The AGM of the South Dorset Repeater Group 2000 took place on Tuesday the 14th October, at the Chickerell Church Hall.
Dave, G1OBR, the Secretary and Rob, G0ECX the Treasurer, were unable to attend through illness and work commitments respectively. Les G0FAJ took the Secretary's position for the AGM in the absence of Dave.
As all the officers were willing to stand for office again the committee was re-elected en block. Les agreed to take over permanently as Secretary if/when Dave, M1OBR moves out of the area.
Chairman......................John, G0PGT
Treasurer......................Rob, G0ECX
Secretary......................Dave, M1OBR
Committee Member......Mike, M0NJR
Committee Member......Thelma, 2E1HSA
Repeater Keeper..........Geoff, G0EVW
It was reported that the SDRG is running very well in all respects. The Chairman thanked everybody for their support but said it was imperative that the Group retained numbers of members and subscriptions in order to maintain a healthy bank balance. The Site Rental, Electricity and Insurance amounted to almost £300.00 a year, this alone means 30 members paying the minimum subscription of £10.00 Although the cost of running the repeaters will obviously rise over the next few years, the subscription for this year remains at £10.00 per annum minimum, with life membership available at £100.00
The voice Repeater GB3SD has performed well during the last year, with no reported faults or outages.
The Packet Radio Node, GB7SD (WEY2) is still running although there have been problems as regards the servicing of the station when faults have developed. Edward, G3VPF remains the sysop for GB7SD but Eric, G0CGL who runs the Wool DX Cluster Node has volunteered to help with it's maintenance.
The Internet Linking experiment with GB3SD is currently suspended as John, G8IKP who was providing the facilities has other commitments.
Sadly there has been some occasional abuse on GB3SD in the last few months. It has been directed at some users in particular and the Repeater Keeper. It is mostly in the form of silly noises and deliberate jamming. Should anyone encounter this childish behaviour whilst using ‘SD please ignore it. Whatever you do don’t respond in any way. The perpetrator is breaking the law and the terms of his licence (if he has one) and the RSGB and RA’s advice has always been to log, but otherwise ignore such activity.
John, G0BQO suggested that we should perhaps have a bring and buy at the 2004 AGM. We have done this successfully in the past and it was agreed that it would be a good idea to reinstate it.
Jan, 2E1NRQ and Thelma, 2E1HSA were thanked for providing the catering for the evening.
All in all a well attended and productive meeting.
Les, G0FAF and Geoff, G0EVW - October 2003