Controllers Report 2003/2004
Re registration in March went ahead with the group paying for existing members to renew. This as usual was a protracted affair but was finally completed in July. We ended up with only one member – John M0AHQ who was unable to continue with us. Current membership sits at 24.
April saw some of our SWL members successfully take and pass the foundation licence. Well done to Joey M3JKO and Elaine Fisher. As a result of this Foundation course we have also recruited 3 other new members so it’s effect on the group were quite beneficial. We must thank Derek (wearing his Radio club hat) and Peter G0IJU from Kings Lynn Radio Club for their efforts in breathing new life into the local amateur population.
In May the group covered the Samaritan Bike ride at Dersingham and once again our efforts were appreciated – especially as the User service were called to deal with quite a serious injury. Without Raynet the response time to such an isolated spot could have been quite long.
In late May I am afraid I had to report that a request to assist St John Ambulance with the Sandringham Horse Trials planned for June 2004 was withdrawn. This was unfortunately due to St John losing the "contract" to supply first aid to the event. I am sure all those that have been involved over the years will agree it was very sad considering how much voluntary time and effort Raynet and St John locally had given to this prestigious event that commercial interests had to take over.
However in June we managed to get involved this year with the Long distance ride at Ringstead. In many ways this is more of a challenge for us as the distances and terrain involved are for Norfolk quite taxing. We managed to successfully deploy APRS tracking on two of the mobiles and plot progress directly onto a mapping program. This has benefits in the Control environment and to an extent we are now developing a local group data operating standard. Which could be developed in several areas.
July saw us on the one day Sandringham Flower show and this year proved as ever full of action. It took several hours for the action but when it did happen we were kept busy for quite some while.
September was the usual month for the Wissey half marathon and this proved a good slick operation. Control was located at one of the higher spots and 5W provided good coverage for the whole event. The fact that there was a massive tropospheric lift on the day and we were working stations in Kent and further afield from mobiles I am sure had a lot to do with this!
In September we were also given the chance to assist the Emergency planning department with a small exercise out in the cold and dark of Snettisham beach. This was a good learning opportunity and amongst other things I guess some of us know now – if we didn’t already - how rough it can get out in the field!
In early October we provided a communications net by way of an exercise for the National Kidney Horse Ride in the Sandringham area. A good turnout in the end and once again a good training exercise.
As regards other activities, many of our members have assisted Forest Heath and other groups with activities throughout the year and I know this is always much appreciated. We also in the same way appreciate when we have assistance in our activities from other Raynet members.
Throughout the year I have kept up a liaison with our local emergency planning department and this has seen several new faces come and go. I have attended meetings and we also put on a small Raynet display at the Norfolk Emergency Planning study day in October. We have helped to influence the shape of the local flood plan and have made sure that Raynet’s abilities are recognised.
What have I forgotten?
Well to thank you the members for your effort’s. I sometimes have to be demanding
as a controller but I hope I am fair and give you jobs that allow you to enjoy
the activities and the hobby.
Thank you for your support this
year.