This year’s Annual General Conference on 14th April was a sellout event, quite literally! Tickets were being sold to those who wished to attend and experience the after event ‘Dirty Donkey party and every ticket went. There was a 500 limit and everyone enjoyed the superb organisation that marked the whole weekend.
Hats off to Bev, Russell and all the crew from High Wycombe MAG and the MAG members from the wider region of Thames Valley who put on an incredible weekend, with amazing music, and of course Burlesque!
But members were there for the serious business of discussing MAG’s future, the direction of campaigns and membership of the Board of Directors who control MAG UK Limited’s finances.
Such is the enthusiasm of members, not only did the queue to register to vote snake around the yard outside, but the hall was full to capacity and the motion to conference on whether or not proxy voting should be entertained in the future, was hotly debated.
When other organisations are seeing declining membership in this troubled economy, MAG continues to demonstrate its vibrancy, with another 10% increase in membership since February.
The organisation now celebrates a new Chair, Den Powell, someone with a long history in MAG and a local MAG Rep in Gloucester. Den is studying Law at the minute and her past career in local government and huge enthusiasm for MAG will definitely help the organisation in its continued growth. MAG is tremendously grateful to Paul Turner for his work in the position over the last 3 years which saw MAG begin to restructure and grow on the ground into the lobbying force it is today. Thanks Paul for all your time and effort.
The Board of Directors sees new faces join it too and huge welcome must go Pete Walker, Jono Broad, Neil Liversidge and Selina Lavender whose disperate talents will add greatly to securing a long and confident future for the organisation.
The awards ceremony saw honours go to members all over the country, for their persistent local campaigning or dedication to the organisation through fund raising, marshalling events or using whatever particular talents they have. MAG is its volunteers who together are responsible for its continued growth. Huge thanks to all.
Chairman’s Award for outstanding committment – Vanessa Faetz
Simon Milward Lifetime achievement Award – Nick Sanders
The MAG Freedom Award – Aine Gale
Steve Tannock Teamwork Award – East Yorkshire MAG
Richard Tegg Award for his dogged determination to remove Tyne Tunnel Tolls – Paul Mellor
Media Award – Streetfighters Magazine
Certificates of Merit were awarded to:
Jenny Cook - For making 25th Sept day of action possible. Jenny set up
the starting points map and associated Facebook page as an Activist and
ensured all the information was up to date. She still administrates the Facebook page and
ensures that the subscribers to the page (over 8000 fans) are kept bang
up to date.
Mike Mallen - For single handedly ensuring, through work with his local authority, secure motorcycle parking was fitted in
Penarth (South Wales).
Phil Lum - For his dedication in working with the local authority in
Bromsgrove (West Mids) to ensure secure motorcycle parking.
Simon Frampton - For presenting a deputation and petition to Brighton
Council in their council chamber. This led to Brighton
Council to begin a process to trial motorcycles in bus lanes.
Sean and Bear from PADMAG - For the huge amount of work they have done
locally throughout the year, with local authorites and road safety
groups including; promoting Diesel Spills and Get a Grip campaigns as
well as organising RAV events.
Alan Langmaid - For years of work in keeping motorcycling on the agenda
in Totnes (South West), which has directly led to the local council
installing secure motorcycle parking and now trialling non slip
manhole covers.
Jon Strong - For his continuing determination and analytical skills in
his complaint to the European Ombudsman regarding a raft of issues that
are currently on the EU agenda and which potentially could have a
devastating effect on motorcycling as we know it.
John Groves - For working hard with local businesses promoting &
reinvigorating MAG and for setting up the Riders are Voters and MEP
question time events in Devon.
Donations to the fighting fund, at almost £180,000 are already £8,000 up on last year and there are still 4 months to go in this financial year!
Thanks to everyone who helped make the day possible and to every MAG member for their continued support.