My 3 years as Chairman is just about up and I will soon be putting my feet up. No, not on the foot stool, but on the footrests of my bike getting a few more miles on the clock, whilst someone else takes over the role of Chairman of SAM.

The last 3 years have certainly seen some `Ups & Downs, but most of the time it has been the `Ups` I am pleased to say. I am sorry for the somewhat clumsy way that I have handled some situations within SAM at times during my term, but it has all been with SAM’s best interest at heart and I do feel that SAM is now so very well placed to continue to improve the riding skills of motorcyclists in Hampshire and to be a great Club for bikers of all types.

During my time a Chairman we have moved from the Fleming Arms in Swaythling to SGCC to far more pleasant surroundings, provided the MDU with new biker graphics, set up a new SAM website thanks to Simon Marsden and Lilian Hobbs has just embarked upon an exciting programme of Classroom and more of the Alec Gore Slow Riding sessions.

The Club Nights organised by Sam Davis have been an outstanding success and of course the Newsletter `Making Progress`, has continued to set the standard for all other SAM activities.

The SAM Sundays, with Bacon Sandwiches thanks to Anne and Lucy Spicer, continue to be a great success and the provision of `Pot Luck Observed Rides` is a new idea for 2008.

The excellent Membership data base and systems set up by Paul Nol have been one of those behind the scenes activities that most members are unaware of. Dr Wendy Peters our new membership secretary is now very busy operating and further updating the system.

Our treasurer John Parvin is doing his best to squeeze some £2500 from the Chancellor via the `Gift Aid` tax system so we will have some more money to spend very soon we hope.

Dave Spicer our Chief Observer has been busy spending the £1000 `Group Achievement Award` that SAM received from the IAM. Consequently some of our SAM Observers will soon be equipped with radios to help them with their Observed runs.

I am sure that many of you do not fully appreciate all the effort that the committee put into SAM activities like, Group Rides - Ian Cooper, SAM Social finances - Kate Davies, Special Events - Dave Barrett, Public Relations – Dave Forster. Of course Colin Backhouse our Secretary has been looking after the minutes, the never ending IAM correspondence and everything else official.

All this means that the next chairman with such a capable committee, will have a very easy job!

By the way, may I ask if all those of you who have benefited by the efforts of the committee and Observers, to just say `Thank you` now and again for the effort that they have put into the club for your benefit. It does help to make them feel that their efforts are appreciated. There we are, I will start by saying, “Thank you to all the Officers, the committee and the Observers past and present who have helped in getting SAM where it is today”.

Sadly this is my last `Chairman’s Chat`, but do not fear, you haven’t seen the last of me yet, for I hope to be out on my bike even more this year. And for a few more years too!

Safe and happy riding to you all.

Gerry Gooch