Garden Wildlife UK

Just saying ....... Nuthatch has 666 posts . Gaaawwwd, lost me amulet ........

She now has 683 ,she has bet you .

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales ... ta-8204791

I think I might go and live in Wales. Two reasons, the crime levels are so low that plod had the time to transport Father Christmas and secondly although it wasn't intended to upset carting FC off in a paddy waggon appeals to my sense of Baa Humbug.

During a momentary lapse in concentration a little while back I was stupid enough to get caught speeding by one of the roadside camera vans. Two days later the summons arrived and gave me two options: either cough up £100 fine and get 3 points on my pristine licence or attend a Speed Awareness Course costing £86. For me this was a no brainer so the course was booked and today was the day. I'll be honest I hadn't been looking forward to it at all, four hours sat in a classroom being preached to as to the error of my ways I know not everyone will view it the same as myself but the reality was I quite enjoyed it. It was conducted in good humour and helped sort out a lot of my misconceptions about signage and the speeds allowed for different vehicles on different types of road plus a load of handy tips to avoid falling foul of the law again.
If anyone else falls into the speeding trap if you're offered the course take it.
PS Extra bonus, no points on licence and no need to tell your insurance company.
PPS It wouldn't be a bad idea if everyone had to take the course but it'll never happen.

Y'know, I've wondered whether these things really work - glad you've proved that they do, Jacksparrow.

Really glad you enjoyed the experience Jacksparra. From a motorcyclist point of view, biker cops are a great bunch and turn up at regular biker haunts, giving practical advice on better riding. They really know their stuff and it is always worth listening to them as they have encountered every possible danger on the road. I joined the IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists) many years ago and ride/drive by their rules (the Police do this course as a basic requirement, but then move on to other advance driving techniques).
I would recommend everyone joining the IAM. It is a one off payment and you become a member for life. You can choose to take the test or not and even if you fail, it does not affect your insurance. However, if you pass, your insurance will be reduced.
Regardless of whether you choose to take the test or not, the hefty book you receive teaches invaluable road craft written by people with a wealth of knowledge about staying safe on the road.
Applying the advice of the IAM and that of biker cops, has saved my bacon on many occasions over the last two decades.

I know someone who loves the 'speeding' course - she's been on it twice - thinks it a right bit of fun but here they take you to a designated area where you drive around too.

One of our instructors was an I.A.M. member and commended it's merits to the course attendees. I am in little doubt it would be beneficial.
Some of my course mates had also been on a similar course before so you have to wonder whether the message fully gets hammered home on the first occasion. We were told we cannot do the course again until 3 years have passed so I'll be having to keep my toe off the gas and pay full attention for a good while yet.