MAG TRAINING WEEKEND

The view from the Grass Root: ''Hmm, activist training? Throwing bricks or words at the establishment''. I wonder which? was the question in my mind as I rode into the Matlock Youth Hostel car park early Friday evening...

Following a warm and pleasant ride up from Cheltenham, Matlock was cold. I should have expected it but I hadn't been this far north for a while! Still, snow was forecast.

As the expected group of 40 MAG trainee activists were arriving, my burning question disappeared from mind as the sight of Phil Neale came into view. Every bit 'the new man', Phil had dressed for action by wearing a green apron, to prepare the much welcome baked potatoes. After sorting the room allocations, Nicky Myakicheff (according to rumour, pronounced My 'andkerchief), questioned us trainees over choice of baked potato filling, relaying the orders to Chef Phil.

Post baked potato, the evening finished with the usual diversion of a trip to a local pub (JD Wetherspoon, recommended by virtue of 99p-a-pint real ale), the warning of a heavy day to come ringing in our ears.

True to the warning, following a YHA breakfast, Saturday was a heavy session, relieved by many coffee breaks and Phil's culinary skills in the form of a buffet. MAG 'heavyweights' Nich Brown, Craig Carey-Clinch and Phil Neale (without the pinny) Ian Mutch and North London MAG's PR guru Brian Laws presented a number of sessions ranging from MAG and it's structure through Public relations to Local and National Government and the Bikers are Voters campaign. Ian providing a rare insight into the world of Streetbiker. The finishing touch was an interview with a spoof MP (aren't they all?), who fooled more than one trainee especially with his grasp of motorcycling issues.

Who was most surprised at the evening reception and buffet? Us trainees at the venue being the local Conservative Association or our host, local Conservative MP, Patrick Mcloughlin at his audience? Patrick Mcloughlin's address was only interrupted by a dubious message on the mobile phone that he had borrowed from his son (he said he would be having words with his errant offspring). The evening must have been enjoyable as the beer sales broke club records.

Sunday started slowly, hampered no doubt by the previous night, with the YHA breakfast then straight into a group session putting into practice what had been learnt already. After more coffee, Neil Liversidge gave an animated and articulate talk before an intensive question and answer session closed the weekend. The snow & sleet that started Friday night and reappeared on both Saturday and Sunday had stopped; it was now time to go home.

The weekend proved most enjoyable and useful preparation for the activism needed for MAG to reinforce its messages. If you hear of another training weekend, volunteer and go along. Finally, my thanks to all who came and those whose hard work made it possible and so successful.

.........and the answer to the burning question? Use the right words the right way, and they are as if not more effective than bricks!!!

Der
(Gloucester MAG)