The RSGB Visit Newcastle
The Radio Society of Great Britain held their Annual General Meeting at the Novotel in Newcastle on 18th April 2009. A number of club members went to see the AGM and ask questions. Here are just a few highlights of the day.
[Photo: Peter Kirby, the General Manager of the RSGB, just before bringing the meeting to order]
In general all Radio Amateurs are welcome to RSGB events. The reason for this is the unique setup of amateur radio. Each country is allowed one official representative body. In the UK this is the RSGB. So even when people choose not to be members of the RSGB they are still allowed to convey their opinion on matters that affect amateurs in the UK.
The formal part of the AGM lasted about an hour. This consisted of accepting the accounts, agreeing the auditors and presentation of awards by the President of the RSGB. There was then a short break for a buffet lunch.
In the afternoon the President gave an address describing the successes and challenges of 2008 including the sale of the old RSGB headquarters.
[Photo: RSGB President Colin Thomas gives his report]
The question and answer session lasted about two hours. Nancy Bone, Secretary of Anarc, asked questions concerning the changes to the examination process for the Foundation, Intemediate and Advanced licences. As a result of her enquiries it is likely we will get a “train the trainer” course in our area.
[Photo: Secretary Nancy Bone (G7UUR) talks to regional board member Harold Scrivens (G0UGE)]
Other questions included the use of D-Star as a repeater system, cb jargon in amateur radio and the mis-use of repeaters.
GB4FUN, the mobile amateur radio station used to promote amateur radio, was onsite for the event showing it’s range of equipment.