Every other year, the group runs the Bolton and District Advanced Motorists Diploma course. The last one started in early 2020, and we all know what happened during that year! The course was interrupted, delayed and restarted, etc. Eventually in 2022 the seven remaining students managed to complete the course and earn their coveted Diploma.
In December 2020 we lost Hugh German, the “Godfather” of our group, someone who was very special to us in many ways. He joined the group when it was formed in 1970 and committed himself to helping others to drive more confidently and be more observant, and in so doing become safer on our roads. He was instrumental in putting together a course that would help drivers who wanted to further enhance their skills, that course was the “Diploma”.
Hugh was the driving force behind the Diploma since its inception – an amazing achievement in that he took part in the very first Group Diploma in 1979, and has Certificate Number 2 to prove it.
The Group wished to honour his memory by creating an award in his name that would be awarded to a student on each Diploma course. The Hugh German Memorial Award was conceived.
On the evening of Tuesday 6th September 2022 we were delighted to welcome Hugh’s wife, Lois (who had travelled from Leicester to be with us) and daughter Janet to present the award.
After presentation of diplomas to our “Magnificent Seven” students, Lois and Janet announced the very first winner of the award, Andrew Farrimond.
So congratulations to Andrew, and a well done and congratulations to everyone on completing the course under what were the most difficult of circumstances.
Roy Sammons