PRESiDENT’S REPoRT

Tony Gray President’s Report

Well time is certainly flying as we head towards the last quarter of what has been a very busy and challenging year for many around our beautiful State and Country. Riding weather this past month has been brilliant. That may not be so apparent for those in NSW and Victoria frozen into what must seem to be never-ending lockdowns. I have a lot of riding friends down south and their frustration with a bike gathering dust in the shed is palpable. Expect to see a lot of bikes on the road when they finally are able to break free. On that front I heard a recent news report on the frightening road toll in Queensland, especially as it relates to the over representation of motorcyclists. One reason advanced by the Police spokesperson was that some people who are cash rich due to an inability to travel overseas are spending their hard-earned on motorcycles. This alternate means of getting a thrill into their lives is turning them into statistics if they exceed their riding ability. No statistics were provided but you know what they say about statistics – ‘There are three types of lies – lies, damn lies and statistics’. I cannot comment as to the validity of the statement as I have not seen any of the underlying facts. I (along with several other club members) have been involved with a road safety initiative orchestrated by the State Department of Transport and involving senior Police representatives. The Police involved were very committed to road safety and there were some excellent ideas kicked around. I hope that some of those ideas get transformed into reality before many more lives are lost and Police are forced to take the blunt instrument approach to curbing the road toll. We can all play our part by riding responsibly. The club has had another very busy month with some excellent events that have been well attended. We have had new members being warmly welcomed by the longer established members with plenty of good advice given to those seeking assistance. This is especially on display at the recent service day at Rob Wynne’s home where assistance is freely given and knowledge passed on to those eager to listen. Excellent stuff and great for building club spirit. One event that is always well attended and a highlight on the calendar is the Christmas Party. As mentioned in a post on Facebook and on the club website we have taken the very hard decision to cancel the function that was booked at the Evans Head RSL. Covid border closures may have lifted by December but that would be a high risk gamble that your committee was not willing to take. An alternate function closer to home is being planned for Saturday 4 December so please keep that date free in your calendar. Details will be advised once arrangements have been put in place. Delving into club history, I was recently acquainted with an interesting book into the life and times of Club founder, Hugh Yorston. Hugh was President for the first 5 years of our club’s existence from 1958. He led a very active and colourful life taking him from his native Orkney Islands off the coast of Scotland to Brisbane via stints as a fighter pilot in the RAF in WW2 and a commercial pilot for TAA post war. Club Life Members Gary Bennett and Tony Malone both drew my attention to the book’s existence. A copy is currently being obtained to be added to the club library where it will join ‘The Golden Ride’, the official record of the BMWMCQ from 1958 to 2008 edited by club member Chris Robertson. Speaking of Club History, I came across this picture of a ‘gaggle’ of Club Presidents taken at the Club’s 60th Diamond Jubilee Dinner in 2018 all dressed up in their finery. Stay safe and enjoy the ride.

Tony