Black Country MAG

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since 04.04.2000

Annual General Meeting 2009

If you know of any member that will need a hard copy of these Minutes (e.g. without access to a computer), please ask them to send a stamped addressed envelope (with the words 'BCMAG AGM Minutes' on the top left corner) to the following address : 5 Cramnore Close, Tipton, West Midlands, DY4 0TR.

Park Inn, Woodsetton.

Meeting began at 1200hrs.

Minutes prepared by Wendy Jones

Attending

Eddie Lowe (61966), Nigel Carter (65965), Pauline Foster (65965) Wendy & John Jones (120577), Trevor Johns (120041),

G Whitehouse (61958), Phillip Poyner (81246), D. Silburn (122133), Vic Hawkes (113807), Debbie Gardner (C1277).

Apologies:

I.G. Saunders (125241), R. Ayres

Appointment of Meeting Chair:

Nigel Carter (65965) proposed Eddie Lowe (Regional Rep 61966) as chair for the meeting.

Agreed nem con

Minutes of Last Meeting:

No matters arising. Accepted nem con

Election of Black Country Rep:

Nigel Carter(65965) was proposed to remain in the post by D.Silburn (122133) Voted in unanimous.

Election of Officers:

Deputy Rep/Secretary: Pauline Foster (65965), proposed by Vic Hawkes (113807) Voted in unanimous.

Treasurer: Simon Greene (92656), proposed by Nigel Carter (65965) Voted in unanimous.

Political Officer: Vacant, again there were no volunteers for post.

Liaison Officer: Phillip Poyner (81246), proposed by Nigel Carter (65965) Voted in unanimous.

Website Manager: Wendy Jones (120577), proposed by Pauline Foster (65965) Voted in unanimous.

Officers' Reports:

Rep's Report;

2008 was a quiet year compared to previous years, but a strong group of regulars attending Monday meetings and West Midlands Region events. A few new faces, now become good friends. No rally as new venue not sourced in time, but see Officer's Reports.

Black Country MAG has been active in all the events hosted by the West Midlands Regional Group and many of MAG's national campaigns and events.

The " Brum Demo " this year was again made a national event and we went into Birmingham. It was a great success, very well supported by MAG nationally . The demo was incorporated into the Heart of England Rally, another good event enjoyed by all.

Many members have frequently been seen out on their bikes, especially on Sundays - a great way of maintaining the group's numbers and its visibility .

Getting Involved :

Throughout the year, attendance at West Midlands regional meetings has varied. We need your support, and please encourage friends and associates to become more involved. It may seem that there is very little in the way of campaigning taking place, or maybe even that little needs to be done right now . There is, however, still a lot going on. MAG is a victim of its own success in this respect. Campaigning is taking place in the background before things hit the headlines, and this has reduced the need for some of the high profile campaigning that we used to see . This is a result of all the good work that is being done by MAG nationally and is unseen by most of us. All of this work and lobbying deserves our ongoing support - in particular, financial support, which is a key resource for continued success in the future.

Regional meetings are scheduled for the first Thursday of every month at the 'Bewell Head Social Club', Bromsgrove from 8pm. It might be wise to check with Eddie Lowe that the meeting has not been postponed for any reason, before setting out.

There is a lot of work to do but if more people do a little each then the burden will be lessened on those already working hard.We can party and have fun, whilst doing good work .

A final note - I want to encourage all of us to actively " ride out " together or "meet-up" more often , enjoying our bike riding and maybe gaining more members along the way.

Nigel Carter

Officers' Reports:

Accounts

No accounts for calendar year 2008 were distributed; because there had been no rally or other fundraising activity, the account details had not altered. As a result, the group had not been able to make a financial contribution to West Midlands Region.

Webmaster

The webmaster reported that last year very few contributions had been received from members - photographs of events from one or two, but no written reports. This makes it difficult to produce a meaningful post for the website, especially if the webmaster did not attend the event!

A request again made for more contributions - it makes for a more interesting site.

The Rep pointed out that the webmaster did not have a record of current members, and has been unable to keep the 'members' bikes' page accurate and up to date. Eddie confirmed that he would try and arrange for the group to have a current list; some contributors would then be moved to a new 'friends of BCMAG' page.

Events

Fred Hill Run - The 2009 Run was cancelled because of severe weather warnings. It has not been possible to reschedule a date for this year because the Museum is fully committed. The date has already been booked for next year: 7th February, 2010.

Easter Egg Run - Saturday, 18th April 2009 to Acorns Hospice, Worcester.(Supported by Suzuki Owners' Club). Leaving 'Park Inn' Woodsetton at 11 am, and Bewell Head at 12 noon. Please support this if you can. Easter Eggs, fruit, stuffed toys or anything like that would be appreciated.

MAG AGC - This year's event is being hosted by Northumberland.

Heart of England - 3rd to 5th July 2009. Arrangements are well in hand, as reported in the Regional Minutes, but Traders are needed, and volunteers to help marshal the weekend. The 'curry van' will be the sole food trader.

Brum Demo - Saturday 4th July 2009.This was well supported by the group last year and hopefully this year will be equally as successful. Arrangements have been made for secure parking at Nelson School, if required.

Black Country MAG Rally - This has been arranged for the weekend 5th to 7th June. A new venue - The 'Duke William', at Callow Hill. Price held at £5 pre-book, contact Nigel/Pauline (see website for further details). Eddie confirmed that the Region can help with the loan of lights, fire extinguishers, urn, 2 marquee style structures, and also 2 generators (if needed).

Vic Hawkes offered the use of a 10'x10' gazebo, and Bod agreed to loan the group his electrical boards, lighting and sockets.

The quote for the supply of portaloos was circulated and accepted; the group will book 2 standard Units and 1 Easy Access Unit from Andy loos. The meeting expressed its thanks for the help given by Rob Ayres in sourcing the portaloos.

The artwork received from MBC Badges, for a rally badge, was circulated; this is to be a 2" embroidered sew on badge, and the group decided to order the example which gives the title of the rally (Back from the Dead Again) in full, around the emblem. It was agreed that an order be placed for 100 badges initially; more can be ordered later if they are needed for an Autumn Rally as well. This year's background is to be kept at white.

Phil has already begun approaching firms for raffle prizes. So far, Streetbike have provided a total of £50 worth of vouchers - thanks to them - but several others have asked Phil to contact them again at the beginning of May (does this have anything to do with audits and tax years?). He will be following them up. At the Meeting Dave Silburn pledged 2 tickets to his '2nd Hop and Barley Rally' as another prize. They will be well worth winning - thanks, Dave.

Group Patch

It has been agreed that this should be a yellow triangle. It has been suggested that the 'factory roofs' logo be used, but without the smoke. The Secretary and Webmaster will invite artwork from MBC Badges (who will be producing the 'Back from the Dead' rally badges). This can then be circulated to members and comments invited.

Any Other Business:

Dave Silburn (122133) will be organising the '2nd Hop and Barley Rally' at the end of August. This will be a NABD fundraiser. Fliers are at present being distributed. Last year's event was a great success - we can recommend it!

Vic Hawkes has organised a local meeting for NABD members and friends of NABD - the first Tuesday of every month, at the Barge and Barrel (Ace of Clubs), Tipton. Vic will be there from 7.30 pm on. There will not be a meeting in May because of the NABD National Rally.

Black Country MAG group will be organising a Sunday Breakfast Run to the 'Duke William' (the new rally venue). This will be held before the rally date in June, so a chance to familiarise yourself with the route. Details, when available, will be posted on the website, the forum, and at Group meetings. Look out for them!!!

Next AGM:

The provisional date, Monday 15th February 2010.

Thanks were given to all those who attended and the meeting was closed at 1.15pm. There was a short break, followed by the West Midlands MAG AGM. Minutes for this will be posted on the West Midlands website.

Postscript:

I have since received an e-mail from the Scooter Section, containing the Minutes of their AGM (held Saturday 21st February 2009), and am posting them below as received :

Ring-ring-ring Mr carter it's phil, are we having a A.G.M today ? As i am in the car park, and no one else is here ?? HA HA HA it's in march ? Well that's the practice run done ! Luv phil