Issue 127 : February - March 2003
| |
|
|
Words from the Chair
Julie has held this post for about 7 years and done a superb job keeping tight reigns on MAG's money, which has to work hard for us. Never, for one minute, caring to win any popularity contests, Julie has been unerring in her determination and tenacity. There is no denying Julie will be an extremely hard act to follow. However, being one of the most necessary roles to enable us to function properly, it is essential AGC is given the chance to elect the best person to fill her shoes. As no nominations for this post have been received during December, these can be accepted up to seven days prior to Conference. I am certain that Julie will be pleased to talk to anyone interested about what the role involves and if anyone out there feels able to take on this most vital function please send your Manifesto to Central Office. So what do you think about a company who encourages drivers to text each other whilst actually in their cars? My personal feeling is they are just out to make a quick buck and show little concern for the possible repercussions such an irresponsible act may have. MAG is very concerned, and set up a meeting with Road Rave. Regrettably, no real progress was made in trying to get these people to see the motorcyclists viewpoint and both parties agreed to differ. This, despite the representative being visibly shocked at pictures showing horrendous injuries sustained by a rider involved in an accident with a motorist using a hand held mobile phone! To add insult to injury, Road Rave further issued a factually incorrect statement referring to their meeting with MAG and claiming that MAG's position was sympathetic to them. You might find yourself questioning the sanity and morals of such companies or organisations who encourage participation in something which could (if texting on the move) be illegal. Where are these people coming from? The same question could also be asked of the Transport Minister who has decided to totally ignore our views, on the issue of wearing Dark Visors. To give riders the choice of whether to use a properly manufactured product to assist in the reduction of glare would seem, to any sensible person, the most appropriate and responsible decision to have made. And, like me you're probably extremely vexed at having that choice taken away from you. This decision was reached after considering the document outlining safety implications and viable solutions on the possible misuse of dark visors presented to them by the National Motorcycle Council on which MAG has representation. But no! Government decides once again, to ignore the advice of those who are best experienced and qualified to provide advice and to continue with this ludicrous regulation. Fear not though guys, wearing a pair of old scratched sunglasses you may have picked up discarded on a rally site is perfectly legal! We are going to do something. Moreover we are going to get you to do something. Our lobbying/letter writing campaigns have been fruitful in the past and a deluge of letters and visits to MPs expressing our extreme displeasure will highlight this issue and could help turn it around. Somewhere in this edition you'll find guidelines on this, put together by Trevor Baird who, along with Henry Marks, will continue to express MAG's views and have as much input as possible at the appropriate meetings. We'll no doubt hear more on this from Government because you can bet your life the Transport Minister is most definitely going to hear more from us and other riders groups on this ridiculous situation. Good MAG officers are a precious commodity and none more so when, as a Chairman, you are supported by a superb vice-Chair. Therefore, when Gary Barnes, MAG's Events Manager, was elected as vice-Chairman by the National Committee (NC) at the October NC meeting no one could have been more pleased than me. Gary, much like myself, is a bit like a stick of rock. Cut him in half and you'd find the appropriate three letters emboldened right the way through. Sadly, my appreciation of this stalwart in his capacity as vice-Chair was short lived. As MAG has got bigger and more professional we have had to examine our entire modus operandi to ensure total democratic accountability. MAG must separate its business dealings from its democratic process and as Gary is a paid officer of Welsh Motorcycle Shows it was thought inappropriate that he be a Director of MAG UK. Gary sought legal advice on the matter which resulted in his resigning both as a Director of MAG and vice-Chairman. This is, obviously, in the best interests of all parties and, though his role as vice-Chair was short lived, my thanks to Gary for his support and for his continued work for MAG. Ditto Ian Mutch who has been a Director of MAG UK for several years but is also paid for his role as Editor of this newspaper. Both will provide input to the Board and NC but will have no voting rights. In Gary's shoes now is Vice-Chairman elect, Ian Moore. Ian, who is Group Rep for North Somerset, has recently been elected by the NC to fill the post of Director vacated by Nicky Bassett-Powell until AGC 2003 and is currently busy working on the Agenda for your Conference in April. See you there, Ride safe & free,
 |
|
home | top
| |
As the 2003 Annual Group Conference approaches, details of which are published in this edition, I should draw your attention to the fact that MAG's Financial Director, Julie Stevenson, has decided not to re-stand for the post this year.