Hello!
Some of you will already know me, but for those that do not I am one of your local Examiner's based in Folkestone. My plan is to have a regular slot in this newsletter, to share some hints and tips for those preparing to take their test and perhaps some refresher points for you old die hards! I am also happy to take questions, where the answer can be published in the newsletter to the benefit of all those within EKAM.
Ironically, just prior to me start typing this I had opened my new IAM Roadsmart membership card letter and noted it says 'valued member for 30 years'..... I suddenly felt very old! I have had a long and established journey with EKAM and am a very strong supporter of the club, both personally and through my work.
I took my test in 1994, (with examiner Kerry Dunlop) in my early twenties. My observer was Jim Smallwood, one of the original members. Our age difference was huge (I thought then he was about 800 years old) but we got on well. Not long after, I also then started my observer training - this was in fact where I learnt the most from the experienced group of observers I was proud to be part of. With some experience and perhaps luck I later became a Senior Observer and over the years was Membership Secretary for a year and later the Regional Motorcycle Advisor for the S East (Later this became a paid role called Area Service Delivery Manager, which still exists).
During all of this, I had joined the Police in the mid 1990's and in 2008 joined the Motorcycle Team, where I spent 10 years. During this time I became a Police Advanced rider, VIP escort rider, off road riding and later unmarked intercept work and was able to travel to France several times, assist on the Tour of Britain cycle race and escort several Royals and be an observer on Bikesafe, which I am still doing.
Other motorcyclists sometimes told me how lucky I was.... but I did point out that in winter I was freezing cold, in summer far too hot and odd days in spring and autumn it was about right.... There were not many of those days! Having the right bike kit is important!
Ride safe,
Tony Green