Patron of the Professional Drivers Foundation
Steve Parrish says
"I am very pleased to be supporting the Professional Drivers Foundation.
Having had a few accidents on the tracks over my racing career, it is good to see a charity specifically supporting
lorry drivers, who we all know are the lifeline of this Country.
I am very honoured to be associated with the PDF."
Welcome to the PDF
The Foundation was formed primarily for the welfare of Lorry Drivers.
The Haulage Industry employs many people and is an ageing workforce, of which a large number of drivers are over 50 years of age.
It is not a well paid industry, and entails long hours with many of the workforce being away 4 nights a week and sleeping in their vehicles.
It is subject to tight regulation, by which a driver can lose the right to work by the revocation of his or her licence by the DVLA. In addition, numerous injuries are caused to drivers, not necessarily while driving, often when delivering. Sadly, whilst death is rare in this industry, due to its nature, it does happen.
The Professional Drivers Foundation feels there is a need to provide some help, both financial and advisory, to anyone holding a vocational driving licence and in need of support through no fault of their own.
Contact
Pat Nicholson on 07909 995615, weekdays between 08:00 and 18:00 outside these hours please mail: The Professional Drivers FoundationVOSA's Moving On monthly magazine.
The Professional Drivers Association has an article in VOSA's Moving On monthly magazine.
Click the following link: Moving On to read the full story.
PDA Foundation – Established FOR Drivers, BY Drivers
The UK Professional Drivers Association (PDA) has established a charity specifically aimed at HGV drivers; the Professional Drivers Foundation.
PDA founder and spokeswoman, Pat Nicholson said, “The UK haulage industry is one of the UK’s largest employers, providing a vital livelihood for thousands of HGV drivers, many of whom are over 50 years of age.
“The Foundation was formed primarily for the welfare of lorry drivers. It is not a well-paid industry, and entails long hours with many of the workforce being away 4 nights a week and sleeping in their vehicles.
The Foundation is pleased to have British motor ace Steve Parrish as patron. Winner of over a dozen British, European and World Motorcycle and Truck Racing Titles, Steve is delighted to bring his support to the Foundation.
“Having had a few accidents on the tracks over my racing career, it is good to see a charity specifically supporting lorry drivers, who we all know are the lifeline of this Country. I am very honoured to be associated with the Professional Drivers Foundation."
“Regrettably, numerous injuries are caused to drivers, not necessarily while driving, but when delivering. The Professional Drivers Foundation feels there is a need to provide some help, both financial and advisory, to anyone holding a vocational driving licence and in need of support through no fault of their own.”
Novadata, one of the country's leading providers of transport-related training, services and products, is also pleased to pledge its support for the Foundation. Managing Director, Derek Broomfield says, “Our mission has always been to bring together transport experts and unite them in a single purpose, to create the very best results for our clients. That is why we are so keen to see the Professional Drivers Foundation grow.
“We firmly believe that the Foundation holds a unique position in the transport industry; a position which, with enough support, can only become stronger. We at Novadata want to help the Foundation move on to the next level. Therefore launching the fundraising campaign at the Commercial Vehicle Operator Show will give it a good kick start.”
For further information, contact Pat Nicholson on pat.nicholson@tiscali.co.uk or 07909 995615.
Novadata Gives Boost to Transport CharityNovadata Transport Training has given a new transport charity a much needed cash injection.
Novadata’s donation of £2,500 will help the Professional Drivers Foundation (PDF) in its role of assisting lorry drivers and their families who are in distress. It will also enable the PDF to apply for full charitable status.
The presentation and launch of the PDF’S fundraising campaign took place at the Commercial Vehicle Operator Show at the NEC, Birmingham.
British racing ace, Steve Parrish, who recently became the patron of the Professional Drivers Foundation, was on hand to collect the cheque on behalf of the charity.
Winner of more than a dozen worldwide motorcycle and truck racing titles, Steve Parrish disclosed that he holds an HGV licence and is fully aware of the challenging demands placed on drivers.
PDF Trustee and representative, Pat Nicholson said: “We are extremely grateful to Novadata for this very generous donation."
Novadata’s Managing Director, Derek Broomfield, who presented the cheque, explained why the company has decided to support the PDF:
“Lorry driving is a profession with a high level of responsibility and its own set of unique challenges. The 21st Century Professional Driver faces a vehicle packed with technology and a mountain of legislation. It’s a demanding occupation and we recognise that if drivers fall on hard times there are few supporting resources.
“We believe that the PDF holds a unique position in the transport industry; it does a fantastic job, offering an extensive range of benefits and has already helped many drivers in need. We want to see that work continue and hope our donation makes a significant difference by helping it achieve registered charity status. This is vitally important for the PDF if it is to attract the support/corporate sponsorship it needs to be able to continue to make a difference to drivers who encounter hardship.”
Story By: Su Winch
Web Link: www.novadata.co.uk
Email Link: enquiries@novadata.co.uk
The Professional Drivers Association annual Training & Awareness Day
The Professional Drivers Association held its annual Training & Awareness Day on Saturday 31st July at Brett’s Transport Ltd. Guyhirn, Cambs.
It was the most successful and well attended day to date, with people travelling from as far afield as Dunfermline, North Wales and Thatcham. Everyone watched a mock up of the You Tube video clip of a DAF Lorry pushing a Clio car along the A1 and was able to sit in the lorry seat and confirm that they couldn’t see it from the driving position.
Afterwards, we managed to get everyone, even the car drivers, driving a fully laden artic and doing some reversing.
Novadata continued to support the PDF and attended to set up their Digital Tachograph Units for us to practice on and happily answered technical driver’s hour’s questions all day.We then provided a demonstration of roping & sheeting where everyone had the opportunity to have a go at a dolly knot.
Many thanks to all who made donations and a total of £130 was raised for the Professional Drivers Foundation charity.
Thanks also to all who help on the day and to Brett’s management for allowing this to happen with their equipment.
More reports and pictures can be seen here;PDA Training and Awareness Day
Pat Nicholson
PDA
Our Supporters
Other Information
Professional Drivers AssociationThe PDF was born through ideas put forward by a PDA member. To see what the PDA is all about have a look around the website by clicking on the above link
PDA ForumsThe above links directly to the PDA Forums where you can post your opinion on the many topics being discussed.
PDA HealthMattersThis section of the PDA Website designed is to provide information and support to drivers who have experienced any illness or condition that may affect their HGV licence. We all know what a profound affect conditions such as Diabetes, Heart Attacks, Strokes, Hypertension, Osteoporosis, Arthritis etc. can have on our ability and legal right to continue to do our jobs. Once we’ve been diagnosed it can be a very lonely place to be, not able to work for a time, and no way of finding any information as to what the future holds. The PDA Health Buddy Scheme is a way to communicate with other drivers who’ve already been through this and are happy to give help and advice about what can be done, how to get back to work. We’re asking anyone to submit their experience with any health matter and indicate whether they are prepared to have contact by email or phone with other people who would like some support. This will then be included in PDA HealthMatters for anyone to gain valuable information from, although the resulting contact will remain private. There will be more sections added as time goes on and if anyone feels they have anything to contribute or any ideas to extend this further please contact;