Madam Chair
Chairman Jane provides an overview of MAG's progress
Hi all, I feel an enormous sense of optimism in the air as we hurtle towards the season ahead. Yes in the darker months, plans, strategies and winter projects are undertaken, but the pleasure of riding in more clement weather brings out the grin from ear to ear. I personally signed up four members in the past month and due to raised publicity in the biking press people are coming to us as if they have just discovered us for the first time, hoorah!
Politically we have been having face to face meetings with the Government via the Transport Select Committee Hearings. The job of this committee is to ensure that policies are implemented with input from those who know the nature of the subject matter they are talking about ie MAG where motorcycling is concerned.
With the preparation behind the scenes from Trevor Baird and David Short, David, as MAG's Campaigns Manager, has attended the meetings to share our experience of motorcycling issues with the government and assist them with the implementation of their motorcycle strategy. Here David encountered the formidable matriarch Gwyneth Dunwoody and afterwards, with our President Ian Mutch, was invited to take tea with Robert Goodwill MP. - Spiffing, what ho!
On a positive note, Government Traffic Advisory leaflets have been produced expressing support for facilitating motorcycling as a choice of travel 'within a safe, sustainable transport framework'. The final responsibility for implementation still lies with local authorities, but this is, nonetheless, a notable shift in the Central Government's stance.
Our Campaigns Manager had his next engagement with Gwyneth Dunwoody over a Private Members bill proposed by Graham Stringer MP. This really is a very clumsy ill thought out bill. In essence it is aimed to target the illegal, irresponsible, anti social use of mini motos, but in reality, if it went through, it would mean that even Valentino Rossi would end up requiring a reg plate while racing. From my own experience of the matter in West Yorkshire, where there has been a problem, it has been dealt with most effectively where the police have confiscated these illegally used machines and sometimes crushed them. In my professional capacity I occasionally come across such users, who have indicated that they will not be replacing these machines but looking elsewhere for their fun and entertainment [eeek!]. Those more responsible and seriously interested in riding on two wheels, have moved forwards to legitimate riding areas. Some have taken advantage of the MOTO-KL project, a mini moto racing team lead by Shan Tedder. (see p79) and other legal projects by MAG groups around the country.
Despite the 2 million signature petition against road pricing, the Government remains enthusiastic. This issue provides the focus of our National Demo on July 7 (see ads in this issue).
Being part of MAG means sharing a lifestyle, sharing the joys of motorcycling with others, riding, partying, camaraderie. In many walks of life people become more insular. Travelling to work, travelling home, shutting the house door on the world. MAG is about having fun and communicating with other like-minded people.
At the Northern Training sessions in February, a group of young North Eastern MAG girls, were asked what they wanted from the organisation, 'to have fun' they replied'. It's noteworthy however, that in the role play scenario aimed at improving our lobbying skills with councillors and MPs, these girlies were also the most skillful negotiators. This provided us with much food for thought in the context of our projects on MAG Junior, MAG Youth and MAG Energy, aimed at attracting the younger generation into our ranks. The training session was well received and we hope to hold the next one in autumn 2007.
Out and about in the field, I was invited to visit East York's MAG meeting, lead by their new Rep Wayne Rooney. Lots of activities were planned which are communicated to members by an ever increasing e mail list. The bi monthly news letter has also been sent out three times by snail mail and the combination has resulted in them attracting many new members. The group has purchased 2 mini motos and organised provision for legal, secure riding in specified car parks. Plans for the re brand and re launch of the Tsunami Soiree are already underway with Adie Burn taking the lead. It looks like there will be a new name, new activities and a targeted attack on the Humber Bridge Tolls. The Tsunami is in September and usually sold out, so get your tickets well in advance.
Sheila McMahon, the new Regional Rep for Yorkshire, invited me to say a few words at the re-launch of Halifax MAG at the new venue called 'The Three Pigeons'. What a cracking pub, which has been modernised while retaining the character of the old pub. It's a Free House with half a dozen real ales. Definitely a drinker's pub. Anne Boyce the new Treasurer joined in supporting David Gregory as they started to make plans to hold a bike show followed by camping with a band in a pub.
Huddersfield MAG is my local group, and I was pleased to be invited to the AGM. Sheila McMahon - Yorkshire Rep and David Short - Campaigns Manager for MAG UK, also attended. Ali Preston, long standing Rep, who had followed on from Johnny Shaw, handed over the reigns to Ian Mumford. They managed to completely fill the social calendar for the next year with a wide variety of activities from Winter Camping, Mystery Runs and Rallies to Picnics for families.
To end on a bright note - MAG received more column space in the biking press and magazines in the first two months of this year than Valentino Rossi and Christine Hamilton has agreed to ride as pillion on the back of David Short's bike. Squeeze her in that leather, hoorah!
Jane Chisholm
Chair MAG UK
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