RAFARS Monthly Newsletter

March 2026

RAFARS Evening Radio Net Timings (see the survey report below)

John G0JYL proposed a trial change of the evening net from 18:30 to 19:30 local time. The reason for the proposed "trial" later operating time, was to suit some members and participants meal times.

I and others have tried to implement this change, but it has not been taken up at all well, leading to confusion with two nets running and a 30-50% loss in participants For this reason, both myself and Derek G4BGX will only be running or operating as a participant (supporting) the earlier 18:30 RAFARS radio net start time.

We have sadly lost Bob G0SYF who was our primary net controller for many years, a stalwart who almost owned the evening net. We miss him greatly! We do not currently have a designated Net Controller. Anybody wishing to operate the evening RAFARS net permanently or on an ad-hoc basis would be well received and most appreciated.

Please try to support the RAFARS Nets, as this is now the only real "hands-on" radio activity taking place, which will be lost if not supported.

Please also don't forget about the Friday 14:00hrs Zoom Net if you have any suggestions or ideas on this subject, they will be gratefully received

73
Robert
GW6GBY

RAFARS HF Net Survey – Results

RAFARS conducted a survey of members to understand how the Society’s HF radio nets are being used and whether the current times and arrangements remain suitable.

The survey generated an excellent response, with 112 completed replies from members. The survey invitation was sent to 387 members, of which 241 opened the email and 116 clicked through to the survey, resulting in a response rate of almost 29%. This level of participation provides a reliable picture of member views.

Participation in the Nets

The survey confirmed that the main challenge facing the HF nets is overall participation rather than dissatisfaction with their format or timing.

Around 30% of respondents currently take part in the HF nets, while approximately 63% do not regularly participate. Many of those who do not participate explained that practical factors such as antenna restrictions, local electrical noise, or work commitments prevent them from operating HF regularly.

Net Timing

Members were asked about the current net times.

The results showed clear support for retaining the current 11:00am morning net, which received significantly more support than a suggested earlier start time.

For the evening net there was some interest in trying a later start, with slightly more members favouring 7:30pm compared with the current 6:30pm. Council will consider whether a trial of a later time might be worthwhile.

Net Controllers

A number of members indicated that they would be willing to act as Net Controllers, which helps ensure the long-term sustainability of the nets. Council will be contacting those volunteers directly.

The Society would like to thank all those members who already give their time to run the nets.

Zoom Meetings

The survey also asked about the RAFARS Friday Zoom meeting, which provides an informal opportunity for members to meet online.

The results suggested that awareness of the Zoom meeting is lower than expected, although a number of members expressed interest in taking part once they were aware of it.

Members who are unable to operate HF due to antenna restrictions or noise may find the Zoom meeting a useful way to remain connected with other RAFARS members.

Member Comments

Many respondents took the opportunity to provide additional comments. The overall tone was positive and supportive. Members frequently mentioned:
• Changing HF propagation conditions
• Antenna or QRM limitations
• Work and availability constraints
• Appreciation for the friendly atmosphere of the nets

Thank You

RAFARS Council would like to thank everyone who took part in the survey. Member feedback is extremely valuable in helping the Society ensure that activities such as the HF nets continue to meet the needs of the membership.

Friday Afternoon Zoom Meetings

Each Friday afternoon at 2.00pm, RAFARS hosts an informal online Zoom meeting for members.

This is a relaxed, friendly get-together where members can:
• Chat about radio and current operating
• Discuss equipment and technical topics
• Share news and experiences
• Stay in touch if HF conditions or antennas aren’t ideal

What is Zoom?

Zoom is a simple online video meeting platform. You can join using:
• A computer (with or without webcam)
• A tablet or smartphone
• Just audio if you prefer

There is no special equipment required — if you can access the internet, you can join.

Whether you’re active on the nets or not, the Friday Zoom is a great way to stay connected with fellow members.

The Zoom link is available in the Members’ Area of this website.

We look forward to seeing you there.

RAFARS Members with envelopes at RAFARS QSL Bureau

The members listed below currently have envelopes stored with the RAFARS QSL Bureau.

G0AKM, G0BHA, G0JYL, G0KIY, G0KUC, GW0MQU, G0NRK, G0NVY, G0NWY, G0RAF, G0RHJ, G0SYF, G0VAR, G0WHX, G0WJX, GB0YAM, G0ZEP, G1RAF, GW1YQM, GB2AIR, GB2MAS, G3KAG, G3KQB, G3KTM, G3LNW, G3LQP, G3LQS, G3MCX, G3TWJ, G3UFS, G3WPP, GM3YBQ, G4DBS, G4DEW, G4DFQ, G4DNX, GB80LAN, GB100HAL.

G3RAF, G4RAF, G6RAF, G7RAF.

Members are requested to confirm that the address on their envelopes is correct by sending an email to Dave - G0KUC, RAFARS QSL Bureau manager.

Also all CURRENT RAFARS Members wishing to use the RAFARS bureau should send SSAEs again to Dave - G0KUC, qthr.

Increase in Annual Membership Fees – Effective 1 April 2026

The RAF Amateur Radio Society (RAFARS) Council wishes to inform members that, for the first time in 11 years, the annual membership fees will be increased with effect from 1 April 2026.

Despite significant rises in printing, postage, and online service costs over the past decade, RAFARS has maintained its subscription rates unchanged since 2014. However, to continue providing the current level of service to our members — including maintenance of the RAFARS website, publication of two editions of the QRV Journal each year, and support for society activities and communications — an increase has become necessary.

• New Annual Subscription Rates (Effective 1 April 2026)
• Corporate / Associate: £20.00
• Family: £16.00 per head (minimum £32.00 per household)
• Student: £6.00 (A student is defined as a member in full-time education or training, up to and including age 18, with proof of current student status required.)
• RAFAC - Cadets holding a foundation licence: First year free

Members joining after 1st October will pay half the annual subscription for their first year — e.g. £10.00 for Corporate/Associate members.

These adjustments have been kept to the minimum necessary to ensure that RAFARS remains financially sustainable and able to serve its members effectively.

Additional Notes and Observations

Members who pay by Standing Order Mandate MUST MAKE OR AUTHORISE THEIR BANK TO MAKE THE CHANGE — OTHERWISE IT WILL NOT HAPPEN

The last change to the subscription fee was made on 1 April 2014, when it increased from £11.00 to £14.00, a 27% increase. The rate has therefore remained unchanged for 11 years.

According to Bank of England inflation statistics (September 2025), £14.00 in April 2014 equates to £19.46 in current terms. The new rate of £20.00 from April 2026 is therefore considered fair and in line with inflation.

RAFARS recognises that changing subscriptions can be inconvenient for members. We therefore aim to make such changes as infrequent as possible — the last two adjustments have each remained current for over 10 years.

Any member who has queries about the change or methods of payment is welcome to contact the Treasurer directly at Treasurer@rafars.org.

RAFARS’ current financial position is sound, but the Council must remain cognisant of future sustainability to ensure the Society continues to serve its members effectively.

We thank all members for their continued loyalty and support for the Society and its aims.

RAFARS Webmaster

Update from RAFARS Callsign Co-Ordinator, Qsl Manager & Affiliated Clubs Liason Member

Dave Bloomfield G0KUC has produced a comprehensive update of the progress he has made with the above duties. His report is available in the Latest News section on the website.

QSL Manager Update

RAFARS WEBSITE MEMBER AREA

Members are reminded that the RAFARS website includes a dedicated Members Area at www.rafars.org/welcome, offering several useful resources not available on the public pages. One of the most frequently used features is the searchable member list, which allows you to look up fellow members by number, callsign, first name, or county. It's a simple and effective way to reconnect with old friends and discover local RAFARS members.

However, these features are accessible only to registered members, and at present, a significant number of our 650 members have not yet taken advantage of this service. Registration is completely free and only takes a minute or two to complete.

To gain access, simply visit:
www.rafars.org/registration

Once registered, you’ll be able to explore additional content, resources, and information that help keep the Society connected between editions of QRV and on-air activities.

If you haven’t already signed up, please do consider registering—it’s a simple way to make the most of your RAFARS membership and stay in touch with the wider community.

RAFARS QRV JOURNAL SUBMISSIONS

The twice-yearly QRV journal is for some of our members the only contact they have with RAFARS during the year. Of course, we have the website but not all members have access to the Internet so the paper edition of QRV remains very relevant. It should also be remembered that QRV is your journal and therefore relies heavily on your contributions.

The QRV Editor is actively seeking content for the next edition of QRV. Submissions can be anything that you think might interest the members, personal stories, technical items, aviation stories etc. There is no need to write War and Peace, a couple of pictures with some descriptive text would be perfect. Please send submissions to the Editor at QRV@rafars.org

Digital jpg photos should be sent as an attachment to Word documents. Please do not import them into the text.

COUNCIL MEETINGS 2026

When a council meeting is held at RAFARS HQ at RAF Cosford, members may attend, but travel costs cannot be paid. Members wishing to attend must initially contact the Secretary by e-mail at secretary@rafars.org

Members (and councellors) may attend Council meetings 'virtually' using Zoom. The link for the council meetings is the same as for the weekly Zoom Net (see below). Please note that provision of the council meetings on Zoom is dependent on the reliability of the Internet connection at the HQ.

The following dates are provisional and may well change depending on the availability of council members. Attendance during the working week isn't always possible, so meetings may move to weekends or evenings.

24 February 2026
7 April 2026
15 June 2026 (Monday - The day after the RAF Cosford Airshow)
1 September 2026
24 October 2026 AGM (Provisional date, not a council meeting)
24 November 2026

RAFARS WEEKLY ZOOM NET

The RAFARS Weekly Zoom Net has proven to be a great success with members using the video conference as an additional way of keeping in touch. The Net takes place on Fridays at 1400-1800 local.

The link to the Zoom net is available in the Member Area at https://www.rafars.org/zoomnet/

You will need to be registered for access to the website Member Area, it's a simple process and you can do so at: https://www.rafars.org/register

JOINING THE ROYAL AIR FORCE AMATEUR RADIO SOCIETY

All Radio Amateurs and SWL's, (no requirement to be Ex RAF), are invited to apply for RAFARS Membership if you have an interest in the Amateur Radio, the RAF, or Military aviation and are prepared to help the society achieve its published aims and objectives. Membership details are available on the website at https://www.rafars.org/join

Two formats (PDF) of the membership application are available for download, completion and return by post on the Join RAFARS web page.

A new online application form is also available, to be completed online and then printed and posted with your membership fee. The online form is “smart” in that it will display the appropriate membership fee as the form is completed. Those joining after 1 October pay half the normal membership fee.

RAFARS NEWS DESK

This newsletter is published on the RAFARS website every month by the Webmaster Gary G0DNI.

Please send all submissions for the newsletter to Newsdesk@rafars.org