Confident Driving by Roger Hicks & Ashley Behan representing Lincoln IAM RoadSmart
Roger began his presentation by telling us that since passing his driving test in 1963, he has never had to officially demonstrate his driving aptitude. He then produced an old type driving licence and a very old copy of The Highway Code and asked when was the last time any of us had consulted this bible of legal requirements, laws and legislation. The show of hands was barely visible and prompted a nervous titter from the audience however, Roger told us that he is on a mission to help everyone to become better drivers. As a member of an independent road safety charity affiliated to RoadSmart, he and his fellow volunteers aim to prepare drivers to eventually reach the standard which will enable them to become an ‘advanced driver’.
He went on to explain that since the day most of us took our driving test, not only has the number of vehicles on the road increased considerably but, the laws have changed dramatically and cars have been revolutionised. Whilst most of us think we have taken this in our stride, it is fair to say that as we age, we might not acknowledge that our reactions inevitably become slower and health issues may affect our driving competencies. The driver retraining team intend to teach us ways in which we can develop our skills so we use the road and our vehicles more safely, effectively and economically. Based on the police driving system, the course helps drivers cultivate a positive but courteous attitude and boosts their confidence, driving competence, concentration and effective all-round observation and anticipation. Self-analysis is encouraged and drivers are asked to evaluate their performance.
Ashley’s presentation was accompanied by photographs of everyday situations which drivers might encounter; he then invited the audience to identify the hazards presented. Although the audience seemed to excel at this, it nevertheless highlighted the fact that we are a more vulnerable age group and should be aspiring to improve our road safety skills and thereby lower the risk of accidents. Participation in the scheme ensures the driver receives an objective appraisal of his or her driving standards, irons out bad habits and possibly gains a better insurance deal. What’s not to like? There was quite a crowd of interested parties around the speakers at the end of their talk, so a good number were maybe inspired enough to sign up.

Susanna introduced herself as she walked centre stage dressed in costume supposedly pertaining to the 17th century. Born Susanna Annesley in 1669, she was the youngest of 25 children. Her father was ordained by the Anglican Church however, he practiced Presbyterian theology and was an enlightened parent who educated all his children regardless of their gender. As a consequence, Susanna was well read and scholarly but at the age of 13, decided she wanted to return to the Anglican Church, which she did with her father’s approval. During this same year, she met Samuel Wesley who she eventually married aged 19; he was 26, charming, witty and intelligent and also wanted to become a priest.

Once ordained into the Anglican Church, Samuel worked in London but followed the dissenting tradition of his father in law; this made him unpopular within his parish and he left to become a chaplain on a naval warship. Susanna now had no home or any means to financially support her growing brood of children so she moved back in with her parents until 1691 when Samuel obtained a position in rural Lincolnshire. Having grown used to the active and stimulating social life at her parents’ house, Lincolnshire did not suit Susanna who spurned the locals for their simple ways and lack of education. With mounting debt problems as a result of her husband’s poor financial management, Susanna devoted all her time to educating her own children and supplementing the family income by peddling herbal remedies and preparations. Their rectory at Epworth was burnt down, reputedly deliberately because of her husband’s unpopularity and rising unpaid debts however, her enduring stalwartness and determination kept her going.
Susanna’s story is one of triumph over hardship. She had 19 children of which only 9 survived; her husband was twice sent to jail because of his persistently unpaid debts yet throughout her many times of extreme adversity, she enjoyed success through her children, most especially Charles and John, who eventually went on to found Methodism. Despite increasingly painful health issues, Susanna lived to the ripe old age of 78 and was buried back in London in 1742.
This fairly faithful account of the life of Susanna Wesley was presented by an unnamed volunteer from Epworth Old Rectory, home of the Wesleys. Unfortunately, her presentation seriously lacked lustre, she couldn’t follow her brief and, she was unable to assume the identity of Susanna unconvincingly nevertheless, she deserves praise for her passion and enthusiasm although the latter emotion was not aroused in members of the audience.