Yorkshire Regional Meeting - 17/12/06
Attendees : Sheila McMahon Regional Rep
Justine Travis Secretary
Stephen Travis Wakefield Rep
Dave Gregory Clubs Officer
Chrissie Woods Sheffield Rep
Garry Timms Regional Finance Officer
Ali Preston Huddersfield Rep
Ian Mumford Huddersfield
Wayne Rooney East Yorks Rep
Eddie Johnson Media Officer
Dave Nash Leeds Rep
Martin Young Scarborough Rep
Angel Young Scarborough
Apologies: Neil Liversedge Political Officer
Meeting opened at 13:00
1) Open meeting. Welcome and Apologies
See above.
2. Regional Reps Report
Overview provided along with regional rep report to NC.
a) Yorkshire Membership
Yorkshire has 1400 members and is 14.5% of the national membership. North West is next closest at 8.8%. Details provided of membership numbers of each area.
b) We'll Travel Together for Peace
Forum attended in Leeds with David Short, it was just for Leeds and to bring communities together. Tim Draper Road Safety for Leeds City Council was contacted and has a possible sponsor of the driving school booklet, EBike are also a possible sponsor. The booklet is to be used as an example of the new Campaigns Strategy, so will have David Short’s support.
c) Yorkshire Motions
Yorkshire AGM motions were taken to NC and both were rejected. Sheila has the NC response which shows a full debate and a rationale for why rejected, to be sent to reps for discussion with groups as they will be put to AGC again by members.
Inserted National Committee response.
The NC considered the motions passed at the Yorkshire AGM in some detail. These motions required the MCIA to recognise MAG and the European Manufacturers to recognise FEMA as legitimate representatives of riders in the UK and Europe respectively. An analysis of the rational for the motions, their relevance and the likely outcome should they be enacted was considered.
Within the UK the motion called for the MCIA to recognise MAG (and the BMF should it so desire) and agree to inform MAG of any issues or policies which could reasonably be considered to effect riders rights or freedoms. While there was some sympathy for the sentiments expressed, considerable doubt over the likelihood of acceptance or compliance with an such understanding was voiced. The analogy of Trades Union recognition by employers was discussed and it was acknowledged that while such recognition had smoothed industrial relations when it suited employers, such recognition had often been proved worthless or been dismissed out of hand, when it suited companies.
The probability that the industry would treat any agreement reached with MAG in a similar manner was considered highly likely, while this would serve to reinforce distrust and the perception of the perfidious nature of the industries representatives, such behaviour would not strengthen our hand or ability to argue our case. Or for that matter assist in our ability to work together when we share common ground.
Indeed in some ways seeking recognition from the industry, without the means of enforcing compliance was seen as a negative stance implying a junior status or subservience in MAG's relationship with the industry. It was felt that such implications on MAG's status could actually be counter productive and marginalise our representation on many national bodies, where MAG is rightly recognised by Government as providing legitimate representation of the rider’s viewpoint. The best and most reliable way of getting the recognition and respect we deserve is not through agreement or pacts with the industry, but by extending our influence and clout through increased membership and more affiliated clubs. Nor would such an agreement however lightly complied with by the industry absolve MAG of the obligation to flag up issues or positions, which we as riders feel strongly about, but which may be contrary to the interests of the industry.
It was recognised that MAG, the MCIA and the BMF co-operate and work with each other on many issues that affect motorcycling in the UK, but from time to time issues will arise where our stance and that of our members will differ from that taken by the MCIA or BMF. Binding agreements between MAG and the MCIA could also serve to weaken our democratic accountability to our members.
In light of the discussion the NC voted 9 to 0 with 1 abstention to reject the motion that the NC call on the MCIA to recognise MAG.
Similar arguments were also considered with regards to ACEM's recognition of FEMA within Europe. But in addition the lack of strength and commitment among some of FEMA's National Organisations as well as the difficulty of obtaining robust agreement among the membership was seen as a major hurdle to advancing FEMA's status and independence as a result of any such agreement. Given recent history within FEMA there was also a feeling that FEMA had had strong enough links with ACEM to the detriment of European Riders rights.
The NC also considered that the relationships with external agencies defined in the FEMA Mission and Policy Statement, recently agreed, sufficed to detail how FEMA should interact with and maintain its independence.
In light of the discussion the NC voted 9 to 0 with 1 abstention to reject the motion that the NC call on the ACEM to recognise FEMA.
The statement on the FEMA website, which was partly drafted by MAG UK representatives at FEMA, regarding their Mission and Policy Statement was however; seen as beneficial in delineating FEMA's position with regards External Agencies. Ian Cook proposed that a similar statement should be included in any position statement drawn up by MAG UK to make the basis our relationships with other bodies in the UK unambiguous. This was agreed unanimously.
3. Vice Rep Reports
Groups - good membership but many groups have folded this year and only Scarborough is new. Concentrating on folded groups as it is the greatest need, action plan is to cover :-
Bradford will be assisted by Sheila as a relaunch at Ring O'Bells in Shipley, DG explained the location as being on major routes and with good parking and a separate room. DG has met a new club in Shipley which is another option. DN queried whether it had been discussed splitting it into Bradford and District as Keighley was an option for a separate branch as in the past they have been strong groups. DG said that when Bradford was active they got members from Keighley attending and he has some ideas on how to handle Keighley area.
Halifax has a new rep and venue and a buddy system to be put in place to support them. Anne Boyce has volunteered and is really keen, she is ex-Navy and will be a great asset.
Barnsley & Dearne Valley to have Steve relaunch and Wakefield to buddy them. C offered assistance as Sheffield is also bordering and has discussed already moving to South Yorkshire as a branch.
York will still meet but monthly and shared between Sheila and Steve. Only 3 have been attending and only 12 attended the AGM despite a mail out to over 90 members. MY is moving between Scarborough and York so there is a possibility to combine and MY offered help.
North Yorks as a possible virtual group, there will be set times to open forum and there will be a facilitator online. It is hoped this will encourage someone to meet in a pub.
Working groups need to be encouraged to work together and grow if they can e.g. Sheffield expand to cover Rotherham. C said she covers Derbyshire and it has no groups or regional rep, how does she get their details. They are on the database so can be contacted.
DN pointed out that new groups can mean a drop off in existing groups as members will attend the closest.
Relaunch package being prepared and other groups will be welcome.
Calendar - to promote branch cooperation, combine all events into one calendar so branches can support and attend each others events.
Region events - Already have Fred Hill Run (11 Feb) and Leeds Demo. Yorkshire Landmark Regional Run proposed and rules and standards of Bronze to Gold explained.
Branches set off separately and navigate, they will elect the landmarks for their area that people have to find, and they will get stamps at each place and get a t-shirt on completion. Groups to start to find landmarks and aiming for August/September. Need a couple of marshals at each location, directions to landmark from an A road and out again. Entry fee. Prize to be posted or suggested to present at an event e.g. Tsunami Soiree. WR said a downside was you would not meet the other groups. C suggested having a central point to meet at lunch of the circular route, SM has worked out that Squires is the midpoint and could then take DG's suggestion and have a night do at Squires. DN proposed showing the landmarks only and not a route, if pictures of the landmark Dave could get cards printed with the landmark on and contestants collect as they go round and hand in when completing their form on finishing. The final strategy will be ready by April/May 2007 time. (SM)
4. Committees Views
Political Officer - plan sent out by NFL but not present due to imminent addition to Liversedge household. SM covered that David Short has a Campaigns Strategy that needs to be incorporated.
Secretary - minutes input to be sent in to nat.fin.ofr@btinternet.com
Treasurer/Finance - Donations to be made to region rather than direct to central, help offered with any accounts. No standard accounting system but use whatever works best for the size of the groups. What works well for fund raising in each group and need some idea for passing on best practice. DN commented that all money has to come through region. SM explained some groups have a small SO into the account. Proposed AGC donation but tends to be filtered in as region goes over allowed amount. DN said SO is a good idea as shows bank there is activity and as the balance lowers spurs fund raising, and could we have a regular item of the region finance status. IM said that the idea was that regions were not starved of money and AGC could have a dummy cheque for the funds raised over the year. An attendance list can be kept so you can see who has contributed at local level. SM suggested looking at next meeting on 25 February with early start how much to donate, GT says we have approx £1900 so could donate £900. DN queried whether we now need to hold £1000 as do we run any events, what do we spend each year. SM said we have various campaigns which need a little funding.
Media Officer - Requested any new email addresses. Could all branches prepare advertising pdf files for download so he can send them on to promote events. Not much TV coverage and get some photos of events which help advertising and showing shops etc who support what happened.
Clubs Liaison Officer - 250 clubs in the region and 200 may have an interest. Attended Sewer Rats rally and have offered a stand at their next event. Pie Rats have offered a stand 27 August at their event. DN requested that DG inform local reps if he is talking to groups in their areas, DG said he would invite the local rep to provide the local info. DN said that once a club is affiliated and this is not being chased and needs to be fed back to central that they need to tell the regional reps who has renewed. JT covered that there will be an Honorary Club Affiliation for clubs with close to 100% MAG membership; this needs to be verified by local, regional reps and Clubs Officer. SM has provided the FYP Clubs Village and there was some discussion about item 1 on the advert offering block booking for MAG events which cannot be offered as specific to each area running. AP raised that he has been talking to a club (Thumper Club) who are affiliated to BMF and they are very unhappy and there are various clubs in the same position who are considering jumping to MAG and they need to be scooped up. DG to liaise with Fergus.
5. Local Group Views (general discussion)
Sheffield - C shared experiences, getting new members in from Bikers forum by sharing the political info. Sheffield Motorcycle Centre is helping and Vanessa wants to do an open day with a possible one nighter. Average age is about 25 for Sheffield. Fund raising is mainly rallies and to increase it will burn out the region. Political feedback was can it be in layman’s terms. Socialising is difficult as they are more out on a limb and want to look locally first. SM queried whether it was worthwhile contacting CBT students; C said giving the information could encourage scooter riders to move onto bikes rather than cars. DN is trying to setup an Open Day with Hein Gericke.
Leeds said each group does a weekly raffle or fund raiser which generates a steady income which is good for mail outs.
Huddersfield University Group was formed and Huddersfield MAG managed to get in touch with them and relationship is working well.
Wakefield sends out renewal reminders and welcome letters as membership changes. ST to send out examples via email. SM needs to send out updates to membership to local reps monthly.
Huddersfield has a weekly bonus ball, recent mail out has increased weekly attendance.
Scarborough still has a good turnout of 20-15. Probably go for monthly standing order. Friday’s event went well and was sold out and raised £300. Bike awareness day still being organised with council
East Yorks venue is closing as lease is being sold and unknown if it will reopen. Events planned for 2007 have been moved to rugby club behind the pub. Party on Saturday.
6. AGMs 2007
Local - to be held as planned and not aligned to regional AGM
Regional - where to hold it in 2007, early November
7. Driving Schools Booklet
Sponsorship options open ad being discussed with 2 separate organisations. Financial assistance of up to £40 can be offered to each group from regional funds.
8. Speed Cameras - consultation request
Being asked to consider and feedback by SM into an interim policy. Something to consider in the quiet months. IM raised it is not making any distinction between different types of cameras e.g. Gatso, fixed and mile measurement and he will send onto Sheila.
9. AOB
Claire Shaw is now managing the website as J-P has stepped down but many thanks for his hard work.
The Road can now be distributed to dealers and as a membership tool but be minimal. WR raised that they wanted to put them in doctors surgeries but use the old ones.
Valentines Party at Leeds on 9 February, 11 February Fred Hill Run leaving from Squires at 11:30. Leeds Demo run 10/17 May 2007 - has been going over 10 years with a bike show after, this was a great deal of work so in 2007 will be no bike show after and only a small party afterwards. Demo run wants a big turnout and are discussing marshalling with a local HOG group, their marshals have had training. DN has been approached by 2 art facilitators who promote 'art in the city' and they want to tie into the demo with ideas like a camera on a marshals bike and possibly live feed it onto a building in Leeds.
Leeds Voice is now an independent magazine and explanation is in the editorial.
Dave Nash said thanks to Sheila for getting up and running so fast.
Next meeting - 11:30am 25 February 2007 Black Swan, York
Meeting closed 15:45