30 July 2010
chief driving and riding examiner, Bob Smalley, celebrated two
milestones yesterday: 20 years of working with the Royal Society for the
Prevention of Accidents, which coincided with his 70th birthday!
Bob, of Wythall, near Solihull, has worked tirelessly to reduce deaths
and injuries on Britain’s roads. After a career spanning 31 years as a police
officer in the West Midlands, during which he was in charge of the region’s
motorway and traffic policing, Bob became involved with RoSPA in 1990 as chief
examiner, and later became head of driver services.
He has had responsibility for RoSPA’s Advanced Drivers Association (now
called RoSPA Advanced Drivers and Riders), and has served on many committees
including RoSPA’s National Road Safety Committee and National Road Safety
Advisory Group.
His enthusiasm for road safety and driver training has continued since
his official retirement in 2000, and he remains RoSPA’s Advanced Drivers and
Riders’ chief examiner.
Off the road, Bob is a very keen golfer, and spends much of his time
travelling with his wife Pat - jetting off to new exotic locations on a regular
basis, particularly when the England cricket team is touring the West Indies!
Staff at RoSPA managed to catch Bob unawares yesterday, with a small
party to celebrate both his birthday and his 20 years with RoSPA. When he had
recovered his composure, he said: “I’m lost for words! I have really enjoyed my
time with RoSPA and I’m proud to be associated with such a well-loved and
well-respected charity. We’ve achieved great results saving lives on the roads
over the years, and I look forward to the future - both on the road and off!”
Errol Taylor, RoSPA’s deputy chief executive, said: “We are delighted
to celebrate Bob’s 20 years with RoSPA, and wish him a very happy 70th
birthday! Bob is a consummate professional with boundless enthusiasm, and is a
pleasure to work with. We hope he continues to work with us to improve road
safety for many years to come.”
RoSPA’s Advanced Drivers and Riders’ aim is to reduce road accidents by encouraging an interest in road safety
and by improving driving standards, knowledge and skill. In order to do this
RoSPA Advanced Drivers and Riders has more than 50 local groups that will
provide free training to help you improve your driving skills and prepare you
to take the ultimate Advanced Test.
For more information
on advanced driving or riding with RoSPA visit www.roadar.org.