GB2RS News

Sunday the 11th of June 2023

The news headlines:

RSGB President's IRTS speech

Contest group map

Distance learning for Full licence exam

 

RSGB President, John McCullagh, GI4BWM received a warm welcome when he attended the IRTS AGM Gala Dinner recently. He talked about the challenges faced by national societies, as well as the success of the RSGB’s Tonight@8 live webinars and online exams, which were introduced during the pandemic. John also stressed the importance of engaging young people in amateur radio, through the Society’s work with schools and universities. He is featured on page 10 of the June issue of Ham Radio Ireland Magazine.

As part of the RSGB’s new Club Finder facilities, the Society has launched an online map that shows affiliated contest-only clubs and groups. If you’d like to get involved in a group, you can use the map to search locally and more widely. Depending on the club entry you will be able to see which contests they participate in as well as their contact and website information. If you are part of an RSGB-affiliated contest group or club, please check your details and, if they need updating, log into the RSGB members’ portal. New information will be uploaded to the map every Friday afternoon. You can find the map on the RSGB’s contest web page at rsgb.org/radiosport

Since 2011, the Bath Based Distance Learning team has helped nearly one thousand students to obtain their Full licence. Student feedback is always very positive and the pass rate continues to be well over 80%, compared with a national average of around 66%. The BBDL team is now planning another Full-licence level course. The course will run from the end of August to December, with exams in January. Students receive weekly work packages via an online classroom and have access to weekly online tutorials. Each student is allocated to one of the remote tutors who provide feedback and additional guidance. There are weekly quizzes to check on progress and at the end of the course there are a number of mock exams. There is no charge for the training, but applicants must work through some pre-course material and complete a quiz to be eligible for a place. This focuses on the ‘new’ Intermediate topics that were introduced to the syllabus in 2019. The aims of the pre-course classroom are to make sure applicants can use the BBDL systems and to ensure that they are ready for the current Full training syllabus. Each student will need to provide their own RSGB Full licence textbook and arrange their own exam at the end of the course. Advice will be provided as part of the course. The deadline for course applications is Tuesday the 25th of July. To request full details and an application form, please email BBDL Team Leader, Steve, G0FUW, via [email protected]

International Museums on the Air will take place on the weekends of the 17th and 18th, and the 24th and 25th of June. A participation award will be issued to all stations that register. The registration process is simply to assist the organisers with the administration of the event and provides those taking part with an indication of how many stations will be active and exactly where the museums involved are located. To read more details about the event, and to register, please visit: tinyurl.com/MOTAW

 

And now for details of rallies and events

The Mendips Rally is taking place today, the 11th of June. The venue is Farrington Gurney Memorial Hall, Church Lane, Farrington Gurney, Somerset, BS39 6TY. The entrance fee is £2. The doors open at 7.30 am for traders and 9.30 am for visitors. For bookings and enquiries please contact Luke on 07870 168 197 or email [email protected]

The Junction 28 Radio Rally is also taking place today, the 11th of June. The venue is Alfreton Leisure Centre Bowls Hall, Church Street, Alfreton, DE55 7BD. The doors open at 10.15 am and admission is £4. There is a fee of £12 to book a table in advance. A bar and refreshments are available on-si

GB2RS News

Sunday the 4th of June 2023

The news headlines:

Volunteers’ Week

New edition of RadCom Basics

RSGB Emerging Technology Co-ordinating Committee

 

The RSGB is in the middle of celebrating Volunteers’ Week which runs from the 1st to the 7th of June. Volunteers are the lifeblood of the Society and the RSGB wants to thank everyone who gives their time and expertise to support it, and amateur radio, across such a wide range of roles. Head over to the special web page at rsgb.org/volunteers-week to hear from just some of the RSGB’s volunteers, keep an eye on the RSGB’s social media channels and look out for the special feature in the July issue of RadCom.

The new edition of RSGB’s RadCom Basics is out now. It includes articles about using FT8 and the Reverse Beacons to gauge HF propagation; repairing circuit board tracks; a compact 160m vertical; basic fault-finding; and the doublet antenna. If you’re an RSGB member go to the website at rsgb.org/radcom-basics to read this issue. If you’d like to receive an email as soon as the latest RadCom Basics is available, log in to the RSGB Membership Services portal and go to the Manage Preferences section.

The Society is looking for a volunteer to join the RSGB Emerging Technology Co-ordinating Committee, or ETCC, to act as Regional Representative for the Central England region. The function of the ETCC is to assist radio amateurs seeking an NoV to operate repeaters, gateways or beacons within the UK. The successful applicant will have broad experience of radio system engineering, analogue and digital modes, local topography and propagation theory. If you’re interested in this role, email ETCC Chair Andrew Barrett, G8DOR by the 9th of July via [email protected] 

The RSGB National Radio Centre welcomes thousands of people through its doors each month and needs to expand its team of volunteers. If you are interested in becoming an NRC volunteer, you should enjoy meeting people and be prepared to work a minimum of one – preferably two – days per month. The team is particularly interested in recruiting new volunteers who are able to work at the weekend. The National Radio Centre has a fabulous set-up and full training on using the GB3RS radio station will be given. You will be joining a friendly and dedicated team. NRC volunteers also enjoy numerous benefits associated with volunteering at Bletchley Park. For more information about volunteering, please email NRC Coordinator Martyn Baker, G0GMB via [email protected]

Don’t forget to join the RSGB’s live Tonight@8 webinar this Monday, the 5th of June, when Mike Richards, G4WNC will be giving a live presentation on Node-RED for radio amateurs. Node-RED is a visual programming language that is very powerful but surprisingly easy to use. The language has matured over recent years and has the potential to be a valuable tool for radio amateurs. Watch and ask questions live on the RSGB YouTube channel or special BATC channel. For more information see the RSGB website at rsgb.org/webinars

The Worked All Britain group will be holding its AGM on Sunday the 11th of June at 12 pm. The venue will be the meeting room of Alfreton Leisure Centre Bowls Hall, Church Street, Alfreton, DE55 7BD. For further information contact Paul, M1AIB via: [email protected] or visit the Worked All Britain website.

 

And now for details of rallies and events

Spalding Radio Rally is taking place today, Sunday the 4th of June. The venue is Holbeach United Youth Football Club, Pennyhill Road, Holbeach, Lincolnshire, PE12 7PR. The doors open at 10 am. Disabled access is available from 9.30 am. Admittance is £3. The event will feature a car boot area, catering, a flea market and trade stands. For more information Contact Graham, G8NWC on 07754 619 701, email [email protected] or visit: sdars.org.uk/spaldingrally

The Rochdale and District Amateur Radio Summer Rally will take place on Saturday the 10th of June. The venue will be Sai

GB2RS News

Sunday the 28th of May 2023

The news headlines:

RSGB Tonight@8 webinar

RSGB Beaconnect loop experiments

RSGB School Zone web page

 

On Monday the 5th of June, the RSGB’s Tonight@8 live webinar will feature Mike Richards, G4WNC who will give a presentation on Node-RED for radio amateurs. Node-RED is a visual programming language that is very powerful but surprisingly easy to use. The language has matured over recent years and has the potential to be a valuable tool for radio amateurs. In this talk, Mike will provide an introduction to Node-RED programming techniques. He will conclude with a live demonstration to show just how easy it can be to add extra facilities to your rig. Watch and ask questions live on the RSGB YouTube channel or special BATC channel. For more information see the RSGB website at rsgb.org/webinars

Three weekends have been identified for some RSGB Beaconnect loop experiments. On the 3rd and 4th of June, there will be some regional loops and nets. On the 10th and 11th of June, there will be an England-only loop and net based round the activators who have registered for Beaconnect callsigns so far, but the Society would welcome new activators in the West of England and East Anglia. Finally, on the 24th and 25th of June there will be an attempt at a multiple nations loop, although to do so the Society will need activators in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. If you want to join in with these activities, register for a Beaconnect callsign via the RSGB website. Go to rsgb.org/coronation and choose the Beaconnect information page.

The RSGB’s School Zone web page brings together radio amateurs in schools and colleges. The Society wants to help people to share their experience and expertise in establishing and running a radio club for young people. The RSGB has just launched a new page as part of this section called ‘School Zone stories’ where it is highlighting some of the great amateur radio activities that are happening in these, and other, schools. If you’re a school with an amateur radio club and want to be added to the list, or a radio amateur or club that is linking with local schools, the RSGB would love to add your information and stories to School Zone. Go to rsgb.org/school-zone to find out more, or send your stories and photos to [email protected]

Have you seen the RSGB Live News web page? It brings together the Society’s social media feeds, latest YouTube videos and front-page news in one place. Launched a few years ago, people found it very useful, so the RSGB is highlighting it again now for those who have become radio amateurs or returned to amateur radio more recently. Take a look at rsgb.org/live for a taster and then go to the individual comms channels to find out more.

The Worked All Britain group will be holding its AGM on Sunday the 11th of June at 12pm. The venue will be the meeting room of Alfreton Leisure Centre Bowls Hall, Church Street, Alfreton, DE55 7BD. For further information contact Paul, M1AIB via: [email protected] or visit the Worked All Britain website.

 

And now for details of rallies and events

The Durham and District Amateur Radio Rally is taking place today, Sunday the 28th of May. The venue is Bowburn Community Centre, Bowburn, County Durham, DH6 5AT. The doors are open from 10.10 am to 2.30 pm with disabled visitors gaining access at 10 am. Admittance is £2. There is a bring-and-buy sale, trade stands, special interest groups and an RSGB bookstall. Catering and a licensed bar are available on-site. For more information, contact Michael Wright, G7TWX on 07826 924 192, or on email via [email protected]

Spalding Radio Rally will take place on Sunday the 4th of June. The venue will be Holbeach United Youth Football Club, Pennyhill Road, Holbeach, Lincolnshire, PE12 7PR. The doors open at 10 am. Disabled access is available from 9.30 am. Admittance is £3. The event will feature a car boot area, catering, a flea market and trade stands. For

GB2RS News

Sunday the 21st of May 2023

The news headlines:

Youngsters on the Air camp

RSGB Board appointment

RadCom Basics Editor

 

The RSGB has announced the team of young members who will be representing the Society and the UK at this summer’s Youngsters on the Air camp. The event, hosted by the Hungarian Radio Amateur Society MRASZ, will take place in Gyor, Hungary between the 5th  and the 12th of August. The team is made up of team leader Alexander, 2E0FMZ and members Henry-James, M7HJR; Hannah, M7YYQ and Jake, M7JNS. You can read more about the camp and the team on the RSGB website at rsgb.org/yota-hungary

The RSGB Board has decided to co-opt Ian Shepherd, G4EVK as a Board Director until the 2024 AGM. Please see the Board’s explanation of this appointment on the Society’s website at thersgb.org/go/boardcoopt

The RSGB is sad to report that RadCom Basics Editor Lee Aldridge, G4EJB wishes to retire later this year. The RSGB thanks Lee for all his hard work and effort in the making of RadCom Basics. If you are interested in taking on the role of RadCom Basics Editor, please email [email protected]

Last year, the RSGB was approached by the BBC to find experts to contribute to its planned series ‘The Secret Genius of Modern Life’. For episode one, which takes a look at the bank card, Neil Smith, G4DBN re-created the Great Seal Bug – a wooden seal, gifted to the US embassy in Moscow in 1945, and which contained a covert listening device. The technology developed for the bug was an early example of RFID, which is what allows contactless card payments to work. Neil has now released a series of fascinating videos on his YouTube channel which explain the history of the Bug as well as the mechanical design and machining needed to re-create it. You can find the videos in Neil’s playlist on ‘Machining and Microwaves’ and you can watch the original BBC Two programme on BBC Sounds – this episode is available for a further seven months.

The RSGB National Radio Centre welcomes thousands of people through its doors each month and needs to expand its team of volunteers. If you are interested in becoming an NRC volunteer, you should enjoy meeting people and be prepared to work a minimum of one – preferably two – days per month. The team is particularly interested in recruiting new volunteers who are able to work at the weekend. The National Radio Centre has a fabulous set-up and full training on using the GB3RS radio station will be given. You will be joining a friendly and dedicated team. NRC volunteers also enjoy numerous benefits associated with volunteering at Bletchley Park. For more information about volunteering, please email NRC Coordinator Martyn Baker, G0GMB via [email protected]

Interest in QRP activity is as strong as ever in the worldwide amateur radio community. QRP activity showcases the ability of radio amateurs to communicate using low power and helps to reduce QRM on amateur bands. This year, QRP Day will be held on the 17th of June. More information is available via the IARU website: iaru.org

 

And now for details of rallies and events

RetrotechUK, hosted by the British Vintage Wireless Society, is taking place today, the 21st of May. The venue is Sports Connexion, Leamington Road, Ryton-on-Dunsmore, Coventry, CV8 3FL. This large annual vintage technology fair features around 200 indoor stalls. Private sellers, clubs and dealers are offering vintage items, including radio, television, hi-fi, vinyl, 78s, gramophones, telephones, communications equipment, spare parts, and much more. There is also a bring-and-buy area and free parking available. The event is open to everyone and general admission from 10.30 am is £10. Early entry from 9 am costs £25. For more details contact Jeremy, G8MLK via email at [email protected], by phone at 07799 110 080, or visit retrotechuk.com

The Dunstable Downs Radio Club Annual National Amateur Radio Car Boot Sale is also taking place today, the 21st of May. The venue is Sto

GB2RS News

Sunday the 14th of May 2023

The news headlines:

Coronation activities

RSGB Trophy Manager

Women in Engineering Day

 

Although the Coronation itself has taken place, the RSGB’s Coronation activities run until the end of June. After the successful Special Special Event Station run by Cray Valley Amateur Radio Society, the GB23C callsign is now open for individual radio amateurs and clubs to use. You can find out how to register via the GB23C web page on the RSGB website. You can also get involved in Beaconnect using one of the hundreds of callsigns that Ofcom has made available for this activity. RSGB District Representative Martyn, M0TEB activated GB23BIR with Furness Amateur Radio Society and said the callsign attracted a lot of interest, so they would encourage others to get involved too! You can also download a special Coronation QSL card and work towards three different RSGB Coronation awards. Details of all of these activities are on the RSGB website at rsgb.org/coronation

After serving for nine years, the RSGB Trophy Manager is retiring and the Society is looking for a new volunteer for this role. The position is part of the RSGB Volunteer Leadership Team, reporting to the Board. Working in close relationship with the three Contest Committees and the RSGB General Manager, the Trophy Manager looks after the RSGB’s trophies arranges for their engraving and presentation to recipients and maintains the trophies’ history. If you are interested in applying for the role or would like to find out more, please email [email protected]

We know that amateur radio is a great foundation for STEM careers. With that in mind, why not help the RSGB celebrate International Women in Engineering Day this June? The Society would love to share your stories of women in engineering roles to inspire future generations. If you, or a girl or woman you know, aspire to work in engineering, are currently working as an engineer or are retired from the profession, do get in touch with the RSGB comms team. Please send a photo and a brief story to [email protected] by Monday 22 May.

Don’t forget that the RSGB’s May Tonight@8 webinar will be live tomorrow, Monday the 15th of May. Watch the live stream and ask questions as Jack Purdum, W8TEE and Al Peter, AC8GY talk about the T41-EP ALPS: A High-Performance CW Decoder.

This a reminder now that Mills on the Air is taking place this weekend. There are plenty of stations on the air, so why not give them a call? For more information, visit the www.ddars.net website or contact [email protected]

Pubs and Clubs on the Air is also taking place this weekend. Today is the last chance to work stations from all over the UK that are active for the event. For more information, email [email protected] or visit the g6tw.co.uk website.

 

And now for details of rallies and events

The Braehead Rally is taking place today, Sunday the 14th of May. The venue is Braehead Arena Foyer, 150 Kings Inch Road, Renfrew G51 4BN. Free parking will be available. The doors open for everyone at 10 am and admission is £4. The event will feature Bring and Buy and the Central Scotland Repeater Group AGM. For more information and contact details visit www.braeheadradiorally.com

RetrotechUK, hosted by the British Vintage Wireless Society, will take place on Sunday the 21st of May. The venue will be Sports Connexion, Leamington Road, Ryton-on-Dunsmore, Coventry, CV8 3FL. This large annual vintage technology fair will feature up to 200 indoor stalls. Private sellers, clubs and dealers will offer vintage items, including radio, television, hi-fi, vinyl, 78s, gramophones, telephones, communications equipment, spare parts, and much more. There will also be a bring-and-buy area and free parking available. The event is open to everyone and general admission from 10.30 am is £10. Early entry from 9 am costs £25. For more details contact Jeremy, G8MLK via email on [email protected], by phone on 07799 110 080, or visit www

GB2RS News

Sunday the 7th of May 2023

The news headlines:

RSGB Coronation activities

RSGB insurance

Tonight@8 webinar

 

The RSGB has released some updates about its planned Coronation activities. Firstly, a personalised RSGB Coronation QSL card is now available on the Coronation web pages. You can simply enter your callsign and print it off. Following the recent issue of GB23BAA to BZZ by Ofcom, the Beaconnect activity registration is now open. If you go to the Beaconnect web page you will find the registration section which will guide you through the process. Finally, it is now possible for individual radio amateurs and clubs to register to use the GB23C callsign between the 10th of May to the 30th of June. Details can be found on the GB23C web page. For further information on these and all the other Coronation activities being led by the RSGB, go to rsgb.org/coronation

RSGB club insurance, and beacon and repeater insurance, have now been renewed for the year to April 2024. Club insurance certificates can be downloaded from the RSGB website. You will need to log in to obtain your certificate. Beacon and repeater insurance certificates are available for an admin fee of £12 from the RSGB shop. Please allow a couple of days after renewal for your certificate to be dispatched.

The RSGB’s May Tonight@8 webinar is not in its usual slot on the first Monday of the month. To accommodate the two Bank Holidays, the live webinar will be on Monday the 15th of May instead. Put the date in your diary for an interesting presentation by Jack Purdum, W8TEE and Al Peter, AC8GY on the T41-EP ALPS: A High Performance CW Decoder.

Matthew, M0MZB from Calder Bridge in Cumbria, has become a SOTA Mountain Goat in impressive style. He reached the 1,000 activation point threshold with an overnight activation of High Stile G/LD-012 in the English Lake District. Matthew set up overnight camp on the summit of the long ridge above the western shore of Lake Buttermere. He operated both on VHF and HF and made a summit-to-summit contact with Alex Hill, G7KSE who was on the Dent summit, G/LD-045. Since getting involved in Summits on the Air, Matthew's expeditions have left many radio amateurs in awe. He has conducted many multi-summit expeditions without motorised transport, traversing between summits entirely on foot or by bicycle. Upon reaching the coveted Mountain Goat status, Matthew commented: "SOTA has given me new ideas for my little expeditions and has put me in touch with lots of new friends. The challenge of Mountain Goat has included many facets, from learning CW to antenna building, from battery technology to fishing poles." For more information about Summits on the Air visit www.sota.org.uk 

Pubs and Clubs on the Air is taking place on the 12th, 13th and 14th of May. If you or your radio club or society is interested in taking part and operating a station, please email [email protected] or visit the g6tw.co.uk website.

Mills on the Air Weekend will take place on Saturday the 13th and Sunday the 14th of May. For more information, or to register to take part, visit www.ddars.net or contact [email protected]

 

And now for details of rallies and events

Thorpe Camp Hamfest Rally is taking place today, Sunday the 7th of May. The venue is Thorpe Camp Visitor Centre and the entrance fee is £4 per person. The rally is taking place from 9 am to 1 pm. Hot food and drinks will be available on-site. For more information phone Sylvia or Anthony at 07956 654 481.

Dartmoor Radio Rally is taking place today, Sunday the 7th of May at Yelverton War Memorial Hall, Meavy Lane, Yelverton, Devon, PL20 6AL. The usual bring-and-buy, trader stands, refreshments and free parking are available. Doors open at 10 am and admission is £2.50. For more information contact Roger by phone at 07854 088 882, or email via [email protected]

The Braehead Rally will take place on Sunday the 14th of May. The venue will be Braehead Arena Foyer, 150 Kings Inch Road, Renfrew

GB2RS News

Sunday the 30th of April 2023

The news headlines:

RSGB Coronation activities

RSGB Membership portal

High-altitude balloon launch

 

As the Coronation weekend approaches, don’t forget all the amateur radio activities that are being organised by the RSGB to mark this special event. Ofcom has kindly agreed that UK and Crown Dependency radio amateurs may use the “R” prefix in their callsigns during May and June 2023 – just apply for the Notice of Variation via the RSGB website. The RSGB has also created three new awards you can achieve for taking part in Coronation activities. In addition, the callsign GB23C can be used by individuals and clubs from the 10th of May until the end of June, and there is a special Beaconnect activity throughout May and June. Details of how to get involved with either of these will be announced soon on the RSGB website. Finally, there are ideas for outreach activities for use with people of all ages. Go to rsgb.org/coronation for more information.

Are you an RSGB member? Have you logged into your online membership portal recently? It is important to check your personal information and ensure your preferences are up to date. You can also opt into receiving a number of direct benefits such as the weekly email GB2RS newsletter and notifications about RadCom Plus and RadCom Basics. A new option is to receive emails about the RSGB’s online events click on that and make sure you don’t miss out! Log into the RSGB membership portal via rsgb.org/members or email [email protected] if you have any questions.

hi-impact, based on the Wirral, is planning another high-altitude balloon launch. This one will feature on the team’s live-stream platform and be viewed by a number of schools across the UK and beyond. The team is planning to launch two high-altitude balloons. One will be running with a HABDuino and the other with some help from AmbaSat, using LoRA. The HABDuino side will be running on the standard setup – 434.650MHz USB, 50 Baud RTTY, 450Hz Shift, 7N1 data format and with the callsign ‘hi-impact’. If you're planning to upload telemetry to SondeHub, you'll need Dave Akerman's HABBase software and Fldigi. The launch, from Cilcewydd in Wales, will be between 11 and 11.15 am on Wednesday the 3rd of May. More information can be found on hi-impact’s Facebook page and on Twitter via @hiimpactconsult

The RSGB is seeking to recruit a new Technical Editor for RadCom. Reporting to the Managing Editor, the successful candidate will need a wide range of radio and electronic knowledge, including amateur radio. The RSGB is looking for someone who is positive, enthusiastic about technology, has an excellent command of English and has a good eye for detail. For more information about the role and how to apply, see rsgb.org/careers

 

And now for details of rallies and events

Ripon Radio Rally is taking place today, Sunday the 30th of April, at Hugh Ripley Hall, Ripon, North Yorkshire, HG4 2PT. Traders can gain access from 7 am and tables are £12 each. Doors open to the public from 10 am and entrance is £3 per person. For more information and directions visit g4sjm.co.uk

Thorpe Camp Hamfest Rally will take place on Sunday the 7th of May. The venue will be Thorpe Camp Visitor Centre and the entrance fee will be £4 per person. Traders should arrive from 7 am. The rally will take place from 9 am to 1 pm. Hot food and drinks will be available on-site. For more information phone Sylvia or Anthony at 07956 654 481.

Dartmoor Radio Rally will take place on Sunday the 7th of May at Yelverton War Memorial Hall, Meavy Lane, Yelverton, Devon, PL20 6AL. There will be the usual bring and buy, trader stands, refreshments and free parking available. Doors open at 10 am and admission is £2.50. For more information contact Roger by phone on 07854 088 882, or email via [email protected]

The Braehead Rally will take place on Sunday the 14th of May. The venue will be Braehead Arena Foyer, 150 Kings Inch Road, Renfrew G51

GB2RS News

Sunday the 23rd of April 2023

The news headlines:

RSGB Coronation activities

RSGB AGM announcements and videos

RSGB Board Chair

 

The RSGB is delighted that Ofcom has confirmed that the callsign GB23C can be used for the RSGB’s Coronation Special Special Event Station. Cray Valley Radio Society members led by Bob, M0MCV and Dave, G4BUO are organising the flagship amateur radio station that will use this callsign from the 3rd to the 8th of May. The Special Special Event Station will be on the grounds of the Old Royal Naval College, along the riverside in Greenwich. From the 10th of May onwards, the callsign will be available for individuals and clubs to use until the end of June 2023, and further details about this will be announced shortly. Ofcom has also kindly agreed to a block of 676 Special Special Event Station callsigns for the RSGB’s Be a Connect activity for the Coronation. These are GB23BAA to BZZ, which will be available throughout May and June. More details on how to obtain one of these will be given next week, but meanwhile, you may wish to find a beacon site you could activate one or more times for this event. Finally, if you are planning outreach activities with local clubs and groups, take a look at the paper circuit template the RSGB has just shared on its website – go to rsgb.org/coronation and choose the coronation activity ideas tab in the right-hand menu.

The RSGB’s AGM was held online last Saturday, the 15th of April. If you missed the live event, you can see the results of the elections and follow links to the trophy awards and the construction competition winners on the RSGB website via rsgb.org/agm. You can also catch up on the full live stream or watch individual sections on the Society’s YouTube channel. The RSGB has released separate videos of the outgoing President’s review of 2022, its new short Convention promo, and the interesting presentation about preparing the GB2RS propagation reports by the RSGB Propagation Studies Committee Chair, Steve Nichols, G0KYA. You can see them all in the RSGB 2023 AGM playlist on YouTube via youtube.com/theRSGB  

Following the RSGB AGM on Saturday the 15th of April, a brief Board meeting was held to consider necessary appointments. The Board was aware that Stewart Bryant, G3YSX, who had been in a dual role since the recent resignation of Richard Horton, G4AOJ, had expressed a willingness to continue as Chair if required. It was agreed that Stewart should be co-opted to the Board under the terms of Article 37 and was asked to join the meeting. Stewart was then elected unanimously to serve as RSGB Board Chair until the 2024 AGM.

This a reminder now that SOS Radio Week 2023 starts at midnight on the 1st of May and concludes at midnight on the 31st of May. It is an opportunity to support the many voluntary organisations in the British Isles whose members volunteer to save the lives of others at risk around the many miles of its coastline, and out at sea. These organisations include the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, the National Coastwatch Association and numerous independent lifeboat and coastal rescue groups. Individual amateur radio operators and clubs are invited to register to become an official SOS Radio Week station and operate under their own callsign, their club’s or a special event callsign to raise awareness of the great work these volunteers perform. Awards are available for registered stations that make the most contacts on each of the 160m to 70cm bands and using various modes. Registration is now open and further details can be found at sosradioweek.org.uk

 

And now for details of rallies and events

The Northern Amateur Radio Societies Association Rally, also known as both the ‘NARSA Rally’ and the ‘Blackpool Rally’, is taking place today, Sunday the 23rd. The venue is Norbreck Castle Exhibition Centre, Blackpool FY2 9AA. For more details contact Dave, M0OBW on 01270 761 608, email [email protected] or visit narsa.org

GB2RS News

Sunday the 16th of April 2023

The news headlines:

Nominated Board Director Vacancy

Regional Forum Facebook pages

SOS Radio Week

 

If you are an RSGB Member you still have time to apply for the RSGB Nominated Board Director vacancy. The RSGB needs a strong and effective Board and this could be your opportunity to be part of that. The deadline for applications is Monday the 17th of April. To find out more, go to the volunteer vacancies section of the RSGB website at rsgb.org/volunteers or, for an informal discussion, please email Nominations Committee Chair Stephen Purser, GW4SHF at [email protected]

The RSGB Regional Forum has created Facebook pages for each of the 13 regions. These pages focus on regional amateur radio communities and are moderated by members of the RSGB Regional Team. Whilst the pages share a similar style, they are very different in content. Selected posts are created by the RSGB moderators to maintain some news content from the RSGB, but the main content comes from clubs, individual licensees and also event organisers in those regions. The pages also provide a forum where anyone can ask for help with any part of the hobby. Clubs are positively encouraged to post news and events on the pages. You can find them on Facebook by searching for ‘RSGB Region’ and the number of your local region, for example, ‘RSGB Region 1’.

SOS Radio Week 2023 starts at midnight on the 1st of May and concludes at midnight on the 31st of May. It is an opportunity to support the many voluntary organisations in the British Isles whose members volunteer to save the lives of others at risk around the many miles of its coastline, and out at sea. These organisations include the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, the National Coastwatch Association and numerous independent lifeboat and coastal rescue groups. Individual amateur radio operators and clubs are invited to register to become an official SOS Radio Week station and operate under their own callsign, their club’s or a special event callsign to raise awareness of the great work these volunteers perform. Awards are available for registered stations that make the most contacts on each of the 160m to 70cm bands and using various modes. Registration is now open and further details can be found at sosradioweek.org.uk

The outgoing RSGB President Stewart Bryant, G3YSX and the incoming RGSB President John McCullagh, GI4BWM will be at the NARSA rally in Blackpool on Sunday the 23rd of April. This is a great opportunity to meet John, have a chat and welcome him to his role. There will also be an official handover of the presidential chain on the stage area at the Norbreck Hotel. Find out more about the rally via the event website at narsa.org.uk

Tuesday the 18th of April is World Amateur Radio Day. The IARU is excited to mark the occasion, and the 98th anniversary of its founding, with an event to promote the United Nations Human Security for All initiative, also known as ‘HS4A’. Special event stations have been operating since the 11th of April and will be available to work until the last week of April. For more information visit iaru.org and choose ‘On the Air’ from the menu options.

 

And now for details of rallies and events

The Cambridgeshire Repeater Group Rally is taking place today, Sunday the 16th of April. The venue is Foxton Village Hall, Hardman Road, Foxton, Cambridge CB22 6RN. Doors opened at 7.30 am for traders and 9.30 am for visitors. Admission is £3. The rally features a talk-in, trade stands, bring and buy, an RSGB Bookstall and free car parking. For more information contact Lawrence, M0LCM on 07941 972 724, email [email protected] and see the cambridgerepeaters.net website.

The Holsworthy Spring Rally and Boot Sale is taking place today, Sunday the 16th of April. The venue is Holsworthy Livestock Market, Holsworthy, Devon EX22 7FA. There is plenty of parking, wheelchair access and full catering available. The doors open

GB2RS News

Sunday the 9th of April 2023

The news headlines:

The RSGB’s Annual General Meeting

RSGB Convention Presentations

Ofcom Plan of Work for the 2023-24 year

The RSGB’s Annual General Meeting will be held online on Saturday the 15th of April. As well as the formal business of the meeting, there will be an announcement of the results of the Board Director elections. The President will give a video review of 2022 and the Society will announce the recipients of its annual awards and trophies, as well as the winners of its construction competition. At the end of the meeting, there will be a live presentation by RSGB Propagation Studies Committee Chair Steve Nichols, G0KYA who will look at the methods used to create the propagation report for GB2RS, including HF, VHF and Moon bounce. This year you will be able to ask questions at the AGM via the live chat on YouTube but if you have a question about the formal business, you must submit this in advance. If you are an RSGB member, don’t forget to vote for the two candidates that you would like to see as Board Directors for the next two years. You can find out more about each of them on the RSGB website at rsgb.org/candidates and then there is a link at the top and the bottom of the page to cast your vote. Read their personal statements, watch the videos and see if their background, skills and aspirations match your view of what the Society needs. The decision concerning who to vote for is entirely yours, but please do vote – it only takes a few minutes and will help to ensure that the RSGB Board reflects your views. You can find full details about the AGM on the RSGB website at rsgb.org/agm

Over the Easter weekend, the RSGB will release two more presentations from its 2022 Convention. David Stansfield, G0EVV talks about the challenge and thrill of operating portable from mountain summits, whilst Olof Lundberg, G0CKV shares experiences from his DXpeditions to 3B8. Subscribe to the RSGB YouTube channel so you will be alerted when each presentation is available – go to youtube.com/theRSGB and subscribe!

Ofcom has published a Statement on its proposed Plan of Work for the 2023 to 2024 year. The Statement describes plans for a review of amateur licensing arrangements. According to the document, consultation on the work is planned for the first quarter of the year. A subsequent statement is scheduled for the fourth quarter of the year. Once more details are available, the RSGB will review the consultation and provide guidance to UK amateurs on how to respond to Ofcom. To read the Statement in full visit www.ofcom.org.uk and choose the ‘Latest news’ option from the ‘News centre’ tab at the top of the page.

The RSGB National Radio Centre at Bletchley Park will be closed on Monday the 17th of April for an essential upgrade to the radio equipment. We apologise for any inconvenience or disappointment this may cause.

And now for details of rallies and events

Yeovil Amateur Radio Club’s 37th QRP Convention will take place on Saturday the 15th of April at The Digby Hall, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3AA. Doors open from 9.30 am to 1.30 pm and admission is £3. The Convention will feature talks, traders, bring and buy, club stalls and a café. For more information visit yeovil-arc.com or contact [email protected]

The Cambridgeshire Repeater Group Rally will take place on Sunday the 16th of April. The venue will be Foxton Village Hall, Hardman Road, Foxton, Cambridge CB22 6RN. Doors open at 7.30 am for traders and 9.30 am for visitors. Admission is £3. The rally will feature talk-in, trade stands, bring and buy, an RSGB Bookstall and free car parking. For more information contact Lawrence, M0LCM on 07941 972 724, email [email protected] and see the cambridgerepeaters.net website.

The Holsworthy Spring Rally and Boot Sale will also take place on Sunday the 16th of April. The venue will be Holsworthy Livestock Market, Holsworthy, Devon EX22 7FA. There will be plenty of parking