Hustler 230

Hustler H230

May-June-July

EGM Report Events AGM Nomination Form

www.suzukiownersclub.co.uk

Cover Photo supplied by Alan Hancock Guy Martin at Ginger Hall Isle of Man TT 2012 Not eligible for years free membership Copyright Alan Hancock

Suzuki Owners Club Suite 240 Divo House 29 Belmont Road Uxbridge UB8 1QS

Editor’s Report Well that's it my first Hustler all done and sent off to the printers.

It wouldn't be possible without input from you the member who is out there on their bike meeting other members and visiting places, racking up miles spreading the word about our club and encouraging others to join us. Ok big plug coming up, I need you to tell me where you have been and what you have done. Just a few words and a couple of pictures, send them to me as word type documents eg. .doc .txt and pictures as .jpg. as these are the best formats for me to work with don't forget that photograph may win you a years free membership.

Thank you to all that have helped me in assembling what you hold in your hand and giving me the chance to carry the Hustler baton for a while, it is a little different but its all your work not mine. This issue is 56 pages in length which pushes the weight into the next postal bracket, so to keep the costs the same we have used slightly thinner paper which means more Hustler for everybody.

See you all soon Ed Alan H Editorsoc@rocketmail.com

Last submission dates are Issue 231 24th June Issue 232 23rd September

Neither the Suzuki Owners Club nor its National Committee are necessarily in agreement with the opinions, views or suggestions expressed in this magazine. Any such opinions, views or suggestions are entirely the authors and publishing them does not imply the endorsement of the Suzuki Owners Club copyright Suzuki Owners Club 2007. all rights are reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, transmitted in any form without permission of the Suzuki Owners Club.

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From The Chair All Members, Why the EGM. th The previous NC dissolved itself on 12 January 2013 due to the mis-management in dealing with a thread posted on the website forum.

I wish to apologise to our non website members that what happened on the forum effected the club causing the EGM. I want to thank all members, that attended the EGM at Long Bennington, Newark rd on February 23 2013. (some members travelled very long distances to be there).

The club now needs a long period of stability so any further EGM's or any votes of no confidence will just serve to undo any good work that is now trying to be done.

The club now has a motivated, dedicated NC team in place that has been elected by members at the EGM. Each NC member knows his/her role that they have been elected into & have autonomy to carry out their duties.

Why be Chairman?

I have for the last 18 months carried out the role of Events secretary and really enjoyed it.

I decided to put myself forward to be club chairman because I felt the club's direction needed a change.

The club as a whole has been steadily losing money, since accounts produced at the last AGM. Initial cost cutting reduced the Hustlers from 6 to 4 per year. Member numbers have steadily been declining.

The targets are to save the club money where possible, stop membership decline, grow the membership, unite the club, and restore club credibility. I can, and will be able to put the time into the club that is required to do this.

How is it going to be done?

I am a realist. It is not going to happen overnight but, I, along with the new NC team will be looking into the club as a whole for savings & how best to attract new members. Savings are already being made as outlined below.

New Website & Forum.

The club now has a new dynamic website & forum for all members that want to use it.

From what the club were previously paying, the new site operating costs will be 25% for year one. (figure inc purchase of the site). Year two onwards will be just 7% of what the SOC paid before.

I was constantly hearing that with the old site, members could not fully utilise & integrate with it. e.g. uploading pictures, posting rideout write ups etc. The new web site is designed so members can do all that and more. We now have a site where every full member can integrate with it.

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From The Chair The website has a new web host manager who has no interest of being the webmaster. The web team, not one person, will have responsibility & will fully maintain the site. Yes, there have been teething problems but nothing that cannot or has not already been sorted.We are now attracting new members and even international ones again, in America & Australia.

I am aware that a lot of members do not participate with the website & forum, that is a personal choice but you are full members of the club. You look forward to your Hustler to read & other benefits associated with the club. I fully accept that.

I know for a lot of members, its about just riding your bikes & it is, but, the club can & does have a social side through the website & forum. Everyone has to accept that as well.

Shows.

With the clubs operating revenue falling sharply over the past year, the NC have decided to rethink which shows the club stand will be at. This is also to specifically target our potential new members. Further info in shows south report. th The clubs 40 anniversary is to be heavily promoted & then celebrated as it should be with all members, old and new. The venue is centrally located to hopefully make accessible to all.

A fair few of you I have met, a lot I have not. I would have met more members before now but reasons were out of my control and that will change this year. th I am attending the 40 anniversary and rallies by the North East & London centres this year. I plan to be back out on bike transport at events. If your attending, I will see you all there.

I can be contacted by e-mail on socchairman@rocketmail.com or through the new PO Box. Safe biking Anthony Averns Chairman

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Local Centre’s North East (EG. Durham, Northumberland) Sec: George Frater/Kevin Close socnortheast@rocketmail.com www.northeast.suzukiownersclub.co.uk st Centre meet: 1 Sunday from 7:30pm The Heather Lad Quarrington Hill

Cumbria Sec: Ron Crawford soccumbria@rocketmail.com st Centre meet: 1 Sunday of the month, 12.00 1 Yeathouse Road Frizington CA26 3PX

South Coast Sec: Laura Dyer socsouthcoast@rocketmail.com Centre meet: Loomies Cafe A272 (West Meon Hut) Hampshire GU32 1JX First Sunday of every month Meeting time - 10-12

Yorkshire Sec: Dave Hebblethwaite socyorkshire@rocketmail.com Centre meet: 2nd Wednesday of every month from 8.30pm New Inn 419 Denby Dale Road East Durkar Wakefield West Yorkshire WF4 3AX

Peaks, Pennine & Northwest Sec: Martin Bennett socppnw@rocketmail.com

East Midlands (Nott’s, Derby, Leic’s, Rutland) Sec: Alby White soceastmidlands@rocketmail.com th Centre meet: 4 Thursday of the month The Crown Croft Crescent Nottingham NG16 2 QY

Staffordshire Sec: Steve Baker socstafford@rocketmail.com www.socstaffs.co.uk st Centre meet: 1 Wednesday of the month from 8pm The Barley Mow 28 Main Road Milford Stafford Staffordshire

Eastern (Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex) Sec: Philip Jackman eastern@suzukiownersclub.co.uk Centre meet: 2nd Sunday of the month at approx 10am at the 8 Ball Café, North Bound A12 between Witham North and Kelveldon South junctions

Central Shires (Leic’s, Derby, Nott’s, Rutland) Sec: Mick Squires soccentralshires@rocketmail.com Centre meet: 1st Wednesday of the month from 8.00pm.

The Red lion High Street Kegworth DE74 2DA

London Sec: John Carr soclondon@rocketmail.com Centre Meet: 2nd Sunday of every month at 11.30 The Botwell Inn 25-29 Coldharbour Lane Hayes Middlesex UB3 3EB

Czech Republic Mr. Ivo Lauer, Havlíčkova 505 679 32 SVITÁVKA, Česká Republika E-mail gsivo@seznam.cz www.suzukiownersclub.cz

Kent Sec : Graeme Bartlett sockent@rocketmail.com Centre meet: 2nd Sunday of the month at 10am The Blue & White Cafe Hythe Road (A20) Smeeth

Western Scotland Sec: Joyce Stewart Socwscotland@rocketmail.com

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Sue’s Space National Secretary Report.

Hello and welcome to my first National Secretary report! I would like to start off by introducing myself, my name is Sue Carr and, along with my Husband John, have been members of the SOC since January 2006. During this time we have experienced some wonderful events, camping weekends and trips abroad, especially our regular Easter Weekend in Belgium! We have been fortunate to meet club members at various events and have made many friends through the club. The social element of the club is a big plus for us, getting out and meeting fellow bikers and having a little fun makes all the boring stuff worthwhile!

A little about me. My background is working for the NHS and Local Authority.

I was medically retired from the Local Authority in 2009 due to a disability which means I can no longer ride but I am a very privileged pillion! My work involved managing projects and sections within the IT department, a job I loved and have continued on a project/contractor basis to do from home which gives me lots of free time to enjoy the finer things in life, primarily now playing a more active role in the SOC as the club National Secretary.

As National Secretary I will be bringing a mixture of IT, organisational and customer service skills to the role as well as nationally recognised qualifications.

I will also bring my inimitable sense of humour, my touch of diplomacy, a dollop of feistiness along with a whole heap of being a stickler for the rules, maybe after reading this back I should rethink and get my coat!!

This is going to be a very exciting time to be part of the SOC, a new website has gone live, new ideas from the National Committee and a fantastic 40th to celebrate. The NC are committed to the membership and are taking the NC meetings 'on tour' so that the members get a chance to be involved, ask questions and, most importantly for me, help to shape the club.

The club has gone through some turmoil recently and this has been very unsettling for members. We will, in the coming months get on to an even keel and start looking towards a bright future filled with fun events, camping weekends and lots of biking.

Here is to a very bright SOC future, ride safe everyone :D

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Welcome to the new look suzuki owners club .I would like to take this oppotunity to thank the outgoing NC members after the recent EGM for their hard work and dedication in keeping the club running .Welcome to the new NC members who have taken on their new roles,with hard work we can get the club back on the right track again.Most of you now will know about the new website and are getting along fine with it ,it does look better than the last one , this was purchased for £200 this year web hosting year 2 on is £48 it will save the club a lot of money.

The NC have also set up a Paypal account for the SOC shop, new members and renewals, it's working fine with about £500 taken so far. As of today 26 march the account in the bank stands at £7708.14 .

Now that spring is around the corner we should see some better weather,I am in Canada as I write this and it's been verrrrrrry cold with regular snow falls in the last few weeks .I now see the UK has had a dumping of the stuff,hope its gone by the time I return . one more thing to do is get a Harley brochure at the local dealer for you know who ......meldrewsoc

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Membership Matters I would like to take this opportunity to say hello everyone.

I retired this year andwas quite happy to take this job on as I now have a lot of spare time. It was hard getting my head round it but I mastered it. Now it's all about to change with the new site, so looks like a new learning curve. I first joined the club back in the seventies when my wife and I had three Suzuki's all two strokes but like a lot when I changed bikes I let my membership lapse. I rejoined about five years ago and joined the London Massive and since then have met some nice folk and enjoyed the club. Ok just a little bit about me. Have had bikes since the sixties and have to a admit I was a rocker and used to hang out at a coffee bar in Windsor called The Cellar. From there we would have a burn up to the 59 club in Hackney or the Busy Bee in Watford or The Manor in Camberley and The Ace with odd Bank Holiday's at the seaside which I wont go into. Spent a couple of seasons with a 350 Manx Norton but that went when jap two strokes came and racing bike prices went through the roof. So it was back to road bikes. At the moment I have three bikes in the garage a Bonneville (Hinckley) 1600 Thunderbird and 1955 350 AJS single. That's enough from me I would just like to wish all the club members safe and happy riding and lets have some good riding weather this year.

Happy 40th Suzuki Owners Club.

Keith Ferris keithf on boards

Membership Renewals Online

By Post

Credit or Debit card via the clubs Secure Server at www.suzukiownersclub.co.uk Or Paypal to suzukiownersclub@rocketmail.com

Cheque or postal order with your membership Number to Suzuki owners Club,Suite 240,Divo house, 29 Belmont road, Uxbridge, UB8 1QS

Please help us keep in contact with you. If your details change contact either by post, online pm or email to membershipsecretary@rocketmail.com including your membership number

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Public Relations This is my first report since taking on the role of Public Relations for the club, and I have a tough act to follow, and hope I am able to fulfil the role in a manner which emulates the hard work and diligence my predecessor Pat brought to the role.

I have from the outset started to make contact with the various internet magazines and motorbike papers which are in the printed format to start advertising the club, and more over what we do and offer to our members.

Some of you will have already seen the online spread submitted to promote our 40th anniversary event in the BMF Rider magazine, which apart from the error in colour on the SOC logo for which i received instant berating, it appears in the main to have been received fairly well.

I would ask that if any members or centre secretaries know of a local biker publication unique to your location please either forward me a copy or send me contacts so that I can start to advertise your events in a local listing. I will stress however that all adverts are listed free in events and have no cost implication to club funds.

This ends my report which I hope is to the point.

Happy and safe riding, and I look forward to meeting up during the ensuing year.

Bugman aka Peter Dibble

Club Officers Treasurer:- Les Bensley (Meldrew) soctreasurer@rocketmail.com

Chairman:- Anthony Averns (Bandit Ant) socchairman@rocketmail.com

National Secretary:-Sue Carr (Queen Witch) Technical:- John Carr (JLCarr) Techofficer@rocketmail.com ncsuzukiownersclub@rocketmail.com Membership:- Keith Ferris (Keithf) membershipsecretary@rocketmail.com

Public Relations:- Pete Dibble (Bugman) socpublicrelations@rocketmail.com

Merchandise:- James Wiedenbruch (Rockhopper) Merchandisingsoc@rocketmail.com Editor:- Alan Hancock (Alan H) editorsoc@rocketmail.com Events / Welfare Riders Rights:- Shows South:- Ieuan Bevan (ijbevan) Elaine Constable (Lainy) idshowssouth@rocketmail.com Events:- socevents@rocketmail.com Welfare / Rights:- Socridersrights@rocketmail.com

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Events Officer Sitting down to write this report I am looking out at a very cold & frosty world.

The winter of 2012/13 seems to have lasted for an eternity. I am sure there are many club members who feel the same and are waiting for things to improve, so we can all get out and ride our bikes in warmer and drier conditions than we are facing at the moment. There are already a lot of events on the calendar for the coming months including centre meetings, ride outs, charity runs, shows and camping weekends. Have a look at what’s happening and come along to meet up with fellow club members - either on a rideout or just turn up and meet at the destination. It doesn’t matter what you ride or drive, I am sure you will be made welcome. Events will be regularly updated in the Diary of Events on the club website so keep checking on there if you can. It takes a bit of getting used to but if you want to find something for a specific date use the calendar on the right of the screen, a list of events will then be shown. When you select the event you want to go to remember to scroll down and click the Event details tab further down for information about where to meet up and who to contact to find out more. The main event for 2013 will be the Invader Rally taking place on 2nd to 4th August. The club is celebrating it’s 40th anniversary this year and what better way to mark this than with a family camping weekend where club members, their family & friends can relax and socialise. In order to make plans we need to have an indication of the numbers of people who will be attending.The venue for the rally is the Brownlow Arms, High Marnham - a traditional pub in a small village in Nottinghamshire on the banks of the River Trent. They have a good choice of beer and have an extensive menu. We will have access to a camping field opposite, a large beer garden and a number of rooms for entertainment should the weather let us down. We are currently looking at options for entertainment on Friday and Saturday evenings and a choice of rideout routes for Saturday for those who wish to go out for a ride. Camping for the weekend will be free for club members but a small charge of £10 per pitch for the weekend will be made for non/ex-members to help cover some of our costs. It is also possible for club members to arrive from Thursday or stay until Monday if they pay their own camping for those additional nights. The events attendance trophy is currently having to be maintained on a spreadsheet rather than be viewed on the club website. I will try to post a monthly update in the Events Forum. Work is ongoing to rectify this as soon as possible so that we can go back to the system where all events are submitted through the site. In the meantime can I ask that all Centre Secretaries and event organisers send details of their events and completed AT Sheets to socevents@rocketmail.com That’s about it for now, ride safe, Lainy

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Regalia Greetings to you all and for those who don’t know me, my name is James (aka Rock Hopper) I am your new Regalia Officer and I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself and also tell you about some of the ideas and new ventures I hope in time to get off the ground that I hope will in turn make our club a much stronger one.

I have been with the club now for approximately six years and in that time I have met many people from all over the UK some of which have become good close friends and a point of contact that often finds me pulling off a motorway to say hello, much to the annoyance of my wife who yet again is wondering where I am as its now three hours past the time I said I would be back home for.

My home is on the island of Portland which is just across the bay from the town of Weymouth many of you will know from the fact that Portland hosted the 2012 sailing Olympics. A beautiful place it is indeed but with not one single motorway in Dorset it can be a good hour and a half drive to escape the gravitational pull of the place and start to put some miles behind one’s self.

My job finds me working for the local council in either the port where these days we primarily look after Condor ferries who serve the Channel Islands or down the harbour office looking after the hundreds of small and large yachts/motor vessels who converge on the harbour in the Summer time in the main, but indeed all through the year. Originally from the Fen Lands of Lincs I joined the Navy working with Jets and Helicopters and left in 1999 having completed 24 years and loved it so much I have gone on to complete another 12 years in the reserves. If you ever find yourself in the town please drop in to the Harbour Office and say hello but please, please, please watch out for the railway lines that run round the harbour side, there have been quite a few who have been caught out much to their costs.

Although having been invited by several NC’s over the past few years to put forward for a position, I was unable to because of my shift patterns at work and home life getting in the way and at that time I knew I would have been unable to give any position the dedication it needed. However I now find my self able to give the position the time and attention that it needs.

Having been in the job now for just over a month, I am glad to say that I am making good progress with suppliers for all the various clothing and bits and pieces we need.

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Regalia One exciting new development for the club is that we are in talks with a firm who hopefully will be able to supply some of our clothing and other regalia by direct order through a web link on our website. This will bring a one stop shop facility to the members and save time and money for the club.

Historically the club has always held its own stock, which has led at times to large quantities of clothing remaining unsold, gathering dust and becoming unfashionable.

The way forward as I see it, is for the club to hold a much smaller stock level and be able to react better and quicker to demands as items are sold. In the short term however and until I am able to build up a profit reserve, it will mean that stock lines will be limited and supply times maybe longer than expected.

Unfortunately in an ideal situation I would replenish completely but I have to work to the budget restraints that are in force within the club at this moment in time.

Initially the range of items will be small, but I hope to have the folowing items available to buy by the end of the year.

Baseball style caps.

Polo shirts T-shirts Pin badges Sticker badges Lanyard Roll neck long sleeve shirts Embroidered badges Fabric embroidery key rings (Personalised if requested) Standard and half pint mugs (Personalised if requested at extra cost) On top of these items there will also be clothing that can be ordered individually such as sweatshirts, fleeces, jackets or other woven badges.

I am also looking to enable local centres to be able to personalise their standard bought SOC clothing with ther own motif added to ours. This will be able to be done at point of order, thereby possibly enjoying a bigger discount than what they would have got by ordering themselves. I would like to say is that I am fully committed to you in providing the stock that you as members want, at as low a price that I can source whilst keeping quality as high as possible.

Furthermore I am always open to suggestions with regards to new stock lines, ideas to make things better or have you used or heard of a supplier that gives excellent service then contact me through the club email and let me know. You as the members are the single most important element in what makes this great club work. Without you there is no club but at the same time the club needs your support.

Regards James

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Regalia 40th Anniversary Regalia Logo Design With the 40th anniversary of our club looming ever closer we have decided to produce a regalia logo especially for this event. What we thought would be right, is to invite the membership to produce and design a suitable motif that will be used on all our 40th regalia.

To be able to meet our deadlines in choosing and then getting orders in, all entries must be with me by the last day of May so that the best design can be picked. The person who comes up with the best design as chosen by myself and the NC will be allowed to choose one item from our stock range of clothing and have it free of charge with their design embroider on it.

The stipulations for the 40th design are: · Your design must fit inside a circle or oval shape. · You may only use up to 5 colours which are blue, red, yellow, black and white. · If used, the Suzuki “S” must remain red in colour and in its original design format and shape. · Your design must be an original design from you and not incorporate any known copy righted logos or wording. · Keep it simple… complicated or intricate designs could incur extra costs to reproduce. · If possible incorporate the SOC logo design and try to keep it in its design format. · Remember what looks good on a 80mm patch may not work when reduced to a 30mm pin badge. · Keep all colours vivid and do not to use shades.

The ordering for the 40th regalia will be by payment up front with orders being met once minimum numbers have been met to gain bulk discounts. So get your thinking caps on and see what designs you can come up with. Please either post your designs to the SOC address.

Suzuki Owners Club, Suite 240, Divo House, 29 Belmont Rd, Uxbridge, UB8 1QS or email them direct to me at merchandisingsoc@rocketmail.com.

Regalia Officer (James W. aka Rock Hopper)

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Riders Rights Like SOC, Motorcycle Action Group (MAG) will be celebrating it's 40th anniversary during 2013. The riders rights organisation have been actively campaigning to protect and promote the interests and rights of riders of powered two or three wheeled vehicles for as long as we have been in existance. It has very much become the representative voice for riders in local and national government. As an organisation MAG is not aligned to ANY political party or ideology. For many people MAG is still synonymous with Fred Hill and his many challenges against the compulsory helmet laws when they were first introduced - he was imprisoned 31 times. I recall a somewhat "lively discussion" in a thread on the old club website about this I think we now live in a very different world to that of Fred, however there continues to be a raft of proposed changes to laws across Europe which result in our freedom of choice being further eroded if it's not challenged.

MAG has been responsible for organising national demonstration rides to publicise the proposed changes in European legislation that will impact motorcyclists. On the back of this there has been a steady increase in the number of local MAG groups around the UK. The focus of campaigns by these groups has largely been access to bus lanes, more secure parking in town and city centres and ensuring that the relevant signs are in place to direct riders to the allocated parking bays. In addition, many local groups are lobbying their local councils to consider installing non-slip composite manhole covers as part of the Get a Grip Campaign. These covers are safe for all road users, have cheaper maintenance costs and of no interest to scrap metal thieves. If they are installed at the time roads are being resurfaced there are no additional costs and the safety benefits to motorcyclists could be significant.

On a lighter note, here's a result for direction action and challenge - the definition of the word "Biker" has been changed in the Oxford English Dictionary following a campaign by a small group of MAG activists. The Oxford University Press who publish the Oxford English Dictionary, have responded positively to the MAG activist's campaign to change their definition of a 'biker'. Back in September 2012 MAG activists Tracy Hammond from Peterborough and Jenny Cook from Paignton among others, wrote to the University Press highlighting that those who saw themselves as bikers were a diverse group of people and not just 'long-haired and dressed in dirty denims' as their original definition stated. After a string of correspondence lasting four months, the OED has at last acknowledged the offence caused and the inaccuracy of their entry. The new definition, as of 22nd Feb, reads "A motorcyclist, especially one who is a member of a gang or group" Rather unfortunately its illustrative expansion is now 'a biker was involved in a collision with a car' so one stereotype has been replaced with another, albeit a marginally less offensive one!

Lainy

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London Massive Hi to all, like the rest the centres around the UK the London Centre has not done too much with the bad weather over the past few months. But let's hope that will change, we have a few ride outs planned for the next few ( hopefully good days to come ).One of our planned rides outs it to the Sammy Millers motorbike museum as well as to the Ogri Cafe High Street, Horham, East Sussex, TN2 0ER. This will be put on the Events calendar and the London Boards at a later date when it's all worked out. This will be in conjunction with the South Coast Crew.The London Centre went down to Loomes for breakfast th with the South Coast on the 7 of this month and what a good day we had lovely sun and good friends to have a chat with plus a good meal and a cuppa to boot.The only big thing we've done was the trip to Oostend at Easter but you'll hear all about this from Mark Cole because I don't want to steal his thunder over this Weekend.The biggest thing the London Centre are planning is our Camping Weekend in August at The England's Rose in Postcombe, so if you fancy a great weekend away put your name down for some good food with good friends as well as a few drinks on the side ( as Leslie Crowther would say COME ON DOWN ). Fun and games to be had by all. The Great Mr Bevan will be doing Karaoke on the Friday night so get your singing voices on.Will keep you all up to date as to what's happening with the London Massive either on the boards on in the next issue if the Hustler so till then Please all ride safe and watch out for the nutters out there.

John Carr

Shows South

This is my first report since being elected onto the national since the EGM on 23rd February 2013 and I have to say, whilst it has been quiet in terms of actual shows, a lot has taken place behind the scenes. I can confirm that the club will be exhibiting at the Margate Meltdown, The Billing Biker Bash and The Brighton Burn-up. I have also contacted the organisers for the Brightona show and the Thundersprint show, which will take place at Anglesey race track this year. I have also been given some details of a show that will be taking place at Silverstone the same weekend as the Moto GP and will be contacting them in due course.

We have also picked up the club equipment, which will be inspected once the weather has improved to make sure it’s all up to scratch and safe. I would also like to thank Mick Squires for holding the equipment on behalf of the club.

Finally, I would like to ask for anyone who wishes to display their bikes at a show to please contact myself and usually we can arrange free entry to shows and free camping (if required). Furthermore, if you have any information of any bike show local to you then please get in touch with the details and I’ll see what I can do.

Hope to see you all soon, until then, RIDE SAFE! I Bevan

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SCOTTISH SHOW Scottish Bike Show 2013.

Hi, to the new members and those who have renewed a warm welcome from the club.

This show had put me in a quandary with its highs and lows. The bikes, which were on display, looked stunning as normal. This is testimony to the hard work and time these people had put into getting their bikes ready and the outstanding condition they were in. Even though Peter's bike could not be seen under the Givi luggage and the tank bag to start with. The top box and tank bag ended up in the Travelodge. The side boxes did keep the cash tin in though.

Russel from next door, had also ridden his bike in but found out they did not have the room on their stand and asked if I would mind putting it on our stand.

Yes, but, as you are not a member you cannot claim on our insurance for any damage. He agreed to this and we ended up with this red and black gsxr 1000.

For those that do know Billy Mc, he has the same bike. One of half a dozen or so that were sold by Saltire Motorcycles. These were meant for the track but some had been sold to the public. I have now seen two. rd

The high point was Kenny winning 3 in show for his GSXR 750Y. The bikes within the hall were all very good but his just had that extra something about it.

I do not know what but it had IT. That special something, a presence, not sure I can describe it. (Kenny, your bike is still pants). How about this, Kenny wanted to show his bike, so he joined the club, £20.00. For his money he gets the benefits associated with the club, two free tickets to the show £16 each (2013) and on top of all that he wins a £10 prize for coming third. More jam than Hartley's I say. Having another GS 1000 HC on the stand brought back many memories for the people that were lucky enough to have one, or in Graeme's case two. Almost, he owned the one that was on the stand last year, now owned by Iain. This one is beautiful and I was extremely lucky to have it on the stand. This brought more people to the stand than any of the other bikes because of its cult status. It is a shame Graeme did not win anything but it was down to the judges. On the other side of the stand was Martyn's SV 650. Looking very nice indeed, well I should think so, him and his brother Dan started putting it back together the Wednesday before the show. Martyn, (tin tin) had to have a couple of days off to achieve this. The bike was just a frame on Wed' morning with the bits spread all over Dan's house, just about in every room so I am told.

Yes, even in the toilet. Together they did a fine job although it was not quite finished until Friday afternoon once at the show, the belly pan still needed to go on.

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SCOTTISH SHOW They were that pushed for time that there was no oil or antifreeze put in but it does not take anything away from the standard achieved. Well done you two.

Sunday morning, the drive into the show was horrendous. Travelling along M9 about 8.30 ish, we hit a snowstorm. The weather forecast had said snow was expected but I was hoping they got it wrong. Nope I was wrong. In some places, the snow was that thick visibility was down to 50 to 75 yards and the temperature was -2. This did not bode well for day. Once inside the hall in the warmth, (warmer), only just. Kenny came in happy as a sand boy. Who could blame him, a nice guy but a pants bike!

The difference between the two halls was unbelievable. How the traders managed to cope, I will never know. In between these two halls, I met a man who totally surprised me. His name is Sandy, he owns a lovely GS 1000. The way he talks about the bike and his enthusiasm is infectious to say the least. I do have to mention that Sandy is now only a pillion because he is registered blind. I have to admit that I tried to dissuade him from joining but he was adamant this is what he wanted. His knowledge of the GS is considerable mainly because of the people who have helped him so far. I hope that the members will also help him. If at some time in the future, you happen to meet him you will understand what I mean. A truly nice guy.

People who were talking to us on the stand kept on mentioning that it was still snowing! Peter went off to look for some handlebar muffs. Little did we know how much he would need them later that night. When the van was packed and ready for home the weather was closing in again. There was no room in the van for his bike so I decided to follow him home. Once we set off the outside temperature was -7. Other people were saying that the A702 was blocked because of an accident which ment that we had to go the long way around, another 20 miles or so. Fair play to him the road conditions were bad in a van let alone being on a bike. The gritters had not been able to cope with the amount of snow. He was trying to stay within the tyre marks made by previous cars but he was still sliding all over the place. Once we arrived at his house, the temperature had risen to -4. Next time I see you Pete, I will buy you a drink. It Is just a shame I could not get your bike in the van.

Suzuki Owners Club Suite 240 Divo House 29 Belmont Road Uxbridge UB8 1QS

All the best.

Michael.

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North East Centre The first ride out of 2013 saw 6 intrepid adventuers donning their thermals to venture out into the Northumberland countryside.

Tony Hands, Ed and Jamie Norton, Gary Brown, Ian Rudge and yours truly. The plan was to go to Haltwhistle, however the weather on the High Pennines was not suitable or safe for two wheeled travellers so an alternative was thought of. A run up to Rothbury with a trip back down the A68 to Corbridge and Hexham.

Off we went heading up the A1. What did I forget to do? Lock my top box ! " school boy error". 70mph and a thud in my lower back, top box lid bouncing off my seat. A quick pull up on the hard shoulder, check everything, securely locked and off I went on my own ( " Billy no mates") I got to the cafe in Rothbury but no one was there to greet me, a quick check on the phone and found they were coming another route. In no time at all we were all one again with a little bit of the preverbial taken at my expense. After a cuppa and a warming through we headed for the A68 and then south down to Corbridge for a much needed fuel stop and a very relieved Ed who was on vapour.We then went into Hexham for lunch at a greart pub called the " Heart of England" . A very nice Sunday lunch was throughly enjoyed. Sometimes I think we are in a gourmet club and not a bike club , just sometimes !

Sunday lunch consumed and a return back south dowm the A68 to Durham. All in all a great first ride out of the year with great company on great roads, if a little muddy. Sorry guys they need cleaning again.

In the next edition we will have the reports on the Egg Run, the Craven Museum, Robin Hoods Bay run and the ride over to Blackpool.

So until next time Ride safe Kev Close ( North East centre co/sec )

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21

Kent Pet Food Run – June 23rd 2013 (Paul Devall) An upcoming event for the diaries. I have been running a pet food run under the SOC banner for just about 22 years. Firstly in Bedfordshire when I was a founder member of the Chiltern Hills Centre based at the Cross Keys in Pulloxhill and then in Kent when I moved down here in 1999.

I only missed a couple of years when I was working in Czech for a year and once when I was a mature student and didn’t have a bike running.

This year the run will be from Maidstone Services on the A20/M20 junction near Leeds Castle and is run by the Kent Centre SOC in conjunction with Kent Riders and Hythe MAG groups.

The plan is for a meet at the services and then a scenic run (drop off system please!!!), start time 1130 (departure 1200), to arrive at the Blue Cross at Northiam in East Sussex to hand over the pet food and donations, then afterwards a run to Rye for chips or a cream tea (depending on the weather) or disperse from Northiam if that’s your desire.

The main thing is that we get to the Blue Cross, donate and have alook at the animals that need rehoming.

If you want more info, please have a look at the web page: http://www.bikerspost.com/event/84 With over 100 members with Kent postcodes it would be nice to see a bunch of you coming along to make the event a success.

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The South Coast Centre has been enjoying the hospitality of Loomies for its centre meetings on the first Sunday of every month between 10 and 12.

We have regularly had over 15 members turn up some from all over the country popping in to say hi and chat about anything and everything.

January saw our New Year’s get together at the Salterns Harvester in Portsmouth. Any member and friend were welcome to the dinner and we had 13 turn up. We had a belated Secret Santa for those that wanted to partake and all were happy with the surprises.

February’s meet saw us at the London Bike Show. Many members went to this and some were able to arrange to meet up with each other. With the weather still in the depths of what fells like winter we all have our fingers crossed for better weather. March is a busy month for the south coasters with a ride out to Ryka’s Café at Box Hill. This saw terrible rain and unfortunately a change in transportation, but we went none the less passing through the meet up points just in case anyone else braved the weather. We had our lunch out kindly met by some of the London massive centre. Our thanks go to Keith, Pete, Ken and Dot for meeting up with us.

Ken and Dot braved the weather for a run up the top of Box Hill, I hope there was a view to be enjoyed.

With the pioneer run to Brighton on the horizon and Belgium at the end of the month March has certainly seen the south coasters busy. With the usual monthly meets that all are welcome to and we had a ride out to Avebury Ring on April 20th.

Laura d - South Coast Secretary

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Racing Dates 2013 April

MotoGP: Austin, USA 21 April WSBK: Assen, Netherlands 28 April

May

MotoGP: Jerez, Spain 5 May BSB: Oulton Park 6 May (Monday) WSBK: Monza, Italy 12 May RR: North West 200 14-18 May MotoGP: Le Mans, France 19 May WSBK: Donington Park, UK 26 May

June:

MotoGP: Mugello, Italy 2 June RR: Isle of Man TT May 25-June 7 WSBK: Portimao, Portugal 9 June MotoGP: Catalunya, Spain 16 June BSB: Knockhill 16 June WSBK: TBA 23 June MotoGP: Assen, Netherlands 29 June (Sat) WSBK: Imola, Italy 30 June

July:

BSB: Snetterton 300 7 July MotoGP: Sachsenring, Germany 14 July MotoGP: Laguna Seca, USA 21 July WSBK: Moscow Raceway, Russia 21 July BSB: Brands Hatch GP 21 July

August:

WSBK: Silverstone, UK 4 August BSB: Oulton Park 10-11 August (Triple header) RR: Ulster Grand Prix 14-17 August MotoGP: Indianapolis, USA 18 August MotoGP: Brno, Czech Republic 25 August BSB: Cadwell Park 26 August (Monday)

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Don't forget to Register on our Shiny new web site

www.suzukiownersclub.co.uk

April

Events 2013

28 Ride out to Mercia Marina: This run will leave the Ring O Bells on Derby road

Loughborough at 10.00 am. We will then call at Mac Donald’s at Markeaton leaving here at 10.45. We shall then have a run up to Ashbourne then down to Sudbury. We shall then return to the Willow Tree tea rooms at the Mercia marina at Willington.

Mick Squires (Ziggy) 07717 846212 mijo@draemar.freeserve.co.uk

28 1st Children's Air Ambulance Run: Meet at The Bonnie Prince, 166 Swarkestone Rd, Chellaston DE73 5EU (Jtn A514 & A50) to ride to Air Ambulance Station, East Midlands Airport All Bikes, Trikes & Scooters welcome Pub will be open from 9.30a.m. for refreshments - LEAVE AT 11.00a.m. Donation of ÂŁ5 per bike Alby White 07762 242309 alby.white@ntlworld.com

May 2 Central Shires Monthly Meeting & AGM: Monthly meeting will take place at the Red Lion, High Street, Kegworth starting at 8.00 pm All welcome.

Mick Squires (Ziggy) 07717 846212 mijo@draemar.freeserve.co.uk

5 Cumbria Centre Monthly Meeting: Meet @12pm for 12.30pm start. Meeting to be held first Sunday of every month. 1 Yeathouse Rd, Frizington, Cumbria CA26 3PX Ronnie Crawford 01946815600/07990556417 or Danny Crawford 07837173880

5 North East Centre Monthly Meeting: North East Centre club meet and pre meet

ride out. The Heather Lad, Quarrington Hill Durham. Meet at 4ish for a pre meeting ride out for fish and chips etc. Destination to be decided on the day. Actual meeting starts at 7-30pm for those not wanting to go on the run Kevin Close 07949 035419

5 South Coast Centre Monthly Meeting: A warm welcome awaits all at Loomies at the A272, A32 crossroads. There is ample parking and well cooked fare, available all day. Of course the terrific A272 and A32 running past the front door. 10 till 12 noon. Alan H alanhb6@gmail.com

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Events 2013 12 Central Shires Ride out to Webb’s Peterborough: We shall leave the Ring O

Bells on Derby road Loughborough at 10.00 am. This run will take us out through Melton Mowbray and onto Bourne via the B 676. We shall then go onto Webb’s at Peterborough. On the return leg we shall call at Sycamore’s the Harley Davidson dealer at Uppingham Mick Squires (Ziggy) 07717 846212 mijo@draemar.freeserve.co.uk

12 Kent Centre Monthly Meeting: Blue & White Cafe, Kent Centre Monthly Meeting Blue & White Cafe.

Graeme Bartlett 07092 031347 sockent@rocketmail.com

12 London Centre Monthly Meeting: The monthly London Massive Centre meeting takes place at: The Botwell Inn, 25-29 Coldharbour Lane, Hayes, Middlesex, UB3 3EB at 11:30am Everyone is welcome to come and chat, participate, drink lots of tea and coffee and have fun!! Additional information: Ride out to be confirmed Sue Carr 07766 690811 scarr7@ymail.com 12 North East Run to Blackpool: The NE centre are having a day at the seaside.

We leave Bowburn services, junction 61 A1 at 10am prompt heading over to Kirkby Stephen, then onto Devils Bridge before getting to Blackpool for fish and chips, don’t forget your " kiss me quick" hats Kevin Close 07949 035419

18 BMF Show - Peterborough: The SOC stand will be in the club village - come / along & say hello. Don't forget as affiliated members off BMF you are entitled 19 to discount on advance tickets. Contact Natiopnal Secretary for details of discount code Sue Carr 07766 690811 ncsuzukiownersclub@rocketmail.com

19 Cumbria Centre Brunch: At The Filling Station Café, Crosthwaite Road,

Keswick CA12 5PR (off A66). Come and meet the Cumbria Centre for brunch.

Have a tea, coffee, breakfast or a lighter snack with SOC members & other bikers.

We will be there from 12:30 til 14:30 (possibly later).

Ronnie Crawford 01946815600/07990556417 or Danny Crawford 07837173880 24 Czech Centre Invader Rally & AGM: An eventful run to the 2013 Czech Centre / Rally at Penzion Pamir, Zbysov u Brna. Planned route hoping to take in a visit to 26 Colditz Castle and the Rhur Valley dams.

Elaine Constable (Lainy) 07703 272295 socevents@rocketmail.com

24 North East Centre Camping Weekend: The famous North East Centre camping / weekend at the Heather Lad Quarrington Hill, Durham. suzukioke courtesy of 27 Steve Goth on the Fri and Sun night with a country/ rock/ folk band on the sat night.

FREE camping with hot showers all weekend, hot food available form a chuck wagon Kevin Close 07949 035419 26 North East Centre Treasure Hunt / Mystery Ride Out: Treasure hunt/ mystery style ride out with clues to solve and destinations to find. Medals for the winners Kevin Close 07949 035419

26 Margate Meltdown: Ieuan Bevan

showssouthsoc@rocketmail.com

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Cashback Launched, New Clothing Collection, Win World Superbike Hospitality, And Toby Moody Talks Hill-Climb Following feedback from our dealers and their customers, we have reintroduced the popular cashback promotion from April 1st, which sees £500 off a wide range of different models, and we’ve also launched our 2013 clothing collection , which sees some great new lines added.

Also in April’s Suzuki Bulletin we’ve teamed up with the FIXI Crescent Suzuki World Superbike team to giveaway two hospitality tickets, accommodation in the team hotel and travel money to the Magny Cours round, and we’ve also got the news of Josh Brookes to compete at the North West 200 this year.

We also take a closer look at the newly revamped Suzuki Insurance Services, and we chatted to MotoGP commentator and journalist Toby Moody about his GSX-R powered hill-climb car.

Suzuki GB is giving away two hospitality tickets to the Magny Cours World Superbike round on October 6, after teaming up with the FIXI Crescent Suzuki team for the latest competition to be hosted on the Japanese brand’s Facebook page.

The competition provides the winner with two hospitality tickets to the French round of the series, granting them circuit and hospitality access on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, as well as a pit garage tour and a team and rider meet and greet.

Accommodation in the team hotel for Friday, Saturday and Sunday night will also be included in the prize, and £500 will be provided toward travel and spending money.

FIXI Crescent Suzuki Team Manager, Paul Denning, said, “We’re delighted to team up with Suzuki GB for this competition and provide a money-can’t-buy experience for the lucky winners.

“It’s a great prize that’s up for grabs, and a great way to further promote the Suzuki brand and what the FIXI Crescent Suzuki team is doing in the World Superbike Championship.”

The winner will be picked at random from eligible entries and notified via email when the competition closes on 5 July 2013.

To enter follow the link http://suzukibulletin.co.uk/2013/03/19/win-world-superbike-hospitality-and-accommodation/ To read more follow http://suzukibulletin.co.uk/ Copyright Suzuki GB reproduced with permission

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2013 INVADER RALLY & AGM Come along and join in the celebrations of the Suzuki Owners Club 40th birthday.

Space held for winning 40th logo

To be held at The Brownlow Arms High Marnham Newark on Trent NG23 6SG Friday 2nd August to Sunday 4th.

Free to full members and only ÂŁ10 per pitch for forum and non members.

Evenings Friday entertainment Karaoke and Quiz by our own Andy Bevan Saturday Local Live band Days Saturday Ride out ideas Lincoln city visit Ride around the wolds, Dam Busters memorial Trip to the coast Skegness for fish and chips Sunday Agm at 11am no entry without your membership card.

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2013 Nomination Form All sections must be completed for this form to be officially accepted.

Applicants must be a full member at the time of election and must remain a member whilst in office.

Signature of the candidate together with the details of the proposer and seconder must be completed in all cases.

I(Print name) ...........................................................................................

Of (address)............................................................................................ ............................................................................................................

Membership number.......................................

Hereby confirm That I agree to be nominated for election to the following position as a full member of the National Committee of the Suzuki Owners Club. (please tick to indicate the position for which you wish to be nominated).

I am aware that if I am elected as a member of the National Committee. I must remain a fully paid up member of the SOC and that if I fail to keep up my membership I automatically remove myself from the position that I hold.

National Secretary Treasurer Events Co-ordinator

Show Co-ordinator South Merchandise Technical Officer Signature of candidate.............................................Date...............

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2013 Nomination Form Candidate Name............................................................................

Proposer Print............................................Membership No................

Proposer Signature...........................................Date...............

Seconder Print............................................Membership No................

Seconder Signature...........................................Date...............

All nominations for National Committee positions must be submitted on this official form and reach the national secretary at the address below no later than 20th June 2013.

All Nominees must attend the SOC AGM in person so that successful candidates can take their official roles immediately and to allow the members present to see whom they are voting for.

Would all nominees prepare a statement to why they are suited to and what skills they can bring to the role that they are applying for to be printed in Hustler 231.

Return to:-

Suzuki Owners Club Suite 240 Divo house 29 Belmont Road Uxbridge UB8 1QS

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June

Events 2013

2 Cumbria Centre Monthly Meeting: Meet @12pm for 12.30pm start. Meeting to be held first Sunday of every month. 1 Yeathouse Rd, Frizington, Cumbria CA26 3PX Ronnie Crawford 01946815600/07990556417 or Danny Crawford 07837173880

2 North East Centre Monthly Meeting: North East Centre club meet and pre meet ride out. The Heather Lad, Quarrington Hill Durham. Meet at 4ish for a pre meeting ride out for fish and chips etc. Destination to be decided on the day. Actual meeting starts at 7-30pm for those not wanting to go on the run Kevin Close 07949 035419

2 South Coast Centre Monthly Meeting: A warm welcome awaits all at Loomies at the A272, A32 crossroads. There is ample parking and well cooked fare, available all day. Of course the terrific A272 and A32 running past the front door.

10 till 12 noon. Alan H alanhb6@gmail.com

6 Central Shires Monthly Meeting: Monthly meeting will take place at the Red Lion, High Street, Kegworth starting at 8.00 pm All welcome.

Mick Squires (Ziggy) 07717 846212 mijo@draemar.freeserve.co.uk

9 Kent Centre Monthly Meeting: Blue & White Cafe, Kent Centre Monthly Meeting Blue & White Cafe. Graeme Bartlett 07092 031347 sockent@rocketmail.com

9 London Centre Monthly Meeting: The monthly London Massive Centre meeting takes place at: The Botwell Inn, 25-29 Coldharbour Lane, Hayes, Middlesex, UB3 3EB at 11:30am Everyone is welcome to come and chat, participate, drink lots of tea and coffee and have fun!! Additional information: Ride out to be confirmed Sue Carr 07766 690811 scarr7@ymail.com

16 Barry Sheene Memorial Races Scarborough: The ride out leaves Bowburn Services Junction 61 A1 at 08:00. We will go down to Oliver's Mount Scarborough via Whitby and we hope to be there for 10:30 ready for the first races. The signing in will be at the grandstand at 12noon Kevin Close 07949 035419

16 Cumbria Centre Brunch: At The Filling Station CafĂŠ, Crosthwaite Road,

Keswick CA12 5PR (off A66). Come and meet the Cumbria Centre for brunch.

Have a tea, coffee, breakfast or a lighter snack with SOC members & other bikers.

We will be there from 12:30 til 14:30 (possibly later).

Ronnie Crawford 01946815600/07990556417 or Danny Crawford 07837173880

23 Kent Annual Pet Food Run: Annual Kent Pet Food Run, Meeting at Maidstone Services (A20/M20) for the run to the Blue Cross Animal Rehoming Centre at Northiam in East Sussex. Run leaves start point at 1200 Paul Devall 07092 263119 sockent@rocketmail.com

23 Suzuki Sunday @ The Ace CafĂŠ: Ieuan Bevan

showssouthsoc@rocketmail.com

31

June

Events 2013

29 Billing Bike Show: / Ieuan Bevan showssouthsoc@rocketmail.com 30

July

6 Allied Memorial Remembrance Ride: Organised by The Royal British Legion Riders Branch. The run meets at the services at Junction 28 on the A14 known as Cambridge Services again this year and departs at 12:30 to ride en-masse to Madingley US War Cemetery. The RVP will be the HGV parking area, marshals will be on site from early morning so please follow their directions for parking. The Kent ride-in will leave Neil’s Café on the A2 nr Gravesendat 09:30 Paul Devall 07092 263119 sockent@rocketmail.com Cumbria Centre Monthly Meeting: Meet @12pm for 12.30pm start. Meeting 7 to be held first Sunday of every month. 1 Yeathouse Rd, Frizington, Cumbria CA26 3PX Ronnie Crawford 01946815600/07990556417 or Danny Crawford 07837173880 7 North East Centre Monthly Meeting: North East Centre club meet and pre meet ride out. The Heather Lad, Quarrington Hill Durham. Meet at 4ish for a pre meeting ride out for fish and chips etc. Destination to be decided on the day. Actual meeting starts at 7-30pm for those not wanting to go on the run Kevin Close 07949 035419 7 South Coast Centre Monthly Meeting: A warm welcome awaits all at Loomies at the A272, A32 crossroads. There is ample parking and well cooked fare, available all day. Of course the terrific A272 and A32 running past the front door.

10 till 12 noon. Alan H alanhb6@gmail.com

14 Kent Centre Monthly Meeting: Blue & White Cafe, Kent Centre Monthly Meeting Blue & White Cafe. Graeme Bartlett 07092 031347 sockent@rocketmail.com

14 London Centre Monthly Meeting: The monthly London Massive Centre meeting takes place at: The Botwell Inn, 25-29 Coldharbour Lane, Hayes, Middlesex, UB3 3EB at 11:30am Everyone is welcome to come and chat, participate, drink lots of tea and coffee and have fun!! Additional information: Ride out to be confirmed Sue Carr 07766 690811 scarr7@ymail.com

21 Cumbria Centre Brunch: At The Filling Station Café, Crosthwaite Road,

Keswick CA12 5PR (off A66). Come and meet the Cumbria Centre for brunch.

Have a tea, coffee, breakfast or a lighter snack with SOC members & other bikers.

We will be there from 12:30 til 14:30 (possibly later).

Ronnie Crawford 01946815600/07990556417 or Danny Crawford 07837173880

21North East run to Yorkshire Dales: This run starts from Bowburn services jct 61 A1 at 10am prompt. we will travel over to Hawes and onto the Ribblehead viaduct and onto Settle taking in the beautiful scenery of the Yorkshire Dales including Malham Tarn and Cove Kevin Close 07949 035419

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July / August

Events 2013

24 Thankful Villages Run 2013: A nine day bike ride of 2,500 miles by Medwyn Parry J & Dougie Bancroft to the 51 Thankful Villages in the UK - where all who went away / to fight in the First World War came home alive. Amazingly, 13 are also Double Thankful, where they came back from the Second World War too. Proceeds from 4 the ride go to the Royal British Legion. All are very welcome to join us for any part A of the journey, but we ask for a minimum donation of ÂŁ5.00 per bike Medwyn Parry 07773 718004 medparry@btinternet.com

28 Durham Police Bikewise Event: This event is something for the whole family.

J The Durham Police put this event on and it includes trade stands, dog displays, police helicopter, 4 x 4 displays as well as stunt shows and fair ground rides for the kids. The North East Centre will be in attendance and we will have club members bikes on display Kevin Close 07949 035419

August 2 SOC 40th Anniversary & Invader Rally: The Brownlow Arms. High / Marnham Newark Nottinghamshire NG23 6SG Full members camp for 4 free there will be a small charge for non/ex-members.

Elaine Constable (Lainy) 07703 272295 socevents@rocketmail.com

4 SOC Annual General Meeting: The Brownlow Arms. High Marnham

Newark Nottinghamshire NG23 6SG. Meeting will commence at 11:00 prompt. All members must have a valid membership card in order to attend Sue Carr 07766 690811 scarr7@ymail.com

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The SOC Photo Comp Simply send your photos from meets and rideouts by the posted submission date and if your photo is chosen you will be presented with one years free membership. The same person cannot win twice Please send entries to Editorsoc@rocketmail.com in the same 24 months period to keep it as fair as possible.

Please send entries to Editorsoc@rocketmail.com

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East Midlands Centre Things have been pretty quiet over the last few months in terms of events.

Since the last issue of Hustler went to print there have been only a few ride outs.

The first run of the year was The Brass Monkey Run - starting from the Vic Bikers Pub in Coalville for a ride around North West Leicestershire & Charnwood. The event is one of several charity rides from the Vic through the year. The Brass Monkey Run raises funds for the Loughborough Rainbows Children's Hospice.

It usually takes place around the New Year Bank Holiday and is often the first time out on the bike after Christmas & New Year for many people. This year the run was on Sunday 6th January. Despite the miserable weather there was an excellent turn out of bikes, trikes and other powered two & three wheeled vehicles. With each bike making a donation of ÂŁ5 there was a good sum raised for a very worth cause. Sadly, the weather didn't seem to improve by the time the annual Easter Egg Runs came along - there was a good turn out despite the sleet for the Ashby Easter Egg Run. It was nice to catch up with Alby, Ken & Len. Unfortunately, the weather took a drastic down turn during the following week and sadly the Bottesford Easter Egg Run suffered with a significantly reduced turn out.

This was also the case with several other Egg Runs that weekend across the country. I know that Kev Close had hoped to lead a ride out from the North East down to Squires Cafe at Sherburn in Elmett for the Squires Easter Egg Run, but he decided to cancel for safety reasons. Check out the events list in Hustler and also on the website. Details of all ride outs and events East Midlands Centre will be attending will be posted there. On Sunday 21st there was a ride in memory of Puttie Chouhan - many people who attended shows and rallies will probably have met Puttie at his Bikers Gearbox rade stand. Sadly, Puttie passed away during 2012 and his wife Allison has organised this run from the Cat & Fiddle Pub to Matlock Bath (where the Bikers Gearbox shop is) to raise funds for the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal. The following weekend sees a new event organised

by Alby White from East Midlands Centre - the 1st Children's Air Ambulance Run. This is a new charity run set up to raise funds for a bespoke air ambulance which provides hospital transfer for critically ill children and babies. Such transfers are currently done by land ambulance - this helicopter service will vastly cut the time it takes to transfer these seriously ill children meaning that they can get the specialist treatment they urgently need much quicker. When children are too ill to travel, the air ambulance service will fly the specialist paediatric teams to them.

Children suffering from illnesses such as meningitis, those suffering respiratory and cardiac failure, children in a coma, and babies born too early are just some of the tiny patients that The Children's Air Ambulance will be helping. Hopefully this will become another well attended annual event raising funds for a worth cause.

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An introduction to the British Motorcycle Charitable Trust Back in the nineteen seventies a builder and civil engineering contractor by the name of Roy Richards had a dream of establishing a museum to house his growing collection of motorcycles, predominantly Nortons.

That dream came nearer reality when the a charity was established to raise funds for the building of what was to become the National Motorcycle Museum, opened by Geoff Duke in 1984 with a collection of 350 machines.

1955 500cc flat four Wooler which can be seen at the Sammy Miller Museum.

Richards had realised that a stand alone museum could never be self sufficient, so beneath the museum he built a vast conferencing and banqueting facility, the income from which would be enough to guarantee the long term future of the museum itself. Unfortunately after ten years of operation the Charity Commission disagreed with Roy's methods of running the charity and demanded that the original Trust (the BMCT) and the museum be separated and the money raised from the public to fund the construction of the museum (some ÂŁ1.4m) be given back to charity.

With these funds the BMCT was reformed in 1996 with a new board of trustees and capital to invest in furthering the cause of British motorcycle engineering heritage. A network of affiliated museums was established and the Trust has since worked with them to improve the way their motorcycle displays are staged and interpreted. In subsequent years grants were given to The Sammy Miller Museum for help building their Racing Hall, to the Black Country Museum to assist with the purchase of the Marston Collection of AJS and Sunbeam motorcycles, to the Haynes Museum to establish a Resource and Education Centre and British Motorcycle Gallery, and many more similar projects.

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An introduction to the British Motorcycle Charitable Trust In return for assistance from the BMCT, our affiliated museums agreed to give our associate members free access to their collections. The membership scheme got off the ground in 2003 and to date nearly 900 members have enrolled. An annual subscription of just ÂŁ20 allows free entry to currently eleven of the best museums in the country.

In addition to giving grant aid and running the membership scheme, the Trust also steps in from time to time when a rare or important British motorcycle comes onto the market and is in danger of being sold overseas. In this way we have saved for the country rare examples of Wooler, Banshee, Lea Francis, AJS, Martinsyde, Beardmore and many other makes, and provided for their restoration and exhibition in our affiliated museums.

The latest coup for the Trust is the acquisition of a complete collection of every British motor scooter made since World War 2, some 42 machines in total. This unique collection was in danger of being sold to the United States before we reached an agreement with the owner to purchase the collection and arrange for it to be housed in a new hall in the revamped Haynes Museum which is due to be opened next Summer.

Our funding comes from membership fees, donations, bequests, and interest on invested capital. We publish a quarterly newsletter for members, and have a l arge and informative web site. For more details about the work of the Trust and how to join, go to www.bmct.org, email us at info@bmct.org, or get a leaflet from The Secretary, BMCT, Holly Cottage, Main Street, Bishampton, Pershore, WR10 2NH. The British Motorcycle Charitable Trust is registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales, number 509420.

Many Thanks to Andy Bufton Black Country Museum West Midlands for his introduction to the Bmct.

Brooklands Museum Surrey Coventry Transport Museum Coventry Haynes International Museum Somerset Heritage Motor Centre - Gaydon London Motorcycle Museum Middlesex Manx Museum Isle of Man National Motorcycle Museum West Midlands National Motor Museum - Beaulieu Hampshire Sammy Miller Museum Hampshire The Museum in the Park, Stroud Gloucestershire 39

Legalities with John Measures BUYING YOUR BIKE BACK FROM THE INSURERS When a client is involved in an accident and their bike is written off, I often hear the term “I want to buy the bike back from the insurers”. Two things here to consider:1.

If you are fully comprehensively insured, then irrespective of fault, if your bike is uneconomical to repair and you want to keep the bike, your insurer will pay the full value of the bike, less policy excess and salvage.

2.

If you are insured Third Party (or TPF&T), then yourinsurers will not pay you for the bike and you will have to make a recovery from the other party.

However, you have to prove that the accident was their insured’s fault. If there is a percentage reduction because you were partly to blame, then that percentage is deducted from the value of your bike. If you want to retain the bike, then salvage is deducted from the amount payable to you.

What is the market value of your bike and how is this calculated? The value is what the bike was worth the second before the accident on a private sale basis.

That is, what a private individual would be willing to pay you for your bike and notwhat a dealer would sell it for. The reason for this is dealers offer warranties etc which a private seller does not. Trawling through MCN, AutoTrader and the like, is a good way of getting a feel of what your bike is worth. Your local dealer will also give you an idea of what the bike is worth on a private sale basis.

If your bike is damaged, do you actually want to retain it? I suppose this depends on many factors. Is it a good bike and the damage is merely cosmetic.

Even minor damage can render the bike uneconomical to repair these days, particularly if the bike is a few years old, as salvage values can be quite high.

The category of write-off is also very important. These are:Cat A – May not be re-sold and the entire bike must be crushed. DVLA will require “Notification of Destruction”.

Cat B – The motorcycle itself may not be re-sold or returned to the road.

Usually the bike has suffered severe structural/frame damage. DVLA requires a “Notification of Destruction” but parts may be removed and sold.

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Cat C – Repairable Salvage but with possible structural damage. Cost of repairs at main dealer prices and labour rates renders the bike uneconomical to repair. The Bike can be sold complete to motorcycle trade or public. V5 is returned to the DVLA and once the bike is repaired with an MOT, you reapply to the DVLA to have the Cat C classification removed. There is some confusion whether the bike needs a VIC Inspection. I would seek confirmation with VOSA to confirm. However, Cat C stays on the DVLA record and will be flagged up on an HPI check. Some insurers will require the bike to be inspected by an engineer.

Cat D – Repairable and probably non-structural damage. May be economical to repair but the insurers have elected not to. For example, stolen and recovered. Recorded at the DVLA as a Cat D and will appear on an HPI check.

Cat F – Damaged by fire. Either repairable of classified as A or B above Cat X – Insurers term for “Not Recorded” That is, the bike has been subject to a claim but sold on by the insurers as repairable salvage.

In fact you do not “buy the bike back from the insurers” as ownership in the bike does not pass to the insurers unless you receive payment for the bike and forward the V5 to them. The bike remains your property. I would insist that mybike is recovered by a dealer of my choicerather than the insurers nominated agents. This is especially important if the bike is repairable as you want to ensure that it is to a standard of a main agent, replacing all damaged parts, using proper manufacturer’s items and not pattern parts or plastic welding. Additionally, if the bike is a write-off, you will want the bike back in the same condition as it was immediately following the accident and not further damaged in transit from one place to another, or left in the open air in some corner of the insurers nominated assessors yard. I have heard of bikes being returned badly corroded by being left outside, additional damage being caused or bits going missing from bikes before they are returned to their owners. Keep control of your property!

If you want to retain the bike and the claim is being dealt with by your insurer, they will deduct the policy excess and the salvage value. The salvage value is what the bike is worth having regard to the category write-off and amount of damage. If the claim is being dealt with through the negligent third party insurers, they will deduct the salvage value and the percentage to reflect fault on your part, if any.

The upshot is to carefully consider if you want to retain the bike. Even if it is a repairable option, on an HPI check, it will come up as a being written off at some time. This can affect the value up to 20% and possibly make it harder for you to sell the bike. Check what the repair costs are going to be and the extent of the damage you are going to have to deal with. Some bikes are well worth keeping hold of. Your choice John Measures 41

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National Committee Meeting held on 9th March 2013.

Present Apologies Chairman Anthony Averns (AA) EditorAlan Hancock National Secretary Sue Carr (SC) Treasurer Les Bensley Membership Secretary Keith Ferris (KF) Yorkshire CS David Hebblethwaite PRO Pete Dibble (PD) PPNW CS Martin Bennett Merchandising James Wiedenbruch (JW) Riders / Welfare / Events Elaine Constable (EC) Shows South Ieuan Bevan (IB) Technical OfficerJohn Carr (JC) South Coast CS Laura Dyer (LD) Member Andy Wedge (AW) Welcome Meeting was opened by the National Secretary Introductions were made and the Chairman took the meeting.

Chairman's Report Welcomed everyone to the meeting. Thanked Laura and Alan for arranging the venue. Thanked Sue for NC welcome emails. Reflected on amount of changes mainly website, email accounts set up, letter heading, etc completed during the first two weeks. This was mainly due to Sue who, as National Secretary, will be the hub of the NC. During this time I have been working on the website and dealing with other matters, the structure of information reporting is working well following the EGM; the structure in place gives the officers autonomy in doing their job. My goal is to ensure that the website and other means generate enough income to pay for 2 Hustlers National Secretary Report Having been elected as an NC 2 weeks ago the first part of my role was 'setting up shop' which involved gathering information, ensuring email addresses and phone numbers and sorting through the information given by the previous National Secretary. The contact list is complete, rocketmail email accounts have been set up for each position within the NC and distributed for use. The website has been set up and gone live, moderators are in place, some advertising has been placed, Google adsense is in place, awaiting banners from insurance companies and John Measures for insertion and contracts to be agreed as to whether commission based or paid advertising.

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National Committee Meeting held on 9th March 2013.

Awaiting Suzuki GB link, temporary banner in place that links to SGB. The website is developing and evolving. Members are joining and we are working hard behind the scenes to ensure members are registered and online. Please email or put suggestions in the suggestion box on the forum, all development suggestions and encourage members to do the same, all suggestions for development will be reviewed and we will be working closely with members to achieve this, if any developments are not achievable they will be reported back with the reasons as to why they cannot go ahead.

The Public Liability Insurance, BMF and MAG details are all up to date.

The new PO Box address is up and running thanks to Peter Dibble, the old address will be emptied and the contents sent down very kindly by Garry Connor. The new PO Box is flexible and can be moved as and when necessary unlike Royal Mail. Please review EGM minutes so that they can be released to Centre Secretaries for their next meeting to discuss with members. Dating certificate letters are on hold whilst signatories are updated, a letter has been sent and we are awaiting confirmation from DVLA of the change being made. EC asked about address on membership forms and holding letters for people requiring dating certificate. New membership forms will be printed and in the meantime stickers will be used to cover old address. Holding emails and letters have gone out to Dating Certificate requestors.

AW asked about redirecting mail from PO Box explaining that it had to be done previously, SC responded that in the interim Garry Connor was emptying the mailbox sending post down, with LB being on holiday getting the mail redirected would have to wait until his return and then be reviewed.

Treasurers Report Full report will be available at next NC meeting.

Membership Secretary Report I was handed the membership secretary kit at the EGM, it was a while before I had all the necessary passwords. All membership details are up to date, new and renewals, all members with an email address are informed by email that their pack and/or card has been despatched. I am now stuck with the change of website. I am concerned about new members forms being sent to the old PO Box but this will resolve itself in time with the new address and online membership. I have had to purchase stamps and envelopes. Lee Walton sent down plastic wallets. I have a lackof stickers for the packs. Please can I be advised of flyers to be included as per sponsorship etc.

PD: We include all flyers as there should be no preference to one organisation.

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National Committee Meeting held on 9th March 2013.

Editors Report Sorry I had to cancel today. Please accept this as my report.

I would like to thank the previous editors for their resources on the hard drive they have proved very useful. Issue 230 is well under construction and articles are rolling in, I would like as much input from members as possible. I have contacted all of the centre secretaries and am hopeful that they will submit their reports shortly. All the submission dates for the rest of the year are posted on the website and also will be printed in issue 230. New nomination forms were reviewed AH has redesigned for clarification and to reflect ease of use, feedback to AH please. Please refer anyone willing to submit articles to AH and encourage Secretaries and members to write up about ride outs etc for inclusion on the website and in the Hustler.

AA: The next Hustler will include the nomination forms; the following Hustler will include those members nominated with a short 'campaign bio' of approximately 100 words.

AW: In my experience as Editor can I please advise that the NC have their reports In prior to the cut off date to make things less stressful for the Editor.

LD: The cut off dates are in line with getting the layout complete, Hustler to NC for review prior to going to the printers, a total of a month before final version to print.

Action: Copies of new nomination forms to NC for further review Riders Rights/Welfare Report I will be reviewing all the Riders Rights information that is coming through and getting it on the website. With regards to Welfare if anyone knows of a member that needs to be visited, helped etc then please advise me, my personal view is that this is a position that, almost, in terms of welfare needs to go back to the Centre Secretaries. As an NC member I personally don't feel comfortable attending the funeral of someone I have never met, the same as with hospital visits, if a member within a centre is poorly the centre members and secretary will go and see them and ensure they have all they need. The National Welfare Officer to co-ordinate at a national level, cards and flowers from club, guidance and signposting help with benefits, DLA claims, how to get a disabled badge etc.

SC: That makes so much sense as the centre secretaries and members can come to you for the signposting but devolve the welfare aspect back to the centre secretaries who know their centre members.

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National Committee Meeting held on 9th March 2013.

EC: It's a change that would need to be proposed at the next AGM and voted on by members AW: The NC can use rule 13 to put something in place and then ratify the rules at the AGM. SC: Maybe it is time to look at the club roles and bring them up to date, we need to talk to centre secretaries about how the NC see this role in the future.

Action: EC to look at Welfare role profile and review.

Public Relations Officer Report

This is my first report since being appointed as Public Relations Officer, the information passed to me after the EGM was 2 pieces of paper similar to these with contact details for the rider magazine for advertising out th 40 bash, the contact was never made so I followed this up and, as you all know by the email I copied you into, we have actually got a post in the riders BMF online, it is the wrong colour roundel.

I have made contact with Motorcycle Monthly who will be advertising all our activities, Centre Secretaries have been contacted and I have asked for all forthcoming events, meetings and ride outs which I will get published. A note will go into the Hustler chasing the centres up for all the details of meets etc. One response I received was 'why are you doing this?' I am doing this as it is part of my role, I am exploring all avenues for advertising the SOC. I see my role as publicising and advertising the SOC to increase our membership base and to get our name well known. I will contact SGB to discuss advertising, we met at the NEC and discussed links FaceBook links etc. We need to discuss a FaceBook page. For now there will be a direct link from Suzuki GB FaceBook page to the SOC site. I will also be asking all publications I ncluding MCN if they would cover the 40th bash and write an article for us, come along to experience our Invader Rally. In time I will start looking at the discount list, targeting national retailers, I still do not see that as being the PRO role, at some stage this may need to be reviewed.

SC: We have the capability with the new site to have an integrated FaceBook page which can be moderated or to have a FB page that is updated with information only, we can also do this with Twitter. It is worth considering as we would have control of the content.

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National Committee Meeting held on 9th March 2013.

AW: A FaceBook page can be set up with outgoing information only.

Action: Obtain flyers from all insurance companies for membership secretary.

Regalia Report I took this post over 2 weeks ago and my handover was 3 pieces of paper. For the past week I have been establishing what stock there is held with the shows officers and establishing what the price list is etc. I have talked to various companies we have dealings with and I have written to them, they are beginning to respond with information such as past invoices and details of previous orders.

From this information I have established various avenues where we may have gone wrong in the past but I have found new providers and we need to discuss how we will stock the shop, if at all, there is no clothing, my proposal would be tee shirts, polo shirts, caps, roll necks and all the stickers, roundels etc. I am still awaiting the regalia list from Michael Western following the Scottish Show.

We have the 5, 10 and 15 year badges. Life membership badges will be needed, we will need to establish how many members will become life members. We have the dies for all badges except life membership, we have the dies but we have been advised that the dies will become corroded/damaged over 2 years and we would not be able to use them.

No badges are made in this country. We own the product that the die makes but not the dies, if the dies are continuously used they will last longer. We had the dies sent here from Malaysia at a cost of £119 for us to keep them and use, the dies can only be used by the company who manufactured them and would have to go back to Malaysia, the dies are not universal. If the condition of the dies are not of a good standard they would not be able to use them. New dies are £40 – 50 for each badge every time a die is replaced, the only badges need at present are life memberships so a figure for ordering will need to be established. The badges are 87 pence to produce. We will also need to assess th the Invader Rally badges. With the 40 anniversary coming up I will be inviting the membership to design a motif that would be good for the clothing, I am hoping to get this in the next Hustler and on the website. All designs will be verified as ok for use by SGB. I will be asking for members to be patient whilst we establish suppliers and processes to get the shop established.

AA: The 20 year members for the next 3 years will be 2013 – 6, 2014 – 2, 2015 – 11. I will hand over all the invader rally badges I have to Lainy.

AW: Explained the use of the logo from memory, PD and JW to establish requirements with SGB. Action: JW to investigate makers of Invader Rally bars, prepare motif announcement for Hustler and website. Continue investigating supplier options.

Shop on website to be reviewed.

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National Committee Meeting held on 9th March 2013.

Events Secretary Report I have the folder and previous derails from Ant. I will be updating the events on the website. The Invader Rally is in 5 months and this must be a priority. The venue is booked; we have the large camping field across the road from the pub.

I have spoken to the landlord, we have access to all room in the pub, the toilets and showers will be open 24-7, there may be a requirement for portaloos. The entertainment planned is Andy Bevan on the Friday night with Karaoke, bands provisionally booked for Saturday night by Alex following the 12th January NC meeting, ride outs are being planned. The key thing is the AGM, when will it be?

If the AGM is on the Saturday this will limit ride out options.

JC: If I remember rightly the members posted on the old website requesting the AGM be moved to Sunday.

Technical Officer Report I am awaiting confirmation from the DVLA to issue Dating Certificates, in the meantime I have been monitoring the tech advice thread. The DVLA have confirmed the process for dating. James and Alan have looked at doing a form for the website Dating Certificate page that needs a little adjustment, thank you to James and Alan. Emails are being sent to advise anyone requiring dating certificates advising them of the current situation, approx 20 emails have been sent out.

North Shows Report Not submitted South Shows Report I have been passed all the details regarding the shows from Peter Dibble. I have been busy on the phone and emails, one fact that I am aware of is the extortionate cost of shows so I have been establishing free shows. I have confirmed a number of shows Margate Meltdown, Billing Biker Show and Brighton Burn up. The shows that are charging for stands I am assessing the cost against possible membership sign ups, to this end I will be concentrating on free shows. Suzuki Sunday will be scheduled in, just waiting to clarify the stand. The Brighton Burn up clashes with the tail end of the BMF and last year the Brighton show was good so we will follow that up. Mablethorpe did not respond to my emails so that will not be going ahead. Club equipment was collected from Mick Squires last weekend, the decision was taken to leave the shed for Mick's use. All equipment will be checked as soon as the weather improves. All equipment will be inventoried.

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National Committee Meeting held on 9th March 2013.

AA: We are no longer in a position to do high cost shows. Michael will also need to look at doing free shows. Having reviewed the shows logistically it makes more sense for the South Shows Officer to do the NEC, Stafford and Peterborough you are closer therefore reducing the costs in petrol and van hire.

JC: Is there potential to request members to accommodate members working on stands at the NEC and Stafford rather than booking hotels/B&B to reduce costs.

JW: We could also look to SGB assisting with booking at corporate hotel cost.

Budget review When the Treasurer returns from his holiday we will be looking at the accounts, reviewing costs of shows, Hustler etc and allocating budgets for various things.

We will review past costs in order to allocate for future costs.

AGM/40th Anniversary We are still in limbo as to how many members are attending the Invader Rally/AGM. Can Lainy and Peter work together to formulate a questionnaire to establish numbers, what members would prefer for the Invader Rally and anything relevant to be put in the Hustler and on the website.

Proposal raised for AGM to be held on the Sunday by JC. Unanimous agreement, motion carried.

Action: EC & PD to formulate questionnaire Website/ Website problems Suzuki GB Meeting NEC Show Stafford Show 2013 Any Other Business PD: New membership forms out of date, new forms needed, 6 issues of Hustler on them amend to 4, add new membership deals. Alter lay out to suit, add new PO Box. Action: SC to send membership form layout to PD/AA/AH to review and PD to get printing quote EC: Independent panel for investigation.

AA responded that this matter has to be dealt with and a panel assigned.

The panel will need to be independent, members approached are requesting to remain anonymous for fear of reprisals.

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National Committee Meeting held on 9th March 2013.

LD asked if the panel has to be members from the SOC? The assumption is the panel needs to be SOC members, could we have 3 professional people outside of the SOC who are willing to look at all the evidence and advise on how you would deal with this, given rules and thread etc. All NC to nominate professional people independent of the SOC with no knowledge of the SOC or members.

PD proposed that we create a panel of 3 independent persons to review what happened with regards to the website, the boards and the inaction and any outcome, findings with regards to the old club rules. Seconded and voted for – unanimous. Motion carried.

Action – NC members to approach professional independent person each to form panel.

Next NC Meeting: AA proposed North East Camping weekend. PD agreed and suggested bi-monthly meetings. We approach centres to host the meetings, advise on a venue and arrange th

Meeting arranged for 25 May 2013 @ Heather Lad Inn Quarrington Hill, Durham DH6 4QD

Coming Soon To A Venue Near You “Meet The Nc on Tour”

We will travel around visiting your venue to hold the NC Meetings making it possible for all members to attend.

NC THE WORLD TOUR

UK

Also available soundtrack album including Convoy, and These long and winding roads by Keith Mony, Mony and I Need A Dollar by Les Who Will Buy and You Can Keep Your Hat On by James

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Minutes of the Extraordinary General Meeting of the Suzuki Owners Club rd 23 February 2013 Meeting started 12.00. ? Presidents Speech Please see appendix 1.

Nominations started: Nomination for Chairman: Anthony Averns. Elected unopposed. ? Chairman's Adress ? Nominations – Full List Chairman - Anthony Averns. Elected unopposed National Secretary – Sue Carr. Elected unopposed.

Treasurer - Les Bensley. Elected unopposed. (nomination withdrawn

by James Wiedenbruch) Membership Secretary - Keith Ferris. Elected unopposed.

Editor - Alan Hancock. Elected unopposed PRO - Pete Dibble. Elected unopposed.

Riders Rights/Welfare - Elaine Constable. Proposed & seconded from the floor by R Crawford & S. Walters.

Merchandise - James Wiedenbruch. Elected unopposed Shows North - Michael Western. Elected unopposed.

Shows South - Ieuan Bevan. Elected unopposed.

Events - Elaine Constable. Proposed & seconded from the floor By S. Carr & J. Carr - Technical Officer - John Carr. Elected unopposed ? Questions from the floor Following the vote for the Chairman Mr R Crawford asked from the floor: Will the new NC be following the constitution and adhering to the rules; RC = Ron Crawford.

AA = Anthony Averns.

PD = Pete Dibble.

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GC = Gary Connor.

RC asked questions: Had the club followed the constitution with regard to the egm and would the new NC follow the constitution?

The first question by RC was in relation to a nomination form entered by a member for an NC post being firstly deemed ineligible and then being allowed eligible.

The two adjudicators at the nominations opening on 16/02/12 rejected the nomination on the grounds of it was not on an official form & had been altered in wording and layout.

The form was looked at by the quorum & then allowed eligible on the grounds that a question had been asked by e-mail by a member to GC that a member wanted to be put forward for a role but only had the old form. GC said old orms would be accepted.

PD then spoke saying that when downloaded the form, depending on each computers software, print differs to others, but the main information on the form was the same.

Second question by RC: RC then asked why the PO Box was opened before the end of the saturday 23rd february when a member had put in for a role but no nomination form had turned up at the PO Box. Luckily that member was here so their nomination could come from the floor.

AA then said that quorumaware of that situation & the member in question had said that they had proof of posting & quorum asked could they see it.

GC then spoke to say that time was agreed to open nomination forms in the uorum agreed it was reasonable to open the PO Box at that time with adjudicators presents.

RC asked if the incoming NC would follow the constitution and the rules?

AA said yes the new NC would follow the rules.

RC said was happy to the answers to his questions.

Prior to the vote for Merchandising Officer Mark Cole asked: Is it right for someone under investigation to stand for NC? Sue Carr responded that the matter would be under investigation and from this individuals may then be subject to club rules.

AA responded that James was not under investigation.

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Following the voting process there were comments from the floor regarding the club: John Carr spoke about getting membership forms to dealers and how the London Centre endeavour to do this.

Charlie Pickett commented that Central Shires has done this for years.

Andy Bevan welcomed the new NC and threw his support behind them.

The Chairman then welcomed his fellow NC. The President addressed the members, welcoming the new NC and closing the meeting.

In line with club rules the people elected into the following posts at the EGM will have to restand for election again at the AGM in August 2013: National Secretary Treasurer Events Shows South Merchandise Technical officer The other posts will just require ratification at the AGM to see them through to 2014

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Appendix 1 Presidents Speech.

Good Afternoon Ladies and Gentlemen. I would like to welcome you all to the St James Hall, Long Bennington for this Suzuki Owners Club EGM. My name is Peter Mead & I am the President of the Suzuki Owners Club.

At the NC meeting on 12th January 2013 after discussion & due deliberation, a proposal was put forward & seconded to call an Extraordinary General Meeting of the club. This decision was in full agreement of the serving NC. The NC discussion regarding the forum thread 'Rockhopper Succeeds Again' was full and frank and, prior to the meeting, the Chairman, Lee Walton, took legal advice. The Chairman advised the National Committee that the thread could instigate potential litigation and criminal proceedings.

The actions and inactions of members of the NC during the period of time the thread was on the forum were held into account and it was felt that due to the mismanagement of the situation the dissolution of the NC and subsequent EGM was necessary. A Quorum was set up consisting of Lee Walton, Gary Connor, Les Bensley, Sue Carr and Anthony Averns. This was done to keep the club f unctioning until the EGM. A full investigation will be held by an Independent Internal Committee/Panel.

Members to be appointed and convened by the incoming National Committee following the EGM. Due to the pending investigation we are not in a position to release further details for reasons of prejudicing the investigation. This is what has brought us here today. On a slightly different note, the quorum would like to apologise that the notice inserted in the national motorcycle press for the EGM 25 days and not 28 days. The reason being that a national motorcycle daily newspaper was sought but there is only the Motorcycle News and this is only distributed on a Wednesday.

The quorum were unable to secure the notice needed.

Today we are here to elect a new committee from the nominations received.

To start the proceedings may I introduce the 2 adjudicators who will be counting the hands for each vote, they are Laura Dyer and Peter Dibble.

The first nomination is for the Chairman and the nominee is Rear Cover Photo supplied by Alan Hancock Guy Martin at Creg-Ny-Baa Isle of Man TT 2012 Copyright Alan Hancock

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