The Institute of Advanced Motorists was established in 1956 when nationally there were only 7 million vehicles on the road. To put the year into historical context other events that year included the Suez Crisis and the launch of premium bonds. There was no MOT test and no national speed limit in the UK.

1970 - Swindon Group Established

In the Swindon area those who wanted to join a local branch had to travel to Oxford as this was the location of the nearest group. All the time, however, Swindon was growing into a major industrial and commercial centre and with the population increasing steadily it became evident that a local branch was both viable and desirable.

The Swindon Group was established on 1st July 1970 following an approach to our founder member Ken Turner from the IAM. David Morley presided as Inaugural Chairman at the first meeting of the Group at a site now occupied by New College in Whitbourne Avenue, Park North.

To put this event into into historical context we must remember that in 1970 Britain was a very different place. Introduction of the new decimal currency would not take place until the following year. In politics Edward Heath’s newly elected Government pledged to take Britain into the European Economic Community. Meanwhile US President Richard Nixon pursued America’s war in South East Asia through the invasion of Cambodia. There were only three television channels and colour television had only recently been introduced - Jon Pertwee had just completed his first series as the third Doctor Who - the programme's first colour series. Many viewers still had monochrome sets using 405 lines. The No 1 single was “In the Summertime” by Mungo Jerry. On the football field Brazil were the new world champions following the Mexico World Cup Finals in June that year.

Locally the population of Swindon stood at 91,000 after 17 years of planned growth, with new areas such as Dorcan, Liden and Eldene still at the planning stage, and further expansion at West Swindon on the distant horizon. An eventual population of 250,000 - 300,000 was still envisaged (170,000 in 2005). Major local employers included British Rail Engineering, Plessey Semiconductors, Vickers Limited, and Garrard. The office boom was yet to come. It may be hard to believe now, but the section of the M4 Motorway passing Swindon was still under construction at this time and would not open until December 1971.

New cars launched this year included the Range Rover, (the first example of which can be seen in the Heritage Motor Centre at Gaydon), the Hillman Avenger, Ford Cortina Mk III and the Triumph Stag. This was also the year that production of the Morris Minor saloon finally ceased.

Writing in the Group’s first Newsletter that autumn editor Bruce Edgington noted that although the new group committee was established and working well it was essential that the group reached the minimum IAM requirement of 40 members as soon as possible - in fact the names and addresses of all 34 current members were individually listed in the newsletter! Members were urged to remember that any potential member of the IAM was likely to be “a keen motorist - so if you see one, remind him of the formation of the group and encourage him to join (or her of course!)”.

In order to help attain this goal an events programme was already seen as an important part of the group’s strategy with the newsletter including a report on the first ever group outing to vehicle repairers Bampton Brothers on 20th August 1970. There was a trip to see the prototype Concorde 002 at Fairford on 4th October, and other trips included Swindon Central Police Station and Pressed Steel-Fisher.

Interestingly the group planned its first Treasure Hunt for Sunday 8th November. The year concluded with a film show on the 8th December - presumably with a “real” projector and screen - no video or DVD in those days!

Members were assured that if all the events were as successful as the Bampton Brothers trip then they could be certain of having a “jolly good time”.

Monthly meetings later moved to the Blunsdon House Hotel and have been held there ever since always including a varied programme of talks, quizzes and social events. Outside events have included attendance and display stands at road safety events and courses as well as representation at IAM regional and national conferences.

Swindon Group in the 21st Century

The multi-channel media focussed environment in which the group now operates and seeks to attract new members is vastly more complex to that of the last century. Motor industry globalisation and harmonisation of technical and regulatory standards have also brought about significant challenges.

The Group continues to build on its heritage and works to extend its influence in the road safety arena.