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Front Page
Focus On
Parliamentary Terms and Definitions
Behind the Lines
Safer Riding
Compensation Insurance Runs into Opposition
Diesel Spills Kill
Bikes in Bus Lanes
MAG Condemns Callous Behaviour
MAG Foundation
A New Charity the
"MAG Foundation"
MAG Changes
Ian Moore Acting Chair
Resignation of Chief Executive Henry Marks
Statement from Anne Gale on her Resignation
Local Group Meetings
Local Changes
Northern
Ireland News and AGM
Odds and Sods
Motoring Myths
Websites of the Month
Stolen Bike
MAG Events at MAG UK
Previous Issues
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THE MAG FOUNDATION
History
Many years ago, turning MAG into a charitable organisation was deemed to be a good idea. The new laws governing Charities gave tax revenue advantages along with savings on
expenditure. However, due to MAG's political activities it was found to be impossible and the idea was dropped.
In 2002 the Idea was revisited by Henry Marks, with the possibility of
setting up a charitable arm or foundation, separate from MAG but connected with it. Other political bodies had done this, notably "Green Peace" and so plans were made. It was decided at the
beginning that absolute secrecy was needed as we did not want word getting out that we were applying.
In strictest confidence a poll was taken in selected groups of ordinary members and then run
by the NC. Patrons were approached, and the feed back was very positive. All being in favour of the move, the plan was implemented and on the 17th of April 2003 the MAG FOUNDATION Ltd. was
incorporated. Then the long process of applying to the Charities commission started.
We were plagued with hold-ups, the Charities Commission closing down one of their major offices did not help,
but finally we are on the verge of receiving our Charter.
Structure
MAG UK will carry on as normal, though overheads and outgoings will be greatly reduced. Membership monies will continue to fund the now mean lean fighting machine. The MAG
FOUNDATION will be funded by donations, covenants, corporate sponsors and the inland revenue. The purpose of the foundation is to undertake research into safety, security and education pertaining to
PTW use. The publication and perhaps sale of this research will be of interest to many sectors, including government and can be used by MAG UK to further some of its political projects.
Patrons and Trustees
The Patrons of a charity are "high profile personalities" who support the charity by lending their name only. We are lucky and privileged to have Chief
Superintendent David Short, and Head of Road Safety for Cheshire County Council, John Moss, as our patrons.
The trustees of the charity see that the charity is run according to its aims, and
are held legally responsible for this. They are the board of directors of the MAG FOUNDATION Ltd. and are responsible and accountable to the NC of MAG UK and thereby, by democratic process, to the
ordinary members.
Benefits
Apart from the financial benefits already mentioned, there are many others. Any group organising a fund raising event, can now say that it is for charity, and thereby save
substantial costs. Obtaining licences, insurance, venues etc. will all be easier and cheaper. Any member who pays income tax and who makes regular donations to the Foundation can sign a form,
and the Inland Revenue will automatically pay the Foundation the tax back. Companies can do the same and get tax relief. Members money will go further i.e "they will get a bigger bang
for the buck".
Most important of all - the work that the Foundation will be doing may save the life of a biker one day!
Thank you for taking the time to read this, I hope you now
understand where we were coming from and where we are going with this.
Ian Moore
Acting Chair MAG UK
Chairman MAG FOUNDATION
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