The Western Region Action Group
The WRAG Magazine

December 2006

Yuletide Greetings

Well it’s December once again! Where on earth has the year gone?
It’s been a busy year for Western Region MAG, even though it got off to a sad start with the loss of one of its stalwarts, however we all bounced back and had a busy old year.

Hopefully next year will be better.
So what ever you are doing this Christmas, have a good one. The Troll.

Party with a Purpose.

Well, I thought all parties have a purpose, be it meeting old friends, getting drunk or maybe having a boogie (or, more than likely, all three). However, to be able to do that and get kitted out with a pair of over trousers and winning tickets to the Jesters Rally next year is a real bonus.... oh yes, and raise a bit of cash for Krissie into the bargain.

This was a night organised by the Jesters to help Krissie to raise some cash to cover her stem cell treatment and I must say the treatment seemed to be worth it as she talked a lot clearer, looked much better as was able to stand a couple of times to give people a hug. The venue is rather odd, the bar not having the greatest selection of drinks available, and the stage being at right angles to the general flow of things.

The band were good, however, their first set of almost all blues was not to everyone’s liking but after a break they played some numbers that got people stomping, either that or it was the chilli, which was very tasty and very, very hot!!
An enjoyable night that raised £562 for Krissie and the message from her was ‘Say a big thank you to all those that supported’. Bill P

Regional AGM

The Western Region AGM is to be held on the 28th January 2007, at Hewish Village Hall, May’s Road, Hewish, North Somerset. Registration is at 12:30pm and the AGM will start at 1pm sharp.
Please ensure you have your current membership card otherwise you will not be able to vote.
Items for the Agenda should be with Anne Gale no later than the 10th January 2007: [AnneGale@aol.com]

Bristol MAG AGM

Bristol MAG holds their AGM at the Mayors Arms, Clarence Road, Bristol on the 25th January 2007 at 8pm sharp, don’t forget your membership cards.

Mid Wilts MAG

Mid Wilts MAG hold their AGM on the 1st February 2007 at The Kingfisher, Hungerdown Lane, Chippenham, Wilts. To vote bring your membership cards.

Santa’s Toy Run 2006

Will you help Santa this year? Please buy an extra gift this year, and join us on the Saturday 9th December to deliver it personally to the Barnado’s home in Bristol.

Wrap your gift and indicate the age range and sex it is suitable for.
We will have starting points at Bridgwater, Gloucester, Bath, Frome and The Forest of Dean.
Also, we are urgently seeking people to help organise the event this year, if you can spare anytime at all, please contact Paul on 01278 722056 or 07890 025868.

‘Book early for Bikers’

This Christmas, show the motorcyclist in your life you care by buying them a gift that could save their life.
Gloucestershire County Council Road Safety Group have been running the Better Roadcraft course for motor cyclists for 15 years. This year to encourage more people to take the course they are offering gift vouchers for next year’s sessions.
Nigel Murray, Motorcycle Safety Coordinator for the County Council Road Safety Group said, “Around 95% of collisions are the result of driver or rider error and in an average year in Gloucestershire some 300 motorcyclists will be injured or killed. These courses are an introduction to advanced riding and aim to increase awareness of hazard situations, dealing with bends and corners and aspects of overtaking based on the Police system of riding. It is also about confidence whilst riding and can lead to qualifying as a true advanced rider through the Institute of Advanced Motorists or RoSPA.”
The courses, which cost £46, are delivered by a police rider in support of the national Bikesafe scheme.
The Road Safety Group has vouchers (£46) available to purchase and these will allow the recipient to attend a 2007 course. The courses are run over two consecutive Sundays in Gloucester and will be running from April - immediately after the National Bikesafe Show at Cheltenham Racecourse at the end of March.
County Councillor, Stan Waddington, cabinet member for Environment, said: “This voucher system is an excellent idea. It allows family and friends to buy a gift voucher for Christmas and know that the motorcyclist will be enhancing their riding skills leading to a safer and more enjoyable 2007 and beyond.”
Vouchers and further information can be obtained by contacting Steve Lamburn on 01452 425557 or by ‘e’ mail to: roadsafety@gloucestershire.gov.uk. The full cost of the course is £46. Details of training opportunities for motorcyclists are available on the following websites:
www.bikesafe.co.uk
www.gloucestershire.gov.uk
www.iamsam.org.uk
www.glos-roada.org.uk

GWR 2007

Weston & North Somerset MAG will be holding their GWR 2007 Rally over the weekend of September 7th to the 9th 2007.
There will be Live Music, Real Ale and Trophies for Best Bikes and Club Turnouts.
So make a note in your diaries.

December Events

January 2007

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.

The Troll would like to wish all his readers a Very Merry Yuletide and a wonderful New Year.