Chairman - Barry Kenward

Barry joined DIDU in 2004 (Member No.38F) and has been committed to making a difference along with his colleagues on the Executive Committee. Barry has had two other careers prior to becoming an ADI in 2003. Twelve years were spent in the Royal Navy in communications. Then followed 24 years in the Hampshire Constabulary, the majority within the Traffic Department, from where he gets his broad knowledge of Traffic Law and things related. As well as his ADI qualifications, Barry holds a BTEC in Advanced Driving Instruction, and is an examiner (for RoSPA) at the advanced level. In May 2007 Barry completed his Honours Degree in Driver Education, and is currently studying towards his Masters in Driver Education.

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Membership Secretary & Treasurer - Alan Wood

Alan is a Founder Member of DIDU and has served as Treasurer and Membership Secretary since its inception. Became the T&G Branch Secretary when DIDU became a part of T&G, with responsibility for liaison and administration concerning T&G matters. Has now reverted to previous status. Qualified as an ADI in 1993 but has now retired as an ADI. Currently still operates as a one man electronics engineering consultancy and helpline for a major far east manufacturer.
Aged 67. Based in North Yorkshire.


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Education Officer - Cameron Smith

I have been a member of DIDU since late 2004. Joined the Executive Commitee of DIDU in 2005. My current work involves handling CRB and fighting removal from the register proceedings, on behalf of DIDU. My other work includes fighting to stop the DSA closing perfectly profitable test centres. I also am active in making Freedom of Information requests regarding the DSA. I like designing Powerpoint presentations on behalf of DIDU.
I am 56 years old. My hobbies are disgusting to most people. At a recent visit to the doctor, on placing his stethoscope on my ankle it said “please lend me a fiver”. On placing it on my shin it asked to borrow a tenner and twenty quid when placed on my knee. Seems my leg was broke in three places.

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Scottish Liason Officer - Ed Robinson

I joined the Executive Committee in 2005 as Scottish Liaison Officer, having been a full time ADI running my own driving school for 20 years.
I am committed to the furtherance of DIDU and all of our members.

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Committee Secretary - Jean Marriott

I have been an ADI for 25 years. I am one of the original members of DIDU, and the area rep for Notts / Derbys.

I have also trained to teach adults in a classroom.

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National Area Rep Co-ordinator - Ron Wise

I was born on the 18th January 1949 in what is now Trafford Hospital, Greater Manchester - just to be near my mother.

Received only a secondary education leaving school with a number of certificates that not even the oldest amongst us will remember. Joined Salford City Police as a 'Police Cadet' on the 28th February 1966 two days after I left school. On the 18th January 1968 on my 19th birthday I was sworn in and received the warrant of Office as a Police Constable in that force.

On 26th January 1970 I passed my car licence test, having passed my motorcycle in November 1969, on the 5th February 1970 I went on my police driving course for 5 weeks which I passed. I then spent the next 28 years driving divisional vehicles [cars - vans and CID cars] I did a period of work in the CID [coppers in drag] but most of my service was on the streets where I received a reputation as being something of a thief taker. A number of traffic officers [like Barry] suggested that I apply for the traffic department as my driving was considered good enough I refused each approach as I wanted to be a real police officer rather than an ice cream salesman [police inside joke].

In 1990 I took a test with the Institute of Advanced Motorists and trained on to become an observer within their ranks. I continued with them for ten years until I became an ADI. I thought that I wanted a day off once a week and anyway I preferred to be paid for my time and expertise in driver training (he he he). I retired from the police in November 1997 on medical grounds two months before I had attained 30 years service. My last two years were in the custody suite.

I joined DIDU towards the end of its first year and became a co-opted member of the EC at the 2009 AGM and then becoming a full EC member upon a vote this year.

I have enjoyed my time to date as an ADI and more so with my colleagues on the EC both past and present. DIDU is to my mind the most informative forum I am a member of and allows for grown up conversation and opinions.

I have this year [2010] started my own local association in the Oldham Area which now seems to be fairly respected and consolidated in the area.

This past year I have taken an interest in politics and hope in the near future to stand for election to the council.

I hope that I can represent the members and give sound advice to you all for some time to come.
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Commercial Officer - Raj Pillay

Born 27th October 1957 on the paradise island of Mauritius and emigrated with family to north London at the age of 5. Joined Royal Navy July 1974 and after serving over 23 years retired 1997 at the young age of 40. I then found my true vocation, by becoming a fully qualified ADI. Started my own business 1997 (Drive 4 Life School of Motoring) and have never looked back. I have served on the Committee of the Plymouth ADI association as social and events rep for a number of years and then became the treasurer in 2005 and still currently serving as the treasurer. I joined DIDU in the early years to fight the good fight (HPT) and was elected onto the EC in 2010.

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Membership Development Officer - Vernon Menezes

Born April 1st, 1966 in New Delhi (India). Vernon started his career in the hotel industry. rose to the position of deputy General Manager of a 5 star hotel. Moved with wife and two kids to London in 1999. Served as General Manager of one of the only two Michelin starred Indian restaurants ever. Vernon then tried his hand at entrepreneurship, running his own 58 room hotel in Nottingham and an 80 seater Indian cuisine restaurant in Leicester. Sold the businesses and after 22 years of hoteleering/restauranting, trained to be a Driving Instructor. Joined DIDU in 2009. Liking what he saw, in his own words ‘ the will to achieve better conditions for all those in the industry and the fact that it was self motivation that drove each of the executive committee members’. Vernon was nominated and elected to the committee in 2010.

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Commercial Officer - Martyn Bullen

Born 6th March 1958. I have been a driving instructor for 20 years. I served on the Executive Committee for over two years but due to personal reasons I stood down in 2009 feeling that I could not give the time required. Then the EC asked me to rejoin the Committee in June 2011 so here I am and looking forward to contributing to the future of DIDU.

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