Madam Chair
Chairman Jane provides an overview of MAG's progress
Hi all, another busy two months flies by, with the most significant event being the Birmingham Demo. This saw 1000 bikers from all over the country showing solidarity against the biggest threat to the future of motorcycling in this country, the Third Driving Licence Directive (3DLD). Other people in the wider motorcycling community seemed already to have given up the fight, resigned to fate, implying that MAG was banging against a bolted door where the key had already been thrown away.
MAG's persistence and sheer determination however appears to have kindled a fire amongst MEPs who oppose in principle, the blanket introduction of laws created in Europe being implemented in our country. So can I thank every single one of you who came, for your effort in turning up on the day, and also thank all the people for their hard work behind the scenes, you worked against all odds to make the Demo happen.
The spirit of MAG hasn't changed or been compromised one jot from when the organisation was formed over 30 years ago - and it won't be. Our strength is that we never underestimate the power of uniting individuals to protect riders' rights and the freedom of choice. As an individual you can, and do make a difference.
Another important milestone is the proposed expansion of our staff at the Central Office in Rugby. In addition to the clerical officers Janet, Ian and Sarah and Trevor as our Director of Public Affairs, we are advertising for the position of Campaigns' Manager. As you know Trevor has been holding the fort for some time with the support of the volunteer workforce, but we are now financially in a position to employ someone else and I feel incredibly optimistic about the way that the organisation is moving forwards. Look out for the job advert below and send for more details if you are interested.
Many other projects are on-going as officers beaver away on an overhaul of the organisation to make it more efficient and effective. We're re-vamping the Corporate Membership deal, the Affiliated Clubs deal, the 6 Wheel Break Down policy, the MAG website, and MAG's recruitment literature.
I must admit that most of my time has been spent on the business side of MAG lately supporting Trevor. Due to the restrictions of available working hours in the day I have resigned my position as Secretary of the MAG Foundation, but feel confident that it will continue to run under the capable hands of Ian Moore. I have however tried to keep my hand in at ground level close to home. I supported the Farmyard Party Rally which moved to the new site after last year's flood, and is now in front of the House on the Duncombe Park Estate. This year's entertainment didn't disappoint anyone with such wide range and variety on the main stage, in the blues tent, the dance tent, and the 100% Biker marquee, which hosted bands and Comedians compered by NABD's Rick Hulse. We also had the British Biker Build off, the BSH Custom show, free Dyno testing and much more. A new marquee went up this year named 'The Avalon Bar'. It sold real ale and offered the luxury of three piece suites which guests were invited to use by the host, Fergus O'Connell.
Yet again this event was made possible by the volunteer workforce who gave up their time and energy to make it another 'Party with a purpose'.
We signed up 214 new members and took 133 renewals at the event and this year it looks like there will be a record donation to the funds.
The rest of my time has been taken up with the co-ordination of The Yorkshire Pudding Rally. By the time you read this the event will have come and gone. We had record numbers of applications for tickets but sadly, due to site restrictions, had to close the ticket line early. This will always be a pre book event only from now on, so apologies if you didn't make it this year, please apply early next year.
Finally, I feel I must make note of a local group's dedication to the cause and share with you the news that Huddersfield MAG have succeeded in breeding and giving birth to at least 10 young motorcycle riders. I believe this will be a long term project that they have embarked upon. Three cheers to them. Hoorah!
Jane Chisholm
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