MAG National Committee Meeting

10th February 2007

Masonic Hall, Rugby

1Present

Jane Chisholm / Chairman
David Short / Campaigns Manager
Ian Mutch / President
Fergus O’Connell / Vice Chair and National Clubs Liaison Officer
Justine Travis / National Finance Officer
Selina Lavender / Regional Rep – East Anglia
Elaine Hardy (AM Only) / National Research Officer
Sheila McMahon / Regional Rep – Yorkshire
Stu Chivers / Regional Rep – South East
Trevor Baird / Director of Public Affairs
Gerard Livett (Uncle Sol) / Director – Regional Rep – Greater London
Tony Cox / Regional Rep – North west
Steve Wykes / Director – Regional Rep – Scotland
Murray Webb / Regional Rep – Eastern
Ian Cook / Regional Rep – North East
Finbar Colson / Regional Rep – Southern
Bryan Chapman / NC Liaison - Western
Rob Easthope / Regional Rep – ThamesValley

Meeting commenced 10:00 Hrs

2Apologies

Paul Turner (Cumbria), Mike Baker (South West), Gary Olphert (Secretary Northern Ireland), Andrew Davis (South Wales), Archi Hipkins (National Network Communications Officer), Ian Moore (Director), John Thomson (Director), Eddie Lowe (West Midlands)

3Removal of any item not deemed by NC to be appropriate or related to Regional Reps

No items were identified for removal.

4Minutes of last Meeting - matters of correctness

The Minutes of the last NC were reviewed and were accepted.

NC minutes – Proposed Murray Webb, Seconded Sheila McMahon

Vote unanimous

5.Matters arising

  1. One Trustee of the Foundation had rejected the proposal that the Foundation should take over responsibility for monitoring the Road Hazard reporting system. Trevor Baird had produced and launched the report a road hazard website

Links to councils and online forms for reporting road hazards to councils. Does what it says on the tin, however still looking at developing the site for feedback on hazards.

  1. There was some concern that the MAG Foundation was failing to function as effectively as it should do and there was an urgent need to complete the annual returns and hold an AGM.

Action Ian Mutch to approach Nich Brown/Neil Stevenson

– ensure necessary actions taken

  1. Discussions concerning parking issues associated with Westminster Council (They are looking to charge for additional Motorcycle Parking) were ongoing. Evidence of requirement for and number of residents bays within Kensington within the area was being challenged. These Parking Issues were responsible for an upturn in recruitment in London.
  1. A report on Sheffield City Council research on attitudes and behaviours in accidents had been published and a copy was being obtained.

6Appointments and Resignations

Jane welcomed Selina Lavender the newly elected Regional Rep for East Anglia to the NC and reminded the NC that there was a vacancy for 2 or 3 directors on the Board of MAG UK

As agreed by the members of the NC, on the NC e-mail list, National Officers reports, Regional Reps Report, Public Affairs Director Political Report and the MAG Board report were submitted or were to be submitted by e-mail on the NC list, to enable special items of business to be adequately covered within the time available for the NC meeting. Reports received on e-mail detailed below:-

National Officer Reports – Chairman, Vice Chairman, Finance Director, Clubs Officer, National Network Communications Officer, National Research Officer.

Chairman’s Report

Another two busy months fly by and the nature of work has been very varied.

Lots of discussions, communications and phone calls, with people at different levels which I will attempt to share with you [in no particular order].

  • Discussions with Trevor and David on 3DLD, DRL, Road Charging, Lost licences, London Motorcycle Charging, Bikes in Bus Lanes, Website and Marketing [Creo].
  • Discussions with David on communication with Biking press – E Map, MCN, Bike Magazine articles.
  • Discussions with David and Trevor on the Select Committee interview, pre and post meeting.
  • Discussion with Trevor and Pete Walker regarding E Bike and Rider Connect.
  • Supporting Sheila McMahon as she plows her way forward in the Yorkshire Region with the improvement and re launch of groups
  • Discussions with Neil Stevenson on MAG Stalls at shows – G Mex, Ali Pali and Excell – juggling and adjusting stall presence throughout 2007.
  • Discussions with Neil Stevenson on Training weekend 16th – 18th Feb 2007 Leeds.
  • Discussions with Fergus and Trevor on motions for AGC etc.
  • Writing of minutes for last years Foundation AGM.
  • Hand over of details for Yorkshire Pudding Rally. List of traders details to Sheila McMahon.
  • E mails on FEMA – observation on Finance, DRL etc.
  • Discussions with Tony Cox and David Short on MAG presence at this years TT – Centenary.
  • Conversation with Chair of BMF Ann Zee re rider’s rights.
  • Visit to East York’s MAG on request to support new Rep Wayne Rooney.
  • Attended Huddersfield AGM with Sheila Mc Mahon and David Short.
  • Attended meeting with Website/Marketing Company, ‘Creo’ with Clare Shaw & David Short.
  • To support Halifax AGM and re launch of group, with Sheila Mc Mahon
  • Communication with members in East Midlands re possible re launch of a group in that region
National Clubs Liaison Officer’s Report

I have had a few enquiries since December which is encouraging. Though numbers are slightly down on last as pointed out. This is due to 3 clubs disbanding and several others not renewing. There are a couple that I still expect to renew.

PLI has not made that much difference, as I predicted at last years AGC. However it has stopped some fairly big clubs joining us. I think once the BMF realise that their PLI system is crippling them, we may well see something of a migration.

One great success was to get East Leeds Lions to affiliate. This was due to the hard work of the local rep Dave Nash. I went along and gave a speech (possibly the worst I have ever given by the way) and this helped to seal it. Recruiting clubs is about contact and the local MAG groups involvement.

I am working on the re-vamp of the clubs pack. Will also be putting together something on recruitment of clubs.

On the vice chairs bit, my little helper (Kit) has almost finished the agenda for the AGC. I am awaiting a couple of details from Mid Lincs to finalise it.

National Network Communication Officer’s Report

Same old same old really. Other than that:

  • Two more issues of Network produced. I STILL NEED STUFF FROM THE REGIONS! For Network to work as it should this should be happening despite reminders it is not.
  • Continuing with the mini-moto work group.
  • Organised and attended the SIA Door Supervisors course in WhitleyBay.
  • Quite a number of queries coming my way over the constitution, champion, what I am here for.
  • More Transport Strategy meetings in Tyne & Wear.
  • Attended meetings for the Whitley Bay Festival of Motorcycles.

Including meetings with objectors to our licence application – no problem had them eating out of our hands after a few minutes though the still lasted two hours!

Mick Farwell from the Avalon and I now have the licence and we will be progressing things as fast as possible.

  • Attended Blyth & Tyne MAG meetings this group seems to be going from strength to strength.
  • Reviewed the reps pack and model rules Ian Cook making a proposal on this at NC.
  • Still making inroads into some of the local scooterist clubs in the NE including their ‘Alliance’. I am hopeful that given a little time we can break down the barriers, which are old politics & prejudices, down and get them involved in the festival and of course MAG.
  • Attended the first “Stormin The Castle 07” meeting of this year [today].
  • Keeping a watch on the road pricing issue, this will be another fight we will have I believe.

National Research Officers Report

1) As you are aware, I've been working on the membership database and attach for your interest a breakdown of the source for new members for 2006. The database is not as efficient as it could be and Ian Jones does his best, all considered. He generally identifies the origin of where the member has signed up, but not always and for example there are a lot of old members coming back to MAG, but there is no indication of how they signed up in many cases. So with that caveat please take into consideration that the figures are indicative only. I've also grouped together as 'other' sources which is 27.4% - where less than 10 members were signed up at any one time, for example a specific event or group may have signed up 4 or 5 people etc. The reason is that I would have had to include a lengthy list. However, if anybody wants further details, I can do that. Also I have not included renewals.

So for new members or those returning -

Emails/Website is the main inroad, this means that people have either emailed through the website, or signed up online and that represents 19%. Farmyard follows with 11.3%. Leaflets 6.3%. Fergus and Mutch signed up 5.1% of the total.

2) FEMA, although I didn't attend, I have been putting a lot of time into the Strategy Plan, mainly putting together all the data and trying very hard to manage the group. There were issues around the actions - which you are aware of - that were included regarding the constitution and the working group have been given instructions to go away and decide how they want to move it forward. Anyway, I'm sure that Trevor and Muz can give you more details on Saturday. With regards to the ACEM presentation that was given at FEMA, the representative stated that the UK had a substantial increase of fatalities however his analysis was limited to 2000-2003. As the General Sec asked for feed back, I sent the attached graph for the Full Committee's consideration - snip of my comments:

Attached is a graph of fatalities (absolute) in Great Britain starting from 1973 - the year that the helmet law was introduced in this country and as you will see, there was a substantial increase in fatalities until 1977 - so much for the myth of helmets saving lives. What is obvious however, is that there has been an overall decline in fatalities since 1977. The trend-line is clear. There was an increase between 2000 and 2003, however, in 2004 there was a significant decrease. Between 1977 and 2004 there has been a 50.5% decrease in fatalities'.

Campaigns Managers Report

Following the Christmas break it was straight back into it on the 3rd January details as follows;

3rd Jan - Meeting with Justine to go through the MAG Financials to inform Business planning.

Later same day, meet with Madam Chair, discuss MAG issues, (This is what an efficiency saving looks like, two meetings within short distances on same day saving on fuel and travel costs!).

15th Jan - Meet up with Sheila McMahon, People plan element of Business plan.

17th Jan - EMAP HQ in Peterborough, meet and greet with the Editors of MCN, Bike, Classic Bike, Performance Bike. Very positive meeting.

18th Jan - Trevor, myself,Madam Chair and Claire Quartermaine, (Huddersfield MAG member), set off from all points of the compass for a meeting with Creo.It was the day of the high winds when BMW's were washed up on the beach! We had to abort due to chaos on the road network. At least non of us was injured or involved in an accident. Damage limitation!

22nd Jan - MCIA HQ Starley House Coventry - Campaigning and lobbying seminar. an excellent day with fascinating speakers, people who have been there and done it at the heart of Government; David Jamieson, former transport minister, David Padfield, former senior civil servant in DfT. and Jeremy Sweeney who runs a lobbying company. Fascinating! I have got theirpower point presentations which will be put to good use in MAG.

23rd Jan - Back to Sheila McMahon’s to finalise first draft of people plan in MAG business.

24th Jan- Into the lions den, though the highlight of the month. Appearance at the House of Commons select committee, giving evidence on behalf of MAG re our submission on the DfT progress in relation to the governments Motorcycling Strategy. Full details have been posted on Network, including the actual transcripts. I was only given one days notice of the areas the formidable Gwyneth Dunwoody and the MP's were going to probe. The questions when they came required a positive answer straight away. The Dowager was not to be 'waffled'! A character building exercise but I think MAG came out in a good light. I was most grateful for the moral support of our president in the public gallery.

Mr President and I used the opportunity to lobby Conservative party whip Robert Goodwill MP, to ensure questions were asked in the house regarding the DVLA blunders and the dire state of roads policing which makes a mockery of such sabre rattling legislation to increase the penalties for using mobile phones whilst driving.

31st Jan - Return to EMAP for full interview with John Westlake for publication in forthcoming edition of Bike. Again, very positive and I am optimistic for future EMAP MAG relations.

3rd Feb - Huddersfield MAG AGM. Good to touch base with the grass roots of MAG.

6th Feb- Getting ahead of myself now, ( today is the 5th), further visit to EMAP. They want to do some 'creative' photography for the Bike article!

7th Feb - House of Commons, second round of the select committee. This time I will be going as a 'spectator' in the public gallery to listen to what DfT, the minister and ACPO have to say. Another opportunity to network in the cauldron of Parliament. Meet up with Mr President and discuss MAG business.

9th Feb - Meeting with editor of 'Roadsafe' magazine at central office in Rugby. Another opportunity to promote MAG to a wider audience through an article in their magazine.

In between these dates and appointments I have been busy putting together the first draft of the MAG Business plan.

Liaising with Steve Edwards from 'Kill spills' re a big demonstration they are planning which will have MAG involvement.

Ad hoc advice and support to members on queries regarding motorcycling issues on their patch.

Arranging meetings with MP's through their 'surgeries'.

Responding to issues raised by editor of MCM and also MCN and Bike. Yes they are actually ringing up now!

Regional Reps Reports

Scotland

A very brief report this time. Which in some ways is inversely proportional to the effort involved.

Virtually all my efforts have revolved around responding to the consultations for the seven Regional Transport Strategies. Which range from the positive North East Scotland (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire) NESTRANS to the frankly abysmal submission from South West Scotland (Dumfries and Galloway) which does not even adequately address the stated objectives of the National Strategy let alone meet our requirements!

Apart from the NESTRANS strategy none of the others adequately addresses or recognises our needs and in my opinion fail to comply with the guidance provided which requires that the needs of all modes and users are considered.

I have run the responses past Trevor and David and the agreed formal responses to NESTRANS, Shetland, HITRANS, SPT, SESTRANS and South West of Scotland are posted on the MAG Scotland web-site giving our reasons and rational for requesting specific measures or consideration for motorcycles, scooters and mopeds or PTW's.

Other comments on measures for other modes and their contribution to meeting the objectives of boosting the economy, increasing accessibility, cutting emissions, reducing social exclusion and improving integration have been based on common sense and experience both from members and personal as a transport user and attending various strategy workshops. In addition submissions have been made to the SPT sub strategies on Parking and Smarter Choices which are attached for information. Thanks to Uncle Sol for input to the Parking Sub Strategy which may be of some use to those facing difficulties getting appropriate parking provision (Tony)?

If our comments are taken on board all will be well, but if not then we shall have to persuade the minister to intervene to redress the balance.

Apart from our official responses I have also attended strategy workshops in Glasgow and Aberdeen and will be attending a meeting in Dundee tomorrow.

Submissions to the other six Regional Transport strategies need to be addressed in the near future.

On the Group front both Aberdeen and Edinburgh are starting to pick up and with a bit of luck will be making positive contributions this year to furthering the cause of MAG.

Greater London

December

Spent time trying to mitigate the effects of new motorcycle charging regimes in both Westminster and Kensington.

January

Stuff started coming in like there was no tomorrow regarding both Kensington and Westminster