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MAG Scotland AGM Pitlochry 29 October 2006

This article is not intended to be a full account of the proceedings, but a general report covering the main topics of discussion as seen from one members viewpoint.

Disappointingly, the meeting was attended by only a small number of MAG Scotland members (approx 12). The venue had to be changed at very short notice due to no fault of the organizers and this may have had some bearing on the low turnout. However, as with many special interest groups the bulk of the “donkey work” seems to fall on the same small number of dedicated people year in, year out. It remains to be seen what can be done to remedy the situation although the introduction of a “Clubs Forum” the day before followed by a social event in the evening was discussed as a means of attracting more of the membership to the AGM.

Archi Hipkins was in attendance from MAG Central in his capacity as National Committee Observer and he gave a short presentation on the activites of MAG over the past 12 months.

One of the initiatives which MAG has helped launch has been the introduction of mini-moto facilities in several English counties, most notably Norfolk. In an effort to curb the illegal road-use of these bikes and to educate youngsters in their safe use, MAG has worked alongside local government to develop and run a number of these facilities (at a lower cost than that of comparable sized skate parks).

Archi also revealed that MAG membership has now exceeded the +10K member mark and that membership increased in Scotland last year by around 3%, a small but welcome increase that can hopefully be sustained in future years.

Readers of The Road (MAG’s magazine) will be familiar with the writing of David Short, who is an ex Chief Constable. He has now been employed by MAG as Campaigns Manager. We wish him every success in his new role.

Finally Archi told the meeting that the proposed EC directive requiring the use of daylight running lights has stalled for the foreseeable future. Apparently the Eurocrats have been unable to reach a consensus on what “daylight running lights” actually mean, democracy in inaction!!!

On a regional note, MAG Scotland rep, Steve Wykes, revealed that this years Glasgow Egg Run had raised a total of £26K for Yorkhill Hospital. A fantastic response from all those who took part.

MAG Scotland has now purchased an awning for use at events (unofficially known as the party tent) in an effort to raise their profile and lend a degree of flexibility to the type of events they attend. The “tent” will be made available for local MAG group use.

MAG Scotland will be present at the Scottish Motorcycle Show in March next year. Edinburgh & Glasgow MAG have been the stalwart crews for this event over many years and it is Aberdeenshire MAG’s intention to help man the pumps this time. Anyone interested in helping out should contact any member of the Committee, or Steve Wykes (MAG Scotland rep) directly.

Aberdeenshire MAG were singled out for praise in the growth of the group’s profile and activities over the past 12 months, which Edinburgh MAG hope to emulate in the near future. Our “Think For a Minute” Campaign and demo run have been well recieived and although they will be tricky to implement, they should not be impossible, given support and encouragement from our membership. Well done lads and lassies, a big thank you from the committee for all your hard work, patience and understanding over what has been a period of change within the group. Steve W decided to take a leaf out of our book and will be copy-catting our taking the meetings to the ‘shire, rather than being static in Aberdeen city, and our approach to local issues.

There is a proposal to found a MAG group in the Moray area, this is a positive step and one which Aberdeenshire MAG should, in the writer’s opinion, give the necessary support to. Geographically we cover a large area and a new group in Moray might also reach potential members in Inverness.

I for one will be trying to attend next years AGM and hope that many more members try to attend, after all this is a chance to air your views to members of both Regional and National Committees.

Until then,

Ride Safe.

Ewan Christie