PW_4_2023

Spotlight on the SIGS

IPA Motorcycle SIG: AGM 2023 Paul Firth , Motorcycle SIG: Chairman It is usual when writing an account of an event like an AGM, to lead with key decisions made, or changes to the committee. However, on this occasion I feel it is only right to start with our outstanding host family. “Host family” may sound strange, but that’s exactly what they were.

T he Buccleuch Arms, in Moffat, is well known to motorcyclists. It is in tremendous biking country, with lots to see and explore, but the hotel is owned and run by a single family. Dave and Yvonne, their sons and their family, made our stay both pleasurable and memorable, to the point where a decision was made to return to the hotel for our AGM every two years. As high an endorsement as I can think of. As is our normal practice, members made their own way to the venue from all over the UK. On arrival, we immediately saw this was no ordinary biking establishment, as two of Dave’s sons met us at the hotel gates, and offered to park our bikes in their purpose built court yard. Rooms allocated, we had a nice stroll around Moffat, worth a visit with lots of associated history. Dinner was pre ordered, and came out piping hot with South African influences, Dave’s home country. I had chosen spicy buffalo florets of cauliflower. Nothing was too much trouble and the service was impeccable. We were asked to bring our Sat Navs along to breakfast. Not a normal accompaniment to bacon and eggs, but Dave provided a list of ‘bike tours’ to choose from, downloaded the routes for us, and accompanied us as a guide. Remarkable bike friendly roads, that we would never have found.

On to the business of the weekend, the AGM itself. The AGM is always a chance to reflect on the past year. Once again, we have been active, offering a variety of events through the year. • July: Norfolk long weekend • September: One tour, two wars Tour of France & Belgium • October: End of season ride to the Cotswolds • January: Post Christmas bash, Red Lion Rugeley All these, plus our weekly ride outs for coffee and a chat, keep our SIG alive and well, with an increase in members again this year (now at 138). We had 29 members attend from all over the UK, including our vice chair John who with his wife Angie, had travelled over from Northern Ireland, with Rod and Denise. John, like the rest of the committee, agreed to stay on for another year. On behalf of the committee, I would just like to say how great it is to be able to spend time with such a great group of people, who all met through a passion for motorcycling and the IPA.

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POLICE WORLD Vol 68 No.4, 2023