Volunteers’ Week

2-8 June 2025 is Volunteers’ Week. This year we’ll be highlighting a number of our volunteers and what they do. Keep an eye on this page and also in the July edition of RadCom for more details.

Here are some interviews that we’ve done with volunteers in previous years.

Steve Morton, G8SFR
Emerging Technology Coordination Committee (ETCC) member

Photo of Steve Morton, G8SFR

Steve Morton, G8SFR

I’ve been an RSGB volunteer since 1994 and I’ve been doing more or less the same role ever since! When I first joined the RSGB DCC (Datacoms Committee) I was using my organisation and communication skills to process large number of NoV applications for Nodes and Mailboxes throughout UK.

Today I’m still doing more or less the same, but for Simplex Internet Gateways and Packet Radio applications. The method of applying and processing the applications has changed dramatically over the last 29 years. Back in the 1990s I used to spend hours on the phone sorting out applications, but that is all done via emails these days.

I retired from paid employment as a spectrum manager for a UK government department in 2010, so my volunteer role keeps the grey matter ticking over. I enjoy giving back to the hobby the friendship I’ve been given by many amateurs over the years.

 

Chris Wood, GD6TWF
Honorary Treasurer

A photo of Chris Wood

Chris, GD6TWF

I am responsible for advising the RSGB Board and communicating to members on finance matters. When I retired, I recognised that as a Chartered Accountant I had specific skills to offer the Society. By volunteering I can contribute to the RSGB and I am enjoying that.

 

 

Lindsay Pennell, G8PMA
Awards Manager and QSL Bureau sub-manager for call groups G1, G2, and G3G to G3L

A photo of Lindsay Pennell, G8PMA

Lindsay Pennell, G8PMA

I volunteer because, quite simply, it adds to my enjoyment of the hobby. Being the Awards Manager allows me to encourage and coach other amateurs in an aspect of the hobby that I enjoy, awards chasing, and has prompted me to write a few articles for RadCom on the subject. Awards provide a focus for my operating, things to aim for rather than just making whatever QSOs come my way.

Handling the QSL cards lets me see some great QSLs from all over the world, and the expeditions that I’ve missed! I like receiving physical cards myself, so it’s nice to be part of the system that gets them to other amateurs who collect them.