Issue 129 : June - July 2003
| |
|
|
Words from the Chair
Below is the Report I submitted to Conference which I feel should be published for all members to see. However, one point made by Trevor Baird (Public Affairs Director) in his Report to Conference which I'd like to re-iterate here is "MAG through the National Committee represents the views of its members and were compromise on issues negates basic MAG ideals MAG retains the right to its independence". Too right! CHAIRMAN'S REPORT TO 2003 CONFERENCE Whilst there is no doubt it has been an eventful year for MAG UK, with two changes in the Chair, the end result has been that dedicated Members, Reps and Officers have become united in their determination to progress the aims of MAG and Riders Rights. We began this year with only 70% of Regions being represented on the National Committee. This representation at NC was not ideal and something with which I, certainly, was not happy. 100% Regional Representation is paramount to MAG's democratic process but was something, which had been, seemingly, neglected for a couple of years. However, with the co-option of Liz Needham into the post of National Network Communications Officer things began to change very quickly. Her hard work has brought us to almost 100% representation around the NC table leaving only one Region without a Rep. During the past year the NC has formed many Working Groups to address issues we see as relevant to MAG & its members. The Streetbiker Working Group met and sought to address concerns, which Members had brought to the table via their Reps. Our remit, quite simply, was to ensure that this became more than ever, a MAG members paper.This is the only media which every MAG member has access to, and it is imperative up to date and relevant information on all MAG's work, including the lobbying issues and campaigns, is included in this publication. It is particularly relevant that Members are aware of issues which are 'headed off at the pass' by MAG's Trevor Baird and Henry Marks and which, because of their negotiation, never become lobbying issues. We also have a small working group setting up Guidelines for the behaviour of MAG officials and email protocols have been in place for some months. Recruitment is one of the things we have to look at. There is a certain amount of apathy out there and we need to pay particular attention, not only to recruitment but retention of members. This working group, in particular, is looking for ideas and input, via your Reps, from you, as members, on how we can make this happen. The MAG Sport Working Group continues to diversify MAG's recruitment drive and target sports bike riders and other non-committed leisure orientated members of the biking community giving MAG members interested in racing a focal point while promoting young racers and the minority aspects of motorcycle sport. The Campaigns Working Group has looked specifically at how MAG handles Government consultations to keep the views of you, the members, to the forefront in MAG's democratic policy making process. In the past we have fought many battles and won, all of which you would think had killed off the threat of most restrictive legislation. However, it came as a shock to me at one Regional AGM to hear that this is not the case. Leg protectors, air bags, day time running lights, noise levels, 100bhp etc., it would appear, are still simmering away in the background, no doubt with vast amounts of public money thrown at them. Government bodies are probably just hoping we will go away whilst biding their time to resurrect them. They can hope all they like because if that happens MAG, with it's support and involvement with UK Government, Regional Assemblies and Parliaments, FEMA at European and global levels, will still be here to take up the fight again. There are situations, such as with dark visors, where Ministers just do not listen to the overwhelming evidence put before them and insist upon dragging their feet in an archaic fashion. We just have to continue trying to educate them. No Chairman's address would be complete without commending the efforts of everyone who works to ensure we have a continuous flow of donations. No matter if this is the smallest raffle or the biggest of our Events, this money enables MAG's work to continue. I thank every one of you to whom this applies for your superb efforts. On a personal level, to have been elected vice-Chairman by the NC in June was great but having to assume the Chair some 3 months later was not in my immediate plans. Nevertheless, it happened and there's a job to be done. However, this is not a single-handed job. It requires the Reps and Officers you elect and loyal staff working as a team and I thank every one of them for their support for me, and dedication to the Organisation and MAG's aims. The animal that makes up the Activist is strong willed by nature and hence National Committtee meetings produce healthy debates which we now enjoy. The last year was not an easy one but the NC, Board and Staff worked extremely hard and through sheer determination to promote MAG's aims, are now strong. They deserve your thanks and they certainly have mine. Anne Gale
 |
|
home | top
| |
With this year's Annual Group Conference, hosted courtesy of Yorkshire MAG in Beverly who put on a great event, out of the way, the National Committee and MAG can get on with real issues.