December 1st
PARC Christmas Social
Our Christmas Social was held at Berriew on Thursday December 1st. It was rather early in the month to be totally in the Christmas spirit but we all had a lively time.
Andrew our secretary opened the proceedings with a few announcements. It was decided that a Social Secretary would be a useful addition to the committee to take some of the pressure off the secretary and Chris agreed to do the job.
After a nice natter (difficult to get the men to stop) we all had a go at the game Pat had devised based on an RA 17 radio. The idea was that blindfolded, each member attempted to pin on the missing knob. You have no idea how hard that was and although our pins were in the general area no-one hit the spot. The nearest two entries were closely scrutinised and finally measured by Mike before the winner was announced as Anne.
We then dived in to the excellent spread provided by the XYLs and at least one OM. What a feast we had. We certainly can cater in this radio club.
By the time we had finished, had a nice cuppa and washed up it was time to draw the raffle.
Chris suggested that we organise a meal out sometime in the New Year and we look forward to that.
Next meeting January 5th at Berriew for an 8 p.m. start.
A Very Happy New Year to everyone. See you in January weather permitting.
August 4th
The August meeting of PARC was held as usual at the home of Bill (GW4JUW) and Chris in Maesbrook. A total of 16 members and XYLs enjoyed a sunny, if a little cool evening. The menfolk spent most of the time in the garden with Dave (G6DTN) who had set up his SOTA station, and QSOs on 80 and 20 metres were made as far away as Malta and some much closer to home i.e. Newcastle Emlyn.
The men did step indoors to partake of the delicious spread provided by all and what a feast we had. PARC ladies always come up trumps (apologies if any of the men were the cooks!) At dusk the station was dismantled and we all chatted until time to go home. Many thanks to all who helped in any way to make this once again a very happy enjoyable evening.
April 7th
PARC AGM. Read the minutes here.
March 3rd
The monthly meeting of PARC was held in Berriew on Thursday March 3rd. Again it was a very cold night and it was nice to be in the warmer surroundings of our new accommodation. Dave and Jean sent apologies; Dave was a Presiding Officer for the Welsh Assembly Referendum.
It has become a bit of a tradition to have a chat from the Chairman at some point in the year and Keith was happy to continue this with his talk on Roadcraft. As well as holding down as busy job Keith is also a trained Advanced Driving Tutor and he monitors drivers who wish to take the Advanced Driving Test.
We girls had settled down expecting a radio talk and were pleasantly surprised when Keith showed us slides and described some of the ways we can improve our driving skills with Roadcraft. Once Keith has taken a driver out for about an hour, should the driver be good enough, he will be recommended for the Advanced Drivers Test. This is not the same as the driving test and no-one can lose their licence or be struck off if not up to scratch although a suggestion of a few driving lessons may be made.
Keith answered lots of questions and then we all had our usual tea and biscuits. Everyone seemed happy to chat afterwards and of course once the washing up was done two dirty cups and saucers mysteriously appeared. Tut tut!
Lots of natter followed and it was about 10 o’clock before we all drifted home. A very good evening enjoyed by 13 members.
The next meeting will be the AGM on Thursday April 7th. Should anyone wish to suggest any items for the agenda please email/or telephone Pete GW8COE.
February 3rd
Well it was a wet and windy old night when we met at Berriew for our monthly meeting of PARC. There was a good turn out for our speaker Bill Cole (no expense spared at this club) who gave an interesting demonstration of Linux. This seems to be a good operating system and most of the add-ons are free, however it seems to me to be an expert only programme. Several of the members are using Linux and Bill explained its benefits (and drawbacks) with patience given the awkward questions asked.
When we had wearied of Linux we stopped for tea and coffee with most of the men probably still discussing radios or computers. We were pleased to see Jean back with us.
Pete thanked Bill for his talk and also gave apologies from Keith, our chairman.
Next meeting will be on March 3rd and Keith MW3YYR will give a talk.
March 5th will be the postponed dinner at the Lion, Cae Howell.
On April 7th we shall hold the AGM so I suggest if anyone has anything they want to be discussed, that they email the secretary Pete GW8COE for the item’s inclusion on the Agenda.
January 6th
The first meeting of the year took place at our new venue, Berriew Community Centre. The secretary explained the difficulties that had been encountered at Belan and the reasons for the change. Everyone agreed the move so this will be our new home. The kitchen is better equipped and it is certainly a lot warmer.
It was unfortunate that, because of such inclement weather at the end of last year, both our Christmas Social and Dinner were cancelled. The Dinner has now been rescheduled as a St David’s Day celebration and will be on Friday March 4th.
We had no speaker for the evening, however, there was plenty to discuss. As part of the club’s membership of the Radio Society of Great Britain, the current call book is sent to the club. There was a free raffle for this book and this was won by Bill Gw4juw. As he already owns last year’s edition we drew again and the winner was Pete Gw8coe.
A few outings are planned for this year including a visit to Bletchley Park, a trip on the Rheidol Railway and a visit to the Froncysyllte Aqueduct and visitor centre.
After tea, made using the super water heater in the kitchen and biscuits (thanks Maureen for the shortbread), we all had a good natter. Quite a few had a good nose round the new hall.
Next meeting will be on Feb 3rd, subject to be announced when we can think of something!