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SCUNTHORPE AND GRIMSBY NEWSLETTER

Group No. 7080 Charity No. 106312

May 2020 Summer Issue

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Contents

Hello & Welcome 3

Ad Lad Advertising in our Newsletter

Dates for the Diary 4

Newsletter Distribution Social Nights

MDU Committee Meetings Observer Meetings

Support Family & Friends to Become an Advanced Driver Just for Fun

SAGAM Team Members 5

Group Composition

Chairman’s Chatter 6 Treasurers Report 6

Annual Balance Sheet 7 Rich’s Experiences in Thailand 8 Songran – Welcoming in the Thai New Year 9 Congratulations 10 Discount information 11

Editor’s Choice - Caught My Eye 11

Kia History RAC Review of Kia Venga

Review of Social Night 16 How to Keep Your Car Healthy 18 Tribute to Sir Stirling Moss 19 IAM RoadSmart ADSM Group Audit 20 We Got Mail 23 Local Group Subscriptions

Spot the Difference Keep Your Details Up To Date And Finally…..

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Hello, welcome to the Summer edition of your newsletter!

Well…. we are in May already – hasn’t the time flown by?

Like me, I bet everyone is looking forward to the Summer being here properly, with some really nice

weather and not much rain so we can enjoy our gardens to the full. We’ve put up a small greenhouse,

have built a vegetable plot and are looking forward to having our home-grown vegetables for dinner.

We will be planting/have planted various vegetables and plan on having a really good

selection of herbs as well, so we can cook fresh for every meal. Actually, I don’t do

much cooking myself as my husband is a professional chef – I just do the washing up

and believe it or not there’s only the two of us!!

So, less of the chit chat and on with the business of our Quarterly IAM magazine. As

always, I do hope you enjoy this edition which is packed with interesting articles, fun

and SAGAM news. I would be grateful for any of stories, even short stories or articles for the next

edition and indeed anything else you would like to see included. Please email any articles by 15th July

to jan.burditt@gmail.com

Did you find the Ad Lad in the last newsletter? He was in the V60 Plug-in hybrid charging box on the wall on page 11. Have a good look through this edition for him…….

Advertising in our Newsletter

If anyone would like to advertise in our newsletters please contact Jan Burditt on 07834 170678 or

email jan.burditt@gmail.com The cost of advertising is: Full page - £40.00

Half page - £20.00 Costs are per annum and will there will be four quarterly issues

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Dates for the Diary

For 2020, your newsletters will be distributed as follows:

August (Please make sure any articles are submitted before 15th July 2020), and November.

If there is anything you like (or dislike) about your newsletter, or if there are any articles you think our

members may enjoy reading, please feel free to email me at jan.burditt@gmail.com

The dates for our social nights this year have been put on hold for now but we will let you know as soon

as we are able to reinstate them

Proposed dates for the MDU have also been put on hold with those in the near future being cancelled

Committee Meeting dates for this year via video link are:

13th May, 10th June, 8th July, 12th August, 9th September, 14th October, 11th November and 9th December.

Observer Meetings for this year hosted by Paul Cassell are also on hold but we will let you know as soon

as they are up and running again

We currently have an offer on whereby after completing the test successfully, you will receive £25

back.

To receive your application form please send your name and contact details along with your payment

to:

Mr M Gothard Cheques should be made payable to: 7, West Green The Institute of Advanced Motorists

Messingham For more information contact: Terry Heath on: North Lincs 01652 655601 or visit our website

DN17 3QT www.scunthorpegrimsbyadvancedmotorists.org

Just for Fun……..

Just renewed my car insurance over the phone and as I was about to hang up,

the operator, obviously touting for more business asked if I had a pet?, "Yes, I've

got a dog", I said. "Would you like to insure him too?", she went on. "Er, stupid

question", I replied….He can’t even drive a blooming car!

I didn't realize how bad of a driver I was until my sat nav said, "In 400 feet, do a slight right, stop, and let me out"!!

I always adjust the seat and mirrors when I drive my husband's car so he doesn't forget he's married!!!

SUPPORT YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS TO BECOME

AN ADVANCED DRIVER

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The IAM Scunthorpe & Grimsby Team Members

CHAIRMAN and CHIEF OBSERVER

Terry Heath Tel: 01652 655601

Email – terryheath@sky.com

VICE-CHAIRMAN Tel: 01724 764237

Paul Johnson Tel: 01724 721156

TREASURER Malcolm Gothard 01724 764237

SECRETARY Dawn Kitching

Tel: 01724 875276

Mick Harris GDPR Tel: 01724 531625

Paul Johnson MDU/EVENTS/GROUP CONTACT Tel: 01724 721156 Allen Hardman CH. OBS Tel: 01472 813231

ASSOCIATE COORDNATOR John Wigmore

Tel: 07751608127

MAGAZINE EDITOR/PUBLISHER Jan Burditt

Tel: 07834170678 email: jan.burditt@gmail.com

WEBMASTER

Ian Greenbeck Email: i.m.g@ntlworld.com OBSERVER TRAINING OFFICER Sue Harris Tel: 01469 531625 AREA MANAGER Peter Serhatlic Tel: 07703 718907

Peter.serhatlic@iam.org.uk

The views and opinions expressed in this

newsletter are those of the individual

writers and not necessarily of the IAM, nor the Scunthorpe and Grimsby group.

The current composition of our group is as

follows:

Full Members 108

Associate Members 8

TOTAL 116

Please note these numbers can change on a weekly basis.

Have a look at our web page which includes lots of useful

information:

www.scunthorpegrimsbyadvancedmotorists.org

Facebook: @SGAMG1

Twitter: @ANDGRIMSBY

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Chairman’s Chatter Hi folks, I hope you’re all managing to soldier on in these days of uncertainty. My contribution to this

mag is rather small this time as I’ve been very busy with all the other committee members, helping to

keep the group afloat. One thing that is worthy of note, is the results of the national audit for the IAM

which can be found on page 20. Several months ago, members of the committee embarked on the

arduous task of filling in a questionnaire from head office, about everything to do with the group.

Unfortunately, when they first asked us all to do it, we were right in the middle of the merger with the

Grimsby side, so it got put on the back burner. Then some months later it came in, a bit like a final

demand from someone you owed money to. So, eventually we completed it and did it as true and

accurate as we could. We were all supposed to meet up with our area services delivery manager, for a

meeting to tell us just how we are doing but the current situation has put a stop to that. So, we now

communicate using Zoom conference calling. Very recently we received the results and as you will see,

I think they are quite favorable which means all the hours of work your committee has put in, have not

been wasted. Our manager appears pleased with most things we do. There is, as always, room for

improvement and in due course you will hear of the progress. Please take the time to have a read and

feel free to make any comments on the group website. Lastly, I’d like to say that we are very proud of

our achievements and will continue to strive to maintain and improve these standards, overcome any

issues, promote the group along with advanced driving continuously. Thank you! for your continued

help and support without which, we simply couldn’t exist. I just wish each and every one of you a safe

passage though these troubled times and hope to see you on the other side of this.

Kind regards,

Terry Heath. Chairman. TREASURERS REPORT The annual balance sheet showing details of income and expenditure is published on page 7 of this newsletter. The striking difference between the 2018/2019 and the 2019/20 figures is due to the 2018/2019

figures only referring to the nine months after the formation of the Scunthorpe and Grimsby Group. The 2018/2019 figures show just how reliant we are on members’ subscriptions and the associated Gift Aid – so thank you to all who have already paid. Please see the separate article “2020 Local Group Subscriptions” on page 10. Expenditure on newsletters has been reduced since the move to on-line publication for which we have Jan Burditt to thank. If there is anyone else who could now move from paper copies to e-mail please let us know. When access to Scunthorpe precinct was free that was our main way of advertising but now North Lincolnshire Council have put us in the £180/week category that is not really a viable option. The committee are busy trying to find suitable alternatives but they often also come with a fee. The insurance fee, shown as zero, tends to get paid every two years due to the way the IAM deducts the money from our account, so next year will probably be about £300. Thanks go to Vivian Mitwanwari again for running the social evening raffles. At the year end we had 116 members including 7 associates.

Finally, we are looking forward to seeing you all again and getting the show, literally, back on the road – which we will.

Malcolm Gothard

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Annual Balance Sheet

Income and Expenditure Accounts to 31st March 2020

INCOME 2019-2020 2018-2019 EXPENDITURE 2019-2020 2018-2019

Members' Subscriptions 1343.00 536.00 Postage 58.36 78.21

Subscriptions paid in advance 50.00 20.00 Telephone 19.00 11.00

Group Shop Sales 0.00 21.39 Stationery

40th Anniversary CD Sale 0.00 3.00 Traffic Sign Cards 0.00 80.00

Contributions to Buffet 66.00 100.00 Membership Cards 0.00 40.00

GiftAid 90.00 120.00 Printer Cartridges 46.75 31.50

Donation 84.00 50.00 Paper 12.00 0.00

Grimsby Group Funds Transfer 0.00 589.96 Raffle Prizes 42.10 27.06

Raffle 156.00 136.00 Buffet 100.00 150.00

Speakers' Fees 0.00 105.00

Newsletters

Postage 54.67 98.52

Printer 81.98 0.00

Stationery 12.78 20.70

Printer Cartridges 66.97 50.95

Delivery Mileage 0.00 12.40

SfL Course Refund 149.00 149.00

SfL Course Subsidy 83.00 24.00

Mobile Display Unit

Flag 132.24 0.00

Keys 0.00 15.00

Wheel Clamp 0.00 31.99

Towing Mileage 134.40 78.40

MDU Sundries 16.60 0.00

Service 95.00 0.00

Cleaning 20.00 20.00

Precinct Access Fee 0.00 75.00

Sundries 32.6 3.25

GDPR Fee 40.00 40.00

Insurance 0.00 274.00

Reaction Tester 85.00 0.00

Donation 50.00 0.00

Web Address 52.78 0.00

TOTAL 1789.00 1576.35 TOTAL 1385.23 1415.98

Opening Balance 2820.22 2659.85

Total Income 1789.00 1576.35

Total Expenditure -1385.23 -1415.98

Closing Balance 3223.99 2820.22

Closing Bank Balance 3223.99

Closing Cash Balance 0.00

Total 3223.99

The above income and expenditure account has been examined without carrying out an audit from the books and records of

"Scunthorpe and Grimsby Advanced Motorists Group" and information supplied by me Malcolm Gothard (Treasurer)

Signed ...... Date Date.....

Approved by the SAGAM committee

Signed...... Date....

Scunthorpe and Grimsby Group of Advanced Motorists

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Rich’s experiences in Thailand………

In 2015 my friend Pon, a Thai Lady invited me to go with her for a four-week holiday to her parents’

home in Bangkok, Thailand. All I had to do was pay for my return travelling expenses from the UK to Thailand. Two weeks later we arrived at SuvarnabhumI airport and Pon’s sister, Pu was there to pick us up. On our first day there Pon and Pu took me shopping to get some more suitable clothes. We had left the UK in March and I was wearing my lightest clothes but they were way too heavy for the tropics. They also insisted that I bought a horrendous Hawaiian shirt. My idea of a decorated shirt goes no further than a plain colour with single logo no bigger than a shirt breast pocket and the shirt that they had just got me to buy, with much sniggering and hilarity was not my style at all. However back at their father’s home I hung it in the wardrobe and hoped they would forget about it. I had an amazing first two weeks visiting places straight out of fantasy land - Royal Palaces, temples, cities that took your breath away, met a people who showed nothing but respect and politeness and even walked over the bridge over the river Kwai. Why did you ever move to the UK Pon?

Pon had gone for the last two weeks with her daughter to Phuket (Poo ket). I came downstairs one

morning and Pu beckoned me over to where her father was sitting, she knew very little English. He had a bowl on his knees and his hands together, Pon, helped him to hold them over the bowl. She gave me a jug of water with rose petals floating on the water and indicated that I pour the water over her father’s hands. I poured the water and her father looked up to me and said “Thank you.” Children pour the water over their parents’ hands, in the way I had just done, to wash away any misfortune of the previous year, giving them a fresh start for the new year. Celebrating the new year is called ‘Songkran.’ The Thai new year is lunar. After lunch Pu indicated that I put on the awful shirt, she and Mai put on similar shirts and once in the car a water cannon was placed in my lap. No one was telling me what was going on. The shirt makes you a target! We picked up Pu’s friend Jim (a lady) and went to the

Silom district of Bangkok. After parking the first thing that you notice is the boom boom music, the temperature is between 35 and 40 degrees C but the road is wet and it hasn’t rained. We entered Silom Street through a narrow alley at the end of which sat a small boy on a railing. There was a huge blue tub of water next to him, blocks of ice floated on the surface. He noticed me and being a foreigner, he chose me as his target and laughing, squirted me with his water pistol. So, I squirted him back with the water cannon. I had no idea how much power it had but it blew him off the railings and into the ice-cold water. He got out gasping for air and laughing. That is the essence of it all ’a fun water fight’. Hundreds of people all armed with some device or another to soak people with water. Water pistols, cannons, buckets, hose pipes, you name it Along the length of the street people just enjoying the childish behaviour of soaking everyone else. Now I understand why it lasts for 3 days and the government have extended it to 5 days. The ice-cold water on your back is a shock but then a pretty girl in front of you carries a small bucket of white mud and smiling sweetly at you, carefully smears the mud on your face. The ice-cold water on your back forgotten about you have just been blessed.

Soft drinks companies had supplied pallets of cold drinks cans free so you could become wet inside too. No

one was stashing cans into bags and taking them home, they were used as the soft drinks’ companies intended. At the end of the street we made our escape onto an overhead walkway and from there caught a ride on the Sky Train to Asiatique, which is a riverfront mall that has brilliant entertainment, with free fairground rides for the children and food stalls. It was a magical end to a remarkable day. I now understand why people go on holiday to Thailand when it is Songkran. It was gone midnight when we got home and that was just the first day.

Very kindly written by Rich Creaser Thank you very much Rich – I have thoroughly enjoyed reading this and I am sure all our readers will too.

This Photo by Unknown

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Following on from Rich’s very interesting excursions, I thought the following may be of interest to explain some of the above in more detail……

Songkran: Welcoming the Thai New Year with a Huge Water Fest

The Chinese welcome their New Year with a lot of pomp and noise from fireworks, firecrackers and

lion and dragon dances. The Thais on the other hand welcome their New Year with much gaiety, through a huge water festival in the streets, enjoyed by locals and tourists alike. But this is not about

having fun seeing people getting wet. Water is used as a symbol to cleanse the person from all of the past year’s misfortunes. When they are cleansed, they are ready to welcome the new year clean and

fresh. The Thai New Year, called Songkran, is celebrated from April 13 to 15 each year. Songkran is derived from a Sanskrit term that translates to ”pass or move into.” Songkran originated from the Festival of Makar Sankriti, an ancient festival from India. The Thais’ translation of the festival recognizes the

transition of the previous year into the new year while the version in India is about the celestial path of the sun.

Songkran

Songkran is the celebration of the New Year in Thailand. It is the time

when families gather, their houses undergo an annual house cleaning, and people visit the temples.

The first day of the Songkran is officially called the National Elderly Day and people perform the ritual called Rod Nam Dum Hua. This is a merit-

making ritual and an act of humility. The ritual involves pouring scented water into their elders’ palms and asking for their blessings.

Officially, the second day is the National Family Day. Family members start the day early by giving alms to the Buddhist monks and spending

the rest of the day with the family. Many would also be ”bathing Buddha” by pouring fragrant water over various Buddha statues in their homes and in the temples.

History of Songkran

The Songkran tradition originated from the prayers and blessings of Buddhist monks. In ancient

times, it was customary for Thais to visit monasteries near their homes to bring food to the resident monks. Aside from the gift of food, they pour scented water over the monks in a holy cleansing ritual accompanied by blessings and prayers.

The local visitors to the monasteries will later collect the water poured over the monks and bring it to their homes. They believed that the water is blessed so they would pour or rub the water over their family members and friends. In the past, the date of the Songkran was calculated through a system mentioned in the Suriyayart and

the celebration was referred to as Maha Songkran Day. The computation of the exact date which is based on the solar calendar, involved royal or local astrologers, with predictions on several aspects,

including political affairs, rainfall, agriculture and economy. The chief astrologer or the king will later make the official announcement (Prakat Songkran) of the date to welcome the new year. Thus,

Songkran used to be a movable feast. In 1940 the Thai government fixed the date to celebrate Songkran on April 13 to 15 each year to make

it easier to remember. They disregarded its historical traditions and the changes in their own historical calendars.

Still, it is a blessing for many, locals and tourists alike, since April is traditionally the hottest month in Thailand. During Songkran, the temperature could be around 40° C or 104° F Researched by Jan Burditt with the above extract taken from Days Translation Website

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TO THE FOLLOWING ON PASSING HER ADVANCED DRIVING TEST

TO THE FOLLOWING ON PASSING HIS F1RST CERTIFICATE

AND TO TERRY ON RECEIVING THIS SURPRISE AWARD

At our first social meeting of 2020 Pete Batty (left) and Mick Harris(right)

sprang a surprise on our chairman Terry Heath. Unbeknown to Terry they

had nominated him for a “Community achievement award” for all the

work he has put into the group over the last 40 odd years. Yes, it really is

that long! Although he didn’t get through to the final stages, he still

received a certificate of nomination and is pictured with it after his

presentation. The audience joined in thanking a surprised Terry for his

hard work and dedication to the group. - Carol Heath.

CONGRATULATIONS AND WELL DONE TO ALL OF YOU, FROM ALL OF US!

(Both Rose and John received their £25 refund)

Local group Subscriptions 2020

Since agreeing, at the March committee meeting, to keep the SAGAM subs at £10, the coronavirus has

spread rapidly; and as you know, put our activities on hold for several months to come.

We have therefore decided to extend this year’s membership to 18 months, meaning that next year’s

subs will be due in October 2021 not April 2021.

Later this year when things have settled down, I will issue a reminder to those who have delayed

payment as a result of these uncertain times.

Thanks to all who have already paid their subs.

Malcolm Gothard

Rose Jobson

Observer

Terry Heath

John Dicker

Observer

Paul Cassell

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20% Discount on Advanced Driver & Rider courses with:

Lincoln IAM, Lincolnshire Advanced Motorcyclists & Scunthorpe & Grimsby Advanced Motorists.

As a current member of any of the above groups, you will receive a 20% discount when you sign up to an Advanced Driver or Rider Course in Lincolnshire.

HOW TO CLAIM

Contact us on the details below, quoting the group name of your choice and we’ll sign you up.

A.D. Course with Lincoln IAM Tel:0300 365 0152 or lincolniam@gmx.com

A.R. Course with Lincolnshire Advanced motorcyclists Tel: 01427 616864 or

lincs-am-sec@pobroadband.co.uk A.D. Course with Scunthorpe & Grimsby Advanced Motorists Tel: 01652 655601 or terryheath@sky.com

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Editor’s Choice………

CAUGHT MY EYE……. History of the Kia Company

Kia’s humble history dates back to 1944. Founder Kim Chul Ho was born in Korea in 1905. As a teenager, he moved to Japan and worked in a steel mill. Later, he set up a business making nuts and bolts for bicycles in Osaka. Kim returned to Korea in 1944 and founded Kyungsung Precision Industry

to manufacture bicycle parts and steel tubing. One year later, the company set up a factory outside of Seoul and became Kia.Kia proudly introduced the first Korean-made bicycle in 1952. Materials were in short supply during the war. This did not deter Mr. Kim. He used oil drums and wire rope when steel was not available. Demand for bicycles increased after the Armistice Agreement and the bicycle company took the new name Samchuly.

Mr. Kim’s vision went beyond bicycles. Kia produced South Korea’s first motorcycle in 1961 and small trucks followed. Mr. Kim died in 1973, one year before Kia released their first compact car, the Kia Brisa.

This Photo by

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Why is it Called Kia?

Contrary to common thought, Kia is not an acronym. Kyungsung Precision Industry took the aspirational name

‘Kia’ from Chinese-Korean characters. Ki “起” means “to rise, stand or awake” and

A “亚” refers to Asia. So, in Korean, the name Kia means “to rise out of Asia.” Kia’s

early logos show a geometric K with a curved wave across the top. Otherwise, the logo has remained consistent since 1994 – with block capital letters spelling KIA in English surrounded by an oval.

Interestingly enough, KIA cars sold in Korea have a different

logo.......... You didn’t know Kia uses a different logo in Korea?.....

You’d better keep reading to see what you’re missing and prepare

to be jealous!

Behind the Badge: Kia’s Korean Logo Is So Much Cooler!

If you had to pick the most boring automotive brand logo on the road today, you might think of Honda’s simplistic “H” or Nissan’s hamburger-shaped badge…but most likely you’re going to choose Kia’s text-based oval. Apart from the horizontal line of the “A” missing, there’s nothing terribly creative about the design–at least Ford’s emblem has a distinct script and shade of blue. To some people, this simplicity actually makes it the best car logo around, ironically. Being a plain but

streamlined example of textography, the logo’s meaning is apparent to everyone who sees it: Kia.

From a marketing perspective, that’s true. But that doesn’t change the fact that there are numerous

other more interesting car logos around, including Kia’s own Korean logo.

Kia’s International Logo Design Vs. Kia’s Korean Logo

Kia, the oldest automaker in Korea, began in June 1944 as a manufacturer of bicycle components. Chul-Ho Kim,

who founded the company, had a specific name in mind for the company. According to the automaker, the

name “Kia” is a combination of “ki” (起) meaning arise or come up out of and “A” (亞),

signifying Asia. Thus, Kia (起亞) can be defined as “rising out of Asia.”

Kia has two logos: the text-based symbol for international use and another for only South

Korea. The latter is known as the “K” logo:

This logo has been used over the years for some models

sold in Korea, but it’s made very few appearances outside

of Asia. The stylized “K” is undeniably appealing, especially

its use of the diagonal double-line and lack of a vertical backbone. It’s

slick and kinetic, and suggests high-excitement driving (like the double hash

marks of Dodge’s new logo).

This logo even inspired an after-market imitation badge (known as the 3.0 K

emblem) some Kia owners purchase to replace their text-based Kia badge with,

although plenty of debate has surrounded this badge’s legitimacy.

According to Kia, the oval in both symbols represents the earth and the 3D lettering “signifies Kia’s dynamic

growth in the world market.” Kia’s official colour, red, emphasizes a strong determination to move forward.

If you have enjoyed learning about the Kia emblems and name, check out more of them via “Behind the

Badge” series to learn about other auto brands!

Above extract curtesy of The Newsreel

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Kia cars were first sold in America in 1994. They made headway as an inexpensive option with a high

warranty value. However, they faced serious reliability and durability challenges.

However, a few years later, the Asian economic crisis devastated Kia. In 1997 Korean

automaker Hyundai won the auction (and beat out Daewoo Motor Company) to acquire Kia Motors

Corporation……………

The New Kia

Within 10 years, Kia would rise again. To succeed, the company had to improve their ratings,

reputation, and become distinctive in their own right. In 2004, Kia initiated a complete overhaul. For design matters, they hired Chief Designers Peter Schreyer from Volkswagen and Tom Kerns from Cadillac. The entire Kia line was redesigned top to bottom and they adopted “The Power to Surprise” as their new slogan. Schreyer led a full-on design revamp. The grill got a distinctive makeover known as the ‘tiger nose.’ Added to their new ‘simplicity of the straight line’ design philosophy, major engineering advances, and worldwide critical acclaim – the new Kia had arrived. Another big milestone for Kia was the introduction of the Kia Soul, a car with personality. Kia struck gold with David & Goliath, a Los Angeles-based Ad Company in 2009. A series of ads featuring hamsters introduced the Kia Soul with tagline, “a new way to roll.”

The award winning ads, backed with “Do What You Do” by

Marz and The Black Sheeps’ “The Choice is Yours” have had millions of views - you can listen to is from here……

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o4GBJhzfqcU

From bicycle parts to over 3.3 million vehicles sold worldwide, Kia is one of the ten most awarded brands by Kelly Blue Book in 2017 and continues to be headquartered in Seoul, with 14 manufacturing

facilities in 5 countries, including a large plant in West Point, Georgia.

RAC Review of: THE KIA VENGA 70/100 - £6,220 – £14,770 The Venga might just be the forgotten Kia.

Clearly the Koreans aren't overly chuffed at this state of affairs and have tasked their European

development team to give the supermini-SUV the once over. The improved car is well worth

your time. It's well-designed, practical, safe and still as good value as ever.

Background Building a decent supermini SUV is very much the art of making a lot out of a little. The Kia Venga is just over four metres long and seats five, which is much like virtually every other vehicle in its price bracket. Where it needs to distinguish itself is in making life for those five passengers as comfortable and convenient as possible. Thing is, the Vauxhall Meriva, the Nissan Note, the Citroen

C3 Picasso and this car's Korean cousin, Hyundai's ix20, are all trying to do much the same thing.

The Venga's had a bit of a tough time establishing itself in this company. Undeterred, Kia has given its smallest MPV a wash and brush up. There really was very little wrong with this car; it was just so

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low profile that too few buyers even thought to shortlist it. Do your homework and you'll realise that this is a model with some very specific qualities that really does make a strong case for itself.

Driving Experience

Kia offers the Venga with a choice of four engines. The two petrol engines are 1.4-litre 89bhp and 1.6-litre 123bhp units, the 1.4 mated to a five-speed manual gearbox, while the 1.6 is available with either a six-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic. If you don't cover too many miles, the torquier 1.6-litre unit is well worth considering. Go diesel and you're looking at either a 1.4-litre 89bhp CRDi engine or the 114bhp 1.6-litre unit. Both were designed and

engineered in Germany.

The Venga's long wheelbase and wide track aids stability and there are stacks of safety systems that will appeal to family customers. All versions get electronic stability control, traction control with

brake assist and Vehicle Stability Management to ensure you can always brake and steer the vehicle, even when engaging in sharp manoeuvres. Hill-start assist control is also fitted, which holds the car

for two seconds when setting off on inclines to prevent it rolling backwards. Once you've used it, you'll wonder how you did without it.

Design and Build

The Venga was the first Kia launched under the stewardship of designer Peter Schreyer and we've now come to expect Kia’s to be some of the best-looking cars in their class. The styling has been sympathetically updated, with a revised front bumper and a main grille with high-gloss black mesh and a chrome surround. At the back, there's a chrome strip

linking the rear lights. On the plushest Venga '4' variant, the rear lights are LED units and that model also gets chrome door handles. The wheels have been updated too, with five triple-spoke 16-inch alloys for the grade '2' models and the trim levels beyond. These trim levels are also offered with

two metallic paint colours - Planet Blue and Dark Gun Metal - which replace Space Blue and Sirius

Silver.

The cabin has benefited from a boost in materials quality, with even the entry-level trim now getting a smarter black Houndstooth cloth upholstery. There's a tidy grey metal grain paint finish for the centre fascia of Venga '1', '1 Air' and '2'-designated variants, while piano black dash trim will feature in your Venga if you order the smarter '3' or '4'-designated specification models.

Looking the part is all well and good but it's inside where

any vehicle touting itself as an MPV must stand or fall. The Venga's cabin is certainly roomy, with as much

legroom as Kia's Focus-class cee'd five-door model and a boot that substantially trumps that car's capacity thanks to a 440-litre total. The Korean brand has

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put particular thought into how owners will accommodate their luggage and the boot area can be extended to 570-litres by sliding the rear seat forward.

There's also a useful two-tier boot floor, both options worth considering before you go to the trouble of folding the rear seats down. When you are forced to employ Kia's 'Fold & Dive' seating system, the 60:40 split-rear seats drop to create a flat load floor with a 1,552mm load length and

a 1,253-litre capacity.

Market and Model

Prices start at around £12,000 for the 1.4-litre petrol engine in '1' trim and top out at just under £19,000 for a 1.6 diesel Venga '4' with ISG intelligent stop and go. Standard features on entry-level

versions include 15-inch steel wheels, electrically adjustable heated door mirrors, body-coloured mirrors and door handles, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, USB and AUX ports, a trip

computer and remote central locking with a folding key. You'll need the specific Venga '1 Air' model if you want air conditioning.

Step up to the Venga '2' and you get gear like 16-inch alloy wheels, reversing sensors and leather-trim for the steering wheel and gear shifter. There's also Bluetooth, rear electric windows and a few splashes of chrome inside. The Venga '3' adds part-leather 'Bamboo'-coloured upholstery, a 7-inch

touchscreen satellite navigation system with European mapping, an integrated reversing camera, heated front seats,

automatic air conditioning, automatic light control and cruise control with a speed limiter. This variant looks like the sweet

spot in the range as far as value is concerned. Alternatively, you could go the whole hog with the top Venga '4' variant,

which features a smart key with engine start/stop button, a heated steering wheel activated by a control switch on the

right-hand wheel spoke to complement the heated front seats,

a panoramic sunroof and LED rear lights.

Cost of Ownership

Given that even the entry-level 1.4-litre petrol engine can better 50mpg on the combined cycle,

there's really not too much to worry about when it comes to day to day running costs. The most powerful diesel engine gets the best economy, the 1.6 diesel managing 64.2mpg on the combined cycle with emissions of just 117g/km. For peace of mind, every model is backed by Kia's seven-year/100,000-mile manufacturer warranty, subject to terms and conditions covering wear-and-tear items. It can even be passed on to a subsequent owner should the car be sold during the lifetime of the warranty.

Naturally, this helps boost residual values. Used buyers would much rather pick up a three year old

Venga that's still got four years of warranty cover left than a Citroen C3 Picasso with none. Insurance shouldn't be a worry either, with groupings ranging from 8 to a modest 14

Summary

The Kia Venga is a car that's criminally easy to overlook. Ask many people about it and they'll give

you the same blank look you'd get if you asked them to explain the law of relativity. In some ways, this model's low-key market presence is surprising as it's a very 'Kia' sort of car - well designed, value-packed and family-friendly. It ought to be exactly right for budget-minded family buyers in this country but perhaps it just needs a gentle nudge in the right direction.

16

The subtle restyle will doubtless help, but Kia needs to commit to publicising this car in a more resolute fashion. The Venga has what it takes to square up to the very best supermini-MPV contenders in its class in terms of mettle, but isn't overt in its appeal. Still, it's a grower. Give it time.

Extract taken from RAC Researched by Jan Burditt

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

A review of our last Social Night has been kindly written by Mike Harris

On Wednesday 26th February the Scunthorpe and Grimsby Advanced Motorist were entertained with a Talk

by two Traffic Officers from Highways England.

They introduced themselves as Andi Moore and Diane Bradley.

After a brief general history to date of their organisation’s emergence from the Highways Agency they gave an

insight into their work.

They explained how they had a varied role covering key areas of the motorway and trunk roads in our region.

Their control centre (which covers the

North East) is at Wakefield.

Their main work is to;

- Work closely with the Emergency Services

to minimise the impact of incidents.

- Coordinate resources at incidents and

reopen motorways junctions after

investigative work has been completed.

Safety is their main imperative, followed by

customer delivery.

With a total roadwork of 4, 300 miles,

Traffic Officers have legal powers to stop and direct traffic and remove vehicles from the network.

17

The talk included personal anecdotes of their experiences of road traffic collisions, vehicle fires, debris,

pedestrians and animals on the motorway. All often made more difficult by the British weather!

They brought with them their vehicle and were able to show the Group the type and amount of equipment they

need to effectively manage initial response and if necessary, put on lane or road closures.

They also spoke about “SMART” motorways, which is very much in the news at the moment due to several

serious and fatal collisions on the road network.

It was an interesting and entertaining talk with good interaction

from members present.

On conclusion they were formally thanked by the Chairman Terry

Heath.

The following 3 pictures are from our social night

I was unable to attend but it does sound as though it was extremely interesting and

we hope you enjoyed it!

18

How to keep your car healthy

It is not often your car will sit for a long period without being used, aside perhaps for a yearly rest in an airport parking facility while you head off on your holidays, so how will your car survive during any long

periods of inactivity?

The tips below are given to us by Richard Gladman, head of driving and riding standards at IAM RoadSmart……

Tyres

Check your tyre pressures and make sure they are at the recommended settings. A tyre that is partially deflated will put extra stress on the sidewall and may cause

lasting damage if left that way for an extended period. If you have space, roll the car forward or backwards slightly to change the area where the stress on the sidewall is greatest. Keeping the pressure right will mean you are ready to go as soon as restrictions are lifted.

Handbrake If left for a long period of time a handbrake can stick on. To avoid this, sit in the car, apply the footbrake to ensure no movement and release the handbrake. If possible, move the car slightly before re-applying the brake, just to vary the part of the drum or disc where the pads are gripping.

Battery A modern car battery which is in good condition should stand up well to periods of inactivity and a modern car will shut down most systems if it detects inactivity for a long period of time. There may

however be a small drain due to an alarm system. It is also possible to lose some charge if the terminals are dirty or corroded, so make sure they are clean if you’re able.

To compensate for any power drainage over time, try connecting a maintenance charger which will charge and discharge the battery as necessary. These are

available for home delivery from a range of online retailers. Any cheap modern charger will also do the trick. Switch it on every couple of weeks until the battery is fully charged.

If you do not have access to a power socket, there are some solar devices available that will do the same

job without the need for mains power. Again, these are available for delivery from online retailers. As a last resort, if you are worried, you can start the car up and allow it to run stationary for 15 minutes or so

every couple of weeks. This is not ideal and certainly not good for the environment, but if you do need to do it, make sure all electrical systems are switched off before you start. If they are on you will likely

drain more power than you put in. Be careful if your car is a diesel when doing this, as slow running can harm your diesel particulate filter. So, you may need to increase the revs slightly to prevent this - but be mindful of your neighbours, after all, they are trapped in too!

This Photo by Unknown Author is

This Photo by

19

Sir Stirling Moss:

Sir Stirling Moss passed away peacefully on 12th April 2020 at the age of 90, leaving a gaping hole in

the world of Motor Sport. Even though he did not win the World Championship, he is widely regarded

as one of the greatest Formula 1 drivers of all time and as such, held a unique status in motor racing.

Born in West Kensington, London, he won 16 of the 66 F1 races he competed in from 1951 to 1961 with his first win being a home grand prix in 1955 at Aintree. Moss famously lost out on the F1 title in 1958 to compatriot Mike Hawthorn after vouching for his rival and preventing him being disqualified when he was accused of reversing on track in the late-season Portuguese Grand Prix.

Four times a runner-up in the F1 drivers' championship, he was named BBC Sports Personality of the Year in 1961 and was knighted in 2000 by Prince Charles who was standing in for the Queen as she was on tour in Australia.

Together with his fine F1 career, Moss was regarded as a motor racing all-rounder and racked up a total of 212 victories in all categories.

He was an outstanding rally driver and in 1955 set a new course record in

winning the famous Mille Miglia, a 1,000-mile race around Italy. The 22.

edizione Mille Miglia was a motor race held on a 992.332 mile (1597 km) course made up entirely of public roads

around Italy, mostly on the outer parts of the country on April 30-May 1, 1955. The route was based on a round trip

between Bresca and Rome with both the start and finish in Brescia. It was the 3rd round of the 1955 World Sportscar Championship and for the Coppa Franco Mazzotti Cup, a classic regularity race for

vintage cars and dedicated to the founder of the Mille Miglia. The race continues every year and generally runs over two days. This year, it starts from Bresica on the 12th May and finishes there on

the 16th.

Mercedes-Benz factory driver Stirling Moss drove won the Mille Miglia with the aid of his navigator Denis Jenkinson. They completed the 992-mile distance in 10 hours, 7 minutes and 48 seconds at an

average speed of 99 mph (160 km/h). The two Englishmen finished 32 minutes in front of their second-placed teammate, Argentine Juan

Manuel Fangio. As in previous years, the event this not strictly a race

against each other, this is race against the clock, as the cars are released at one-minute intervals with the larger professional class cars going before the slower cars, however the smaller displacement slower

cars started first. Each car number related to their allocated start time. For example, Luigi Musso’s car had the number 651, he left Brescia at 6:51am, while the first cars had started late in the evening on the previous day. Some drivers went with navigators, others didn't; a number of local Italian drivers had

knowledge of the routes being used and felt confident enough that they wouldn't need one.

Moss was effectively forced to retire from top-level motorsport in 1962 after a crash at Goodwood left him in a coma for a month and partially paralysed for six months, however, he continued to race in historic cars and legends events until the age of 81

Sir Stirling Moss 17/09/1929 – 12/04/2020

Researched and written by Jan Burditt

20

IAM RoadSmart ASDM Group Audit (for explanation of abbreviations, please see foot of report)

GROUP NUMBER 7080

DATE 17th April 2020

GROUP NAME Scunthorpe and Grimsby Advanced Motorists

AREA Region 5

ASDM Peter Serhatlic

Key to Grading

Commended

A good performance standard which achieves the competency areas being assessed and does

not require any additional action

Satisfactory

A performance standard which achieves the competency areas being assessed which would

benefit from further development in the areas highlighted

Requires Development

A performance standard which requires immediate development in order to achieve the

competency areas being assessed

GROUP PROFILE GRADING

The Group is situated in North Lincolnshire on the south bank of the River Humber and covers

the major towns of Scunthorpe, Grimsby, Barton and Cleethorpes.

In the last 18 months two Groups, Scunthorpe and Grimsby merged due the Grimsby Gro up

being unable to form a committee.

This seems to have worked extremely well with former members of the Grimsby Group being

involved in the management of the new group, and an Observer structure in place to support the

whole of the area covered by the Group.

GROUP ENGAGEMENT GRADING

I feel I have a positive relationship with the Group, I have attended numerous meetings with

them, and was involved with them through the merger process.

The group manages DTE and they are GDPR compliant.

There is an IMI qualified Observer structure in place, recent assessment I have conducted with

Group members for this have been to a good standard.

ADC’s are delivered efficiently, and the Group attract no complaints.

GROUP SERVICE DELIVERY GRADING

Associate Training is client centered and delivered 1;1 with sessions being organized between the

Associate and Observer

The Group do hold Observer training sessions. DTE shows 11 IMI qualified Observers with six

being NO.

DTE also shows four of these to be LOA’s.

21

This structure needs revising. There is also a Chief Observer role in the Group. If the Group

maintain this role then they only require one LOA. With a suggested structure being:

The Chief Observer is also the Group Chair. These need to be separate roles (See below on

Group Management)

GROUP MANAGEMENT GRADING

The Committee is an effective unit having managed the recent merger very well, and the general

delivery of ADC is high.

They are proactive in their area, I have attended outside organizations with them for recruiting

purposes, and the Group make full use of their branded Mobile Display Unit.

They have plans in place to attend events with neighboring Groups The Group attend IAM RS

events in the Region.

To make the next step forwards the Group need to re-arrange roles. This is the only reason for

the Red score.

The Chair and Chief Observer roles need to be held by different individua ls. The role of the

Chair is to drive the Group forwards and set the strategy. One of the key aspects of this is to

develop a Succession Plan for the future, for committee and Observer roles, and for the Officer

positions identify and mentor potential replacements.

This culture of succession planning needs to be inclusive to all group members, including the

potential implications should committees not be raised. By succession planning seamless

transitions from regime to regime is possible. This should be a standing agenda item on the

committee and in Newsletters/information to members. A key role to achieve this is that of vice -

chair, but that must also come with some responsibility so that person is contributing positiv ely

while being mentored.

For members to feel the Officer positions and senior roles are open, then these must be

performed by different individuals. Competence here is not the point, it is perception to the

members, Apathy will set in from them if all roles are held by a select few, they will not be

inclined to stand for such roles, and so the problem then becomes self -perpetuating.

This is no reflection on the roles held by the Chair, who does an excellent job. By stepping aside

from one he allows the Group to flourish

The Group will require a formal complaints policy for people to access, and good practice

suggests surveying Associates part way and at the end of their course is a good idea, with

incentives for the completion of surveys

The Group have in place:

• Expenditure Plans

• Equipment Register

• Risk Assessment

Chief Observer

LOA

NO

LO LO

NO NO NO

LO LO

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GROUP BRANDING, VALUES AND BEHAVIOUR GRADING

The Group represent the IAM in a positive manner. They have a liveried Mobile Display Unit, branded

clothing and literature.

The service delivery is excellent as is the pass rate.

As a Group they provide attendance at events I organize, and I always feel welcome at their social events.

The Group attended functions of other Groups, and will work with these at external events

ADC – Advanced Driving Courses: DTE – Driver Training and Education (which is our computer program we work with alongside our head office): NO – National Observer: LOA – Local Observer Assessor: LO - Local Observer: IAM RS – Institute of Advanced Motorists RoadSmart (often abbreviated to IAMRoadsmart) : IMI – Institute of Mechanical Industries (who we are answerable to): GDPR - General Data Protection Regulations

GROUP BEST PRACTICE GRADING

I believe one of their strongest points is their willingness to work with neighbor Groups for the

common good of the Organization.

The attitude towards the merging of the two Groups was done and completed in a positive

manner which has allowed them to move forwards.

SUMMARY GRADING

Overall this is a very strong Group with an understanding of the aims and objectives of the organization.

Delivery of the ADC is excellent, and where possible they are pro-active in their area, whilst building

relationships with neighbor Groups.

The merging of the two Groups has proved successful and allowed the delivery of Road Safety to

continue in the greater Grimsby area.

Internal re-structuring and developing a culture of succession planning is the next stage of the groups

progress.

DEVELOPMENT PLAN

To make that next step I would like to see them embrace comments above regarding:

• Succession Planning

• Separation of roles

• Re-structure of the Observer team

ASDM: Peter Serhatlic SIGNATURE: Peter Serhatlic DATE: 17th April 2020

23

We got Mail!

You can email, tweet or post a letter to the following addresses;

Terry Heath, 48, Vicarage Ave, Wrawby, Brigg, North Lincs. DN20 8RY

Email: terryheath@sky.com Twitter: @ANDGRIMSBY

SPOT THE DIFFERENCE – BUT DON’T CHEAT!!

Keep your details up to date!

In order to keep a consistent and up-to-date mailing list for your SAGAM NEWSLETTER, if you have amendments to your email address please send the information to: malcolm.gothard@btinternet.com, terryheath@sky.com or jan.burditt@gmail.com

Additionally, we are continuously striving to keep group costs down to a minimum, so if you currently receive your Newsletter via post but would now like to receive it via email, please let one of us know as soon as you

can and we will amend our records accordingly. Thank you.

And finally……don’t forget to look us up on the links

below

www.scunthorpegrimsbyadvancedmotorists.org

Facebook: @SGAMG1

Twitter: @ANDGRIMSBY