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REGIONAL AFFAIRS MEETING 12TH FEBRUARY 2005
Meeting commenced 10:15am
Apologies
Shan Tedder (East Anglia), Mike Baker (South West), John Thomson (Southern), Gary Olphert (Secretary Northern Ireland), Rick
Phillips (Thames Valley), Simon O'Connor (Essex & Herts).
Present
Ian Moore Ian Churchlow Justine Travis Archi Hipkins Ian Mutch Trevor Baird Andrew Davis Eddie Lowe Tony Carter Elaine Hardy Gerard Livett Steve Wykes Jane Chisholm Alan Waldron Tony Cox (TC) Paul Turner Robin Straughan Derwen Hinds Alan Woolley
Minutes of last Meeting
The minutes of the last RAMs meeting were accepted with minor corrections.
Proposed Jane Chisholm, seconded Robin Straughan.
Matters arising
Archi indicated that the current delay in processing and ratification of the RAMs and NC minutes means that minutes are not published for over two months. He believed that this delay gave less opportunity to carry out actions promptly and failed to keep the membership informed about the latest issues. It was agreed that minutes should be prepared within three weeks and ratified on the NC list to speed up the process.
Steve Wykes had prepared a draft framework for a Motorcycling Policy in Scotland for the Scottish Executive. This was to be agreed with the BMF in Scotland and put forward as a submission from the motorcycling community. Action Steve Wykes - Ongoing
Uncle Sol had prepared a CD-Rom presentation on the benefits of motorcycling in connection with Local Transport Plans for local Councils and the IHIE. Copies were distributed to Regional Reps. He was now looking at Gloucestershire's Local Transport plan in detail.
Action Uncle Sol - Ongoing
Alan Waldron advised the NC that the move towards automatic policing of the roads was continuing in Nottinghamshire, with all but two of the force's Police Bikes having now been sold. This was considered to be a retrograde step, while proposals to use civilian
volunteers to man mobile speed cameras, was a worrying development which is open to abuse.
Work on the new issue of Pink forms was now complete.
Action Uncle Sol - To provide master to Ian Jones, so that he can distribute ten forms to all regional reps.
New Foundation and Board e-mail lists with improved security had been created.
With renewed LTP action a Forum of bike forums was to be set up and co-ordinated through Nottingham MAG.
It was noted that with two recently appointed regional reps the NC required to produce an introductory pack detailing information necessary to facilitate attendance at the NC. There was also a need to mentor new reps to ensure that they could be brought up to speed quickly and efficiently. It was also noted that communication with reps in a couple of regions had been problematic of late and it was suggested and agreed that the monthly e-mail check up should be re-introduced.
Around the Regions
National Network Communications Officer - Archi indicated that he had produced and sent out his first edition of network. He envisaged that network should primarily be used as a feedback tool for information from the NC to the regions. To this end NC minutes would be included in network once ratified. There was also a need to get information from and about clubs to provide an improved link to affiliated clubs and re-establish MAG communication.
Archi was thanked for his efforts and welcomed on board by the NC.
North-East - Robin indicated that Wear Valley MAG were currently struggling, but that a re-launch for the group was being planned. In contrast Darlington MAG were going from strength to strength, having raised £170 from their Christmas do. While they were looking at holding a "fix your bike day" to attract more novice riders to the group. They had also presented the council with information on secure bike parking. The North East stall is scheduled to be present at Bikewise and at an event organised by the Centurions.
Draft Local Transport Plans for Durham and Darlington are due to be published in March and will need to be reviewed.Stormin the Castle had donated £35k from the proceeds of the 2004 rally to MAG and were proceeding with preparations for this years event of 2nd - 4th September 2005. Hayseed Dixie have been booked as the headline band. Admission prices and policy have been reviewed following publicity put out by some bands last year, which promoted the event as a music festival. The organisers are emphatic that Stormin the castle is a bike rally and have accordingly set admission at £20 Pre book and £25 on the gate (If Available) with an insistence that all cars must be pre booked.
Western - The regional AGM had taken place with all committee member being re-elected for the coming year. Preparations for the Duk Dik Rally, scheduled for the Easter weekend, were well in hand, although assistance was sought to help man the MAG stall at the
national Bikesafe launch in Cheltenham over the weekend of 2nd & 3rd April.
Cumbria - Whitehaven MAG were attracting new members at each meeting attracted by a good social side to the group, while also taking giving active support to MAG campaigns. Barrow MAG was also flourishing had raised £100 from their Christmas Party.
South Wales - Andrew was trying to get the feelings of members in the area. Derwen was asked to assist in helping set up an EGM for the region to ratify Andrews appointment and try to get some regional office bearers to assist him in the region. Jane Chisholm was asked to provide a draft copy of a calling notice letter.
North West - The MAG Stall had been in attendance at GMEX. While Blackpool MAG and Manchester MAG had raised £200 & £100 respectively from their Christmas do's. Mobile Chaos (Lancaster) MAG were due to hold their Fred Hill run on the 13th February, while members in the region were also helping out on the Wirral Egg run to New Brighton on the 6th March.
West Midlands - Kennet MAG had raised £500 from their Christmas party, while Black Country MAG had raised £200 at their AGM. As a consequence of these and other fundraising events West Midlands had been able to donate £2500 to MAG UK. The Fred Hill run was due to go to the National Motorcycle Museum this year as a gesture of support to the rebuilding work taking place. A bike forum was being set up in Worcester and Eddie requested a NC observer to attend their AGM scheduled for Saturday 5th March at Black Country MAG's venue in Dudley. Paul Turner to confirm availability, Derwen volunteered his services as a reserve.
South East - TC announced that Brighton MAG had closed, but that Medway MAG were now attracting 40 to 45 members per meeting. Beachy Head and East Surrey MAG were also functioning satisfactorily. Hastings MAG were due to have a stand a Custom Bike show on March 2nd, while a rock night was planned for the 21st May. Members from the South East would also be helping out at the Pissed Indian Rally which would help boost funds and raise MAG's profile in the area. Medway MAG were trying to organise a MAG Bikesafe event at the Warren near Bromley on the 17th July. Shepway Council are trying to close down a mini motor-cross site on the grounds of unregulated building of the humps, following prompting from the Folkestone and Hyde MP Michael Howard, despite police support for the venture. TC to contact Uncle Sol with full details for advice on how to proceed on this matter. TC also asked if he had NC backing to continue to pursue this matter, and unanimous support was given. TC reminded the NC that the draft IHIE guidelines were still embargoed until their official launch on 17th April.
Yorkshire - Membership fallout in Huddersfield and Halifax Groups was a matter of concern, with some members of the groups being less than positive about MAG, though a relaunch of Halifax group was planned to try and inject some enthusiasm. Wakefield and Leeds groups are on a roll and planning ahead, with Leeds working closely with affiliated clubs. Into the Valley is scheduled for the weekend of 29th April - 2nd May, the Farmyard 17th - 19th June and the Yorkshire Pudding Rally takes place on the 15th - 17th August. The region is attending several bike shows including those in Leeds and Bradford, while marshalls are being provided for the Doncaster custom bike show, with Pete Walker arranging camping. Andy Timms is closely involved with ensuring that motorcycles are catered for in the Local Transport Plan for the small Yorkshire Towns.
East Midlands - An EGM had been arranged for Friday 18th February to help bolster support and activity in the region, with all members being contacted by mail. Nottinghamshire MAG have changed venue to a good biking venue and are attracting new members as a result and are looking to organise activities in the spring.The council are now supporting Nottinghamshire bike forum and Andy Timms is active in trying to set up forums in Derby and Leicester. Work on the web-site is continuing with support for the diesel spills campaign gaining support. A trade fleet in Derby has been provided with diesel stickers for all their vehicles, while a presentation on diesel spills is due to be made to Haliburton. Plans are well in hand for the Hellish at the Mellish Rally on 27th to 30th May. Due to the disbanding of the Nottinghamshire bike section Notts Advanced Motorcyclists have been approached to see if they can assist with Bikesafe.
Scotland - Preparations are in hand for the MAG Scotland egg run on 27th March, this run continues to grow in size and with the presence of the MAG stall it is hoped to cash in on the goodwill created. Aberdeenshire MAG are due to hold their Stri Son Soarsa Rally on the 22nd to 24th April, while Edinburgh MAG's Ag Ol Anns an Achadh Rally is scheduled for the 3rd to 5th June.
Greater London - Uncle Sol gave a presentation of his CD-Rom regarding motorcycles and Local Transport Plans. He was thanked for his hard work and the professionalism of the presentation, which is to be sent to all councils. Action is also being taken to counter the GLA's proposed ban on Taxi bikes. Despite an exemplary safety record it is proposed to ban their use on safety grounds. This is seen to be an overreaction to a none existent problem and is compounded by their decision to allow bicycle rickshaws. Tf L are reviewing camera enforcement on their Red Routes, while Westminster Council, who are anti bike, have been given a presentation countering their unfounded comments based on the GAGM recommendations.
Meeting closed at 1.15pm.
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