2009 Meeting Dates and Planned Subjects/Presenters          

Christmas Social and quiz night a Success

The Christmas Social was held on Monday 1st December and although it was very early in the season it was well attended and seemed to have been very much enjoyed by all. Our Chairman Rob Blackshaw said a few words of welcome and then presented Stephen Callaghan with a certificate to acknowledge his recent success in qualifying as a group observer. This year we had a special guest RCO 4 Mr David Stringer and his wife. David outlined the the I.A.M.s plans for 2009 which sounded promising especially for the younger drivers. Adrian did the quiz which was as challenging as ever but shorter than previous years which meant that we had plenty of time to socialise and to try the tasty buffet. Special thanks to Adrian for the quiz and to Helen Blackshaw for those exceptional mince pies and fudge slices, I noticed that there wasn't many of those left by the end of a very good evening.

'WHITEKNIGHTS'. By Robert Banks

At the meeting of the Dewsbury and Batley IAM on the 3rd November the speaker was advertised as an AA representative, but unfortunately he could not attend so a group called the 'WHITEKNIGHTS' stepped in and talked about their role in our community. The representative was a Vic Siswick, the founder member of the group. The talk was given on the role played by this group of about 10 motorcycle riders, all members of the IAM Motorcycle Group, they transport blood, tissue samples, notes and scan results from hospitals in the West Yorkshire areas, mainly Huddersfield, Halifax, Dewsbury and Leeds, but hope to bring in York soon. This service as it is a charity and makes no charge to the health service saves on average £20-£25000 per year. The rides made can be life saving, and are always urgent. This service came about when Vic was diagnosed with cancer and after major surgery was cured. Due to the care given to Vic he decided to form the White Knights, they are one of a number of groups around England who make these life saving trips on a voluntary basis. They are the modern 'Knights of the round table' helping hospitals to deliver a better service and patients to survive. Their slogan says 'WHITEKNIGHTS RIDE FOR LIFE' and that is what they do. For more information or to make a donation go to there website www.whiteknightsevs.org (*EVS - Emergency Voluntary Service)

Members in a spin

Wednesday 11^th June was the visit to the Police Skid Pan at Crofton. Everyone seemed to have a great time and fully enjoyed the unique experience. All of the participants expressed their thanks to the training staff on the night and went away with huge grins on their faces. Both Instructors gave us their time and expertise and made us feel welcome thereby ensuring that the whole experience was memorable. Following a collection we raised £104.30  towards this years charity  ‘ Breakthrough’ Thank you.

Group Visit to Birkenshaw a successAt 7 pm on Wednesday 24^th January 2007 a group of members turned up on a very chilly night at the Fire Brigade’s Command and Control centre at Birkenshaw. We were met by Emma Sutcliffe who was friendly and welcoming and gave a very professional presentation on the duties and responsibilities of the control room staff and the equipment the brigade has, that can be called upon when required. Emma did let it slip that she killed a mother on the motorway and that since this incident was reluctant to use the network. Oh yes, I should say that while she was driving along the carriageway she felt a FEW bumps under the tyres and realized that they were chicks. I am assured she didn’t deliberately aim for the mother duck to prevent her suffering!!! I have suggested she considers joining our group. All those that attended said that they had enjoyed the experience and had found it very interesting.  So thank you to Emma and Mark for allowing our visit.