NEWSLETTER  January 2002

  Hello everybody,

This is our first newsletter of 2002 and our first since the AGM.

Our new committee that was elected is as follows: the Chairman remains the same, Conor handed over the job as secretary to Gordon Salley, Leonie gave the purse to Conor, and Fergus went forward again as Riders Rep, and also now as a full committee member. After a number of years service, Richie Creanor handed over the job as Membership Registrar to Leonie.

2002 Committee and contact phone numbers :

Iain Duff           (Chairman)                       045 433951  or email iain@avlp.iol.ie

Gordon Salley   (Secretary)                        087 8582640

Conor May        (Treasurer)                        086 2477934

Peter Farrelly                                              086 8463671

Eugene Kettle                                              01 8216871

Aaron Galligan                                           0868790380

Fergus Woodlock  (Riders Rep)                086 8462088

Leonie Sheppard (Membership Secretary) 045 433951 or email leonie@avlp.iol.ie

The AGM for those who could not attend was held at Strawberry Hall, 6^th December last. The meeting was opened at 21:00. The first topic that was brought up was the price of membership and it was decided that as the club is now affilliated to the Motorcycle Union Of Ireland, it would be 25 Euro for competitors and 7 Euros for supporters. Fergus Woodlock was forwarded as a delegate to represent the club at M.C.U.I. meetings. Iain also pointed out that with our new status, members can obtain a competition licence through this club without having to join another affiliated club as was previously the case. This will save money for you too.

Everybody was reminded that it is important to complete and return Race entry forms in time for all Mondello events this coming season. If you dont you will not get passes for the gate and you will the have to pay in and appeal your case later in order to get a refund. It is proposed by Mondello to post out the passes during the week prior to the event, (5 people admitted per sidecar crew), so, all entries will have to be received by the organising clubs the week before that. i.e.: two weeks before the race.

A Clubmans league was then proposed, as there is a lot of new comers out there that are very willing to give it a go and this will give them something to compete for without being disheartened by the faster guys flying past them. Anyone interested in buying a bike to get started. Please contact any of our committee members.

Steve from the Italian Motorcycle Shop is offering to sell top quality Suomy helmets that were on show at the night at a discount rate to any club members with race licence

At the last meeting held at Strawberry Hall 10/01/02, tickets were on sale for a benefit night to be held in the Springfield Hotel Leixlip on the 9^th of February @ 8:30pm. The purpose of this night is because a friend and member of the club Tony Brennan is seriously ill. Live music on the night provided by On the Edge, with a raffle for some very good prizes too. Please help and support the event as Tony has been a member and staunch supporter of sidecar racing for many years. His contribution at Mondello races as flag marshal and in his latest position as grid marshal last season saw Tony attend every meeting without fail even when he just came back out of hospital last September prior to the Celtic Match Races. Its through the dedication and enthusiasm and voluntary effort of guys like him that we are able to race. So lets show him how much we appreciate that effort and support him in return. Tickets are available for 7 Euros each from Iain Duff or Harry Coogan (ph 087 2661671). We would like as many members as possible to take a book of ten to sell to your mates in the pub or at work or whatever. Even if a person cant come on the night they can buy a ticket and be entered into the raffle. Lets show how we can look after one of our own.

The next general meeting will be held at the Abbey Lodge in Celbridge on Thursday 7^th Feb. There is a membership form attached, please do not forget to fill it in and send it off or give it to one off the committee members as it would be nice to get that end off the paperwork done as soon as possible. If you require more, ring or email Leonie the number/address above.

FOR SALE

Terry O Reilly has a Jacobs replica chassis to suit a ZZR engine (will take a Suzy too) with spares also wets on wheels. Contact him via Peter Farrelly at above ph no.

Iain Duff is also selling two generators and some compressors.