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) New Years Resolutions
3) 2017 Events
4) Consultation - Improving Moped and Motorcycle Training
5) Post Christmas Auction
6) Bingo Night
7) Fred Hill Memorial Run
8) Driving & Dialling Stickers
9) Leeds Injunction
10) Petition: No closures for legal routes for motorcycle trail riding without new provision
11) Wakefield MAG Sea Fishing Trip
12) Wakefield MAG Pet Food Run
13) Kidzaware Easter Egg Collection
14) 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 11th January 2017. The full minutes are available Here. We now celebrate 15 consecutive years as an active MAG Branch (and in those 15 years, we haven't had to reform / re-launch at any point to keep going). The Membership trend is slightly downwards although we have increased member retention (a repeating trend over the last couple of years). Meeting attendance has remained very strong throughout the year and the majority of meetings have around 15-20 members in attendance (circa. 23% of MAG Members in the area attend their branch meetings - Nationally, 10% is the 'best' average). We have been successful again in our fund raising for the MAG fighting fund, matching the 2015 target. We have remained very active, and packed an awful lot of activities into the year and laid on some very successful events. We have increased our support of charities (Kidzaware was a new charity we supported in 2016), but 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 2017 is virtually unchanged from 2016 (with the notable exception of a new MAP Rep - Lorna Jaques (with Bob Kendall as Deputy), a new member of the Rideout Committee (Clare Ellam), a new member of the Social Committee (also Clare Ellam) and a new Clubs Officer - Tracy Wheldon). Our illustrious branch heroes of 2016 were:
One development worth mentioning is the introduction of a monthly social night (we have a few of these anyway with our Auction, Bingo Nights & Quiz, but we are looking to introduce a few more 'non-business' nights) .... these wont be just sitting in the pub and gassing though .... oh no ..... there will be a fun 'event' organised for each one .... we'll advertise the activity in advance on the Events page and the Wakefield MAG Facebook Group (the dates are already set).
P.S. Steve was voted in as Rep / Chairman again (for the 15th time), so unfortunately, you are all stuck with him for yet another year :-(
Hands up how many people have made a New Years Resolution or two? Give up the fags .. drink less .. exercise more .. lose weight .. get out on the bike more, whatever the weather? How many can honestly say that they will be able to keep it up for the whole year .... probably not many.
Want a New Years Resolution that is easy to keep, will make you feel better about yourself, and your contribution to others, will save you money & make the world a better place? Sounds too good to be true? Almost, but not quite ....
One of the best NY resolutions you can possibly make is to join a non-member to MAG this year (or join yourself if you are not a member, rejoin if you have recently lapsed, or ensure you maintain your own membership throughout the year if you are already a member !!!).
This resolution is dead easy to keep (just £27 will guarantee that), you will be positively contributing to the on-going maintenance of your chosen lifestyle, both for you and everyone who rides a bike, you are joining a union of 10,000 like minded souls, and best of all, you will be able to save money by taking advantage of the many benefits and deals only available to MAG members.
You can join MAG at:
Join (or renew) by Direct Debit, then you'll never again have to remember to renew as it will be done automatically for you: http://www.mag-uk.org/files/Renewal_DD-1_page.pdf.
Membership fees are: Single Membership - £27.00; Joint Membership (two adults) - £40.50; Family Membership - either single or joint adult membership with children added to the membership at £5.00 per child. New members between the ages of 16 and 25 years old receive a £5 discount on first year of MAG membership.
Make this one New Years Resolution you will honestly say you have been able to keep ... Don't put it off ... Join (or rejoin) MAG now !!!
We have a full calendar of 2017 events already published - see the Events page for full details. This includes our NINE Annual Events, Monthly social nights and the Monthly rideouts, the dates of which are copied below so you can book these dates in your calendar / diary:
There will also be 'special' rideouts in March (Sunday 19th March - the Pet Food Run) and November (Sunday 12th November - Remembrance Sunday Parade).
We have consulted the FIM Grand Prix World Championship and avoided Race Sundays wherever possible (as we are aware a number of our members always like to watch the races live). Hope to see you on several (if not all) of the above.
4) Consultation - Improving Moped and Motorcycle Training
You may all want to comment on a consultation recently published, aimed at improving moped & motorcycle training. I especially like the 'introduce a training course for riders to upgrade their motorcycle licence, instead of passing extra tests' proposal, something that MAG campaigned for at the time they brought in these pointless and expensive additional tests.
Consultation Link
The consultation closes on 17th February 2017.
Our 13th Post Christmas Auction will be held on Wednesday 1st February 2017, at 20:00, at the Grey Horse, Kirkgate, and if previous years events are anything to go by, an event not to be missed. The idea is that you bring along all your unwanted Christmas presents, together with other stuff you no longer want, or have the room for, donate them to the branch, and we auction them off to the highest bidder.
The 2016 auction raised (with a little help from the raffle) £490. This allowed us to split the proceeds nicely into 1/3's, with 2/3 (£330) being donated to the MAG Fighting Fund, with the remaining 1/3 charity donation being split between the following 3 worthy causes:
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 2017 !!. 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 !!!).
Eyes Down for another Fun Filled Night of Bingo !!! Cash and Prize Bingo, and lot's of hilarity guaranteed. All profits to the MAG Fighting Fund. This will be our 5th Bingo Night, and if the previous three are anything to go by, a cracking night is in store. The excitement starts at 20:00 at the Grey Horse, Kirkgate, Wakefield, on Wednesday 22nd February.
Hope to see you there.
Leeds MAG are again hosting the annual Fred Hill Memorial Run for Yorkshire MAG. Meeting on Sunday 5th February (re-arranged from 12th Feb) 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
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, especially considering the current EU meddling!
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.
For those wishing to travel in from Wakefield, you can meet at Redbeck Cafe on Doncaster Road, where we will be leaving at 10:00am, for the ride over to Squires to join up with the rest of the run participants.
8) Driving & Dialling Stickers
As was covered in the December Newsletter, we now have a stock of 'Anti Driving and Dialling' stickers, to highlight the dangers of using mobile phones whilst driving. Despite this being against the law, it's a everyday occurrance seeing drivers continuing to use mobiles whilst driving, and every year, a large number of motorcyclists are killed or serious injured by drivers who are distracted by their mobile phones. These stickers are part of the campaign to highlight the risks and encourage motorists to focus on their driving rather than their phone.
These are exterior quality stickers and can go on all types of vehicles, bike luggage or helmets.
These stickers can be purchased through Wakefield MAG (at any of the weekly meetings) as we have a stock for sale (20 of each).
The cost of the stickers is £3 each for the long ones (200mm long) and £1 each for the round ones (48mm across).
MAG has called on Leeds City Council to take a measured approach in partnership with local biking interest groups to address anti-social behaviour problems which occurred in October 2016.
MAG is completely in agreement with the authorities about the need to deal with the hooligan behaviour of a disruptive element of individuals in the area, says MAG's spokesperson in Leeds, Richard Manton. "The fact that these irresponsible louts happened to be on motorcycles has meant that MAG needs to ensure their antics do not reflect badly on real bikers, who have no interest in causing alarm and inconvenience to the general public. We therefore offer our assistance in addressing these issues, and underline the importance of not penalising law-abiding citizens due to the idiocy of a small minority."
The Council has introduced an injunction outlawing certain behaviours which could cause alarm, nuisance, harassment of the public or property damage. "While the principle of the injunction is understandable on the basis that the Council felt it had to act quickly," adds Mr Manton, "we are nevertheless concerned that its very wide-reaching powers don't inhibit lawful riding in the city. The way it has been worded means it could end up being tested in court. We'd like to avoid that by ensuring terms of understanding between ourselves on behalf of the riding community and the police and Council representatives on behalf of the authorities. That's what I'm doing now -and I have to say we'd have done this even sooner if it had not been so hard to acquire a copy of the injunction and its wording - but we are where we are."
MAG has been actively engaged nationwide with other local authorities to seek a lasting resolution to these issues. The organisation is also set to approach the body representing police chiefs to seek a nationwide solution which protects the public without discriminating against legitimate riders.
Leeds MAG tried to obtain a copy of the injuction from the Leeds City Council website (where you would naturally expect the text to be available, given Leeds City Council raised the injunction) - it couldn't be found anywhere. Leeds MAG Rep Richard Manton finally managed to obtain the injunction text following a Freedom of Information request - See Leeds Injuction. This was raised in December 2016 for a month, BUT, has subsequently been reviewed and approved for a further period of FIVE years !!!!.
If you read the wording of the injunction, perfectly legitimate gatherings 'could' be construed to be in breach of the injunction, which is a very worrying development indeed for the overwhelming majority of law abiding motorcyclists and scooter riders in the Leeds area. MAG's view is that existing laws are perfectly adequate to deal with the illegal behaviour that was witnessed in Leeds late last year. In addition, as part of devolving more power to local authorities, all councils were given additional powers by central government which also make this injunction completely superfluous. Leeds City Council have spend thousands of pounds (of Leeds Residents Council Tax) in staff time and in engaging highly expensive legal consultation, to produce what is effectively a redundant injunction - Is this a good use of resources when other essential council services are facing cuts to order to meet reduced funding from central government !?!?!?!?
MAG is 'on the case' so expect to see further news and developments in the near future .... Watch this space for details !!!
In the meantime, do feel free to drop Leeds City Council a line (politely) to question a dubious use of tax payers funding.
10) Petition: No closures for legal routes for motorcycle trail riding without new provision
You may wish to sign this petition if you agree with it's aims:
The petition is to make it a legal requirement that any current legal unsurfaced road open to motor vehicles (including motorcycles) cannot be closed by any local authority or local council highways authority without new provision of a similar route or facility being provided.
Many local authorities are closing legal routes to responsible and legal motorcyclists or vehicle users without apparent regard for the need for the provision of this kind of recreational pursuit. The amount of these lanes are being reduced to a critically low number which can result in illegal use of unsuitable lanes without vehicle status. We say it is not reasonable to simply close the facilities and walk away from the responsibility to provide legitimate places to ride or drive.
Petition Link: https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/172968
This petition closes on 23rd May 2017.
11) Wakefield MAG Sea Fishing Trip
The details of our sea fishing trip are all now confirmed and we are currently taking bookings and deposits. We have two spare places at present and we also intend to offer a reserve list in case of any drop-outs.
The date is Saturday 15th July 2017, and the boat booked is the Sapphire, based out of Sunderland Marina. The boat takes 10 people at a cost of £55 each, which includes hire of all the gear and the bait. It's an 8 hour trip from 8am to 4pm. No previous experience required - warm waterproof clothing and footwear is recommended, also sunglasses, sun cream and a hat are advisable (we have deliberately booked it for the middle of summer so hopefully the weather will be red hot and the North Sea as calm as a duck pond). Travel sickness and headache pills may be a worthwhile addition but you'll also need some food and plenty to drink (but nothing alcoholic). Lastly, you'll also need a towel to dry your hands.
For anyone who wants to go, you'll need to reserve your place with a non-refundable deposit (which we are taking now) of £15, and you can pay the balance up front or in 8 monthly instalments of £5.
As it will be an early start on the Saturday morning (the boat leaves at 8am), we are planning to head up on the Friday evening and stay overnight in a bed and breakfast recommended by the Sapphire's skipper, which is a 5 minute walk from Sunderland Marina (www.thechaiseguesthouse.com. There are plenty of rooms to accommodate all 10 of us if needed (Single Room from £27.00; Double Room from £40.00 and Family Room from £60.00). We intend booking these very early in the new year whilst they are still available. Please let us know ASAP if you want to take advantage of the Friday night stay - we'll then make the booking and let you know what the cost is upfront
And if you are still undecided about going and whether sea fishing is for you ..... check out the report of our last Sea Fishing Trip Here.
12) Wakefield MAG Pet Food Run
Our 8th Pet Food Run will be held on Sunday 19th March, in aid of Wakefield District Dog Rescues. Meet 9:30am (leaving at 10:00am) at the Redbeck Cafe, Doncaster Road, Crofton, Wakefield, WF4 1RT. If the weather is poor, simply come in the car instead !!! Bring the following items to donate:
Hope to see you there.
13) Kidzaware Easter Egg Collection
14) Forthcoming Events (for February and beyond)
Wednesday 1st February 2017 - Wakefield MAG 13th Post Christmas Auction
See Above.
Our 13th Post Christmas Auction will be held on Wednesday 1st February 2017, at 20:00, at the Grey Horse, Kirkgate, and if previous years events are anything to go by, an event not to be missed. The idea is that you bring along all your unwanted Christmas presents, together with other stuff you no longer want, or have the room for, donate them to the branch, and we auction them off to the highest bidder. 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). Be there early, with viewing from 19:00 onwards, and the auction starting at 20:00 prompt (and don't forget to bring your unwanted Christmas pressies !!!).
Sunday 12th February - Fred Hill Memorial Run
See Above.
If you don't know who Fred Hill was, or why MAG holds him in such high esteem, check out his obituary Here.
Wednesday 22nd February 2017 - Wakefield MAG Bingo Night
See Above.
Eyes Down for another Fun Filled Night of Bingo !!! Cash and Prize Bingo, and lot's of hilarity guaranteed. All profits to the MAG Fighting Fund. This will be our 5th Bingo Night, and if the previous four are anything to go by, a cracking night is in store. The excitement starts at 20:00 at the Grey Horse, Kirkgate, Wakefield, on Wednesday 22nd February. Hope to see you there.
Sunday 19th March - 8th Annual Wakefield MAG Charity Pet Food Run
See Above.
Wednesday 29th March - Wakefield MAG Social Night - Event: TBC
20:30 in the Grey Horse, Kirkgate, Wakefield.
Sunday 2nd April 2017 - Wakefield Hospice 10K Race
Sunday 9th April - Wakefield MAG Rideout (Destination: TBC)
Meet 8:30am (leaving at 09:00am) at Redbeck Cafe, 339 Doncaster Road, Crofton, Wakefield, WF4 1RT.
Saturday 22nd April - Wakefield MAG 15th Birthday Bash at the Dogs (Dog Racing Night)
We are celebrating our 15th Birthday with a Super Six Party Booking at the Dogs, for which you get Admission (including race programme), Pint of beer/lager, any bottle or wine or spirit, Choice of any basket meal available on the night, 2 x £1 Tokens for Tote super six jackpot (usually well into five figures ... well worth winning !!!) & a £1 token for normal tote bet. An absolute bargain and an absolute hoot. £12 (Deposit £5). Kinsley Greyhound Stadium: www.kinsleydogs.co.uk
Wednesday 26th April - Wakefield MAG Social Night - Event: TBC
20:30 in the Grey Horse, Kirkgate, Wakefield.
Friday 28th April - Sunday 30th May 2017 - Into the Valley (ITV) Rally
Friday 16th June - Sunday 18th June 2017 - Farmyard Party (FYP) Rally
Friday 4th August - Sunday 6th August 2017 - Yorkshire Pudding Rally (YPR)
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.