[UK-CONTEST] Commonwealth Contest 2010

[Clive Whelan]

Let me 'fess up here, I'm far from a traditionalist, and a few years ago 
thought that BERU ( sorry that just slipped out) was anachronistic. 
However, I actually found myself quite enjoying it and although at first 
this seemed akin to a veggie enjoying a rump steak, on reflection I 
thought not. Those same few years ago I remember working a singleton VU 
who declaimed the contest and declined to give me a number, which 
further confirmed my lack of sanguinity about the future of the contest. 
How things have changed in a few years, and now a clutch of VUs embrace 
the contest, probably as a result of the innovation of a team aspect to 
the event.

However I admit that I was bitterly disappointed to read how many G 
contesters favoured retaining the 12 hour section, because ; they had 
another life, it was Auntie's day, or the budgie's wooden leg was giving 
him gyp . Playing devil's advocate to my own argument however I thought 
that perhaps this was because they didn't really consider it as a 
contest, and I had to admit that really neither did I. After all I have 
no chance of winning because (i) the rules do not make that possible, 
and (ii) I only use dummy loads for antennas, and there's no section for 
that. I did do the whole 24 hour session, but on reflection I do wonder 
why- perhaps I'm just weird?


Coming up-to-date, I submitted my entry to the robot this morning, and 
found that I was number 156 on the board, which I think is remarkable 
barely 72 hours after stop-tap. It was also noticeable what a noise we 
made at he lower end of the band. Amongst the most successful sporting 
events in the calendar is Wimbledon, largely because it is perceived as 
the archetypal event which does not change . In reality it has changed 
out of all recognition over the years but still embraces values and 
traditions to which the public readily subscribes. It seems that the 
Commonwealth Contest has experienced a resurgence in recent years, but 
perhaps we can go further?


We all know how antipathetic the average G is to contests, the reasons 
for which are beyond the scope of this discussion, but the fact of the 
matter is clear. Why don't we think the unthinkable; why does it need to 
be called a contest at all? Could we not make it a more inclusive event 
whilst retaining rose bowls and things for those who consider them of 
value . I don't know what it could be called, as I am insufficiently 
creative but something like the Commonwealth QSO party might fill the 
bill. After all, most if not all of the 48+ states of the USA have their 
QSO parties, and they seem to be incredibly popular with a virtual 
contest within for those who care.


Toujours ca change mais.........................  We could make a virtue 
out of that!


73


Clive
GW3NJW