England South-East News – 23 February 2014

As you will know, all radio amateurs are required to revalidate their licence at least every five years. The process to do this requires every licence holder to contact Ofcom to confirm or update the details on the licence database. This process has been underway for some time and to date some 52 percent of licences have been successfully revalidated.

The quickest way to revalidate is to do so online via the Ofcom website, or by email to amateur.validations@ofcom.org.uk. This can be done at any time. If you need assistance in the process, Ofcom staff are available to help, but their limited availability means that the workload needs to be staggered to avoid undue delays. There will thus be a phased approach during the coming months during which time regional campaigns will be held to encourage all licensees who have not yet revalidated to do so. Now is the time for all amateurs who live in the South East, East Anglia or South West to revalidate their licences if they have not already done so.

Please remember that although amateur radio licences are now classed as lifetime, re-alidation is compulsory and any licences that remain unvalidated will eventually be considered as lapsed. After this time, licences will need to be renewed and a fee of £20 will be charged.

Now news from clubs that have several events this week. Lowestoft and District PYE Amateur Radio Club has a CW net on 28.050MHz from 8.30pm and an FM net on 29.140MHz from 9pm today and next Sunday. Tuesday sees a 2m net on 145.450MHz FM from 9pm. Thursday sees a club night at the shack. Contact Tim Ward, 2E0TJW, on 07810 481 182.

On Tuesday and Saturday Brede Steam Amateur Radio Society is at the shack. For more information contact Steve, on 01424 720 815.

Worthing and District Amateur Radio Club is putting G3WOR on the air on Wednesday evening. The monthly breakfast meeting is next Sunday. Contact John, G8FMJ, on 01273 593 232.

Now we return to the traditional listing in date order. On Monday 24 February Eastbourne Radio and Electronics Club has its first meeting following the initial AGM at St Lukes Parish Hall, Stones Cross, Eastbourne, 6.30 for 7pm. Members are asked to bring along past and current electronic projects for evaluation and ideas for club future projects. Contact Peter, G4URT, on 01323 833 465.

On Tuesday 25 February Dorking and District Radio Society is having an introduction to data modes by Andrew Vine, M0GJH. Contact Garth, G3NPC, on 01737 359 472.

On Tuesday 25 February Harwell Amateur Radio Society is having a shack activity night. Details from Malcolm, G8NRP, on 01235 524 844.

On Tuesday 25 February Radio Society of Harrow is having a social evening at Windsock Club. More information from Linda, G7RJL, on 02083 868 586.

On Wednesday 26 February Hastings Electronics and Radio Club is holding its AGM. Contact Gordon, on 01424 431 909.

On Wednesday 26 February Newbury and District Amateur Radio Society is having a presentation on the history of the RSGB by Larry, G4OXY. Contact Rob, G4LMW, on 01635 862 737.

On Wednesday 26 February Norfolk Amateur Radio Club is having an informal evening. Details from Chris Danby, G0DWV, on 01603 898 678.

On Thursday 27 February Edgware and District Radio Society is having individual short chats. More information from Mike, G4RNW, on 02089 500 658.

On Thursday 27 February Hilderstone Radio and Electronics Club is having a construction evening. Details from Chrissie Turner, by email to hilderstoneclub@gmail.com.

On Thursday 27 February Reading and District Amateur Radio Club is having a talk on the story of ITN by Ashley Booth, G8DPH. Details from Pete, G8FRC, on 01189 695 697.

On Friday 28 February Cambridge and District Amateur Radio Club is having a talk by Bernie, G4HJW on the contradiction that is digital radio. Contact David, M0ZEB, on 01353 778 093.

On Friday 28 February Fort Purbrook Amateur Radio Club Book is having an exchange and activation of M0GZN from 7pm. Details from Neil Hoare, M0NEH, on 02392 378 559.

On Friday 28 February Itchen Valley Amateur Radio Club is having a discussion on the club BERU entry. More information from Quintin Gee, M1ENU, on 023 8078 7799.

On Friday 28 February Wimbledon and District Amateur Radio Society is having a talk on VHF Field Day now and then by G4WYJ. Contact Kim Brown, G6JXA, on 07812 735 507.

Category: News for England East and East Anglia, News for England South and South East, News for London and Thames Valley