I feel privileged to have been the CARC Programme Secretary for the past eight years, however I feel that with the start of the new year and a forthcoming AGM that it is time for a fresh pair of eyes and ears, and a fresh brain to take over.
Anyone who is interested should be prepared to keep a close eye on what speakers are doing the rounds locally (Radcom and other club’s newsletters are good sources), in order to contact them by email or phone. To increase the chances of netting a new speaker you need to be planning ahead by several months so as to give room for manoeuvre on both sides. I have had success with speakers in the Sussex, Surrey, Kent, Hants and London areas, and occasionally further afield. And not forgetting that we have some excellent home-grown speakers from within the club, so there is a need to know who is doing what among our esteemed membership.
Another objective is trying to achieve a balanced programme of events, so a timetable of technical based and operating or Dxpedition type talks seems a good mix. I have always tried - not always with success - to have the event timetable running 3-5 months in advance.
Each month the RSGB needs to be notified of future speakers or events so that it can be published in Radcom and given out over the air in their weekly news broadcasts. This helps us to attract visitors, and very important, potentially new members for CARC.
A prompt email or letter of thanks to a speaker after a meeting is an important final courtesy, and furthermore helps your case if you need them to come back in a year or so’s time.
The above may sound quite demanding but in fact it is not difficult or too arduous and it is fun to do. You will also have the satisfaction of knowing that you have contributed in a major way to the successful operation of our great club and the satisfaction of your fellow members.
So, if you are interested in taking over as CARC Programme Secretary please put your name forward for nomination, ideally before the forthcoming Annual General Meeting on 26th January. If you are potentially interested but need more information please don’t hesitate to give me a call on 01342 714402 or email me at
John Longhurst G3VLH
Programme Secretary 2002-2010
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