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North Wales Radio Society - Committee News


08 March 2007 - AGM

Minutes of Annual General Meeting, held on Thursday 8th March 2007

Apologies
Ray Clayton, Alan Humphries, Alan Thomas, John Oakes, and Bill GW0PQI.
18 Members attending
(Membership 42 in Total)

Chairman's Address and Annual Report.
The chairman thanked all those members who attended, and also thanked all who have supported the Society during a most difficult year. Having lost our venue at Queens Drive, then to cap it all, due to poor financial prospects, we had to "for the foreseeable future" close the North Wales Radio Rally. He also thanked all those who have assisted in finding our new venue, and successfully returning all the deposits to traders in a professional manner.

Secretary's Report
The Secretary began by stating to the members that he will not be looking for re-election this year. After serving the society for 25 years, he felt in need of a rest, and to assist the society to move forward with a new secretary voted into the post, and to inject fresh life, new ideas, and new blood into the society at large.
He also reported that the sum of £2092.80p had been returned to traders who had paid deposits, all with good will, the traders hoping that the society can reorganize another event in the near future.
The loss of the old venue at Queens Drive did have a positive outcome though -
1. It saved the society £600.00 in rent paid annually to the YMCA, and
2. The new venues are rent free for the foreseeable future.
Two newsletters had been sent by post to all members during the last 6 months, informing them of our events calendar, the cost being minimal to the society.
He also thanked our Web Master Mr Alan Evans GW4HDR, for looking after and servicing the Society Web Pages, diligently keeping the pages fresh and updated daily.
He also hoped that the newly elected committee will keep Mr Evans up to date with all the society news and other information.
The Secretary informed the members as to who was responsible for the allocation, storage, and safe keeping of all society equipment.
They are as follows: Mr Ron Roberts, Mr. John Wilkes, Mr. Robert Sweet, and Mr Tony Chalk.
He ended by thanking all who have supported him, through thick and thin, during the last 25 years, and wished the new secretary, the very best in his new post.

Treasurer's Report
The Treasurer reported the financial state of the society. Then he submitted his accounts for ratification. He then thanked Mr. Tony Wilkinson for auditing the accounts on the society's behalf.
He reported briefly on the society's current state as having £1009.00 in the bank, with no outstanding bills or rent to surprise the members.
He reported that after a lot of investigation, the Racal mast must be presumed lost; therefore he will be making an insurance claim in the near future, after finding out the replacement cost, and then reporting back to the committee for ratification.
He also explained to the membership, that the total value of equipment held by the society comes to some £9,000
He also discussed the new open meetings being held and encouraged by the Chairman, and most welcomed by the membership.
Due to the new configuration of the committee, in the event of a serving committee member not being available, a member will be chosen from those attending. The member will be asked to serve for that meeting, and will have full voting rights for that meeting only, therefore keeping within our constitution on a quorum of five (5) for all meeting by the society.
He then completed his report by thanking those who have supported the society during our most difficult year.

Retirement of steering committees 2006/2007
Presiding President to officiate on the continuation of the meeting, until the new committee is formed - Nominee Mr Robert Sweet GW6STK


President elections
An election then took place, whereby a member was elected to the post of President, to serve on the committee with full voting rights. On his retirement elections will take place to fill the post.
Mr John Wilkes Nominated Mr Robert Sweet.
Mr Tony Wilkinson seconded the nomination.
Vote - 12 for, none against, thereby Mr. Robert Sweet elected Society President.

Mr Robert Sweet then took the chair for the reminder of the AGM

Election of Committee for 2007/2008.
Chairman: Mr Ron Roberts GW6ZDH,
Nominated by Mr. Mike Watkins
Seconded by Mr Victor Bray
Vote - 12 for, none against, thereby Mr Ron Roberts GW6ZDH was elected as Chairman.

Secretary: Mr Mike Watkins
Nominated by Mr Victor Bray
Seconded by Mr Tony Wilkinson
Vote - 12 for, none against, thereby Mr Mike Watkins was elected Secretary.

Treasurer: Mr Tony Chalk
Nominated By Mr Mike Watkins
Seconded by Mr Tony Wilkinson
Vote - 12 for, none against, thereby Mr Tony Chalk Was elected Treasure.

Equipment Officer: Mr Tony Wilkinson
Nominated By Mr John Wilkes
Seconded by Mr Tony Chalk
Vote - 12 for, none against, thereby Mr Tony Wilkinson was elected Equipment Officer.

Members Proposals.
1. A Proposal was placed before the members, by Mr Tony Chalk, that the due to the configuration of the committee, there may be times when a committee member, for whatever reason, cannot attend. Then a member may be chosen at random from the attending membership to sit upon committee, with full voting rights, to make up the quorum of 5 as per the constitution, for that meeting only. Also to ensure that all members serve on the committee at least for one evening, to air their views.
This was placed before the vote - all for, none against, motion carried.

2. A proposal was made by Mr Robert Sweet, that the repeater group shall be left in the hands of the serving committee for the forthcoming year, to manage and look after the up keep of the repeater.
This was placed before the vote - all for, none against, motion carried.

No other Proposals.

Any other Questions
1. Mr Victor Bray read a report from the Conwy Valley Club, asking for closer relations between the two clubs, to open their and our meetings and lectures to all. This will allow for closer relations in all future events between the two clubs. Mr Ian Wright was asked to liaise on the society's behalf and report back to the committee for discussion.

2. A number of events were discussed for future participation by the society, and the new Chairman then asked all the members to support those events as best as they can.


The Chairman then closed the meeting by thanking all the attending members for the vote of confidence, and looked forward to a successful year ahead.
A vote of thanks was also extended to the retiring secretary for all his hard work for the past 25 years, all the members present were in agreement.

Meeting closed 21.25
(Note taker Mr Edward Shipton GW0DSJ)

12 October 2006 - Society meeting

Minutes of society meeting held on Thursday 19th October 2006

Brief Outline

Meeting opened 20.00 pm

The Secretary read out to the members various new Venues, and then asked the members to debate and them whittle them down to two. Then the Secretary would approach both, and ascertain weather or not the venues would be suitable to the members. Mr Tony Chalk was asked to assist in all negotiations.

The members agreed, that if asked, we would assist in any way that was appropriate, in helping the Father Xmas Parade held in St Asaph in December of this year.

Mrs. Liz Cabban, suggested that we make a frame work to be carried out each month, to include the following, General meetings, Construction, Outside speaker, and members internal chat and debates.

Another proposal came from the floor, asking if it was possible to include the Conwy Valley Amateur Radio club in one of our meetings, and arrange a quiz for a suitable meeting, this was carried.

Ron Roberts, the chairman, suggested that we could be asked to assist another Society in car parking and general help, in June or July of this year.

Another member asked if it would be possible for the Society to hold a quiz on the air, either or at our or their meeting place, to promote closer harmonization between our societies.

A proposal was placed forward to thank Ron Roberts, for assisting in keeping the society together during the last 9 months, this motion was carried.

John Wilkes made a proposal that he would assist with the backlog of all GB0GOL QSL cards outstanding, if he can obtain the cards need for returns.

Further debate on the future of the Society took place, with many agreements and helpful suggestions.

The Chairman asked the Secretary to ask all members, to see if they can help in locating the missing Clark Mast.

The Chairman thanked all those members for helping to find another venue, and hoped that we would be located in our new home before the end of December 2006

A request was made from the members, that a monthly news-letter be made available, and then posted to all members, to inform them of our change of venue and other relevant news.

The £14.00 collected from the members for Lottery tickets, was reported as a loss.

The Secretary thanked all members that have helped in the cataloguing of our equipment, all we need to do now is to update the Society's equipment list. This was set for the 26th October 2006.

Meeting closed 21.15pm
(Note taker Mr Edward Shipton GW0DSJ)

12 October 2006 - Committee meeting

Minutes of committee meeting held on Thursday 12th October 2006

Brief Outline

A number of proposals were read to the attending members, by the Rally Secretary Mr Edward Shipton, and the following actions were taken, after discussion by the members attending.

As our present meeting place (YMCA Building) would soon no longer be available to us, it was unanimously agreed that we should stay together as a Society, and seek a new venue.

Ron Roberts was unanimously elected as Chairman.
As John Huntington had to stand down from the position of Secretary, for health reasons, Ted Shipton was unanimously elected as Secretary pro tem.
Mr Tony Chalk was unanimously elected as Treasurer.

- All to stand as a steering committee, until the next AGM.

The new Secretary noted that he will not be available to the Society from January to March period each year, due to relocation issues.

For safe storage, it was agreed that all our equipment should be catalogued, and moved to a safe location. Ron Roberts, Tony Chalk and John Wilkes to assist, their offers were gratefully accepted.

It was agreed that the repeater equipment owned by the Society, should be retained by the Society, and left in the capable hands of the Repeater Keeper, Mr Greg Robbins.

It was reported that the cataloguing will commence on Monday 16th October 2006.

Ron Roberts talked briefly about the beginnings of the Society and intimated he would be willing to give a talk on the matter at a later date.

Our last meeting at our present venue would be on the 2nd November and would take the form of a Surplus sale and drinks.

Meeting closed 9.15pm
(Note taker Mr John Huntington.)

19 October 2006 - Committee News

The Society has been notified that the YMCA building, where we currently meet, has been sold, and will cease to be available to us after the end of October 2006. We are urgently looking for a new venue.

The committee are currently considering the following venues:

Tony BXJ -

"Just contacted Old Colwyn Community Centre, Green Hill Old Colwyn. Available Tuesday And Friday Evenings between 6pm and 10pm rent £18.50 per night.
I think we are going to be a bit pushed to find anywhere with a rent less than what we are paying now.
I am collecting a brochure from Conwy Voluntary Services Council later today, which gives all the community centres and contact numbers for the whole of Conwy county."

Ted DSJ -

"Old Colwyn Community Centre, Green Hill, Old Colwyn. Available Tuesday and Friday (drat) Evenings between 6pm and 10pm - rent £18.50 per night.

St Davids Church, Penrhyn Bay. Free now and available Thursday, but a little pricey at £30 a night. So not so good.

Bryn Cadno, Upper Colwyn Bay, by Mountain Zoo, Free and available Thursday, to us now, on first floor, all facilities, including a large Computer room. with Broadband Access, Price £6.50 per hour. So about £20 a night for us, Worth a look and see. Can get a visit this week Friday.

Abergele Library, House at rear, seat approx 40 persons, all facilities and available, Thursdays, self contained, with some storage. I will be going to see the house Friday 1.30 to have a look and get prices. at the moment the price is £5.50 per night. This looks good so will give it a try. Thanks to Alan PYY for this one.

Llanddulas Village Hall not heard from as yet - left message.

Colwyn Bay Town Hall.. Yup the town Hall, (Big chair and gavel, for Ron). Excellent venue very up market, Price £18 a night seat 40 to 80 persons, Warm and available Thursdays, do you all like this one? But there is another village hall in Llanddulas, that may be worth a look so will phone today if I can get through been trying all day

One point worth remembering, is if the Venue is say £20 a Night, and we meet once a week for 50 meetings, that will cost us £1000 a year. (Bear in mind that we pay now £600 a year). If we meet every 2 weeks then its down to £500. Please keep this in mind, when looking. Abergele looks good at £5 a night 50 meetings, cost £250, That is the area we should be looking at - cheap, and very cheap, good hunting.

So Green Hill Rd looking good. Keep looking we will find the ideal location, I sure if we all spend a little time helping.

You may like to vote for your favourite!!!!
Regards Ted GW0DSJ"

We also have received a generous offer from Hugh MW0EUG to allow us to share the use of the Bangor ARC's facilities, for meetings and operating, until we can find a new meeting place.

July 2006 - Committee Brief Notes

Committee news from Ted GW0DSJ

" We need a few more members coming to the meetings. We have speakers ready to come, but it's not worth their effort if we only have a low turn out, so please attend if you can.

We now have a small dedicated team on the committee, a new Equipment Officer, a new Secretary, all willing and able to serve you, the membership. And most important, no personality clashes, and all 'pulling from the same rope'.
If your membership has lapsed for whatever reason, then please give us another look over, you will be surprised by the changes.

The rally is getting difficult to sell, as a lot of firms have given up.
Many rallys have closed for lack of support - 13 this year.
We, the committee, are committed to keeping this rally (the Best in Wales) FULLY OPEN FOR BUSINESS. But we cannot do it alone, we need your help.
Do you feel the same.??

Questions about the rally:

What do you think about the balance between Traders coming to the rally??:

What balance would you like to see???. Please tell the committee!


The Society has finally taken the plunge and bought a new Icom 7400 HF/VHF radio, with new power supply, desk mic and speaker.
This is connected to the new 240ft Loop, and works very well.
So if you fancy working on this new radio, or just to have a good look, then come along to the club house, were you will be made most welcome to operate the rig, or even get instructions on how it works. You may need a degree in 'button pushing' but I'm sure you will find your way around it and have some fun.

Club computer:

Bad news I am afraid, the old club computer has died, a long and lingering death.
So we have purchased a new laptop for the Society.
This will work with the new HF radio on Data Modes, and be made available at meeting for Video demonstrations, thereby making sure we always have full presentation tools available at all times, and not relying on committee member to bring their own gear.

The Internet at the club will also cease.
As from last week, we have removed the Telephone pay box, and will not be using that facility again. No-one was using it, and it was costing you the members, £40 each quarter. So no more Phone.

Well that's it for this Month,
Regards, the Committee. "

June 2006 - Committee Brief Notes

Committee news from Ted GW0DSJ

" We now have a new Society Secretary: - Rev. John Huntington, MW3FVC.
John has agreed to take up this post, so please give him all the support you can.

The society is now officially known as the North Wales Radio Society, as from this date.

The society is now politics free, and regaining it's strength.
We now have dedicated members, who see the well being of the Society as paramount in their thoughts and actions.
If this is the reason you have not been attending, then please give us another look, you maybe surprised what you find.
We have been a little low in membership numbers attending our meetings recently, and now we need your support and help in the rebuilding and re-organiastion.
Please attend and make this again the best Radio Society in North Wales.

The Club now has a new antenna.
Thanks to Ron ZDH for all his hard work in making the new antenna, and John WND for his help and assistance in getting it up. Our thanks also, to all those who have helped in whatever manner in getting this new antenna up and running. Thanks to you all. you know who you are.

The antenna is a 240ft loop, and loads up on all bands, and works a treat.

The committee have agreed to replace the TS440s radio, which as you know has given stirling work over the past Ten years, but is now a little faded and slightly faulty.
We have decided to replace this radio with a new TS2000s. - All singing and dancing, but fairly easy to operate. So come and enjoy working the new radio and antenna - should be good fun and be educational at the same time.

Hopefully on our return from Freidrichhafen in Germany, we will arrange a few more talks and demonstrations for you to enjoy. "

13th April 2006 - Committee Brief Notes

The North Wales Radio Society held an open meeting on the 13th April 2007. - Chaired by Ron GW6ZDH, and assisted by all the committee members, they debated and agreed the following events calendar for the next few months:

We need a Secretary urgently, are you the person for the job? As no one at the meeting offered their services, can you?

Meeting closed at 21:20 Hours