News 2026

It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of our friend and colleague Valerie Brickell (pictured here with Keith Chanter) on Thursday 5th March 2026, after a long illness borne with courage and dignity.

Valerie was a key supporter and Committee Member who carried out her duties in an unassuming, selfless, and dedicated manner.

You will all remember her as our Membership Secretary, a role which she held for many years and fulfilled with her typical diligence to keep our Group running smoothly.

She will be missed immensely by her family and friends and by all of us who had the pleasure to know and work with her.

On behalf of us all at the High Wycombe Group of Advanced Motorists we extend our heartfelt condolences and sympathy to Valerie's husband Colin, family, and friends at this difficult time.

Congratulations to Barry Hatch on achieving an excellent F1RST Pass in his recent IAM Advanced Driver Test (seen here with his High Wycombe Group Observer, Sean Pearce). This is a commendable achievement for any driver, but at 91 years old it is even more notable, especially given the current Government focus on Older Drivers.

Barry signed up for the Advanced Driving Course following an IAM RoadSmart Mature Driver Review.

Sean reports "Barry was already a highly competent and safe driver, and a joy to be with as an Observer whether on urban, rural or busier dual carriageway and motorway roads. Really all we had to do was frame his driving around IPSGA and ensure that we'd covered all of the competencies in the Drivers Logbook". Sean concentrated on making more progress towards posted speed limits where safe and on ensuring not to exceed the slower limits. With Sean's guidance Barry developed extended Observation, Anticipation and Planning which, combined with improved throttle control, and appropriate use of the advanced features of his Hyundai Ionic 5 Hybrid meant he could maintain safe and legal speeds more confidently.

After 8 driving sessions plus the Group's standard "second check drive and a follow up pre-test refresher" Barry met with IAM examiner, Peter Gunn, who reported that Barry gave "one of the best test drives I have been fortunate to examine during 2025 and was a well deserved F1RST".

Prior to retirement Barry was a Chartered Civil Engineer with world wide experience on marine works, tunnels and motorway projects. He is an active supporter of the Friends of Maidenhead Waterways - part of the River Thames.

*Follow this link for more on the Mature Driver Review.