-21:00
Beckington Memorial Hall
Bath Road, Beckington, BA11 6SF
READY FOR ANOTHER GREAT SWAM EVENING?
Our ever-popular “3 in a Car” is back — and this time we’re taking a closer look at something every driver needs:
Confidence… and when it becomes over-confidence!
We all need confidence behind the wheel. It helps us make good decisions, anticipate what’s happening and drive smoothly and safely. But could too much confidence be working against us?
That’s the question we’ll explore before heading out on the road.
🎙️ FIRST UP: A SHORT TALK
Ray Robbetts, our Deputy Chief Observer, will kick off the evening with an engaging presentation on “Confidence vs Over-Confidence”.
Expect some useful insights, plenty to think about — and perhaps the occasional moment of “Hmm… I might have done that!” 😄
🛣️ THEN… LET’S HIT THE ROAD!
After the introduction, we’ll head out in groups of two or three to tackle a series of planned routes.
And remember — you don’t have to drive to take part!
Whether you’re:
🚗 Behind the wheel — putting your skills into practice
👀 Observing — watching, learning and sharing experiences
🧑🤝🧑 Riding along — enjoying the evening and supporting your group
…everyone is welcome.
There’s no pressure, no judgement and no test — just an opportunity to enjoy some time on the road with fellow enthusiasts, exchange ideas and continue developing your advanced driving skills.
⭐ WHY NOT COME ALONG?
Learn something new.
Share your experience.
Support fellow members.
Enjoy some great driving.
And who knows — you might even discover that the line between confidence and over-confidence is a little closer than you thought!
📅 PUT IT IN THE DIARY
Driving with a disability or following medical diagnosis
If you are concerned about yourself or a relative following a medical diagnosis or incident, DVSA drive mobility offer driving assessments. Likewise, if you are concerned about yourself or a family member, an assessment can be offered via link below.
IAM Member's Advanced Driving Refresher Course
This course is designed to help existing members refresh their Advanced Driving or Riding skills through 3–4 Observed runs. There’s no pressure and no test—just supportive, confidence-building sessions with an Observer. Participants also receive a soft copy logbook (with an option to request a hard copy) and a certificate of completion.
One member who took part shared:
“It would be difficult to improve the support and advice I received from the two excellent observers who went out with me. My knowledge and confidence is now greatly improved.”
For further information, please email our Chief Observer, David Major chiefobserver@swam-iam.org.uk
Our first Treasure Hunt event was a real success!
What a terrific night we had at our first SWAM Treasure Hunt event in June, with our illustrious President - Dave Edwards and his wife Nicky - coming through the challenge with a full-house of correct answers. Congratulations you two; It was all very close on the night.
The only disaster was one couple, whose car broke down halfway round. Guys, you know who you are and we all hope you were rescued quickly and safely!
The general vibe was that it had been a thoroughly enjoyable experience and "can we do it again sometime in the future?"
It looks like we're going to have to put our thinking caps on...
Helen Schofield's Obituary
We are very sorry to have to tell you that our former President, Helen Schofield, sadly died early in May.
Helen was a staunch supporter of SWAM and, prior to the merger with Melksham group, of the Bath & District Group of Advanced Motorists (BADAM). Helen had a long career in the IAM and was an active member of BADAM. She was Regional Co-ordinator for the South West in the early 2000s, and became Secretary of BADAM in 2005. When she retired from this position, she became President of BADAM, and subsequently President of SWAM on its foundation in 2020. We are fortunate to have had the benefit of her expertise over many years.
There will be a celebration of Helen’s life at Bath Golf Club (Claverton Down, BA2 6JG) on Tuesday, 3rd June, to which Helen’s friends and acquaintances are invited. There will be a Buffet Lunch at 1.30pm, and an opportunity to share memories. The dress code, as requested by Helen, is Colourful and Cheerful.
New President announced for SWAM
We are delighted to announce that Dave Edwards has become our new President. As one of our National Observers and a driver for 4x4 Response, Dave comes to this role with a wealth of driving experience. Dave is a strategic thinker and also handy with IT. It is with great excitement that the Committee welcome Dave into this role.
