Biker News - Regularly updated

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  1. 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

  2. The 'Wheels to Work' scheme that helps young people in rural areas of the UK get vital access to employment and educational opportunities through the provision of a motorcycle or scooter has received public support from the Transport Minister in his Commons speech.

    In a Ministerial Statement (19 Jan ) (1) launching the Government's White Paper "Creating Growth, Cutting Carbon" [2] Norman Baker MP, Under-Secretary of State for Transport, acknowledges the value of Wheels to Work.  Baker commented,  'Wheels to Work' schemes provide transport to people who are unable to access training, employment or education, due to a lack of suitable public or private transport.  Schemes can, therefore, particularly benefit people living in isolated rural communities and can play an important part in helping people to come off benefits and regain their independence."

    The White Paper and its associated Local Sustainable Transport Fund will help the Government to meet its key objectives of creating a transport system that helps create growth in the economy and can help tackle climate change.

    The funds that will be made available are to help Local Authorities meet their local transport needs by putting together a package that will enable local people to travel more sustainably and cost-effectively. Wheels to Work was identified as one such scheme that could benefit from this fund.

    The Motor Cycle Industry Association (MCI) is a strong supporter of the Wheels to Work scheme and has been involved in political lobbying activities to help secure funding and develop the project across the UK. Solutions offered by the projects can include the loan of scooters, mopeds, power assisted bikes or bicycles and in some cases assistance with meeting car running costs giving young people, especially in urban areas, kick start for their future

    The MCI welcomes the announcement of support and recognition for the schemes, but  now we have to ensure that some of the money being made available will be used for these types of projects.

    Steve Kenward, MCI's CEO commented, " Government support for this valuable scheme is the first step in the right direction.  The next challenge is to ensure that there is appropriate funding available and accessible to the projects.

    "Individuals who have taken part in Wheels to Work have commented on how empowering the scheme has been, how it has opened doors that would have previously been closed and how training has enhanced their career prospects. We now need to work in partnership to ensure the continuation and expansion of the scheme."

  3. Bad weather, rising costs, post-Christmas debts and going back to work are just some of the reasons that 'Blue Monday' has been established as the worst day of the year.

    This year Blue Monday falls on the 17th January. Expert, Dr Cliff Arnall devised a mathematical formula that identifies this day as the most depressive of year as a mix of factors come together,

    The best way to get over this is to have some fun, start a new hobby or do something you have been putting off for months or years...

    As the annual New Year resolutions starting to fade why not make a new resolution to do something that you will find easy to stick to and get on to two wheels , a pleasure that can last you a lifetime.

    Get On -  The Motor Cycle Industry is making it easier than ever before to help interested people take their first steps into the world of motorcycling by offering a free one-hour riding experience with a local trainer, that will get you kitted out and ready to go at no expense. Already 21,000 people have booked their ride and we are seeing a growing number of interest from women accounting for 34% of participants.

    A dedicated website has been set up to help you search for a local trainer, so go online, find out more about life on tow wheels and take those first steps at www.geton.co.uk.

    Training -  For others who are ready to get stuck in or have lapsed or maybe only ever completed the Compulsory Basic Training (CBT), now's the time to reap the economic and social benefits of a powered two-wheeler and take their next step to completing their test and broadening your motorcycle experience.

    Experience -  More and more people are enjoying off-road adventures and over land travel experiences on bikes. There is a growing number of companies that provide tours to anywhere any everywhere from Canada to Africa, so for the more experienced rider who wants to see more of the world , now is the time to stop dreaming and  start planning.

    MCI's Spokesperson CEO Steve Kenward commented   " You can beat 'Blue Monday' by doing something positive to challenge it.

    "Motorcycles and scooters are the best way to beat the ongoing credit crunch and turn the daily commute into a joy.  Two wheels will let you move through traffic, with ease. Not only that, in London they are exempt from congestion charge and can also use bus lanes, so you will save time and money every day, which is certainly something to smile about"

    "If you want to make commuting more fun and economical, start this new year with a new approach, get on a scooter or motorcycle and join the 1.5million other converts. "

    For more information on passing your test and other useful information go to www.geton.co.uk