QSL Manager – Update

As you may know I have recently taken over the duties above so I thought that I should give you an update to keep you in the picture.

RAFARS Callisigns

I can now report that the unallocated calls G3RAF, G4RAF, G6RAF AND G7RAF are all available for current members with full licenses to be authorized to use them for special occasions or events. All you have to do is contact me and tell me when, where and who will be the “responsible person”. I can then authorize the calls use so long as you agree to send me a log of all contacts as soon as possible after the event. The keeping of a log is a prerequisite of Ofcom to allow us to use them at various locations. Once I receive the log, I can also upload it to the qrz.com and eqsl.cc accounts which have been set up.

No need for paper QSLs if you do not require them. I have been using G7RAF during AOTA and I also used G6RAF during September for the Battle of Britain anniversary month. I have purchased 1000 qsl cards for G7RAF which can be purchased on a non-prophet basis by each event organizer. I may also be able to negotiate a discount from the printer for future orders?

 

 As you can see there is room on the back to insert any regional identifier or special prefix as required.

If the calls and cards are popular then I am hoping that cards for the other unallocated calls can also be purchased.

Obviously, I am hoping that we can get as many of the RAF calls on the air as possible especially during September. Just send me an email. Perhaps we could make it an annual event. Anyone interested please contact me well in advance.

QSL bureau

I have now received a box with the bureau information but unfortunately there are no usable SAEs. Unfortunately, all the envelopes I have, have had the stamps cut off. This was probably done when the Post Office stopped permitting the stamps without a bar code to enable them to be exchanged but I have not received any stamps. I therefore ask any members that still wish to use the RAFARS bureau to let me know. If possible, send me an SAE and the council have agreed to pay for replacement stamps for the envelopes we currently have. I do have envelopes courtesy of Stuart G0TBI but I would like to confirm the postal address I have on the old envelopes before writing them all out.

At this time, I have not received confirmation from RNARS or RSIGS that they still wish to accept cards so outgoing cards should be limited to RAFARS members or events only.

In the parcel I received were a large number of blank cards for the GB80RAF, GB75VED and RAF100 events so if you are still waiting for confirmation I may be able to help. I do have a number of the event logs in paper form. It would be easy for me to pop a card into your envelope?

RAFARS Awards

Unfortunately, I have not received any blank awards so it is my intention to completely review and overhaul the RAFARS award scheme. I will be checking each award’s requirements and amending them as applicable. I am not sure if we have got any certificate designers out there who would like to volunteer but I/we will definitely be working on it? Hopefully I will be able to set them up so they can be applied for and sent via email.

RAFARS Affiliated Clubs

A large number of our affiliated clubs have already confirmed their point of contact information, but many have not. I would like to remind all club officials that to maintain their affiliated status they must let us know of any change or confirm that their details are correct.

Dave Bloomfield – G0KUC