[UK-CONTEST] Merging of HF and VHF Contest Committees

[G3SJJ]

Thanks for the update Don, and a big Thank You to Justin and Andy for 
their efforts.  I am sure Justin will be pleased to get off the 
merry-go-round and enjoy some contesting again. I know I was! Two 
highlights over the past few years come to mind. Introduction of contest 
results on the HFCC Website and 80m Cumulatives.

The main problem against merger in the past was that those on the 
committees who were passionate about HF contesting had little or no 
interest in VHF contesting and vice versa. I am sure that is much the 
same now but with a reduced HF calendar, and probably VHF also the 
remaining tasks are more as Don says. I reckon something like Chair, HF 
Representative, VHF Rep, Marketing (Radcom), Marketing (Website) plus a 
pool of adjudicators would do it.

Go for it, Don  (and I hope you get a volunteer!!)  I don't intend 
getting into a heavy discussion either (for a change!)

73 Chris G3SJJ


Don Field wrote:
> Last weekend I was given a mandate by the RSGB Board to merge the HF and VHF
> Contest Committees. This is the culmination of some work that was started a
> couple of years ago by Ed Taylor G3SQX. For a number of reasons the time is
> now right, not least because both Justin G4TSH and Andy G4PIQ (the current
> chairmen) were anxious to step aside for work and family reasons.
>
> I believe there are strong arguments for this move, though I know some will
> disagree. While there are differences between HF and VHF contesting, there
> are also many areas of common interest, whether it's fighting for space in
> RadCom, defending ourselves against the anti-contest factions, or whatever.
> There are also a number of tasks which could probably be done more
> efficiently if they are centralised. This might include certificate
> printing, calendar co-ordination, sponsorship matters (for trophies, etc.),
> web pages, and stuff we don't currently do like keeping an archive of
> results, records, photos, soapbox, etc. There is also a major amount of work
> to be done on the software side and I hope we can pool the limited resources
> we have available.  Many contesters take part in both VHF and HF events, and
> this very reflector is a common reseource for both communities.
>
> The hope is to bring about this merger over a 6-12 month transition period,
> during which I will act as interim Chairman. As we move towards the end of
> that transition period, it will be necessary to find a chairman for the
> longer term which, according to the Society's Mem and Arts, requires the
> post to be advertised in RadCom and a proper selection process (including
> interviews). I hope that some on here might be interested in the job!
>
> I look forward to the support of the UK contest community over this period.
> While this mainly affects RSGB members, I recognise that the community is
> wider than that, especially where the international events (such as the
> Commonwealth Contest and IOTA) are concerned.
>
> I do not intend to use this reflector for correspondence on Contest
> Committee matters, it is not the appropriate forum. It can sometimes appear
> to be dominated by just a few strong personalities and not necessarily be
> representative of the silent majority. But I will certainly watch any
> debates with interest! I hope you all know how to contact me if you have
> concerns (don at g3xtt.com is as good as anything, but I am happy to give any
> of you my phone number if you want to chat).
>
> Don Field G3XTT
> (currently co-opted to the RSGB BOard as member for Sport Radio)
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