Wakefield & District MAG
Minutes of the 12th ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Held at 8:00pm on Wednesday 15th January 2014, at the Grey Horse, Kirkgate, Wakefield
1) Welcome by chair and introduction of Yorkshire Region / National Observer
Steve Travis, Branch Chairman & Rep opened the meeting at 20:10 hrs. Andy Foody, Huddersfield MAG & WY MAP Director in attendance as Region observer.
All members in the branch area had previously been notified via the December 2013 mailshot (emailed or posted), of the date, time, venue and agenda for the 2013 AGM. The details of the AGM were also publicised in The Road magazine, on the branch website (wakefield.mag-uk.org) and the MAG website (www.mag-uk.org)
2) Apologies
Apologies received from Wayne Rooney (Yorkshire Regional Rep) & Mick Culpan for non-attendance at the AGM
3) Minutes of previous AGM and matters arising
The minutes of the previous AGM (for the 2012 year), held on Wednesday 9th January 2013 were circulated. These minutes had also been published on the branch website following the 2012 AGM. The minutes were Proposed (Justine Travis) and Seconded (Chas Milner) and voted on by all meeting attendees as being a true and accurate account of that meetings proceedings.
No Matters Arising
4) Committee Reports
Reps Annual Report for 2013
FINANCIAL
Covered in Finance Officers Report
RUNS, RALLIES & OTHER SOCIAL EVENTS
- Visit to the Manchester M/C Show in January
- Celebrated our 11th Birthday in February with a party at the Grey Horse
- Hosted our 10th Post Christmas Auction raising funds for MAG in addition to 3 charities (Yorkshire Air Ambulance, Wakefield Hospice and NABD)
- Held a well attended Charity Pet Food Run to Whitehall Dog Rescue in East Ardsley and RSPCA at Tingley, delivering doggie treats
- Helped our local charity (Wakefield Hospice) with their annual 10K Race (Wakefield MAG providing Mobile Race Marshals) - something we have done for a good many years now
- Attended & marshalled at ITV
- Hosted a Bike Show at the Wakefield May Day Gala
- Members attended Doncaster Bike Safe Show
- Attended Edinburgh MAG Rally
- Marshalled Blues tent at FYP
- Hosted Yorkshire MAG stand at the VJMC Japanese bike show at Lotherton Hall
- Members attended & marshalled YPR
- Members attended Blackpool MAG 'Official MAG 40th Birthday Bash' Rally
- Members attended the VJMC Show Charity Presentation evening
- Hosted our 10th Biker Quiz Nite
- Attended the City of Wakefield Memorial Sunday Service, laying a Wakefield MAG wreath. Members also supported the Royal British Legion Riders Branch parade and service at Mirfield
- Held a well attended Christmas Do
- Monthly rideouts held throughout the year, attracting members and non-members alike
- Supported (by members attending) most other Yorkshire Branches events where we could
- Attended the MAP meetings to help plan / organise the Yorkshire MAG rallies
POLITICAL
- Attended the MAG AGC in force with 12 members in attendance
- Attended Barnsley MAG's AGM
- Supported Leeds MAG with their demo run in May
- Attended all the Yorkshire MAG Region meetings (or sent report)
- Members attended the Yorkshire MAG AGM
- Maintained the Yorkshire MAG Ethanol Campaign, encouraging bikers to support the campaign, sign the e-Petition, contact their MP / Transport Minister and respond to the recent Government consultation - can be judged to be a success as the introduction of Ethanol into petrol in the UK has been postponed until 2016
- See Political Officer Report for other political activity
MEMBERSHIP
- Membership up !!!! 93 Current members in November 2013 (when membership DB cut for mailshot) - 12% increase on same time in 2012 (83)
- Membership retention up !!!!! Expired (in 2013) members: 15 - 55% decrease on 2012 (33 members lapsed and didn't renew in 2012)
- 11 Monthly email newsletters produced covering local, regional and national news & updates (160 odd on the mailing list). These are published on the website and plugged on Facebook too (website stats show these are widely read)
- Annual mailshot letter sent in December to advertise AGM and chase lapsed members:
- Letter emailed to 67 current members (with email address) & 13 members (again with email address) who expired in 2013 and didn't renew;
- Letter posted to 22 current members (no email or initial email bounced) & 4 lapsed members (no email or initial email bounced)
- 5 letters hand delivered
- AGM Cost: 26 x 50p (2nd Class) = £13 !!! (with 108 letters to distribute, hence email / hand delivery saved MAG funds £41
OTHER ACTIVITY
- Website regularly maintained with current content & events reports for all of the events and activities we get involved with. Site is regularly looked at (additional 3,500 hits since this time last year; circa 22,500 hits since mid 2008 when the site was revamped)
- Facebook site maintained with current content & currently 351 members of the Wakefield MAG Facebook Group
ACHIEVEMENTS AGAINST 2013 PLAN
- Work with Wakefield Council - Provision of Secure Parking (with assistance of new WY Police commissioner); Attend transport consultation committees & submit Pot hole survey(s) [PARTIAL SUCCESS - CONTACT MAINTAINED]
- Host a meeting with WY Police Commissioner [NOT ACHIEVED]
- Continue to support Wakefield Hospice events - Marshal Wakefield Hospice 10K road race [ACHIEVED]
- Initiate Major recruitment drive to increase MAG membership within WF postcode area (Target 100 minimum) [PARTIAL SUCCESS - TARGET NOT MET BUT MEMBERSHIP INCREASED BY 12% !!!]
- Maximise Fund raising for MAG fighting fund - Target: £1,000 [ACHIEVED - 30% INCREASE IN WAKEFIELD MAG DONATION TO REGION !!!]
- Continue to support other local MAG groups with their activities [ACHIEVED]
- Continue to host our long standing annual events:
- Post Christmas Auction [ACHIEVED]
- Pet Food Run [ACHIEVED]
- Birthday Party [ACHIEVED]
- Bike Show (dependant upon finding another host) [ACHIEVED]
- Treasure Hunt (dependent upon rideout coordinator) [NOT ACHIEVED - NOT HELD IN 2013]
- Biker Quiz Nite [ACHIEVED]
- Continue to support the major MAG rallies (ITV, FYP, YPR) - push for 2 marshalling shifts p.p. [ACHIEVED - EVERY MEMBER WHO MARSHALLED 2013 MAP RALLIES ALL DID MIN. OF 2 SHIFTS !!!]
- Continue to support VJMC with hosting their Japanese Bike Show (if they hold it) [ACHIEVED]
- Take an active role with the set-up & take-down of the YPR, in addition to marshalling over the weekend [PARTIAL SUCCESS - NOT INVOLVED AS MUCH IN THE EVENT SET-UP / TAKE-DOWN IN 2013, BUT WAKEFIELD MAG DID PROVIDE MARSHALS FOR THE EVENT]
- Ensure everyone is aware of and has signed the ethanol e-petition [ACHIEVED]
- Advertise our presence in Wakefield District - Ensure MAG posters with rep contact details are displayed prominently in all local dealerships etc. [PARTIAL SUCCESS]
SUMMARY
Another excellent year for the branch. Reversed our downward membership trend & hugely increased our fund raising for the MAG fighting fund. Meeting attendance has remained strong throughout the year and the majority of meetings have around 20 members in attendance. We have remained very active, and packed an awful lot of activities into the year and laid on some very successful events. A huge thanks to all our meeting regulars and all those who have supported the branch in all our activities. Hip Hip .. Hooray.
Steve Travis, Branch Rep
Finance Officer Report - Financial Report & Audited Accounts for 2013
£1266 income, £1272 expenditure. End balance £742.
Break even over the year so it shows our donations are exactly right.
The biggest contributor is back to the weekly raffle, raising just under £650.
Events raised £550 this year - the auction £425 and the quiz night £100, charity donations from the auction of £150 were made (Hospice, Air Ambulance, NABD).
Donations totalling £1,300 were made to Yorkshire Region.
Branch costs to run were £65 for mailshots etc, includes Test Pass and flowers.
Further Donation to Yorkshire Region to be agreed after Auction, but anticipate Auction income plus £500 from funds.
Justine Travis, Finance Officer
Auditors concurred - Ian Whittaker, Martin Burgess
Deputy Rep Report
- Collecting items for Auction.
- Acted as one of the Auctioneers, for the Post Christmas Auction.
- Attended 11th Birthday Party.
- Pet Food Run.
- Attended Annual Group Conference in Bristol.
- Marshalled Wakefield Hospice 10k Race.
- Ride Outs:
- Rivington Barn
- Leeds MAG 40year Action Demo.
- Dales Circular.
- Doncaster Bike Safe Show.
- Evening Ride to Hollingsworth Lake.
- Redcar
- Castle Howard.
- Devils Bridge.
- Was Back Marker on the Wakefield Ride-Outs.
- Provided certain questions for the Quiz Night.
- Wakefield Gala Bike Show.
- Helped with the MAG tent, at Lotherton Hall, VJMC.
- Attended Doncaster Ride of Respect for Drummer Lee Rigsby.
- Laid a wreath for Wakefield MAG, at the Wakefield Memorial Service.
- Attended with 11 Wakefield MAG Members, British Legion Mirfield.
- VJMC Social Night and Cheque Presentation.
- Attended Christmas Lunch.
- Stand-In as and when required on weekly meetings for Steve.
Chas Milner, Deputy Representative
Clubs Liaison
Continued to update various websites with MAG events
Eddie Johnson, Clubs Liaison Officer
Press Officer
Publicised events to Real Radio, Wakefield Express, and advertised upcoming auction. Barnsley contacts with press and it was agreed that as it was our catchment for events Sharon should get in touch.
Sharon Scott, Press Officer
Political Officer
Main drive has been to gain access to bus lanes following the changes in London. After much chasing the council has responded and the response was read out - to summarise the council cannot act at the moment for legal reasons but has promised to give it further consideration in due course.
Ian Whittaker, Political Officer
Andy Foody fed back that Leeds MAG had been promised favorable consideration for bikes in bus lanes after the Tour de France.
Products Officer
Ladies and Gentlemen (I use the term loosely)
This is my last and probably my shortest Products Officers report ever (pause for cheering and whooping to subside).
2013 has been a somewhat slow year for products sales generally which is a little disappointing considering the new ranges and colours that were implemented. However on a positive note our stock has increased from 2012 but its buying and selling price has decreased due to negotiating more favourable rates from our suppliers and the savings being passed on to our members. We decided to hold certain items in stock so they may be displayed at our bike show and at any other we were invited to but I am not convinced this had any effect on sales and would suggest that we reverse this decision and sell off our existing stock as and when the opportunity arises. I am happy to report a small profit on product sales this year which was helped by our supplier not charging for goods incorrectly supplied but this was adversely affected by the return of items ordered incorrectly and taken into stock.
Stock Value 2012 = £283.59 Stock Value 2013 = £329.72
My notice of resignation from this post is given below please note I will not be standing for re-election.
Resignation. Abridged version:
May I give formal notice that I will not be seeking re-election to the post of Products Officer at our forthcoming AGM. I have given this some thought and have decided it is time for me to step aside and give someone else the opportunity of a committee post, I feel in order to carry things forward we need a 'new broom' to sweep away current practice and make improvements in this area. Therefore I feel I have taken things as far as I can and it is time for someone else to give it a go, hopefully this may provide our membership with new merchandise and options to purchase goods that have not occurred to me. I think the transition from myself to the next Products Officer should be very smooth and stress free as I have everything in good order, and all necessary forms and documents in place which can be easily passed on, I will of course provide any assistance if and when required.
I wish the next Products Officer every success whoever he or she may be and thank you all for giving me the opportunity to serve our region in this capacity for so long.
Mick Culpan, Products Officer
The meeting asked that there be a vote of thanks for the work Mick has done over the year and for leaving with the products in such a good position. P: Ian Whittaker S: Martin Burgess. Carried
Rideout Coordinator's Report
2013 was my first year as Ride-out Co-ordinator and despite some minor navigational issues in the earlier stages due to my inability to programme my Sat-Nav correctly, I think I can safely say we have had some very enjoyable rides and visited a few new destinations. I have tried to break away from the more usual routes and concentrate more on riding off the beaten track and explore minor roads which are infinitely more interesting and challenging than boring old dual carriageways with mile after mile of unchanging scenery. I think this policy seems to have been universally accepted and appreciated judging by the favourable comments and feedback I have received from the participants. After some initial reservations about the change of start point to the Redbeck café and the earlier start time, I believe everyone is now more than happy with these changes and I propose we carry this on into 2014. I would like to thank all those who took part and made the weeks of planning and test rides all worthwhile. In particular I would like to thank Chas who volunteered to be back marker and ensured no one was left behind and also for administering the ride-out raffle which is always a popular interlude. I must also thank Tracy who provided inspiration for some of the rides and volunteering to lead on a couple of occasions.
All the ride-out's reports are on our web site and if you didn't have chance to join any may I suggest you have a read and see what you missed.
I would be honoured to serve for another year in this post subject to being proposed and seconded and elected according to our constitution as I have a few ideas already but would welcome any suggestions.
However if someone else would like a chance to organise this year's ride-outs then I will happily withdraw my nomination and be pleased to offer any assistance to whoever else is elected.
Thank you
Mick Culpan, Rideout Coordinator
Social Committee
They apologised for not being very active in 2013 but have started 2014 off with organising a trip to Blackpool for the Annual MAG AGC. More plans for 2014 in progress.
Cath Parker and Lorna Jaques, Social Committee
MAP Consultative Committee Representative
All meetings attended and various issues brought back for discussion.
Steve Travis, MAP Consultative Committee Representative
Eddie Johnson, MAP Consultative Committee Representative (Deputy)
Fund Raising Officer
- Acting as one of the Auctioneers for the 5th year, to raise funds for MAG.
- Organise the weekly raffle.
- Introduced the ride-out petrol money raffle, to increase MAG funds.
- At the 11th Birthday Party, organise with Lorna various raffles, which at the end of the night made a £30 profit.
- Justine, who is the Finance Officer, will have amount of funds over the year, raised by raffles.
Chas Milner, Fund Raising Officer
Membership Secretary
Covered in Reps Report
Webmaster
Kept updated over the year and lots of hits show it is well used
5) Election / Re-election of branch officers for 2014
The following officers were elected / re-elected onto the 2014 branch committee, unanimously in all cases:
- Rep: Steve Travis [Proposed: Lorna Jacques; Seconded: Cath] (Re-elected)
- Deputy Rep: Chas Milner [Proposed: Justine Travis; Seconded: Lorna Jacques] (Re-elected)
- Treasurer: Justine Travis [Proposed: Martin Burgess; Seconded: Bill Kelsall] (Re-elected)
- Products Officer: Martin Burgess [Proposed: Bill Kelsall; Seconded: Chas Milner] (Elected)
- Political Officer: Ian Whittaker [Proposed: Lorna Jacques; Seconded: Cath Parker] (Re-elected)
- Social Committee: Lorna Jaques, Cath Parker & Sharon Scott [Proposed: Martin Burgess; Seconded: John] (Re-elected)
- MAP Consultative Committee - Wakefield Rep: Ian Whittaker [Proposed: Martin Burgess; Seconded: Bill Kelsall] (Elected)
- MAP Consultative Committee - Deputy Wakefield Rep: Not filled - Agreed Branch would cover if & when required
- Press Officer: Sharon Scott [Proposed: Lorna Jacques; Seconded: Ian Whittaker] (Re-elected)
- Membership Secretary: Steve Travis [Proposed: Bill Kelsall; Seconded: Ian Whittaker] (Re-elected)
- Clubs Liaison Officer: Eddie Johnson [Proposed: John; Seconded: Bill Kelsall] (Re-elected)
- Fundraising Officer: Chas Milner [Proposed: Justine Travis; Seconded: Cath Parker] (Re-elected)
- Auditors: Ian Whittaker & Martin Burgess [Proposed: Justine Travis; Seconded: Bill Kelsall] (Re-elected)
6) Motions
None submitted. Motions invited from the floor but group agreed it had been a cracking year, helped by the weather, and the lack of motions indicated we were doing things right and no need to change anything.
7) Objectives and branch development plan for the forthcoming year (2014)
Agreed after debate and discussions:
- Work with Wakefield Council for:
- provision of secure motorcycle parking within Wakefield and the surrounding district
- access to Bus Lanes in Wakefield
- Re-start the road condition survey / pot hole reports within the Wakefield area (linking to a possible Yorkshire MAG Campaign)
- Host a meeting with WY Police Commissioner
- Dealer Campaign:
- Run a campaign for Wakefield Bike Dealers to give MAG membership with every new bike sold; or, actively promote MAG e.g. membership leaflet given to purchasers of bikes sold in the dealerships;
- Advertise our presence in Wakefield District - Ensure MAG posters with rep contact details are displayed prominently in all
local dealerships / shops, calling cards freely available in the dealerships etc
- Continue to support Wakefield Hospice events - Marshal Wakefield Hospice 10K road race
- Initiate Major recruitment drive to increase MAG membership within WF postcode area (Target: 100 members)
- Maximise Fund raising for MAG fighting fund - Target: £1,400 (to beat 2013 total of £1,300)
- Continue to support other local MAG groups with their activities
- Continue to host our long standing annual events:
- Post Christmas Auction
- Pet Food Run
- Party (Birthday)
- Bike Show (at Wakefield Gala)
- Treasure Hunt (to be decided by rideout coordinator / social committee)
- Biker Quiz Nite
- Continue to support the major Yorkshire MAG rallies (ITV, FYP, YPR) with 2 marshalling shifts p.p.
- Continue to support VJMC with hosting their Japanese Bike Show (if they need our help together with hosting Yorkshire MAG stand at the show)
- Take an active role with the set-up & take-down of the YPR, in addition to marshalling over the weekend
- Mass attendance at the Edinburgh MAG Rally
- Hold formal organised monthly ride-outs (dependant upon our rideout co-ordinator)
- Get regular coverage in Wakefield Express and/or other local papers e.g. Cas & Ponte Express etc
8) Presentation to branch heroes
Awards were presented for the branch heroes of 2013, based on points accumulated by members for attendance/participation in MAG/Branch events over the course of the year.
Our branch heroes for 2013 were:
- Most attendances: Pete Taplin (870 points)
- Most attendances runner-up: Terry Scott (765)
- Most attendances to Branch meetings on a bike: Terry Scott (38). Prize was kindly donated to the Post-Xmas auction.
- Chairman's Award (biggest contribution to the branch): Chas Milner for his fantastic fund raising in a challenging year, and his outstanding support as Deputy Rep.
- Honourable mentions: Martin Burgess for being an incredibly close 3rd place; All event & rally marshals; Ian (for Political work); all the Wakefield MAG meeting regulars for being jolly good eggs !!!
9) Any other business
Blackpool accommodation (for Wakefield MAG trip to the AGC in april) has been booked - £25 p.n. with garaging for the bikes.
Warehouse 23 donated 4 tickets to the raffle and offered Wakefield MAG ticket discount (£2 off) if bought through Wakefield Rep.
10) Date of Next AGM
The date of the next AGM was set for Wednesday 14 January 2015
The meeting closed at 22:15 hrs.
Observer stated he had found it a professional meeting with a nice social element.
Steve Travis
Wakefield MAG Rep
97513