The Annual General Meeting of the Royston and District Motorcycle Club was held on Wednesday 21st January at Whaddon Village Hall from 8 p.m.

A summary of all topics discussed at the meeting will be issued as minutes of the meeting, however the Chairman’s message and 2026 committee members are below.

This topic will be transferred into Past Events on 31st January.

RDMCC Chairman’s Welcome, 2026

This message recognises Mark’s outstanding service and outlines upcoming opportunities for all members.

Mark Coningsby’s Achievements and Club Legacy

For over a decade, Mark Coningsby has played a vital role within the club, serving as a committee member, treasurer, and show coordinator. We are deeply grateful for Mark’s unwavering commitment and inspiring leadership. Thanks to Mark’s vision, the annual show has blossomed into a highlight of our calendar. Under his stewardship, and with the support of fellow club members, the event—originally organised, by Mark’s father Steve, at Meldreth Manor—has grown significantly, raising more than £20,000 this year. While the show’s success is a collective achievement, it is Mark’s dedication and hard work that have shaped it into its current form. The discontinuation of many similar shows due to a lack of volunteers only underscores the importance of Mark’s contributions in sustaining this cherished tradition.

As Mark transitions to new opportunities, we invite all members to reflect on the positive experiences and memories shared with Mark. It is now incumbent upon us to honour his legacy by working together to continue and grow the valuable work he has accomplished.

Club Training and Safety Initiatives

Recent statistics show a notable increase in motorcycle facilities, with a 14% rise in 2024 and a further 7% in 2025. This trend highlights, amongst other things, the necessity for the Government to revise standards for testing and training new riders as well as to raise awareness of motorcyclists to other road users. As a club, we remain committed to supporting skill development and member safety. Several members have completed and passed the Institute of Advanced Motorcyclists (IAM) course; notably, Simon Whybrow serves as an instructor and examiner for the Cambridge branch. Members have also attended Biker Down

courses provided by the Fire Brigade and Bike Safe courses offered by the Police, both highly

recommended for refresher training.

Upcoming Opportunities

Our club is well positioned to benefit from the following courses and events:

• Courses held across Hertfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Huntingdonshire, and Bedfordshire

• Police Headquarters in Huntingdonshire, especially recommended for advanced training

• Skills days for members, with future sessions planned.

While only Adrian Howard has participated in track days this year, our friends at No Limits track days offer complimentary instruction. We encourage members to consider attending track evenings at Snetterton, available at £59 for an introductory experience.

Looking Ahead

The Royston & District Motorcycle Club prioritises member safety, skill development, and camaraderie.

With everyone’s support, our club will continue to thrive and lead in motorcycle safety and community spirit. Let’s honour Mark’s legacy by working together to sustain and grow our club community.

Thank you for your dedication and enthusiasm as we embark on this next chapter together.

Alan Evans, Chairman

RDMCC Committee 2026

President: Ben Davies

Chairman: Alan Evans

Vice Chairman: Andrew Proudfoot

Secretary: Guy Moody

Treasurer: Chris Stafford

Membership Secretary: Jim Greig

Show Coordinator: Dan Shaw

BMF and Show Logistics Coordinator: Steve Coningsby

General Committee Members:

Simon Whybrow

John Gordon

Ken Desborough

Dave Richards

Richard Cassidy

David Browning

Wednesday 17th December 2025. Meet at The Woodman Inn, Nuthampstead, 09:30 onwards for 11:00 departure to Lister Hospital passing local schools.

If you are planning to join the ride contact Colin Willcox via the club WhatsApp messaging and he will add you to the Toy Run WhatsApp group.

Colin is the focal point for RDMCC involvement in the Toy Run but will not be available to lead a ride to The Woodman Inn as he will already be there.

If someone is prepared to arrange a meeting point and plan a RDMCC group ride to The Woodman please liaise via our WhatsApp group or alternatively make your own way to The Woodman between 09:30 and 10:30.

Donations information can be found at the bottom section of “About The Nutwood Toy Run”

About The Nutwood Toy Run

The Nutwood Toy Run began in 2023 with just 50 teddy bears and a shared idea between Robyn from Nutwood Pubs and Gavin Finley, organiser of the Mud Pluggers biker group. Gavin’s wife works at Lister Hospital, and together we came up with the idea to bring some extra joy to children spending time in there over Christmas. That first year, 20 bikers joined the convoy to deliver the toys — and from there, it’s only grown. In 2024, Colin Willcox and his biker group joined the run, along with members of the Harpenden Land Rover Club, another of Gavin’s groups. With around 20 bikes and 8 Land Rovers, we teamed up with Tesco Extra in Royston, thanks to the amazing Mandy from their Community Projects team and Robyn from Nutwood Pubs. The local community came together in an incredible way, donating toys through Tesco and our Nutwood sites. Together, we collected 23 crates of gifts worth between £3,500–£5,000 — along with generous book donations from Bows Books in Royston and children’s author Alice Hemming (Scholastic). Herts Rural Police supported us on the day, escorting our convoy safely to Lister Hospital.

The toys and books we deliver aren’t just for Christmas morning — they help Lister Hospital keep a back stock for children who are in hospital over the festive period, recovering from operations, or staying in for treatment throughout the year. These gifts are used as rewards and comfort items — a little bit of happiness during a tough time. This year, the Toy Run will be even bigger, with more bikers, more Land Rovers, and continued support from Herts Police and Tesco Extra, Royston, But we can’t do it without you. We’re asking for donations of brand-new toys or books for children of all ages (up to 18 years old). Donations can be dropped off at any Nutwood site or placed in the collection trolley at Royston Tesco.

If you’d like to be part of this year’s convoy, please contact events@nutwoodpubs.com, and your details will be passed on to Gavin or Colin. Thank you.