Branch 50 (Wellington) NZART – Known as the Wellington Amateur Radio Club
Out came the steaks, chops, chicken kebabs, salads, and cake at the annual summer BBQ at the QTH of club chairman, Mike ZL1AXG, on 20 January 2016. Attendance was similar to previous years, but several XYLs came along for the first time.
Please note that the February and March meetings are on the 3rd Tuesday, NOT on the Wednesday as per usual.
A total of 23 people were paid up to attend the 2015 Christmas Dinner (including a number of XYLs) held on Wednesday 9 December at the Evans Bay Yacht Club. Four people were, in the event, unable to attend, but those who turned up had an enjoyable time of socialising and feasting on the traditional “ham” main course and wonderful cream puffs for dessert. Mike ZL1AXG welcomed everybody and gave a few updates. He provided a “soft” sell on the mesh kitset (including cabling, Wifi Access point and phones) available for purchase through John ZL2HD and himself! John suggested that we shouldn’t make Christmas too commercial, so no profits are being made – just a small contribution from every sale goes to mesh infrastructure around the region.
The third in a series of “nosh n natter nights” was a cold and blustery evening. However a dozen members turned out, complete with a plate. There was plenty of food.
Excerpts from branch newsletters from the last 50 years were read out stimulating conversation. There was also a tape recording or two of silent keys talking about the “good old days” of amateur radio and the second district radio club (aka Branch 50).
Most people were able to contribute something nostalgic – whether it was about their first crystal set, the amateur op who introduced them to amateur radio, or commentary on some strange electrical object that mystified the experts abroad (George’s dielectric constant measuring device). The night went on until 9.30pm before the Chair thought he had better call an end to the meeting (after failing to stop the nostalgic contributions 20 minutes earlier. There were no boring tales, but maybe a porky or two (from Richard?)!
Christmas Dinner at Evan’s Bay Yacht Club has been and gone. It was a very good Christmas ham meal with special vegetables and salad. We all enjoyed the great view over the water and the quiet and peaceful setting. I imagine we may want to return again next year!
All the best of the season to our members. Don’t forget the BBQ at the Chairman’s home on Wednesday 21 January at 6pm. Everybody is welcome! See the contacts section for phone contacts.
Mike ZL1AXG