NW Report February-March 2011

11^th February Board meeting-MAG Central

I attended the Board meeting at Mag Central .Minutes available at http://www.mag-uk.org.

12th February NC Meeting-MAG Central

I attended the NC meeting at MAG Central. Minutes of meeting will be available on MAG UK web-site. http://www.mag-uk.org

22^nd January RideSafe BackSafe Poachers Inn, Bamber Bridge.

I attended this re-arranged meeting. I have been asked to sign a partnership agreement on behalf of MAG which was circulated to the NC, with no major issues being raised.

Funding still seems to be the main issue at the moment. Out of the four main funding partners of Lancashire, Merseyside, Greater Manchester & Cumbria, only Greater Manchester have said that they will have money available this financial year, with the other partners still fighting to obtain the cash from there respective budgets.

Steve Edwards of “KillSpills” announced via the forum that KillSpills is no more as he cannot continue with the initiative due to personal circumstances, but he will continue to be active within the RSBS group.

Other matters discussed included the IAM rider assessment days, the first two of these are fully booked. Planning a charity ride-out from Blackpool FC in aid of the Lancashire Air Ambulance, MAG may be helping with the road marshalling. Leaflets are being planned to be distributed via driving schools and test centres raising the awareness of PTW vulnerability. Dealer engagement strategy is going well in Cumbria with six being signed up so far. “Geared & Go” is being advertised on local radio and other media, including bus posters.

16^th February, 2^nd & 16^th March Blackpool MAG Meetings, Uncle Tom’s Cabin

. These local meetings are now concentrating on Rally issues. It is planned to appeal for Marshalls in Network and have a downloadable form off the web-site. Marshalls who work 8hrs+ will get a free rally and may even qualify for a free T-shirt, details soon to be on www.north-west-region.mag-uk.org.

Other news from around the region

Manchester MAG is still able to meet at the Station Pub until they can find an alternative venue as the pub is no longer open for business.

The Red Rose MAG web-site is having a few teething problems and I have volunteered to help out when I get chance. I am still busy getting information onto the NW web-site (including this report) and would appreciate any feedback?

I have heard reports that a certain MC would like to set up a “Coalition” in Lancashire as a number of bike clubs in the region have been approached. As far as I am aware, none of the MAG local groups have been approached yet. I am led to believe the idea is to have something similar to the one operating in Cumbria. Difficult to comment on this until I have more information and what is the proposed structure of said coalition.

See you all at the weekend,

Tony Cox

NW Regional Rep.