The Western Region Action Group |
December 2003 |
On the 17th October, after much deliberation, I submitted my resignation as Chairman to the MAG National Committee (NC).
As you can imagine, after years of work for MAG, this was not a decision made lightly, however, I have been concerned, for some time, as to the effect that the post, with its work load and stress levels, was having on my health. The weekend of October NC merely compounded those concerns.
In October 2002, as vice-Chairman, I had to assume the Chair, after Nicky Bassett-Powell resigned. This was a time when MAG was in a very unstable position after months of tedious arguing leading up to the 2002 Annual Group Conference and the few months following. 3 days later I had to Chair an NC where nothing but Official Complaints were to be heard and adjudicated upon for a whole day. Baptism by fire.
What never ceases to amaze me is the problems that conflicts of personalities foists upon our Organisation and the lack of professional behaviour. I also found extremely frustrating the lack of feedback/input by a high percentage of Regional Reps elected by their Regions to provide representation.
My purpose of standing for election in April 2004 was to continue bringing stability to MAG whilst encouraging ever more feedback at a national level.
I believed my remit, as Chairman should be conducted in an honest, up front and fair way, which I have always implemented. In fact, I’ve been dubbed, more than once, ‘the peacemaker’. Peacemaking, as I have found out, often comes at a high price when it comes to retaining your own well-being.
Post resignation, some 5 weeks on, I have to admit to finding it hard to do anything for MAG, so I’m taking a rest period. I’ve seen many members burn themselves out in the past and think I was probably almost there myself. I also had a tremendous feeling of guilt of letting people down, though those I’ve mentioned this to have been quick to put my mind at rest.
MAG is the best organisation you will ever have the privilege to be a part of. MAG’s objectives and principles are what will keep the riders in this country riding their bikes. I’m a Life Member and that’s not going to change.
Now is the time before AGC 2004, to put up, as candidates, strong and articulate people who can take MAG forward and who, as long as they do right by MAG and its membership, will have my utmost support as a democratically elected Chairman. Meanwhile, my support to my mate Ian who is now your Acting Chairman.
Thanks for all the calls and emails during the past couple of months; they’re much appreciated, along with your sentiments.
See you around in the Region,
Anne
Thanks
It’s a shame that there are those in the ranks of MAG who seem to only
want to disrupt or cause trouble, thankfully they are it is hoped only a
small minority.
I Know you would all like to join me in thanking Aine for the work she
carried through in what was exceptionally difficult circumstances, and
hope that Ian is not treated the same.
Thanks Aine
The Transport Secretary has admitted that there are too many cameras, and
the police have used them to boost their coffers. But what does he
propose to do about it, absolutely nothing.
“Speed” related deaths fell by 1% last year, but drink related deaths rose by 6%, and critics were quick to pounce on his comments, demanding a review of camera policies. And because of the proliferation of cameras replacing traffic patrols, where are the officers going to come from to impose the new mobile phone laws, or can the cameras detect these as well?
Avon and Somerset police have said they are not introducing camera
bikes.
But a spokesman from the Avon and Somerset Camera Safety Partnership
said they are waiting for results from other partnerships before making
a decision.
So beware there are Camera Bikes out there run by other Camera partnerships.
It seems there is hardly a village in North Somerset that has not got a
Community Speed Watch Group.
It appears my own village is going to succumb to this phenomenon (there
you didn’t think the Troll knew long words did you, Now I must go and
have a lie down), I Believe and could be wrong that they first appeared
in Yorkshire, when a group of older villagers (mainly women hence Granny
Cams) obtained a radar gun to check the speed of traffic through their
village, now it has spread nationwide.
And for those who use the Axbridge Bye-pass, locals are setting up a
speed watch scheme while they press the SCP for a speed camera to be
sited there.
Motorists may soon be tested on a ‘PlayStation-style’ hand held gadget to see if they are to tired or drunk to drive. But will this see innocent motorists jailed just because they are no good at electronic games, especially the older generations, as many younger people spend a lot of time playing electronic games, this could be an unfair advantage.
Shock horror probe, the anti speed crusader has admitted being too hard on motorists after fierce criticism. He has said his force should be more ‘flexible’. This from the man who wants the number of cameras trebled, and the number of tickets issued increased.
MCN seem to have got themselves into a bit of a flap a couple of
times lately. Firstly they got wound up by some remarks made by the
Transport Minister David Jamieson, who has asked the DfT for proposals
on motorcycle safety, of course MAG HQ has already dealt with this.
Then they had another panic when the BBC programme appeared to point the
finger of blame at the Biking Press for the antics of a few mindless
idiots hell bent on their own destruction.
If any of you are about to invest in your own stately pile, you had
better tot up how many points you have on your licence.
As it appears that insurance companies are now taking this into
consideration when you take out life cover with a mortgage and could
even result in refusal of cover.
If you have six or more points or a loss of your licence due to the
totting up procedure you will be affected.
A spokesman from a leading insurance company said: ‘There is strong
evidence that someone who has been disqualified from driving for
excessive speeding or drinking will exhibit other lifestyle failings.’
He also said: ‘We have noticed an increase in the number of people
disclosing fixed penalty convictions for speeding. It is hard to
quantify. But it has been commented upon by our staff.’
So there you have it yet another excuse to hammer the motorist by the
insurance companies.
The RAC has done some research and found that the number of motorists
with penalty points has doubled in five years to more than 6 million as
a result mainly because of speed cameras.
Don’t forget the new mobile phone laws come into operation as of the
1st December 2003.
From that date you will face a £30 fine if caught holding a mobile phone
while driving.
Initially this will be a fixed penalty fine, which can be increased to
£1000 if the matter goes to court (£2,500 for drivers of vans, lorries,
buses and coaches).
The Government are looking at making it an endorsable offence next year
with an £60 fine.
For more Info go to the DfT website: www.dft.gov.uk
In just over a month's time on the 18th of January 2004 you will have
a chance to elect the officers you want to run Western Region MAG, or
have your say in how you want the Region run.
The AGM takes place at The Wagon and Horses, Stapleton Road, Bristol,
kindly hosted by Bristol MAG, at 1 pm for a prompt 2 pm start, so don’t
be late or you might get yourself elected.
Anyone (mad enough) who wants to stand should contact their group Rep,
also if they have any items they wish discussed.
Unfortunately I lost the article someone kindly sent me, and have been unable to chase up another one, but it is hoped that Rolf is on the mend after being shuttled back and forth between Bristol’s Hospitals, and that he will be out before Christmas, but if not some of you might like to pop in and see him and cheer him up.
Yuletide Greetings to one and all, for the season to be jolly is
almost upon us; mind you some have already started getting merry.
But seriously folks if you are out and about on the roads this winter
take care and don’t over imbibe the Christmas Spirits as I dare say the
Police will be out and about with their little balloons for you to puff
into. I don’t have so many friends that I can afford to loose any.
The Troll wishes all his readers a Very merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. };{)
23rd Dec 03 Gloucester MAG Xmas Dinner a few tickets left contact Donna 01452 506 941
18th Jan 04 Western Region AGM The Wagon & Horses, Stapleton Road, Bristol, 1.00pm
The Motorcycle Action Group accepts no responsibility
for the content of this publication and the views expressed are
not necessarily those of the Editor or MAG
Demented Troll publishing would like it known that no trees were harmed
in producing this publication, only the best quality re-cycled toilet
paper has been used.