Thee KillSpills campaign, founded in 2003 to counter the menace of diesel spillage and particularly the danger it presents to motorcyclists, has come to an end.

Announcing the end of the campaign, the KillSpills team leader Stephen Edwards said that the increased pressure of his ‘day job’ coupled with family domestic needs meant that he could no longer give the campaign the time and resources it needed.

Although sponsored and supported by the BMF since 2005, (and from 2008 also by the IAM) the small volunteer KillSpills team remained just that and it is to their credit that they achieved so much in raising the profile of the spilt diesel menace.

Highlights over the past seven and a half years included the annual London KillSpills Rally, at one time attracting over 7500, riders converging on Parliament with regular reports and petitions taken to the Prime Minister’s office at 10 Downing Street.

Thanks to KillSpills, the Highway Code now includes a section on the danger of diesel spillage and due to the Highways Agency support, leaflets and guidance were issued to fleet operators and drivers. The DfT also came on board and commissioned and funded a study into best practice on cleaning up diesel spills.

The high profile campaign also presented annual awards to companies who had done the most to lessen the risks and improve awareness of diesel spills. Recipients included big fleet operators, ASDA and Sainsbury’s, and TruckProtect, the makers of an innovative and now widely adopted anti-spill device. Awards were also presented to the Highways Agency and to the DfT in recognition of their work on the topic.

Speaking on the announcement, KillSpills founder, R1 riding Stephen Edwards, a 45 year old Accountant from Lancashire said: “This has been an extremely difficult decision for me but I’ve come to the end of my personal road on this. We’ve achieved so much and I’ve enjoyed what we’ve done, but this is it, I really can’t do any more. My thanks go to my team and the many people who have helped us along the way and of course to the BMF and IAM whose support has been invaluable.”

For the BMF, spokesman Jeff Stone said:  “From the day I first met Steve way back in 2003, I was impressed by his enthusiasm and professionalism and was pleased to be able to offer BMF support. The BMF have battled the diesel menace for years and gained some improvements, but Steve raised the bar and by concentrating on this single issue gave it a whole new dimension. Motorcyclists owe a lot to Steve and the KillSpills team.”

The BMF will continue to lobby on the diesel spills issue as part of its broader campaigning programme.

See www.killspills.org.uk for more on the campaign.

In a new initiative, ‘Rider Active’, designed to involve all motorcyclists in tackling common issues adversely affecting their motorcycling safety and enjoyment, the BMF has today launched an on-line survey to gather their concerns and from those topics highlighted, construct an action plan to deal with them.

The ‘Rider Active’ initiative follows an impromptu ‘What’s Bugging You?’ survey of visitors to the BMF’s stand at last year’s International Motorcycle Show and triggered the need for a wider survey of rider’s concerns.

The survey captured such a diverse range of concerns that the BMF now wants to break them down into priority order by surveying not only its 80,000 members though direct mailing, but also, through the on-line survey, all interested motorcyclists.

In this way say the BMF, it will not be a top-down project but will involve the BMF’s regional network of representatives too. After collecting riders concerns, guidance and briefings focused on local findings will be available enabling those riders, along with local BMF Regional Representatives, to take action themselves along with any national action taken by the BMF.

Over the year, four major issues will be focussed on as determined by the survey, all of them designed to gather grass roots concerns and involve local riders.

Launched today, the Rider Active survey will also be carried in the BMF’s re-launched Motorcycle Rider magazine published later this month.

Chris Hodder, the BMF’s Government Relations Executive said: “This represents a new way of working for the BMF, empowering local riders and putting the resources of the BMF in their hands. In this way we will be addressing the issues that they really care about.”

For further information and to take part in the survey, riders should log on.

Motorcycling legends and iconic machines confirmed for TT2011 appearance

Some of the greatest names and most exotic machinery in Yamaha's history will be on the Isle of Man for this year's Isle of Man TT Races fuelled by Monster Energy courtesy of the Dutch based Yamaha Classic Racing Team.

The international team, which includes multiple TT Race winners and World Champions, will be performing a parade lap as part of the legendary Japanese manufacturer's 50th anniversary, which is appropriately also the 100th anniversary that racing has taken place around the famous 37¾-mile Mountain Circuit.

The line up includes multiple world champion Phil Read MBE, Yamaha's most successful rider, who also won 8 TT's and will ride the Yamaha RD05A 250cc that he rode to the '68 world championship. One of the greatest names in TT history, Phil will be making his first appearance on a Yamaha since the 1972 TT.

Germany's Dieter Braun, world champion in 1970 and 1973, as well as a TT winner in 1970, will be riding the Yamaha YZ634 350cc that 7 time TT winner and fellow world champion Chas Mortimer raced on the Island in 1972, while Chas will parade on a Yamaha TZ750.

Australian Kel Carruthers who won the 1970 Lightweight 250cc TT will be renewing his acquaintance with Rod Gould, runner up in that race but who went on to win that year's world championship from Carruthers. Gould will be on a 1972 YZ635 250cc machine that he and Barry Sheene both raced in the World Championship.

Ulsterman Tommy Robb will be evoking memories of his popular 1973 125cc Ultra-Lightweight TT victory by appearing on the YZ623cc machine that he won that memorable race on.

The line up also includes Finland's Pentti Korhonen who will be riding a 350 4 cylinder RR08A and Jos Schurgers who will be on the four cylinder RA31A 125.

This eclectic group of riders is completed by American 750cc World Champion Steve Baker, who was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 1989. The popular rider, known for his flamboyant riding style, was the first American World Champion in the 1977 750cc championship, and he also finished runner up to Barry Sheene in the 500cc championship in the same year as well as winning the Daytona 200. He is making a much-anticipated first appearance on the Island.

The team will also be bringing some classic machines that will go on display at the grandstand from Wednesday 8thJune. It is hoped that machines that will be on show will include Phil Read's RD56 from 1964 and Bill Ivy's 1960 TT winning RA97.

As well as the parade, which will take place on Friday 10th June, the team will also be appearing in a Yamaha Classic Racing Team Parade on Douglas Promenade on Wednesday 8th June as part of the night-time entertainment.

A 'Dawn Chorus' event, with echoes of morning practices, is scheduled for early on Thursday 9thJune, which will include riders and mechanics in period costume in pit lane with all of the bikes on display. Fans will get the chance to meet their Yamaha heroes as part of the 'Day of Champions' also lined up for the TT Grandstand on the same day.

Ferry Brouwer, Team Owner, Yamaha Classic Racing Team commented:

"We are delighted that Yamaha's 50th anniversary is coinciding with the centenary celebrations of the Mountain Course and we are sure that the TT fans will enjoy the sights and sounds of these spectacular machines and the chance to see these legendary riders close up."

Allan Bell, MHK, Minister, Department of Economic Development commented:

"We are very much looking forward to sharing this special year in the history of the IOM TT Races with the Yamaha Classic Racing Team and celebrating their 50th anniversary year with us."

‘Sci-Fi at the Movies’ is the latest exciting exhibition to be staged at the Heritage Motor Centre giving visitors the opportunity of seeing original artefacts, replica models and costumes from legendary past and present Science Fiction movies. This unique exhibition, which runs from 19 February – 4 September, will showcase some of the most popular and iconic superheroes and villains from films such as Star Wars, E.T. Harry Potter, Aliens, Batman, Spiderman and Superman.

This unique exhibition will not only showcase these famous and iconic characters complete with weaponry and costumes but will also take visitors on a fascinating journey of discovery providing an amazing insight into film history, character profiles and little known film trivia. All the rare artefacts are on loan from the private collection of ‘Skywalkers Promotions’ and would not normally be available for the public to view.

Visitors will be able to wander through six different zones propelling them into the presence of some of the most infamous characters that have enriched the plot lines of these world famous films.  The “Creature Zone” will display creatures from the friendly E.T to the rebellious Gremlins. Replicas of the famous crew uniforms will be displayed in the “Star Trek Zone”. The “Star Wars Zone” will include characters such as Jabba the Hut, Yoda and Darth Vader which have made this hugely successful film such a phenomenon. Other zones include “Alien & Predator”, “Miscellaneous” incorporating Robocop, Terminator and Battlestar Galactica and “Comic Book Heroes” featuring an amazing display of costumes from Spider-Man, Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman as well as masks from Dr Doom and the Iron Man.

Penny Tyler, Marketing Officer at the Heritage Motor Centre stated “I wouldn't normally describe myself as a Sci-Fi fan, but with so many different characters, from such a wide spectrum of films, I have had to think again! This exhibition really is a must for everyone and not just science-fiction fans, I know my kids will love it, plus you get to see all our fantastic British cars whilst you are here.  We are extremely privileged to be able to host such an exciting and prestigious exhibition, it is a truly unique opportunity to see original artefacts, replica models and costumes from a private collection!”

During the school holidays there are a number of special Sci-Fi activities running alongside the exhibition.  Sci-Fi Half Term Fun runs from 19 – 27 February whilst on 24 February there will be special  Sci-Fi themed family craft activities from 11am - 3pm in the Education Room.  Sci-Fi Mad - May Half Term Activities takes place from28 May – 5 June with special Sci-Fi themed craft activities on 2 June.  

A special fun-filled family Sci-fi Weekend will take place on9 & 10 July with the opportunity to meet some of your favourite Sci-Fi and Superhero characters. You can even come in fancy dress yourself and have your photo taken with the other characters.  From 23 July – 4 September visitors can enjoy Summer Holiday Sci-Fi Fun incorporating the exhibition plusdaily quizzes and activities including special family craft activity days every Thursday throughout the summerholidays. 

In addition to the museum, home to the world's largest historic collection of British cars, visitors can enjoy outdoor activities including the Miniature Roadway and the Land Rover 4x4 Experience. Stop Start - learner driving experiences for 15+ years in dual controlled vehicles are a great way for teenagers to get behind the wheel.

There is no extra charge for the new Sci-Fi exhibition as it is included in the standard Museum entry fees. However, on the opening day of 19 February, Gift Aid Season tickets, Tesco Club cards and any other promotional offers will not be valid.   Museum entry fees are: Adults priced at £11, Children priced at £8 (5-16 years) under 5’s are free, Concessions are priced at £9 and a Family ticket is priced at £34.

Sci-Fi at the Movies is just one of many exciting and unique events to take place at the Heritage Motor Centre in 2011. To find out more information please visit the website at www.heritage-motor-centre.co.uk

Stormin’ The Castle, 2nd- 4th September 2011

Ticket prices will be the same as last year

Adult prebook £25 Adult

On the gate £35 (only to those arriving on a bike/trike)

Car permits £35 (prebook only & strictly limited)

Children aged 5-15yrs £5. Tickets only available on the gate, and only to those arriving with an adult who has pre booked

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