NW
Region Report Feb-March 2006
Sunday 12th
Feb.
The 2nd North West Fred Hill Run. Well attended
again, considering the weather conditions, and well organised by Red Rose MAG.
Report submitted to the “Road”
Local reps meeting at the Martin Inn, Scarisbrick. Main
topics were the up and coming events across the NW, which will require many
volunteers to successfully run the MAG stalls planned across the
region this season. Minutes on NW website www.north-west-region.mag-uk.org
Saturday 4th
March.
Launch of “RideSafe BackSafe” website (Lancashire’s version
of Bikesafe) combined with the opening of the new showrooms of Wyder Honda,
Monday 13th
March.
Attended the event organisation meeting of the
“Thundersprint 2006.”
Members of NW MAG have
kindly volunteered again, to help with marshalling the event, and distributing
loads of leaflets, in exchange for free stall space (saving £300!!) over the
weekend of 6-7th May. Event details can be found at www.thundersprint.co.uk
Thursday 14th
March
Attended the RideSafe Forum Meeting at Lancashire Police
HQ, Hutton. Main topic on the Agenda is the planned launch of the RSBS scheme
on Easter Sunday in Morecambe, 16th April. MAG has been asked to put
a stall on at the event, for which I am still trying to get more volunteers.
Event is planned to take place along the Promenade, in front of the Midland
Hotel if weather permits, or inside the Winter Gardens if rain threatens to
spoil the day.
Wednesday 22nd
March
Attended a presentation put on by the ImechE,
on the world’s first commercially available fuel cell motorbike, planned for
launch during 2007. Very interesting and exciting technology, but the
practicality of it, I think, is questionable, and the benefits seem minimal. Full
report to follow for the “Road” when time allows.
Wednesday/Thursday
29th-30th March
Took part in a pilot scheme of R.I.D.E. (Riders Improving
and Developing their Experience). This is a scheme that has been developed by
Lancashire County Council that will be offered to riders facing conviction for
careless riding, which presently can carry a penalty of 6 points and up to
£1000 fine.
Found the course to
be an excellent mix between classroom theory, and practical assessment, but
just a shame, that when it goes live in May 2006, it will only be available to
offenders. At least six other regional organisations are
considering adopting the scheme, and a number of representatives were in
attendance, including senior officials from various Police authorities. Full
report to follow for the “Road” when time allows.
Other issues
Apart from the above, I have been contacting members over
on the Isle of Mann looking for help and support to run a stall during TT 2006,
and getting the necessary documentation in place required for the residential
traders license. I am also looking at the possibility of getting the MAG Sport
banners out again along the TT course. Have had a mixed reaction from
the IOM members, but in general, I have been getting a very positive
response, and feel that there could be enough enthusiasm to get Manx MAG back
up and running.
Also, I have been heavily involved in organisation of the
Blackpool MAG “Fun & Frolics on the Fylde” Rally, 23-25th June
2006, which promises to be the best ever this year, so get your tickets early
!! (Don’t mention the Lap-dancers!)
Cheers,
Tony NW Rep.