Club Lectures and Activities in 2017
April
The LRC Rally 2017 was reviewed in full. Despite initial apprehension, due to having just the one min Trader – Long Communications, the Rally proved to be very successful and ranks well with previous rallies. The idea of advertising the bring and buy items with guide prices, on the LRC web, site proved it’s worth with all available tables pre-booked and the few that were kept in reserve were quickly taken on the morning.
Interest was sought on participating in Marconi Day. Due to various commitments enough members were unable to commit. For those interested there was an invitation to LRC Club members to operate with the Kerry Amateur Radio Group from Ballybunion.
Steve EI5DD proposed a C4FM fusion net on Monday evenings at 20:00 and to that end several nets have already taken place with joiners from Mayo, Galway, Clare and Limerick.
Michael EI2IX presented a simple coax cable tester that he had constructed. Michael also gave a run down on his experience in setting up the SharkRF Dongle.
Members were updated on the latest developments on Tountinna.
Several activities were proposed to members for the coming months including support for the ongoing Wild Atlantic Way initiative.
March
Most of the March 2017 meeting was taken up with preparing for the upcoming Limerick Radio Club Rally, on the 12th March, in the Radisson Hotel. Only one trader confirmed attendance. In order to boost attendance it was decided that the Bring and Buy items, with guide prices, would be advertised on the LRC web Site. It has proven to be a popular initiative with several people advertising. Items donated to the club were priced by members in attendance. The Chairman requested all available members to attend from 08:00 onwards on Sunday.
Members were briefed on recent developments on Tountinna including an onsite meeting with the ESB sites manager.
Progress was reported on the LRC web site revamp.
Now that there is a club nominee, Harry EI2KL, to the IRTS meetings a decision was taken to circulate docs issued by the IRTS through Harry to all club members.
Members were again reminded the need to be more supportive of the WAW initiative.
February
The LRC AGM took place on February 9th in LIT. It was well attended. Apologies were received from several members who, through work and/or other commitments, could not attend. Chairman, Simon EI7ALB, opened the meeting and called for a 1 minute silence in honour of deceased members of the club.
He outlined the activities undertaken by the club in what was a very busy year. LRC successfully hosted the IRTS AGM over the weekend 9th & 10th of April 2016. The LRC Rally on the 10th April was a great success.
The Chairman drew attention to the decline of attendances at Rallies and reminded the members present that a lot of the projects, undertaken by the club, would not be possible were it not for the income generated from the annual rally. It is essential therefore that the incoming committee maximise the attendance at the 2017 club rally on Sunday 12th March.
Following the acceptance of LRC's proposal to promote Amateur Radio through activating the 9 Wild Atlantic Way counties at the IRTS AGM, work began immediately on the structure of the project. A lot of effort was expended by Dave EI6AL, Alan EI8EM and Simon EI7ALB to get the project over the line in November 2016.
Activation of the 9 special call signs began in January 2017 to run to December 2017. To date is proving to be a great success. Members were reminded that their continuing support is necessary through contacting the co-ordinators for each of the WAW counties for operating slots; band, mode date and time.
Treasurer, Tony EI2AW presented the financial report. Following a significant loss of income due to the cancellation of the 2015 Rally, Tony reported a healthy balance for 2016. Membership fees and fee structure remain unchanged.
The following were elected to the various club Committee positions:
- Chairman: Simon Kenny EI7ALB
- Hon. Secretary: Harry O'Loughlin EI2KL
- Hon. Treasurer: Tony Condon E12AW
- Committee Members:
- Michael Kingston EI2IX
- Alan Cronin EI8EM
- Liam Mangan EI4GB
- Liam Rainford EI7DSB
- Trustees:
- Tom O'Sullivan EI3AL
- Dermot Gleeson EI2GT
- John O'Brien EI5HDB
- QSL Manager:
- Albert Price EI5HXB
January
Chairman Simon EI7ALB updated the meeting on the failure and repair of the mast on Tountinna. The 2M repeater was restored to service on the 31st December 2015. C W Transmissions during Easter Week 1916 were highlighted along with the confusion and lack of radio communications during that period.
Harry EI2KL explained some of the features of Log40M, while the Chairman updated members of the preparations for hosting the 2016 IRTS AGM on the 9th/10th April and the LRC Rally on the 10th April.
