Dear Wakefield MAG Member,
Welcome to the Wakefield MAG e-newsletter. If you can't attend our Wednesday meetings regularly, it's the next best thing to keep you up to date with what we are up to.
CONTENTS
1) Wakefield MAG Annual General Meeting
2) Reward to help catch a potential road killer
3) MAG to work with the United Nations on Transport Policy
4) Rally Tickets
5) Post Christmas Auction
6) 2019 Events
7) Fred Hill Run
8) Wakefield Hospice 10K Race Marshalling
9) 2018 Powered Two Wheeler Market
10) Forthcoming Events (for February and beyond)
1) Wakefield MAG Annual General Meeting
The Wakefield & District Motorcycle Action Group Branch AGM was held in the Grey Horse, on Wednesday 16th January 2019. This was our 17th AGM (and birthday), so we are now legal to ride a 125 (on L plates) on the road ... Woo Hoo .... FREEDOM !!!!!
In our 17 consecutive years as an active MAG Branch, we haven't had to reform / re-launch at any point to keep going. The overall membership numbers (Full MAG members with a WF postcode) has dropped compared to the previous year, which is a little disappointing (if you are reading this and are not a MAG member ... JOIN NOW !!!). However, meeting attendance has remained very strong throughout the year and the majority of meetings have around 10-20 members in attendance (circa. 20% of MAG Members in the Wakefield area attend their branch meetings - Nationally, 10% is considered the 'best' average). We have been successful again in our fund raising for the MAG fighting fund, matching the 2017 target of £1,600. We have remained very active, and packed an awful lot of activities into the year and laid on some very successful events. We have maintained our support of charities, but (very importantly) without diverting any funds away from the MAG Fighting Fund !!!
All in all, another highly successful year for the branch. A huge thanks to all our meeting regulars and all those who have supported the branch in all our activities. Hip Hip .... Hooray.
The Branch Committee for 2019 is virtually unchanged from 2018, with the notable exception of a new Clubs Officer (Terry Scott replacing Martin Burgess). Our illustrious branch heroes of 2018 were:
The full AGM minutes are available Here.
P.S. Steve was voted in as Rep / Chairman again (for the 17th time), so unfortunately, you are all stuck with him for yet another year :-(
2) Reward to help catch a potential road killer
MAG is offering up to £1,000 to catch a potential road killer. MAG has announced the reward for information leading to the successful prosecution of the individual responsible for a 'Hit and Run' incident near the Squires Cafe Bar in North Yorkshire, where a car driver left a seriously injured motorcyclist, Matthew Ramsden, lying on the road with his damaged motorcycle.
The incident occurred in Sherburn-in-Elmet. Police say that Matthew was travelling along the B1222, near Peckfield, on Sunday 6 January at around 4.40pm, when he collided with a car at the junction with the A63. The driver did not stop at the scene.
Castleford-based firm, West Riding Personal Financial Solutions, has also put up £1,000 for information leading to a prosecution. Police believe the car to be a silver saloon - possibly a VW or a Skoda - and it suffered severe rear bumper damage as a result of the collision.
Yorkshire MAG Representative Richard 'Manny' Manton describes this latest incident as a "line in the sand." He says: "the guilty driver showed no respect for the biker's life or property - and also decided to evade the law instead of fulfilling a basic moral and legal responsibility as a road user."
Manny continues: "we're offering up to one thousand pounds for information leading to a successful prosecution because MAG isn't going to stand by and tolerate blatant criminality on the highways of Yorkshire - or any other part of Britain. If you know who did this, and you don't speak up, you're protecting someone who can't be trusted by you or anyone else. Help us get justice - and potentially pick up a thousand pounds for yourself. This offender isn't fit to be on the roads. If they are not found, they can do it again - to you or someone you love."
Please contact MAG on 01926 844 064 with any information. You can speak to us in confidence. We won't reveal your identity - we just want the identity of a law-breaker too cowardly to stay at the scene of a serious accident where someone could have died.
Visit this site to get further police information about the incident: northyorkshire.police.uk/news/hit-run-appeal-b1222/
3) MAG to work with the United Nations on Transport Policy
The Motorcycle Action Group (MAG) will be working in partnership with the United Nations on motorcycling's role in global transport policy. MAG has received communication from the United Nations Environment Department, expressing their eagerness to work with the Motorcycle Action Group on promoting modal shift towards powered two and three wheelers.
This landmark development was announced in a reply to MAG's Director of Communications & Public Affairs, Lembit Öpik: "As our understanding of the environmental agenda has deepened, we have inevitably found ourselves having to contact higher authorities," explains Lembit. "Our constant aim has been to ensure that motorcycles are being treated as part of the solution to reducing congestion and pollution - as well as cost - for private journeys. I approached the United Nations because they are so influential in terms of environmental strategies. We have made a real breakthrough - and we're clearly speaking to the right people there. This development is of global importance for motorcycling and its role in transport planning."
The letter, received from the UN, states: "As you accurately stated in your letter, motorcycles could provide a short-term and immediate way to reduce emissions now." It adds: "We are delighted to hear of your interest in working with the United Nations on this important initiative and look forward to working with you as well."
MAG's next step is to engage with the UN Air Quality and Mobility Unit, to establish terms of reference for the collaboration. "I believe this is the most significant development for motorcycles in relation to environmental policies in recent history," adds Lembit. "What we do now will have implications for motorcycling across the planet. It shows that diligent activity can lead to internationally significant partnerships. It is an exciting prospect to be working with the UN. It's a win for them, the environment and all road users the world over. I'm pleased to be able to share such good news so early in 2019."
UN letter link: wiki.mag-uk.org/images/b/b8/Un_Letter_highlights.jpg
We now have our Branch allocation of tickets for the Yorkshire MAG 2019 Rallies and these are for sale at our weekly meetings NOW.
Ticket prices and dates are:
See Lorna at any of our weekly meetings to buy yours. Remember, if you buy your tickets directly from us, you save on the on-line booking fee and postage .... more money in your pocket = more beer money .... what more of an incentive could you possibly want !!!
See the Yorkshire MAG Events site for more details of these 3 fantastic rallies: www.mapevents.co.uk
Our 15th Post Christmas Auction will be held a little later into this new year than previous years, on Wednesday 3rd April 2019. This is because for the past few years we have been hit by snow, and either forced to reschedule at the last minute (as happened in early 2018), or, suffer with reduced numbers as people don't really want to leave their houses when you can't see where the road ends and the pavements start. We would still like you to donate all your unwanted Christmas presents, together with other stuff you no longer want, or have the room for, to the Branch so we auction them off to the highest bidder .... we just ask that you can hold onto them until early April when the weather will be a bit more predictable.
Our 14th Post Christmas Auction raised (with a little help from the raffle and a bit of rounding up) £630, which was split as follows:
That was pretty staggering, especially as the bidding on a lot of items started at 50p. Of course, we want to try to beat that for 2019 !!. We know times are hard at the moment, but that's all the more reason to come down to the auction, grab a top bargain, and save yourselves considerable amounts of money. We are already accumulating auction items and we still have 2 months to collect even more !!!!.
The auctions are always hugely entertaining and there are always some real quality items donated, and hence, some real bargains to be had.
Proceeds from the auction will again be split (2/3 to the MAG Fighting Fund, 1/3 to a charitable cause(s).
I hope to see you there. Be there early, with viewing from 07:00 onwards, and the auction starting at 08:00 prompt (and don't forget to bring your unwanted Christmas pressies !!!).
Our programme of events for 2019 will be published shortly, but to whet your appetite, check out our forthcoming branch activities:
We also have our monthly social events with various different activities planned (held on the last Wednesday of every month) - this year we are pencilling in evening rideouts for our social nights in the summer months (Jun-Aug).
And to supplement our own activities, we'll also be attending as many of the activities of our very good friends in the other Yorkshire MAG groups, as time dictates. One thing is for sure, you wont get bored being a member of Wakefield MAG !!!!
See the events page for further details and more !!! (once it has been updated for this year that is ;-)
Leeds MAG are again hosting the annual Fred Hill Memorial Run for Yorkshire MAG. Meeting on Sunday 10th February from 10.00am (to leave at 11.00 prompt) at Squires Cafe, Newthorpe Lane, Sherburn in Elmet, LS25 5LX. The run will take us through the fabulous North Yorkshire countryside ending at The Sun Inn, Brame Lane, Norwood HG3 1SZ. www.thesun-inn.com.
Please note these runs are very subject to the weather, and may be cancelled at short notice (for very sensible safety reasons). It is advised to check the Leeds MAG Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/groups/306110975566 and/or web site: leeds.mag-uk.org/ before setting off.
If you don't know who Fred Hill was, or why MAG holds him in such high esteem, check out his obituary Here. Although Fred's protest was against the mandatory helmet law, introduced in 1973, it must be remembered that the helmet law in itself is NOT the issue. The issue was, and still is, the individuals right to freedom of choice. MAG's central ethos of Let the Rider Decide is as relevant now as it ever was.
8) Wakefield Hospice 10K Race Marshalling
The Wakefield 10k Road Race is organised for and by Wakefield Hospice, with the aim to raise as much as possible for patients and their families living with an end of life diagnosis. Wakefield Hospice annually needs to raise £4 million. They would not be able to achieve this without the help of local people going out of their way to raise funds through taking part in events like the Wakefield 10k.
This years event will be the 24th annual Wakefield 10k and during that time runners have raised more than £0.5 million for those who need specialist care at a very difficult time in their lives. Last year those running in the Wakefield 10k did an incredible job raising more than £50,000 for the hospice. This could fund a whole week's care in the hospice!
The 24th Wakefield Hospice 10k race is being held on Sunday 24th March 2019, and takes a similar route to previous years: starting from Clarence Park, it's a linear route straight out and back along Horbury Road.
Wakefield MAG have helped to marshal this popular event for more years than we care to remember, and our role is as mobile race marshals, looking after those competitors at the tail end of the race. The roads will only be closed for an hour maximum, and although the bulk of runners will be finished whilst the road is still closed, a good number of runners (walkers !!!) will still be on the course, hence the requirement for mobile marshals (that's us !!) to ensure their safety, once the road is re-opened to traffic. We are generally the last 'officials' remaining on the course, and hence play a vital role. We generally need around 6 marshals, although the more the merrier. We will need one extra marshal this year anyway as Chas 'Crocodile' Milner, who marshals every year, will still be in Australia at this time so won't be available for duty !!!
If you would like to volunteer, please let me know. P.S. you'll be home for lunchtime !!!
On the day, meet at 08:30 on Lawfield Lane to be issued with your marshalls Hi-Viz vest and receive any last minute instructions.
N.B. Please ensure your own bike insurance does not have an exclusion relating to marshalling non-motorsport events i.e. runners on a partially closed road route - MAG's preferred insurer, Bikesure, does not in it's standard insurance cover exclusions.
More details of the event here: www.wakefield10k.org.uk
9) 2018 Powered Two Wheeler Market
In a year that has seen turbulence across several retail sectors, the Powered Two Wheeler (PTW) market bucked the trend by finishing 2018 slightly ahead of 2017, as more people took advantage of motorcycles and scooters to beat congestion on their daily commute, improve air quality and enjoy their journeys. The strongest growth was seen in the 51-500cc segments, which comprises among others, space efficient, zero and low-emission machines, ideal for medium-distance commuting and congestion-busting local deliveries.
The Motorcycle Industry Association (MCIA) believes that increased consideration of PTWs and other Powered Light Vehicles within Government transport and road planning would tempt many drivers away from their single-occupancy cars, especially where walking, cycling and public transport are not viable alternatives. The overall PTW market topped-out at 105,816 registrations, made up of 81,263 motorcycles and 24,553 scooters.
A more detailed breakdown of 2018 PTW registrations can be found at: www.mcia.co.uk/sub/Press_Stats
The MCIA is the Trade Association representing the Powered Light Vehicle (PLV) Industry. PLVs can be defined as lightweight, two, three and four-wheeled machines, typically powered by zero or low-emission motors. Also known as L-Category vehicles, they are an answer to the congestion and air quality challenges created by personal and goods transportation.
10) Forthcoming Events (for February and beyond)
Sunday 10th February - Leeds MAG Fred Hill Run
See Above. Meeting from 10am at Squires Cafe LS25 5LX to leave at 11am. From Squires, the run will take us through the fabulous North Yorkshire countryside ending at The Sun Inn, Brame Lane, Norwood HG3 1SZ. www.thesun-inn.com.
Please note these runs are very subject to the weather, and may be cancelled at short notice (for very sensible safety reasons). It is advised to check the Leeds MAG Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/groups/306110975566 and/or web site: leeds.mag-uk.org/ before setting off.
If you don't know who Fred Hill was, or why MAG holds him in such high esteem, check out his obituary Here. Although Fred's protest was against the mandatory helmet law, introduced in 1973, it must be remembered that the helmet law in itself is NOT the issue. The issue was, and still is, the individuals right to freedom of choice. MAG's central ethos of Let the Rider Decide is as relevant now as it ever was.
Wednesday 27th February - Wakefield MAG Social Night - Event: TBC
20:30 in the Grey Horse, Kirkgate, Wakefield
Saturday 23rd March - An Evening with Ed March
Leeds MAG is proud to present their 5th annual talk, An Evening with Ed March. 'Riding around the world with no plans, no idea what he's doing ..... and no-one telling him what a stupid idea it is.' Want to know about Ed March? Watch this short YouTube video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=S6f5yA2N_-8
20:00 at Squires Cafe Bar, Newthorpe Lane, LS25 5LX. Tickets £10 plus postage (also includes free camping) from leeds.mag-uk.org/
Sunday 24th March 2019 - Wakefield Hospice 10K Race
See Above. www.wakefield10k.org.uk
Wednesday 27th March - Wakefield MAG Social Night - Event: TBC
20:30 in the Grey Horse, Kirkgate, Wakefield
Wednesday 3rd April - Wakefield MAG 15th Post Christmas Auction
See Above.
Wednesday 24th April - Wakefield MAG Social Night - Event: TBC
20:30 in the Grey Horse, Kirkgate, Wakefield
Friday 3rd May - Sunday 5th May - Into the Valley (ITV) Rally
See Above. www.intothevalley.co.uk
Bank Holiday Monday (May Day) 6th May - Wakefield MAG Bike show at the Wakefield Gala
10:00 onwards at Clarence Park Arena, Wakefield
Wednesday 29th May - Wakefield MAG Social Night - Event: TBC
20:30 in the Grey Horse, Kirkgate, Wakefield
Friday 21st June - Sunday 23rd June - Farmyard Party (FYP) Rally
See Above. www.farmyardparty.co.uk
Friday 2nd August - Sunday 4th August - Yorkshire Pudding Rally (YPR)
See Above. www.yorkshirepuddingrally.co.uk
See the events page for further details and more !!!
That's all for this month, hope to see you all soon.
Ride Safe .. Ride Free
Steve Travis
Chairman
Wakefield MAG
0772 078 4734
Wakefield MAG meet at the Grey Horse, Kirkgate, Wakefield at 8:30pm every Wednesday. New (and Old) faces are always welcome.