Wellington VHF Group, Inc: Online.

Helping new Amateurs

Our Group will be running radio classes again this year, commencing in the first semester, to be held at Onslow College Evening School. John ZL2HD has taken the lead on organising this. Thanks John.

As you can see in an article elsewhere in this issue, a lot of work has been put into the development and production of both an up-to-date and modern Question-bank and an up-to-date and modern Study Guide. These can help anyone to become a radio amateur. Fred ZL2AMJ has primarily led this work, with several other helpers. Thanks Fred and team.

This complete set of materials is all that’s needed for candidates to either self-study, or study in classes, and our ARX can take care of the exams at the end of study. The materials also provide everything a tutor will need to support both types of study.

So, where do you the Members come into all this. The future of amateur radio needs growth in the number of amateurs. We need Members to reach out and make others aware of our fine hobby, and in particular to make others aware of just how easy it is to obtain a licence and to join the hobby. As mentioned above, there are now great learning materials available, there are free examinations. The examinations are not difficult and can be passed by 10+ year-olds.

Call it marketing, or promotion, or motivation, or recruiting, the outcome should be the same. Think about who you know who might be interested. Create an interest in the hobby by enthusing someone you know. Then introduce them to the training materials or invite them to attend classes, or both. Invite them to come along to a meeting and enjoy the company of like-minded people. You, the Members, are the front-line in our effort to get more amateurs.

I’ll finish this topic now, before it becomes a lecture – but I encourage you all to be active in introducing others to our fine hobby.

Wellington City Council proposed district plan change

Our Group, together with Branch 50 Wellington, have made joint submissions to WCC in response to the proposed plan changes. These may affect amateur abilities to erect antennas on suburban sections. John ZL2HD has taken the lead on this, working together with Mike ZL1BNB, NZART Local Body Liaison Officer, and David ZL4TAC from Branch 50. Thanks John for your vigilance and effort in ensuring the planners know about amateur radio and our need for effective antennas.

Get rid of pre-loved gear

A reminder that it’s time to take the opportunity to support the Combined Branches RADIO EXPO ’10, to be held Saturday 27 March 2010. The Group will have a trading table there, perhaps it’s time for you to plan on sharing a table too.

Downsize your collection – dispose of unwanted items – get rid of unwanted or pre-loved equipment – one amateurs unused stuff is another’s treasure! Forget T….-M., support your local branch activity and meet up with old and new friends. An excellent chance to clear out the shack, think what an impression that’ll make on Valentines Day!

Let’s not allow the economic situation to affect our enjoyment of the hobby, let’s not allow internet sales affect the opportunity to enjoy this combined branch effort.

NGAIO 955 open day

Saturday 5th December brought fine weather and we had a good turn-out of members to the commissioning of the new Ngaio site. A ribbon was cut to celebrate the occasion. Look for the photographs on the front page of our website.

See you all at the Bar-B-Que, Sladden Park, 28 January, 5.00pm

Dick Greenbank ZL2TGQ
President, Wellington VHF Group Inc