AGM2024 Report

This year’s AGM was once again back at the Riverside Museum on the banks of the Clyde and was very well attended. Helped no doubt by the Pre-AGM breakfast that drew in a fair contingent of the chapter as well, at the Harvester in Hillington.

We even had a good turnout of bikes, with about a dozen riders braving the salt to ride in an otherwise fresh and dry morning to join us at Hillington, the AGM or both. By the time all had arrived at the AGM we had about 15 bikes in some pretty nice sunshine for an early March day.

Proceedings were chaired by Director Stevie Trainor who gave a general rundown of where the Chapter was both physically and financially. Finances have returned to pre-COVID levels which helps with organising events, but we are not a profit-making organisation, so all excess money finds its way to charities. Membership is at least stable and looks to be growing as we are ahead of the usual first-quarter levels for the year.

We had several beneficiaries in 2023, from Breast Cancer Care, Brain Tumor research and the Glasgows Charity for Sick Kids and we aim to continue and even widen our net in 2024. Members were asked for suggestions for other Charities to support and a few have been voiced already.

Assistant Director Scott Grove reported on The Gathering. This promises to be a belter for our special anniversary of 25 years on the road and the 20th running of the Rally with the most scenic ride out in the UK, the Seven Lochs. We have top-drawer entertainment with Bill toppers Big Vern and the Shootahs on the Saturday night main event. Tickets have sold exceptionally well, and if you plan on attending you best be quick. All bookings before the end of March qualify for a Rally Pack including a Teeshirt. Don’t miss out!

We had a briefing from David Hacksall MD of WCHD who went over the situation regarding our Easter Fundraising BBQ ( basically it won’t be happening this year) but the chapter will still be attending the Annual Glasgow Easter Egg Run. The Dealership continues to lead the UK and indeed Europe as a Harley Davidson dealership and Clyde Valley are proud to be Sponsored by the Dealership. We are joined at WCHD, by sister chapter Red Rose who were under threat of dissolution due to losing their sponsoring dealer last year and in light of the recent closures of Manchester and Chester HD, have with support from CVH, been adopted by WCHD.

The other chapter officers gave their reports, from Activities (a key point was the closing of Hard Rock Cafe, Glasgow which means we need a new venue for Winterfest). We also have Connor Fitzsimmons joining the Activities team (Welcome Connor) and some changes to events and some new events are in the planning stages, with dates already in the Events calendar.

Ladies of Harley Officer Janice Graham gave us a rundown of all the activities in 2023 and what’s in store for 2024. There have been moves to do away with LoH in the US (this is currently being trialled in some chapters) so a watching brief is being maintained on that one). I think the general feeling is that LoH provides a great place for the ladies to feel part of HOG on their own account where motorcycles are predominantly a male pastime. The Ladies currently plan to hold a ride out of lady members on International Lady Riders Day at the beginning of May and this year will be joined by the ladies of Dunedin Chapter.

Kenny gave a brief overview of where we are with our Social Media, events calendar and website, as well as thanking Frazer Auld for his support in delivering photo’s for events where he ( Kenny) couldn’t attend. New members were warned that anything silly or vaguely humorous, no matter how minor, they do on a ride out is apt to grow arms and legs into the comments and captions on the photos posted to Facebook. Most of the existing membership is well aware of this and avoids saying anything incriminating….in which case Kenny just makes it up anyway and will photoshop any photographic evidence required to match his version of events…There is no escape. 🙂

Jigger updated the membership on the current standings in the Road crew, we have two new members into the crew this year, we hope to add two new Road Captains very soon and new crew members from last year’s riding were thanked for all their support. The ride-outs this year will be rotating between Saturdays and Sundays which should open up some destinations based on alternative start points and the Chapter is planning on riding to places less frequented. Members were asked for their ideas in this regard too. We do try to recce all ride-outs so bear that in mind that the RC and /or one of the Road Crew will usually need to go ride it ahead of the event as well.

Finally a small presentation was held to award chapter members who were deemed to have contributed in some way 2023 to make the chapter the success it was.

Kenny, for Website, Socials and Photos. ( most unexpected )
Iain and Donna MacKay for always helping out at Charity events, not just in 2023 but through the years.
Davie Fulton for always being available at short notice to help out with leading ride-outs when there are call-offs or unforseen issues.
Janice was awarded for all her efforts at event organising for the ladies, the wider chapter but in particular her charitable ideas that raise so much for so many.
and Connor was thanked for all the hard effort he put in to help build and remove the Paraphernalia used at The Gathering, as well as road Crew duties through the year and offering up some much-needed young blood and ideas into the committee.

Well done all.