The HF Radio Club is proud to have the
following businesses advertise in this issue of the newsletter:
| |
Barrett Communications |
|
Ken Tame and Associates |
|
Codan |
|
Shade to Order |
We wish you all a prosperous and healthy 2005 and hope
at least a couple of the dozen things you promised yourself this year
will come to fruition. With Christmas passed, pockets empty, children
and grand children still enjoying the fruits, we can all now begin planning
our travelling itineraries for the year ahead. Kay and I will fly out
immediately after the AGM back to Port Hedland to pick up our motorhome.
Our intentions are to spend this year meandering down the west coast
to Perth, Margaret River (there is no better way to check out a wine
area than in a motorhome), Albany then across to Adelaide. This year
we plan to bring the motorhome back to Sydney. Jane Scammell has resigned
from the Committee, but has offered to help print and collate the Newsletter
each quarter. Many thanks, Jane, for all your help during my term as
President, it is greatly appreciated.
The AGM, coming up in April in Northern Victoria, is being organised
with a great deal of effort by John Swift, our Vice President. This
will allow our Southern NSW, Victorian and South Australian members
the opportunity to attend an AGM without having to cross half of Australia.
The committee, and members from up North are looking forward to matching
faces to selcall numbers.
The Committee is struggling to keep up with all the requirements of
running a great club like ours without a full time Secretary and Treasurer.
Nominations for these positions are critical for the well being of the
Club. Campbell is to be congratulated for the incredible hours he is
putting into both the vacant positions. However, it is impossible to
expect him to continue with these hours. All Members, please consider
joining the Committee to help with the running of the Club.
By the time you receive this Newsletter, Broome Base will be up and
operating. The technical information you require to call this base is
in another section of this newsletter covered by our young “Pegray”.
Clive Williams will be the Broome base operator and has already put
in a lot of time and effort in sorting out the problems with Telstra,
whilst trying to have a telephone line installed for our telephone interconnect.
Our sincere thanks, Clive, from us all. In the months and years to come,
Broome will become an important base for our Club. Anyone passing through
Broome, please go out to the Pistol Club and make yourself known to
Clive, and have a look at our base. There are times in the year when
you will be able to camp at the club which has all the facilities, including
trees, shade and Clive is also a great host.
Do not forget, we have to have more Members volunteer for the Committee
to enable the Club to progress. Enjoy your travels and see you at the
AGM at Warracknabeal.
Keep it turned on - Terry
ANCIENT ANCESTRY
Overheard between two women at a recent 'high
society' party: "My
ancestry goes back all the way to Alexander the Great," said Christine.
"How far back does your family go, Miriam?" "I don't
know," replied Miriam, "All of our records were lost in the
flood."
Your Treasurer still has not had time to catch up
on all his duties, particularly on analysing the in-come and expenditure,
and identifying the “normal” and the “abnormal”.
By “normal”, I mean the regular “day-to-day”
costs and “the once-a-quarter” or “once-a-year”’
expenses that are to be expect-ed, while the “abnormal”
includes the unexpected and often one-off items like, in this case,
setting up a new base. However, the secretarial work is more or less
under control, so I have been able to start on longer term stuff more
than just writing and recording income and expenses (in spreadsheet
form, as I haven’t got MYOB up and running yet).
I have done some programming to process the members’ Telephone
Interconnect charges, however. Bob Locking was doing all this manually
and it must have taken him some considerable time. By “automating”
it, I am able to produce the statements such as are enclosed with this
newsletter if you subscribe to the interconnect, this will include the
individual calls that you are being charged for. I feel this is important
because there are numerous attempts to use the interconnect, but the
calls are rejected because the identifying number is not one of those
the interconnect is programmed to accept. Most of theses are the selcalls
of some of our more prominent members, who have been allocated “secret”
identifiers to prevent cheats (or whatever you like to call them) from
breaking in.
As I stated elsewhere in the newsletter, check your statements and if
you would like a “secret” number, ask me for one. It is
planned to issue statements to all subscribers probably once a year
and more frequently if you use the service. It is the user’s responsibility
to top up the “bank” if their balance gets below $25. If
they don’t, they risk losing access!
Above is a copy of part of the current page of each
of the two superimposed passbook balances. It shows the last three entries
from the General (No 1) A/c (at the top and towards the right of the
picture), which has $13,677.75 in it. The No 2 A/c (underneath the other
one and slightly to the left so you can see “NO 2 ACCOUNT”)
has $3,496.07, so the combined passbook balance of the two accounts
is over $17,000. Unpresented cheques total $665 so the book balance
is $16,508.82 as at the end of February. There remains the need to transfer
money from the No 1 account to No 2, to bring the No 2 A/c into line
with the total deposits paid in advance ($8840) for the telephone interconnect.
This then leaves $7,668.82 in the General A/c.
There are, however, some outstanding accounts, the main ones being nearly
$910 for part of setting up the base at Broome, an estimated amount
of $500 for expenses incurred by members but not yet reimbursed and
$320 for treating the termites at Booral. In addition, there will be
substantial costs associated with the ACA licence fees, the aerial poles
and other items in setting up the base at Casino. The price of the treated
aerial poles has not been finalised yet, so no proper estimate can be
given.
Since 1st November, when the last newsletter was written, the total
income has been (in round figures) $4,420 (including $700 of interconnect
deposits), of which the main items were $570 insurance payout for a
lightning strike at Booral and $3075 for membership fees (including
16 new members in the quarter).
The major expense items in the quarter totalled $5650 (in round figures).
Telephone charges (including $160 for installation of a line at Casino)
were $1115, while the ACA licences for Broome were $1480 and a spare
second hand Interconnect set was obtained for $1970. Interconnect repairs
came to $195. Sundry other administrative charges totalled $540 and
we had to pay $275 for our stall at the Toowoomba CMCA rally.
Finally, I would like your input as to the nature of the quarterly financial
report. I have tried to pre-sent the actual balance and highlight the
major items of income and expense. The alternative is a tabular format
which could contain each individual transaction (about 150 – 200
lines for the last quarter) or a summary in either exact or rounded
off figures with about as much detail as I have included above. Unfortunately,
I am seldom able to listen to my radio so you can’t easily contact
me direct. However, your input could be offered and discussed at the
General Meeting which is to be held after the AGM at Warracknabeal.
If you can’t be there personally, let someone else know your feelings.
C.J. Cripps Clark
I am glad to report that “the desk” is not quite so cluttered
now as, I think, I have caught up with most of the things involved and
worked out some sort of system, or procedure, to handle them and overcome
the problems of distance – distance from a good printer, from
other members of the committee, from a permanent address and telephone
number.
Jane Scammell has resigned from the Committee but she specified that
she would be quite willing to help with things like printing the newsletter,
which is very pleasing to hear. No appointments to replace her or to
fill any other vacancies on the Committee have been made, largely because
we have not been aware of anyone willing to take on any of the positions.
The confidentiality agreement between the Club and CMCA (Casino Village)
Ltd is in the process of being signed now after it had to go back to
the legal eagles for redrafting. It appears simple and straightforward
and basically prevents the Village and any of its employees etc. from
disclosing anything to anybody except with the Club’s permission
, as required by law or where the information was already available
through other means and not obtained under the agreement.
It would be fair to say that the “system”, involving mail
and telephone calls going to Casino and then being redirected, is working
quite satisfactorily (even if some members of the committee cannot yet
get email from the officer@hfradioclub.com.au mailbox and we have to
rely on their personal one). I have been home most of the time, so it
hasn’t really been tested but the delays in redirecting mail are
minimal and if the secretary (or treasurer or whoever had to deal with
some mail) were away, they only have to let Jenny Clark at Casino know
when and where they are so it should be far more efficient than relying
on any commercial redirection service.
Many of you will have discovered or heard by now that
our Booral base is not on the air. This is because termites (white ants)
were discovered in the two poles used for the aerial and the pest exterminator
who was to treat them, wanted the poles cut down before treating them!
There seems to be at least two schools of thought – some exterminators
would have treated them while they were still standing but this one wanted
them felled first!
Most of you will know that Ross has been wanting to move for quite a while,
but has had difficulty selling the property. As a consequence, we may
get little benefit from any money spent at Booral, as Ross might make
the sale just after we spent the money on putting the aerial back up.
After careful consideration of alternatives, it has been decided that
we will go ahead with a new base at the motorhome village at Casino, subject,
of course, to ACA approval. We don’t have access to the aerial already
there (it is still required in case the satellite navigation system becomes
unavailable) so, with Village approval, we are planning to erect two treated
poles for the aerial, purchase a modern high-efficiency aerial and connect
that to the equipment from Booral in space kindly made available by the
Village in one of their buildings.
The attention of operators is not likely to be what we got at Booral (who
could beat what Ross has done for us?) but we are working on a system
that may involve some participation by Radio Club members when they visit
the Village. Note that the operator is not involved in members using the
TIC equipment to make telephone calls. The equipment, from Booral, will
have the same numbers as before, so, once we are up and running, you won’t
notice any difference (except the reception should be better with the
newer design of aerial).
When Casino will go on the air depends first on the ACA granting approval,
then on how quickly we can get the poles (at the right price), erect them
and then install the aerial and connect it to the equipment and through
that to a dedicated telephone line.
We would like your feedback on the quality of transmission through the
various bases. Most calls have been put through Booral but it would be
useful to know how Cooladdi and Broome compare.
One test that could be done relatively easily is to compare Broome and
Cooladdi for TIC performance. I will be home most of the time (unfortunately)
until 8th April, so if you could ring me (02 4954 9007) via both bases,
we can compare the two. If the call is to me, I won’t charge you
for it, of course (unless you get very talkative!) I would like to hear
from all over Australia, day and evening, to get a feel for the effectiveness.
If you can’t get through, log the time, atmospheric conditions etc.
and let Peg-Ray know (I haven’t asked him yet, but I am sure he
won’t mind) or ring direct or email me if that is more convenient.
PS Of course you can also try out Broome by calling the operator, Clive,
and introducing yourself. I know he would like to meet you over the air
and hopefully meet you in person when you get there.
Campbell Cripps Clark
Those recorded as being subscribers to the Telephone Interconnect (TIC)
should receive a statement of how their current balance with this newsletter.
This is the first one available under an expanded system, which will list
the actual call details as well as the previous balance etc. Until you
have made calls after the start of the new system, you will get a rather
abbreviated statement as I am not going back over previous calls, just
adopting the ‘then’ balance.
First, if you consider you are a subscriber to the TIC and you didn’t
get a statement, then let me know so I can try to correct the problem.
Second, read the bit at the bottom of the statement about “topping
up the bank” if your balance is less than $25.
Third, if calls are listed and you haven’t made them, let me know.
There are unscrupulous people about who try to make calls using other
people’s selcall numbers.
We can’t do much about calls already made but we can sool the ACA
onto the thieves (or frauds or cheats, if you prefer those terms) via
the call recipient. We can also issue “secret” selcall numbers,
which the cheat should not be aware of and would only use by chance.
Members, particularly those without “secret” numbers, are
advised not to broadcast their selcall number over the radio because the
cheats could be listening in and try to use it. If in doubt, apply to
me for a “secret” number.
Depending on how much you use the TIC (and I recommend it because the
calls are so cheap), statements will be issued probably every six months,
even if your balance hasn’t dropped to the critical $25, so you
can check your calls and balance
Campbell Cripps Clark
JUNE NEWSLETTER
Deadline for articles, advertisements, items, photos, letters
to the Editor, etc. is 15th May. Items arriving after that date
may well be held over to the next issue. Please email to: jhnewport@dodo.com.au
or mail to Campbell. John & I will probably be on the road
until after the Rally in Maryborough. Or ring: 0438 865 014 |
- Member Bev Teys (2631) had always used a portable CODAN
radio for many years through Telstra until Telstra got out of HF.
They had heard of the HF Club so went to a meeting one weekend at
Lowood to learn all about HF Radios and were ‘hooked and joined
up’.
- Garry states he has a fax machine because it can’t
get any diseases unlike emails. He also says “Saveloy”
when he leaves, as he says a ‘Saveloy’ is a BIG CHEERIO!
- When there’s lightning around, take your
aerial down and isolate your radio set from the battery.
We now have a new base station
at Broome W.A. Broome Base Selcall number 8825.
Operator: Clive Williams Phone (08) 9192 2338 Base Telephone Beacon
No:- 8008
Ray Lawson has provided the following technical information. Note there
are no changes to be made to your radio as we have been doing in the
past, except for the Codan N. G. T. which has a Phone Link. The following
will explain how you can put it in your N G T. Press the X button and
if it ‘pips’ you cannot get in to the program.
| 1. |
To open press and hold the Spy glass. List manager will appear.
Select Config Tick. Select Admin Login? Tick. |
| 2. |
Press X Twice Main Menu
a) Select ‘Phone Link’: Tick (refer creating a phone
link page 5-3)
b) Hold down the Spy Glass
c) Select ‘Create entry’: Tick New name?
d) Write Name in the highlighted area Broome: Tick (If it comes
up full you have to delete one it has only10. Select Delete entry)
e) Tick twice ‘Address’
f) Put in black area 8008
g) Tick Network?
h) <Blank> will show
i) Select HFRC PH : Tick Channel/ Mode?
j) <Blank>will show
k) Select HFRC PH-51/USB Ch.1 of 5: Tick.
l) Press X and you are in phone link, In this case it would be Broome. |
| 3. |
Switch off transceiver for a couple of seconds to lock admin. |
I hope you all are successful and if
not please give me a call and make good use of this base as it is something
The Committee have been working on for some time all for benefit of
our members. Members should be aware that this base has become possible
through the help of several people and organizations in donating time,
advice and equipment. In particular, the Broome Volunteer Sea Rescue
Group has allowed us the use of their aerial and other infrastructure
and Codan has donated some of the equipment, both of which we are truly
grateful for. Clive Williams has spent considerable time in arranging
telephone connection and general setting up and Todd Cassels, of Mobile
Communications (Queensland) has worked hard in preparing the equipment.
For Sale
GM 871 Engine with New Rocker Gear, New Injectors, Jake Brakes Overhauled.
Only done 200ks since top overhaul. No leaks, no breathing, no smoke,
low on compression.
$2,500:00 ONO.
Contact Bill Fitzgerald Ph: 0407 941 829
|
Your Magazine
This is your magazine, produced for your information, and enjoyment.
If you come across anything that you think would be of interest
or use to other club members, please send it in. Email it to me
or Campbell
|
I think we all know about sheds - don’t we?
This one is in Toowoomba and belongs to an HF Radio Club Member.
Can YOU relate to it?
THE SHED!
| Every
Man should have a shed
But no man’s could be quite like Kev’s,
It’s big and strong with drive through doors,
Home made shelves and mezza floors.
There’s anything he
may require
From nuts and bolts to fencing wire,
Bed or mattress, chair or stool,
Rods and reels and every tool.
Do you need a tin of oil?
Rakes or hoes to till the soil?
Compressors, paint or cooking pot?
Don’t worry … he has got the lot!
Cupboards all have bursting
seams,
Heaps of stuff on crowded beams,
Tyres, wheels and snatchum strap …
Dim lit corners full of …er…strap!
Old car engine stored above,
Not much new … most all pre-loved,
Dear old Ford … our wedding car!
Looks sad and not quite up to par.
Timber stashed … what
for?… not sure!
Maybe another mezza floor?
Benches grown with mystery stock
And underneath it’s chock-a-block!
Walls around have great displays,
Things from past and present days,
Tents and rods and fishing gear,
No matter what … it’s all in here!
I’m sure you’ll
see a key or three,
Kev’s always losing them you see,
His searching often is in vain …
Perhaps he needs one long, long, chain!
|
Mowers,
pulleys, on it goes …
Hidden treasure … Kevin knows,
Up beyond the highest stack
You’ll see a dangling car roof-rack.
Bike and vans and cars galore,
Mobile home and boat … there’s more!
If you don’t think that’s enough …
He’s kindly storing Neil’s old stuff.
To house his cars is quite
an art,
There’s just so many … where to start?
He’s mastered well, fine points of juggle …
Just finding room is quite a struggle.
Floor space doesn’t
last for long,
Especially when things go wrong,
He’s always finding jobs to do …
Not all for him … for others too.? …
He gets a little bit perturbed
When things go missing and disturbed,
Misplaced? Forgotten? Then … all’s right!
May take searching half the night!
I don’t venture in there
often,
But there’s naught the sight could soften,
This bloke’s shed is unbelievable,
His ‘collection’ … inconceivable!
More than a million things
no doubt
Are stored on shelves and all about,
Collected by design or plan?
A mammoth effort for one man!
I guess he’ll always
happy be,
Pottering in his shed you’ll see,
Surrounded by his million bits,
While others it would give the … wobblies!
Bev Teys |
As I sit here and think back over how the H F Radio club has grown over
the last year, I welcome all the new members that have taken up our
offer to join our great club for our fellowship and friendship, -- not
forgetting the ones that I had the pleasure to deal with as sales of
radios. As I have said before, if you see an aerial on a vehicle, please
have a chat with them and tell them about what our club has to offer,
particularly our free telephone interconnect service, where you only
pay for the phone call you make at a very reasonable cost.
Our new base at Broome W.A. is now operational (see page 8). I had the
pleasure of looking into it with ACA over the Christmas season. This
is going to be great for our club. It is something we have needed over
the past years to assist our members when travelling in Western Australia.
We know that in the past many of us have been able to communicate with
Ross at Booral from the west, and with this new service it will make
our club even stronger. No doubt, it will help our membership drive
also, so please help, and always have a spare Membership form with you.
What a great fellowship we had at H F Radio Club Pre-Christmas Socials.
I was one of the many who went to the Lowood Showgrounds and, on behalf
of all the members who were there, we would like to thank the workers,
who went to such efforts to make us all welcome and put on a great weekend.
May I be so bold as to say “Make sure you mark in your diary the
dates for next November”. Let me, also, take this opportunity
to ask our members in other states, to get all your local members together,
find a site and join with our Australia All-Over Get-togethers in November
(I know Arthur, you and Ken will be a good start, so I’ll see
you later in the year). I must not forget to say how good the one held
in NSW went at Catherine Hill Bay. They, also, had a good roll call
and, from what I have been told, had a great weekend, So come on, you
NSW members, mark your diaries. It will be worth it. Don’t forget
the AGM in Victoria on the Anzac Weekend.
When you are on the road and have nothing to listen to, why not tune
up on 7899 at 7.30am and 4.30pm Eastern Standard Time and have a chat
and meet some one you have never talked to before. Learn how to use
your radio, in case you ever need it in an emergency. I am sure there
are some members who need this sort of help, so don’t be shy,
please ask for help.
As you all know the HF Radio Club is a dealer in Radio equipment and
can supply new Codan N G T Radio and second hand radios (9323). We are
pleased to let our members know that we can also quote and supply 950
Barrett Radios, so should you, in your travels, meet or know of anyone
interested in upgrading their radios, or getting started, please give
them my contact information. It is with the profit which your club makes
out of this agreement, that our club has the money to supply new Base
Stations to improve our service to our members.
Happy travelling to all. I’ll be listening
.
Ray Lawson
Field officer
For Men Only
(Actually, we want the ladies to read these!)
Quilt
Squares
In the last Newsletter, in “Ladies Corner”, the
proposal for some quilt squares was explained. Remember that
your “entries” are needed by the AGM (that’s
on 25th April, you know!) If we have to do without your company,
send them to Kay or Wendy c/o the Casino address. If you can’t
quite make it by then, there may be a way of making them into
the Club banner, but we really need them at Warracknabeal for
Chrissy Eustace to select one for the CMCA SIG quilt (let’s
see if the non-motorhomers can do the others in the eye!)
|
|
Operating
the Radio
There have been several attempts to run a “course”
to help ladies to become familiar with their radios and, particularly,
to know what to do in case of emergency. No such course has
eventuated yet, but it seems that many ladies who still don’t
know how to use the radio. There will be a notice up as to when
interested people can meet to arrange some training. Depending
on response and who can lead the courses, hands-on sessions
can be arranged then.
Volunteer leaders, particularly female, please don’t be
shy – see Peg-Ray or a committee member as soon as you
can.
PS Ladies, perhaps the other half would like to join in and
pick up a few hints too!
|
A reminder to all members who are attending the CMCA Rally at Horsham
during the week of 11th – 17th April (one week before our AGM
at Warracknabeal), Ray Lawson will be giving a talk on radios in the
motorhome. This will mention UHF and possibly 27 Meg but will concentrate
on HF radios. Even though you have heard him talk at CMCA rallies before,
I am sure you will find it interesting again if only because of some
of the questions that are raised.
Secondly, unless there is a radical departure from the norm, the HF
Radio Club will have a get-together one day at the rally for old, new
and prospective members – it is not everyday that we get to see
each other face to face so I hope you will be able to attend. It is
usually a BBQ at a nominal price to cover expenses, with the possibility
of a raffle somewhere along the way.
Keep an eye on the Daily Rally Program so that you don’t miss
out on these two events.
Prior to Christmas, socials were held at Catherine Hill Bay, just south
of Newcastle, and at Lowood, near Ipswich, both on the one weekend. We
tried to get something going in Victoria at the same time, but I think
we left our run too late to find someone to organise it.
Both socials were generally thoroughly enjoyed but were very different.
At “Catho”, the rigs were parked near the Bowling Club. In
some ways it was good having the club there, where you could buy drinks
and also meals, but at Lowood, there weren’t others around, so you
could make your own fun and do your own thing. Horses for courses, I suppose,
with a bit of variety adding to the overall enjoyment. Lowood was also
the location for a very enjoyable meet in February. Really, all we need
is a few people prepared to do a minimum of organising and a whole lot
of members can have a great time together.
The meet coincided with the “Back to Catho” weekend which
added to the attractions. There was a sort of fair near the Bowling Club
with some local groups regaling us with their vocal efforts (and they
were good, too) and crafts etc. for sale as well as demonstrations and
equipment displays from the local Rural Fire Brigade and the surfies.
As part of the “Back to Catho”, there was a very interesting
guided historical walk, which took in some of the old local houses and
the hostelry (if some of those walls could talk!) This was particularly
relevant at the time because there are moves afoot to redevelop much of
the old area, while others are organising to keep the whole area as a
green zone between Newcastle, which spreading south and the Central Coast
spreading north.
Looking back on the weekend, there were no really spectacular activities,
though the ladies swooned over the outdoors wedding in the grounds of
the bowling club – quite a vista with the dunes and the sea in the
background and, luckily, no real rain at the crucial moment – and
some locals had a boisterous dinner in the club on Saturday night, while
the twenty three of us dined, very decorously, of course! These included
a couple of very new members like David and Joy Hughes, also Steve and
Margaret Bolton but there were also members of long standing (I avoid
the use of “old”) like Bob and Barbara Locking and Stan and
Helen Ashlin. The Wests were well represented with Ken and Margaret, and
Paul and Carmel. Terry Childs was able to join us for dinner while on
his way through. The Judds, Debbie Montgomery and Jim Grundy, the Goodsells,
the Hudsons and the Cripps Clarks (in no particular order) completed the
complement.
Hi Terry and Committee, 24/11/04.
Just thought I would send you this letter to let you know how the Christmas
Gathering went at Lowood. As you know this is the third gathering Glynn
and Ruth have organized for the members at Lowood. This year with the
help of many it was our best one yet. Last year we had 11 rigs, this year
we had 19. As always, it is very hard to cater for a group when you do
not know how many members will be in the area at the time. With the same
helpers as last year I think all members went away happy after a great
time.
I know Glynn and Ruth would like to thank Noel and Jean, Denny and Esme,
and Pam and I for all the help before and during this gathering. Not forgetting
Jade, their granddaughter, who did a great job of selling the raffle tickets.
As arranged, Pam and I arrived at Lowood on Wednesday 17th November ,so
someone would be able to welcome members as they arrived and show them
the area to park up their rig. Frank and Hazel were the first to arrive
on the Wednesday, that was great as it meant Pam and I were not alone
for the first night. Glynn and Jade, Denny, Esme, Noel and Jean all arrived
on Thursday 18th. Ruth arrived after work on the Friday 19th. Most members
who brought their rigs arrived on Thursday or Friday.
We had a sausage sizzle on Friday night, the main Christmas meal on the
Saturday, Left-overs Saturday night and on Sunday we had some left-overs
again plus chicken. For the four meals it cost the members the grand total
of $5.00 each. The only thing we asked was that the ladies bring a plate
for the main Christmas meal. Our raffle, the main prize was won by Kevin
Teys. (It was a Hamper). We also had about 8 other small prizes. We would
like to also thank the members who donated some of the items that went
into the 8 small prizes. Most of the members left on Monday 22nd November.
MEMBERS WHO ATTENDED
| Glynn and Ruth (+Jade and Family) |
Tony |
Garry and Pam |
| Denny and Esme (+Family) |
John and Louisa |
Noel and Jean (+Family) |
| Neil and Bev |
Frank and Hazel |
Kevin |
| Ray and Peg |
Robin and Keryn |
Noel and Elaine |
| Bob and Joan (New member) |
Larry and Donette |
Kevin and Maralyn |
| Ron and Shirley (New member) |
Allan and Lillian |
John |
| Eric and Shirley |
Jane |
Leo |
We also had 8 visitors over the weekend.
Overall we had over 50 people attend.
Christmas at Lowood in Queensland
From Glynn and his Helpers.
Hope to see more here NEXT year
As you have probably heard, a get-together was held at
Lowood show grounds on the 11-13th February, organized by Denny, with
help from Glen and Gary, We had 9 ‘stayers’ in motorhomes
and a van. This van was mine. You would not believe how good my set
up looked beside Larry & Donetter. “I was there first, mate!”
It was really good to see everyone. Saturday lunch was organized by
Hazel, Donette, Larry and Frank, (another van man), catering for 26
people. What a gathering! I want to thank everybody who went to Lowood.
| Overnighters |
Daytimers |
| Denny
|
Noel & Jean
|
| Eric & Shirley
|
Gary Tustian
|
| Rod and Liz |
Neil and Bev |
| Larry and Donette |
Henry and Jessie |
| John and Dawn |
Jason Tapp |
| Garry Sharpe |
David and Esme |
| Allan and Lillian |
|
| Frank and Hazel |
|
| John and Heather |
|
In closing I would also like to invite all members of the H.F. Radio
Club who can’t make it to the AGM at Warracknabeal, Victoria,
to a get-together at Casino on ANZAC weekend. If you can attend, give
me a call. Finally, Henry Schultz at the Lowood Show Society has said
that these facilities are open to all HFRC and CMCA members at all times.
Call me or Ken on 07 54 261 385 or 0407 674 864.
All the best to all HFRC members. This is VKE237, Going back to Scan.
Denny
Have you checked out the costs of using the telephone interconnect facilities
we have at our 2 bases? Costs are generally very favourable compared
to using your mobile (if you are in range of course and its not breaking
up on you).
For land line calls, it costs you $1.00 for any part of the first minute,
then, in effect, 50¢ per minute thereafter. Calls to a mobile are
$1.00 for each minute. Once you are connected, the first minute, or
part thereof costs you a dollar. After the first minute, you are charged
pro rata to the nearest cent at the appropriate rate per minute.
The maximum time is 6 minutes, which is plenty of time to say what you
need to and that only costs $3.50 for a land line call. How does that
compare with your mobile, when you can get through?
|
Designed and built in Australia for the world’s
hardiest conditions, Barrett HF equipment thrives in the outback
and has the track record to prove it.
The Barrett “Outback traveller pack”
should be considered as standard equipment for anyone travelling
in remote areas.
Utilising the “free to air” nature of
HF communications, the “Outback traveller pack” provides
access to essential safety and emergency services with no ongoing
call charges. |
Six members of the HF Club gathered at the Calliope River
for the weekend of 19/20 February. Noel and Elaine arrived on Friday
night and secured a site before John and Shirley and Hazel and myself
arrived on Saturday afternoon.
I had spoken to John several times last year whilst we were both travelling
in SA and had planned to meet at Lake Eyre, then take a flight over
the lake together. Unfortunately the weather intervened and we didn't
quite meet up.
The weekend at the Calliope River started with the normal Happy Hour
followed by a barbeque. Following dinner we were entertained by John
and Shirley giving us a very interesting talk on their time whilst bogged
for several days in the outback. (How about letting us all hear your
story John).
John and Shirley are just getting "Our Magic Man" back on
the road after some maintenance and repairs following their (mis)adventures
in the outback. They had to return home Sunday morning. The remainder,
Noel, Elaine, Hazel and myself spent the rest of the weekend busy with
craft, trying to get Noel’s GPS to talk to his computer and generally
taking life easy.
For those members who have stopped at the river before, the sand flies
were tolerable.
The weekend concluded on Monday morning when Hazel and I left for Rockhampton,
leaving Noel and Elaine to depart, at their leisure, for Gladstone.
Frank and Hazel Sleep
(Editor’s note: John and I have crossed that river
so many times on our trips to Rockie and back and always promised ourselves
a break there, which we did for a swim this time south – it is
a lovely spot)
Three men were sitting together bragging about how they
had given their new wives' duties.
Terry had married a woman from America, and bragged that he had told
his wife she was going to do all the dishes and house cleaning that
needed done at their house. He said that it took a couple days, but
on the third day he came home to a clean house and the dishes were all
washed and put away.
Jimmie had married a woman from Australia. He bragged that he had given
his wife orders that she was to do all the cleaning, dishes, and the
cooking. He told them that the first day he didn't see any results,
but the next day it was better. By the third day, his house was clean,
the dishes were done, and he had a huge dinner on the table.
The third man had married a Canadian girl. He boasted that he told her
that her duties were to keep the house cleaned, dishes washed, lawn
mowed, laundry washed and hot meals on the table for every meal. He
said the first day he didn't see anything, the second day he didn't
see anything, but by the third day most of the swelling had gone down
and he could see a little out of his left eye.
Enough to fix himself a bite to eat, load the dishwasher, and call a
landscaper.
Radio Club members at the CMCA Rally at Horsham are asked to spend a
bit of time manning the H F Radio Club stand with the other exhibitors.
In the past, it seems to have fallen to only one or two members to look
after the stand, which is very unfair on them as they want to indulge
in other activities as well.
So, when you get to Horsham, make yourself known to Ray Lawson and work
out when you can spend a bit of time at the H F Radio Club stand. You
will get the low-down on the latest HF developments and you may well
attract a few new members – don’t forget, the more the merrier
and the better for the Club.
“BPL” stands for “Broadband Power Lines” and
was described in the September Newsletter. This could be a very significant
development to our detriment, because the power transmission lines around
the country and the wiring in your house could render your HF Radio
virtually useless due to interference.
It is in all our interests to write to our local State/Territory MP's
expressing our concerns about the potential removal of the safety net
that HF Radio gives us when we are travelling, whether or not it involves
the RFDS. Our other reason for having the radio will also be undermined
because we may well not be able to communicate with fellow members if
there is a power line near either radio and the interference drowns
out conversation. It is important to include your ACA call-sign and
licence number, as this will show that you are really involved.
It is always more effective when a concerned citizen writes their own
letter, rather than just signing a form letter.
For more information look at the websites listed in the last newsletter,
in particular www.wia.org.au/BPL/index.php,
belonging to the Wireless Institute of Australia.
something for you, as well as offer his valuable friendship. It was
he who took the trouble to show us the special way his second bed was
fitted, even if, in the process, he wrecked one of his locker catches
– that was a useful lesson for us in itself (I wonder if he did
get it repaired for free as a sales commission for helping us to choose
our rig)!
 |
VALE
Ted Cousins (Member 002, Selcall 2244)
While it has not been the practice to note the death of members,
it seems fitting on this occasion to mark the passing of one of
the founders of the Club. Ted was Inaugural President for some
years then Vice President until 2003. I believe that the Club
owes a great deal to Ted and to his wife Elva for the time and
effort that they, with others, put into the setting up of the
Club and leading it through its formative years.
As a relative newcomer, I was not present in those early days
nor was I concerned with the running of the Club at the time when
his health allowed Ted to serve on the committee. However, Ted
was among those who led us into joining the Club and that was
when I first found out that he was one of the real gentlemen of
this world (and a very cheerful one at that), who would gladly
go out of his way to do something for you, as well as offer his
valuable friendship. It was he who took the trouble to show us
the special way his second bed was fitted, even if, in the process,
he wrecked one of his locker catches – that was a useful
lesson for us in itself (I wonder if he did get it repaired for
free as a sales commission for helping us to choose our rig)!
Those that knew Ted will sadly miss him, but will be thankful
for his presence in their lives. We offer our condolences to Elva
and family on their sad loss.
CJCC/WECC |
Situated at the intersection of the Borung and Henty highways,
378 km NW of Melbourne, Warracknabeal is in the centre of a rich grain-growing
area. The Aboriginal name means “the place of big red gums shading
the watercourse”.
As advised with the last newsletter, the HF Radio Club
have organised to conduct this years Annual General Meeting at the Warracknabeal
Showgrounds, which is on the east side the Henty Highway (B200) as you
pass though Warracknabeal. Camping costs are $5.00 without power and
$7.00 with power pvpn. We will not be alone as members of the CMCA will
also be staying, but I have been advised that the Showgrounds is large
enough so we will not have to be on top of each other. For those that
wish to attend, but not bring their camping gear, the Country Roads
Motor Inn is only a short distance away, its number is 03 5398 1811.
I am pleased to say that, for a small fee, hot showers will be available,
but they will be about 500 metres away from the Show Grounds, if required
we will try and arrange transportation.
The three-day gathering starts on Saturday April 23rd
and concludes on Monday April 25th, with the AGM starting at 2.30 PM
on Saturday afternoon. A meeting agenda is included with the formal
notice of the meeting.
We hope that having our AGM in SW Victoria will attract
members who have been unable to attend in the past, so pack your gear
and come. We look forward to seeing you at Warracknabeal.
See you at the AGM Saturday 23rd April 2005 2.30pm
|
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1 |
Opening of the Meeting |
2 |
Apologies (these must be in writing and handed, before
the meeting, to an office-bearer of the Club attending the meeting) |
3 |
Announcement of Proxies (proxies on the form shown
below shall be handed to an office-bearer of the Club attending
the meeting at least 24 hours before the beginning of the meeting) |
4 |
Confirmation of the Minutes of the Previous Annual
General Meeting |
5 |
Receipt of Reports from the President, acting Secretary
and Treasurer |
6 |
Receipt and Consideration of the Statement required
to be submitted to members under Section 25(6) of the Incorporations
Act (broadly, the Statement is the financial statements covering
the year’s operations) |
7 |
Election of Office-bearers of the Club and Ordinary
Members of the committee |
8 |
Appointment of an Auditor |
9 |
Motions With Notice – “That the actions
of the Committee in accepting the offer of CMCA (Casino Village)
Ltd to provide a long-term address for the Club and such services
as would improve the efficiency of the Club operations in banking,
forwarding mail etc. be endorsed” moved by Terry Childs (1225)
and seconded by Campbell Cripps Clark (6621). |
10 |
Close of Meeting |
General Meeting |
It is planned to
hold a general meeting of members present at Warracknabeal at
a convenient time after the Annual General Meeting to discuss
Club operations, future directions and any other appropriate matters.
|
| |
| |
Voting and Proxies at the AGM
|
Under the terms of our current constitution
(i.e. the “Model Rules for Incorporated Associations”,
issued by the Dept of Fair Trading, NSW), all voting members of
the Club have the right to appoint another member of the Club as
a proxy, provided that:
(i) the notice is given to the secretary of the Club no later than
24 hours before the time of the meeting in respect of which the
proxy is appointed;
(ii) the notice appointing the proxy is in the form set out in Appendix
2 of the rules (copy attached);
(iii) no member may hold more than 5 proxies.
(from Rules 32 (Voting) and 33 (Appointment of Proxies))
Where a couple travelling and/or using the radio together has been
granted membership of the Club, each member of the couple is considered
a member of the Club and is allotted one vote. Thus each can vote
independently of the other and each can appoint another member as
their proxy if they are absent from the meeting. |
| |
| |
Nominations
for the Committee for 2005/06 |
| As set out in the last Newsletter, it
was planned to hold a postal vote if necessary for positions on
the Committee for 2005/06, providing that nominations were received
in time for ballot papers to be prepared and distributed with the
March Newsletter. The only nominations received are as follows: |
President:
Terry Childs
Vice President: John Swift
Treasurer: Campbell Cripps Clark
Newsletter Editor: Heather Newport
Ordinary Committee Member (3 positions): Vince
Moran |
It follows then
that, as only one nomination had been received for each of those
positions, Terry Childs, John Swift, Campbell Cripps Clark and
Heather Newport are elected unopposed to the respective positions.
Vince Moran is elected as an Ordinary Committee Member.
The unfilled positions are therefore Secretary and two Ordinary
Committee Members. At the AGM, elections for these positions will
be held. Members are, therefore, asked to consider nominating
for these important positions. Nominations received before the
meeting and from the floor of the meeting will both be eligible
for election. You are reminded that the nominee must have indicated
his or her willingness to stand for election.
It would be disappointing if nominations were not received, because
it indicates that members are unwilling to share the work of running
the Club and, perhaps, that they don’t much care how the
Club is run. The Committee would have to appoint someone to fill
the vacancy, which may be considered less than perfectly democratic.
The prospect of distance should not frighten members from committee
work. We are putting in place procedures for overcoming the “tyrannies
of distance”, mainly through email. |
Appendix 2 (Rule 3(1)
FORM OF APPOINTMENT OF PROXY
I, ………………………………………………………………………………………………………
(Full name)
of ………………………………………………………………………………………………………
(Address)
being a member of the H. F. Radio Club Inc.
hereby appoint, ……………………………………………………………………………………...
(Full name)
of ………………………………………………………………………………………………………
(Proxy’s Address)
being a member of that incorporated association, as my proxy,
to vote for me on my behalf at the Annual General Meeting, to
be held on 23rd April 2005 and at any adjournment of that meeting.
* My proxy is authorised to vote in favour of/against
(delete as appropriate) the resolution (insert details).
* to be inserted if desired.
………………………………………………………….
…………………………………
Signature of member appointing proxy Date
NOTE: A proxy vote may not be given to a person
who is not a member of the H. F. Radio Club Inc.
|
1 Stephenson St,
Sadliers Crossing,
Ipswich, 4305
To the HF Radio Club,
Dear Friends,
Ruth and I have enjoyed organizing the Christmas Get-togethers. We found
the last one was a lot easier than previous years because we are a little
bit more experienced and Gary and Pam played a big part in helping organise
the event. Denny did a good job in spreading the work about and Noel
and Jean let us use their BBQ, and by supplying tomatoes, kindly donated
by a friend of theirs.
All in all, everyone who was there pitched in and helped in some way,
making it an enjoyable time for all concerned. I would like to see a
bigger and better occasion next year. If all goes well, I would like
to put the dates for the Christmas Get-together in Lowood as 18-20th
November 2005.
On another note: What the club is lacking is teaching some old and new
members on how to use their radios and what capabilities their radios
have. Ray Lawson plays a great part in enlisting new members, what the
rest of us need to do is follow Ray up and teach the new members how
to use their radios. I would like to see Get-togethers for the purpose
of teaching members (old and new) on how to use their radios. I will
be talking to some of the members in this area and try to arrange a
time and date for this purpose.
Regards,
Glynn (Sellars)
Proudly supporting the H F Radio Club
Topical Travel Hints
Before departing for your trip check that
your vehicle’s fully loaded weight is legal .
Is the tread and age of your tyres of an acceptable level?
Are your tyres suitable for your fully loaded vehicle?
Check your tyre pressures are correct?
Overloading and incorrectly adjusted tyres
are known to be major
contributing factors to Motorhome accidents within Australia today.
For all your Insurance needs contact:
Ken Tame and Assoc
PO Box 2390 Kew, Vic 3101
Ph: 03 9853 5555 Fax: 03 9853 5554
kent@kentame.com.au or
garyh@kentame.com.au
A F S Licence No: 246937 ABN 41 945 943 271
|
