Davina, M0LXT retires as volunteer after 23 years
Former volunteer Davina Williams, M0LXT pictured with her latest puppy in training
Davina Williams, M0LXT volunteered for the RSGB for nearly 23 years. After her sons went to university, she found she had some time on her hands and decided to volunteer to be a QSL sub-manager.
At that time the Bureau was run out of the RSGB Headquarters in London and at first she was allocated three series: GB, G0B and G0S. Davina enjoyed helping the clubs and NoV holders, as well as the ongoing communications she had with regular members. She recalls that they were friendly and respectful, and some even tucked Christmas cards in with the self-addressed envelopes around December time.
Special Event Stations (SES) had begun to grow enormously and GB call signs became sought after around the world. At one point Davina was regularly getting deliveries of over 5,000 cards a quarter, so it was decided that she would focus on the GB series whilst the other two series were moved to different volunteers.
As time went on deliveries became larger and more clubs became involved in operating an SES. Davina became an expert at working with club members and helping new contacts learn how the GB series worked within a club, as it was very different to how it works for a single member.
She found that her confidence had grown whilst volunteering and that setting up a system to help the clubs and individuals was very rewarding.
Whilst still an RSGB volunteer, Davina also became a volunteer for Dogs for Good, embracing another area of her life she is passionate about. Having carried out both volunteer positions side by side for six years, Davina made the decision to say goodbye to being an RSGB volunteer after more than two decades.
She now devotes herself to being a puppy socialiser for assistance dogs and provides the basic training and socialising for puppies before they are placed. Davina and her husband are now training their seventh puppy.
The RSGB wishes Davina all the best with their latest puppy, and thanks her for her longstanding service with the Society.
Davina’s advice to anyone thinking of volunteering: “Just go for it. If you don’t like it you can leave, but I don’t think you would!”
Category: Your stories
