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Front Page
The MAG Annual Group Conference 2002
Annual Reports by National Officers to the
AGC 2002
Why Me?
Possible New NC Post - Network Communications Officer
Daytime Headlights
Vehicle Excise Duty - Where MAG Stands and Why
Henry Marks Gets MAG into Parliament!
Free European Bike
Events for MAG Members
How Your NC Really Works
MAG and the Motorcycle Industry Association
Communicating With Clubs
Running a Local MAG Branch
MAG Events
Previous Issues
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The MAG Annual Group Conference 2002
The MAG Annual Group Conference (AGC) will be held at The Winter Gardens, Weston-Super-Mare, on 13th April 2002. The AGC will start at 1pm and run until 6pm, followed by a good party with
the excellent band Shamus Oblivion & the Megadeath Morrismen plus support band and comedian.
IMPORTANT - Change of Telephone number for ticket purchase: 01934 517888.
IMPORTANT - AGC Party Saturday Evening is now TICKET ONLY.
Delegates attending the AGC who can produce their voting slip may obtain tickets at the Registration desk on the 13th April at a
discount of £2. You must bring your current full MAG membership card. If you have lost your card please contact MAG Central Office immediately on 0870 4448 448. Non Delegates should purchase their tickets in
advance to save disappointment.
Hotels / bed & breakfast accommodation
can be booked via Sam Moore, 37 Wimblestone Road, Winscombe, BS25 1JR. Telephone: Home 01934 842525 Mobile 0797 0715393. Prices range from £18.00 to £40.00 per night. Camping has been arranged at a farm signposted from Junction 21 off the M5 for those of you who prefer a more 'traditional' MAG conference weekend! For details contact Ian Moore Ian Moore, North Somerset Rep, on-site and camping Co-ordinator, Home 01934 811656, Mobile 0796 7089413, Ianmoore@ukbikers.net
Revised AGC Agenda
1. Opening of AGC by National Chairman at 1pm.
2. Formal introduction of Vice-Chairman and handing over of the chair to the Vice-Chairman
3. National Officers' Reports
4. Questions to National Officers (Questions relating to the most recent term of office.)
5. Financial Report.
6. Finance Questions. (Questions relating to the period dealt with.)
7. Chief Executive's Report, including briefing by Henry Marks, MAG CEO, on the daytime
lights issue.
8. Questions to Chief Executive (on Central Office administration and directly related
topics).
9. Formal Motion 1 to reappoint the firm of auditors of MAG (UK) Limited.
10. Formal Motion 2 to continue the free annual affiliation of the National Association for
Bikers with a Disability (NABD).
11. Proposals (Motions for debate submitted by 31st January in year of AGC).
12. Election of President
13. Election of National Officers -
National Chairman.
National Treasurer
National Clubs Officer
National Reps Liaison Officer or Network Communications Officer*
14. Election of Directors of MAG (UK) Limited (including endorsement of any Directors
appointed by the NC between conferences for the residual term of a Director that has
resigned.)
15. President's Address
16. Any Other Business
17. Awards
18. Presentation of Donations and/or Certificates of Achievement
19. National Chairman's vote of thanks and closing address.
20. AGC to close no later than 6pm.
* Whether the AGC
elects an RLO or an NCO depends on the outcome of a motion submitted for debate.
Formal Motion 1 - Reappointment of Auditors
"That Stanley Yule & Co be appointed as auditors of MAG (UK) Limited."
Proposed: Julie Stevenson
Seconded: Neil Liversidge 23660
Formal Motion 2 - Affiliation of NABD
"That affiliated membership be granted for free to the National Association for Bikers with a Disability (NABD).
Proposed: Neil Liversidge 23660
Seconded: Ian Mutch 003
Motions and Amendments for Debate
Motion 1 - Manhole And Service Access Covers
"That MAG to adopt a national campaign to address the problems that manhole covers and service access covers present to two-wheel vehicle use in view of the following facts:
1. Unsurfaced manhole covers and service access covers used in the highway are an
unacceptable hazard to two-wheel vehicle users. The sudden change from a tarmac to
metal surface can cause instability and loss of control with dire consequences. This is
exacerbated in wet conditions. Frightening experiences are commonplace.
2. Highway architecture is an important consideration in traffic safety.
3. Manhole covers and service access covers are governed by British Standard BS7903.
This standard has no frictional component whatsoever.
4. There has been no research on the effects that these covers have on two-wheel vehicular
use. National 'accident' statistics do not include notification of service cover relevance.
5. STATS19 is the 'accident' report form the Police fill out in instances of personal injury in a
traffic incident. It is worded to exclude the recording of whether a service cover was
significant to the incident."
Richard Stiling 88797
Chris Selway 84422
Motion 2 - Usage of 'Dark' Visors by Motorcyclists
"That the AGC ratifies the following statement on dark visors as accurately representing MAG policy:
Judging by the feelings expressed by
our own members and riders generally it is obvious that there is substantial demand for a change in the law to permit the daytime usage of dark visors. Moreover the published research seems to conclude that dark
visors can even be used safely at night provided that the lower level for luminous transmission for visors is set between 47% and 33.4%.
The research also concludes however that there are "no detection
benefits to the use of dark visors in daytime conditions". Whilst this conclusion is reasonable and to be expected, it misses the point. We would ask whether simple detection here is the issue and contend
that instead the important factor is the effect of glare - and glare reduction - on rider behaviour.
The research seems to deal with objects that are visible and to ask whether they may be more easily seen
with a dark visor in daylight before concluding, unsurprisingly, that the answer is in the negative. The real question though is how dark visors affect rider behaviour. The question is whether a rider who is not
suffering glare discomfort is more inclined to look longer and more carefully for potential hazards than one that is dazzled. This is perhaps difficult to express in scientific terms. In layman's terms though it is
the difference between, on the one hand, taking a quick squint into bright sunlight and thereafter taking a chance on what one believes to be the case viz. hazards etc. as against being able to take a longer and
more careful look with the benefit of a dark visor and acting on the information that one knows to be factual.
Dark visor usage in daytime conditions can help to minimise the danger of disorientating
glare - particularly sudden and unexpected glare - as can be encountered, for example, when rounding a bend and turning into the sun or when cresting a hill with the sun is low on the horizon.
Our contention
would therefore be that whilst actual detection in the absence of glare is not improved by a dark visor there are positive benefits in terms of rider behaviour to be had from dark visor usage, specifically that one
aspect of venturesome behaviour (risk taking) may be reduced. We would further contend that a scientifically arrived at standard for dark visors should be arrived at urgently and implemented by way of the necessary
legislation, thereby removing the current source of confusion and putting an end to unnecessary prosecutions."
Neil F. Liversidge 23660
Linda M. Liversidge 23660
Motion 3 - Abolishing the post of Reps Liaison Officer and replacing with that of Network Communications Officer
"The function of National Reps Liaison Officer having become redundant the post shall be
abolished and replaced with the annually-elected non-voting post of Network Communications Officer. The functions of the Network Communications Officer shall be as follows:
13.To produce each month 'Network', MAG's campaigning newsletter designed to
communicate information to MAG groups on areas of interest that are key to MAG's
aims. Specifically, these are:
A) Political Campaigning.
B) Public Relations / Promotion of MAG events.
C) Structural Enhancement (Interchange of 'best practice' ideas between regions and local
groups.)
14.To interface with MAG's full time Research Officer in respect of the political content.
15.To interface with the StreetBiker Editor / PR Officer in respect of PR.
16.To interface with MAG's event organisers to ensure that MAG events are properly
promoted.
17.To interface with the National Chairman in respect of recruitment and structural
enhancement.
18.To interface with the National Clubs Officer in respect of material aimed at recruiting
clubs to MAG affiliation, keeping existing clubs affiliated and converting affiliates to full
individual membership.
19.To interface with all Regional Reps, seeking out and disseminating via Network advice on
best practice.
20.To process the material supplied by the above officers into Network each month.
21.To maintain the Reps Handbook, reviewing the contents quarterly to ensure it is
complete and up to date.
22.To formulate and develop ideas and initiatives of his / her own for the advancement of
MAG.
23.To ensure that all Reps are actually Members of MAG, chasing individual renewals as
required.
24.To maintain the NC Contact List.
To this end Clause 7 Section iii part
B of the MAG Constitution shall be amended to read as follows:
"The National Chairman, National Finance Officer, National Representatives Liaison Officer and Network Communications Officer elected by the
group conference."
Neil F. Liversidge 23660
Brian Williams 87099
Motion 4 - Tellers
"That an additional section be added to Clause 13 (Miscellaneous) as follows:
The MAG Conference and Regional General Meetings shall appoint at least 3 tellers to count votes. No result shall be declared until all tellers agree on the outcome."
Robin Straughan 103901
Jim Coxon 81974
Motion 5 - Closing Date for Motions
"That in view of the high cost of circulating motions received after the copy date for StreetBiker, Clause 5 Section i of the MAG Constitution
shall be amended to provide that Motions for debate at the AGC shall be received in writing not later than 31st December so as to enable all Motions to be included in the February/March edition of StreetBiker, the
closing date for copy being 15th January of each year."
Julie Stevenson 65371
Neil Liversidge 23660
Motion 6 - Closing Date for Nominations
"That in view of the high cost of
circulating nominations received after the copy date for StreetBiker, Clause 5 Section ii of the MAG Constitution shall be amended to provide that nominations for National Officers shall open on 1st December of each
year and close on 31st December so as to enable all nominations and manifestos to be included in the February/March edition of StreetBiker, the closing date for copy being 15th January of each year."
Julie Stevenson 65371
Neil Liversidge 23660
Motion 7 - Conflicts of Interest
"That part vi be added to Clause 13 of the MAG Constitution to read as follows:
Any member that sits on the MAG
NC shall disclose to the NC any associations with any organisation that may result in a conflict of interest. In respect of such disclosures the NC is instructed to be far more rigorous in determining whether an
actual conflict of interests exists as a result of that individual's membership of the MAG NC and his or her membership of, or employment by other organisations directly or indirectly concerned in matters to do with
motorcycling that are, or may reasonably become of interest to MAG and its Membership."
John Yarham 100000
Aine Gale 63175
Motion 8 - Nomination to the Board of MAG (UK) Ltd
"With
regard to the fact that Neil Liversidge and Nicky Bassett-Powell will be standing against each other for the post of National Chairman of MAG (UK) Ltd it should be noted that the unsuccessful person will not be
expected to seek re-election to the board of MAG (UK) Ltd."
Nicky Bassett-Powell 88210
Steve Bennett 83357
(NB - the above motion included the following wording which rendered it faulty:
"As
there will be an unfilled position we wish to nominate Debbie Jones, current MAG UK Clubs officer, for a position on the Board of MAG (UK) Ltd commencing at AGC April 2002 and ending at AGC 2006."
As
this is obviously a nomination the wording has been left out and instead a nomination for Debbie Jones included on the order paper as can be seen. Motions and nominations are separate entities and should not be
mixed in this way.)
Motion 9 - Appreciation of all MAG Volunteers
i. Conference recognises the value of unpaid volunteer officers at all levels within MAG and
appreciates the work they undertake.
ii. Conference likewise appreciates the value of experience and long-term commitment,
remembering the days when a high turnover of National Officers was the single major
factor preventing the efficient running of MAG.
iii. Conference recognises that in reality the Board of MAG (UK) Limited needs NC approval
for its actions and that there is therefore no actual concentration of power within MAG,
but rather a concentration of work.
iv. Conference deplores the submission of motions aimed at introducing term limits,
recognising that such proposals would, if carried, deprive MAG as an organisation of
both ability and continuity, as well as denying the Membership a free choice as to the
officers that they wish to elect.
v. Conference deplores and rejects the attempt to fix National Officers' terms of office at
two years, believing free and fair annual elections to be the best means by which MAG
appoints its officers.
vi. Conference deplores and rejects the motion aimed at preventing National Officers from
acting as Directors of MAG (UK) Limited and Vice Versa, believing that such a rule can
serve no useful purpose whatsoever.
vii. Conference recognises that MAG's Directors willingly accept a high level of
responsibility for MAG's lawful administration. Conference wishes the proposers of such
motions to be
aware that there has hitherto never been a surfeit of capable persons willing to take on
the responsibility involved, given the total lack of any financial reward for the office
undertaken.
viii. Conference calls on all members of the MAG to focus on the ramifications for MAG as a
whole when proposing amendments to the constitution, instead of allowing malice and
petty personal vendettas to influence the motions and matters they bring forward.
ix. Conference views Motions 10,11 (with amendment) and 12 as an incitement to the
Membership to mistrust MAG's National Officers and Directors. Conference regards this
as despicable and as a major cause of disunity within MAG, leading as it does to a vast
waste of resources, those resources principally the time of unpaid volunteers.
x. Conference calls on those associated with the Motions and Amendment referred to
above to either mend their ways or leave MAG.
Neil F. Liversidge 23660
Julie Stevenson 65371
Motion 10 - Eligibility of National Officers for Board Membership
"That Clause 6 [xi] of the MAG Constitution be changed to read: -
Directors of MAG (UK) Ltd are not eligible for election to National Officer posts and visa versa."
Proposed by:
K. Drysdale 112762
M. Drysdale 112762
Motion 11 - Limitation of Term of Office & Amendment
"That the following wording be inserted into Clause 5: -
'The term of office for all National Officers will be two years and, after a maximum of two terms of office in that position, the incumbent will be ineligible for re-election to that post.'"
K Drysdale 112762
A Hipkins 90809
Proposed Amendment - Amendment to Limit the Term of the National Chairman Only
"The term of office for the National Chairman will be two years and, after a
maximum of two terms of office in that position, the incumbent will be ineligible for re-election to that post."
J A Hughes 94392
J M Hughes 94392
Motion 12 - Role of the Board of MAG (UK) Ltd
"Insert new clause in Constitution
6 i. The primary business of the Board is in relation to the running of the company and commercial affairs of MAG (UK) Ltd and not the generation or promotion of
new policy, campaigns or wider organisational structure which remain the preserve of the appropriate officers, NC and AGC."
Nich Brown 62244
Nicky Bassett-Powell 88210
Motion 13 - Ratification of Unopposed Candidates
"That the MAG Constitution be amended to provide that if there is only one candidate for an NC post at the AGC and a majority of members present vote
against that candidate, or if a vote of no confidence in an NC member is carried by the members voting at an AGC or EGM, subject to the appropriate rules for bringing such a motion having been correctly followed,
the NC member should be obliged to step down from their position."
Mark Dicker 75739
Karen Marsden 105247
Motion 14 - Separate Elections
(Composited from two similar motions, hence alternative proposers and seconders.)
"That Section vi be added to Clause 13 (Miscellaneous):
'vi. All elections in MAG at whatever level shall be held by way
of a separate vote for each candidate standing in that election.'"
Mark Dicker 75739 or Robin Straughan 103901
Ruth Strachan 67567 or Jim Coxon 81974
Motion 15 - MAG Policy and Manifesto
(Composited from two similar motions, hence alternative proposers and seconders.)
"In recognition of the fact that issues need addressing between MAG annual conferences we move that Clause 14 be added to the Constitution as follows:
i. MAG policy shall be made as follows
a) By way of Interim policy statements issued by the National Committee.
b) By way of resolutions passed by the membership at the Group Conference.
ii. Interim Policy statements shall be issued as required by the National Committee.
iii. For an Interim policy statement to be issued at least two thirds of all Regional
Representatives must indicate their assent to the statement.
iv. All Interim policy statements shall be notified to the membership by the Regional
Representative, via the Local Representatives, in order that an Interim Policy Statement
can be made to cover any immediate eventualities and, published in the December
issue of StreetBiker at the latest, in order that any amendments may be submitted by
Members in time for discussion at the AGC the following April.
v. All interim policies shall require ratification at the following AGC.
vi. Where an Interim policy statement is amended by the following AGC the amended
statement shall be recorded as the formally ratified policy of MAG on the issue in
question."
Neil F. Liversidge 23660 or Archi Hipkins 90809
John Hughes 94392 or Linda M. Liversidge 23660
Motion 16 - Relations with External Organisations & Amendment
"That the interests of the
Motorcycle Action Group, and the future of motorcycling itself, are best served by a constructive working relationship between all elements of a united motorcycle community to promote motorcycling and protect the
interests of motorcycle users."
Craig Carey-Clinch 67834
Heather Ford 80777
Proposed Amendment
That the following words be added to this Motion after "…motorcycle users":
"Conference notes that this Motion is submitted by two paid employees of the Motorcycle Industry Association (MCIA). Conference furthermore endorses the view of the National Committee expressed at its February
meeting when it passed the motion that -
"The NC reaffirms its confidence in the way in which MAG's relationship with the motorcycle industry and associated bodies has been conducted. Whilst the NC is
happy to maintain a close working relationship in the future as in the past it should however be accepted by all concerned that MAG essentially represents the interests of consumers, ordinary motorcyclists that are
the customers of the motorcycle industry. To this end MAG asserts its right to take a separate and independent view from the industry when it sees fit."
Conference moreover notes that this motion, moved
by Martin Burnett and seconded by Aine Gale was carried unanimously by all Regional Reps and that separately every other member of the NC indicated their support for it also."
Neil F. Liversidge 23660
Aine Gale 63175 Life
Motion 17 - Conduct of Persons Representing or Conducting the Business of MAG & Amendment
"Insert new clause in Constitution
13 v. When engaged in any official
activity, business or communication on behalf of MAG, the elected officers, employees, agents and members of MAG shall at all times conduct themselves in a professional and courteous manner so as not to bring the
organisation into disrepute. Failure to ensure reasonable standards of conduct shall normally be dealt with supportively by offering advice and training where appropriate and practical. Where this is not
practical or appropriate, or in cases of sustained failure to comply with reasonable standards, disciplinary measures may be taken including formal warning, suspension or dismissal from position or service depending
on the severity of the case."
Nich Brown 62244
Philip Neale 78304
Proposed Amendment
That the following words be added to this Motion after "…severity of the case":
"Conference notes that this Motion is submitted by two paid employees of the Motorcycle Industry Association (MCIA). Conference calls upon that body to set an example by better governing the activities of its
own representatives in the future."
Neil F. Liversidge 23660
Henry Marks 106234
Motion 18 - Role of the National Chairman & Amendment
"Insert new clause in Constitution
9 National Chairman and Vice-Chairman
i. The National Chairman shall be elected each year by the group conference to be responsible for the management of the business of the National Committee, to represent the
established policies and interests of the group in a fair and balanced manner without fear or favour, both inside and outside the group, and to ensure that all issues and matters brought before the NC are dealt with
in the same manner."
Nich Brown 62244
Karen Cooke 78218
Proposed Amendment
Conference notes the facts that:
1. This Motion is moved by two employees of the Motor Cycle Industry Association (MCIA),
namely Nich Brown and Karen Cooke.
2. That whilst acting as National Vice-Chairman, to which office he was nominated by the
present National Chairman, Nich Brown never once found cause to contest the way in
which the National Chairman brought any matter before the National Committee.
3. In almost 13 years of Chairing MAG meetings and Conferences at all levels there has
never once been a challenge to any adjudication made by the present National Chairman.
4. That the present National Chairman has in fact produced a guide to Chairing MAG
meetings, endorsed by the NC, that is freely available to any MAG member and that lays
down procedures that are clear and fair to all.
5. That the present National Chairman personally instituted the constitutional amendment
that provided for the Chairing of the AGC by the National Vice-Chairman.
6. As the former National Vice Chairman Nich Brown is well aware, all job descriptions for
Regional Reps and National Officers are drawn up and agreed by the National Committee.
Neil F. Liversidge 23660
Ian Mutch 003
Elections of MAG National Officers
President (One Candidate)
Candidate: Ian Mutch 003
Proposer: Neil Liversidge 23660
Seconder: Henry Marks
National Chairman (Two Candidates)
Candidate: Neil F. Liversidge 23660
Proposer: Ian Mutch 003
Seconder: Brian Williams 87099
Candidate: Nicky Bassett-Powell
Proposer: Nich Brown 62244
Seconder: Cathy Philpotts 61809
National Finance Officer (One Candidate)
Candidate: Julie Stevenson 65371
Proposer: Neil Stevenson 80762
Seconder: Neil Liversidge 23660
National Clubs Liaison Officer (One Candidate)
Candidate: Debbie Jones 111002
Proposer: Nicky Bassett-Powell 88210
Seconder: Steve Bennett 83357
Election of Directors to the Board of MAG (UK) Limited
The serving directors are as follows:
Nicky Bassett Powell (until 2003)
Trevor Baird (until 2004)
Gary Barnes (until 2005)
Julie Stevenson (until 2005)
Mark Rutherford (replaced Phil Neale, requiring endorsement this year, expiring 2005.)
Neil Liversidge (Term expires this year, due for re-election to 2006.)
Ian Mutch (Term expires this year, due for re-election to 2006.)
In accordance with the Constitution the National Committee agreed (unanimously) at its December 2001 meeting to recommend the following three
members for re-election to the Board:
• Neil F. Liversidge for the term ending at AGC 2006;
• Ian Mutch
for the term ending at AGC 2006;
• Mark Rutherford for the term ending at AGC 2005 (the balance of the term for which Phil
Neale had been previously returned).
Since that time there have been two further nominations for the terms ending at AGC 2006. The position for which Mark Rutherford has been nominated (serving until
2005) is uncontested.
There are therefore the following four candidates for the two Directorships ending in 2006:
Candidate: Neil F. Liversidge 23660
Proposer: Ian Mutch 003
Seconder: Brian Williams 87099
Candidate: Ian Mutch 003
Proposer: Nicky Bassett-Powell 88210
Seconder: Jez Dodington 90428
Candidate: Cathy Philpotts 61809
Proposer: Nicky Bassett-Powell 88210
Seconder: Neil Hansley 97082
Candidate: Debbie Jones 111002
Proposer: Nicky Bassett-Powell 88210
Seconder: Steve Bennett 83357
With four candidates
and two vacancies, unless one candidate pulls out or an existing Board Member resigns in the meantime, every Member present will have two votes. Each Member should vote for the two candidates out of four that they
wish to be elected.
Annual Awards
The following awards will be made at this year's AGC -
• The Freedom Award - Iris Smith (Proposed Archi Hipkins, Seconded Nicky Bassett
Powell)
• The Richard Tegg Award - Fergus O'Connor (Proposed Neil Liversidge, Seconded Neil
Stevenson)
• The Lifetime Achievement Award - John Bloor of Triumph (Proposed Neil Liversidge,
Seconded Cathy Philpotts)
• The Chairman's Award - The Suzuki Owners Club.
• Honorary Life Membership - Nich Brown (Proposed Aine Gale, Seconded Mark Rutherford)
• 'Biker Friendly' status to be conferred upon Reading, Rugby, Sandwell and Test Valley
local authorities (Proposed Rick Phillips, Seconded Jez Doddington.)
Award Definitions
Nominations for awards must be submitted to the National Committee by the February NC
meeting preceding the Conference at which the award will be made. The awards are -
The Freedom Award
To be awarded to the MAG Member who in the opinion of the National Committee has made an
outstanding, sustained, significant and positive contribution to the work of the Group over a period of years.
The Freedom Award is a Cup given to the recipient until the next AGC. A small plaque or shield is
also presented for the recipient to keep thereafter along with a merit badge.
The Richard Tegg Award
To be awarded to the MAG Member who in the opinion of the National Committee has made a
sustained, significant and positive contribution to the work of the Group over a period of years at a local level. National Committee members are not eligible for this award in relation to their national work or NC
activity, but may be nominated in respect of specified local non-NC activity as an ordinary member.
A shield is given to the recipient until the next AGC. A small plaque or shield is also presented for the
recipient to keep thereafter along with a merit badge.
The Steve Tannock Teamwork Award
To be awarded to the local group, region or other team of MAG members who, in the opinion of the National
Committee, have made a significant joint contribution to the work of the Group.
An appropriately engraved shield is given to the winning team's region until the next AGC. Where the team is multi-regional the
shield is held in the trophy display at MAG Central. Each team member receives a certificate of merit.
Honorary Life Membership
Awarded in respect for significant work over a sustained period on
behalf of the group. Except in exceptional circumstances nominees for Honorary Life membership should have been fully paid up ordinary members of MAG for an unbroken period of at least ten years prior to nomination
for this award. No more than three Honorary Life Memberships may be awarded annually.
A small plaque or shield is given for the recipient to keep along with a merit badge.
The Lifetime Achievement Award
To be awarded to a person, who, in the opinion of the National Committee has, over their lifetime, made a significant contribution to motorcycling. (The nominee may be a
non-member of MAG at the time the award is granted.)
A plaque and merit badge is given.
The Chairman's Award
To be awarded by the National Chairman to a group or individual that has made a
significant and otherwise unrecognised contribution to the work of the Group.
A bowl is given to the recipient until the next AGC, along with a merit badge to individual winners. A small cup to keep is also
given.
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