A Bright Future for Amateur Radio on the Centenary of the Radio Society of Great Britain
2013 marks the Centenary of the Radio Society of Great Britain (RSGB) the national body representing Britain’s radio amateurs. To commemorate this momentous occasion, the Society and its members have been holding special celebrations throughout the year culminating with Centenary Day at the National Radio Centre at Bletchley Park on 5 July 2013.
Whilst Centenary celebrations are a time to reflect on our past achievements, the Society realizes that it cannot rest on its laurels. Amateur radio today is as relevant and vibrant as it has ever been and the RSGB takes very seriously its responsibility to work with partners around the world in providing leadership to safeguard and develop Amateur radio over the next 100 years.
Asked how he saw the Amateur radio hobby developing, Graham Coomber, G0NBI, General Manager of the Radio Society of Great Britain said, ‘Amateur radio has always been about experimentation and innovation. With the increasing pressure on the radio spectrum, the interest in digital modes will continue to increase and Amateurs will, as they have always done, find new ways of using and developing digital technology. Electromagnetic interference has always been a challenge to Amateurs, particularly in built-up areas and these problems have increased significantly in recent times. This will mean increased interest in remote operating for many’.
Graham is very positive about the hobby’s future. He said, ‘There is no doubt that Amateur radio is alive and thriving. Every year, some 2,000 people in the UK become licenced for the first time, and we find many people returning to Amateur Radio, often after a long break. It is an activity that appeals to a wide cross section of people, of all ages. The structure of the examination system is such that no one should be deterred from joining the ranks of licenced amateurs. Across the country there are some 650 radio clubs and every week, amateur radio is demonstrated up and down the country at public events staged by local clubs’.
So to find out a bit more about Amateur Radio, what should people do? Graham said, ‘If anyone is interested about Amateur Radio they should visit the RSGB website www.rsgb.org.uk. There they will find a wealth of information aimed at the newcomer, and you will be able to locate a radio club near to where you live. You will receive a warm welcome and plenty of information, advice and guidance. There has never been a better time to join the hobby!’
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26/06/2013
