News and Events
Treasure Hunt
Clifford Suite, Beckington Memorial Hall, Bath Rd, Beckington, Frome BA11 6SH
Monday 17th August, 2026
18:00 - 21:00
This is all about excellent observation!!
Join us for our treasure hunt which is not against the clock! Whoever gets the most questions correct will win a bottle of wine and become our 'Observer Extraordinaire'
You will need a driver and navigator. We set the route and ask you questions about things you pass, things you will need to find on the route and things you will need to bring back with you. You will also need to use your common sense...
How good are you at observing? Come and find out.
We look forward to seeing you at this fun event.
If you are planning to attend, please email Lindsay.
Note - This event was originally scheduled for 8th July. Due to circumstances beyond our control, we have had to move this event to 17th August.
Understanding and avoiding 'Sorry Mate I Didn't See You (SMIDSY) collisions
Beckington Memorial Hall, Bath Rd, Beckington, Frome BA11 6SH
Tuesday 4 August 2026
19:00 - 21:00 (doors open at 18:30)
Ever had a vehicle pull out on you at a junction?
Ever pulled out from a junction into the path of another vehicle?
Ever wondered why such incidents happen?
There are numerous reasons such potential and actual collisions happen and most are more to do with human physiology (our eyes tell us lies), vehicle design and environmental factors than driver / rider ability.
Want to know more?
Join us for a free talk designed for both drivers and riders by Stephen Wilkinson-Carr, RoSPA Senior Tutor (Glos)
For more information contact Ron Lomas at deputychair@swam-iam.org
Event: 3-in-a-car
Wednesday 27 May 2026
19:00 - 21:00
Beckington Village Hall
Bath Road
Beckington
BA11 6SF
The popular 3 in a Car event returns in 2026!
Come and join fellow members to partake in a friendly, non-critical, check drive and see how your advanced driving skillset shapes up. The theme for this event will be “anticipation”, an integral part of the Information Phase of the system of car control.
Meet at the Memorial Hall, Beckington at 19:00 for a short presentation followed by "three up" drives around a number of chosen pre-planned routes.
Please support your group, come along and share your driving experiences and learn from other likeminded drivers.
AGM 2026 - Wednesday 1st April
Beckington Village Hall
We are delighted to announce that our next AGM will be on Wed 1st April at 7.00 for 7.30 at Beckington Memorial Hall (Bath Rd, Beckington, Frome BA11 6SH).
Our speaker is Vicky Lovell who will be talking about her work as Director of Carma Drivers Ltd. Vicky is an inspired Advanced Driving Instructor whose career has taken her into many unusual situations. Her talk will supplement and build upon our previous talk on Road Rage, and Vicky will introduce us to positive driving choices in negative situations. More information will follow closer to the event.
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.
