NORTH WALES RADIO SOCIETY

Chairman's AGM Address- March 2019

Goronwy Edwards

Dear Members

I firmly believe it's been a fantastic year! And an even better one is forecast for
2019.

Welcome everybody to this year's AGM, hosted in the Falklands room of the Blind
Veterans U.K. Centre in Llandudno on Thursday the 14th of March 2018.

First of all, I would like to include those members who are not able to make this
evening's AGM, especially those who might have been unwell during 2018, such as
Tony Chalk a long time member and keen supporter of our club, and George from
Rhyl. We wish them a speedy recovery.

During 2018/19, new members have once again bolstered our ranks, with a reborn
enthusiasm. Training is looking extremely positive, thanks to Geoff Sewell and
John Pritchard & an increasingly closer collaboration with the Dragon radio club in
Bangor. Our club ethos, of how and where we conduct our weekly meetings has
spread far and wide!, well to Bangor at least.

Liz will cover the talks for last year, and what to expect from the programme this
coming year. George will cover the finances and membership, as Peter will cover
training & exams.

We should be proud of what has been achieved, & a shining example to many
clubs. Thanks to all of you, a great job! Making new members welcome is half
the battle though, and as a committee avoid the traditional 'rank structure' of more
traditional radio clubs.
Primarily though, we continue to support the Blind Veterans Radio Club. Apart
from their bi annual 'radio theme week', we have facilitated the sale of several
hundred pounds worth of radio equipment from deceased members. The resulting
funds continues to bolster their radio club account.

That being said, without the sponsorship of Ray Peart and Blind Veterans U. K.
management, (Kathy the new Centre Manager, and Paul Wynne Williams-Facilities
Manager); we wouldn't be where we are today. As I previously pointed out, 68% of
our income was being paid out in rent. This is no longer the case!

A very big thanks to them both, including the reception staff for putting up with us!

Where have we been?

In 2015/16 I said that I didn't have any quick fixes for the club, we were stagnating
in wholly unsuitable premises, with little hope of progressing. I proposed several
strategies, some of which were as follows:

• Continue to secure a radio room of sorts

• Work towards retaining & increasing membership
• Do more on external publicity
• Streamline training & monthly speakers
• Work on feasibility of of a community or field event
• Avoid inter club power trips
• Continued feedback using social media and web page/improvement thereof

Where are we going?

Over time, many of these points have been addressed or will be in the next few
months. The club membership is one of enthusiasm & we have some exciting
initiatives in the boiling pot as follows:

• Great Orme special event station in June, commemorating 'D Day Landings'
and BVUK fundraising c/sign GB2ORM– Tony Mottram & working group.
• Sponsored static cycle in Bangor gymnasium for BVUK fundraising – John
Pritchard (RSGB Regional Manager) & Self.
• Train the trainers/RSGB initiative – John Pritchard
• Applying for RSGB Club of the year – Working group required.
• Supporting diversity & disability access to RSGB training, and exam
participation. John Pritchard/Self

Without further to do & whether re elected as Chairman or not, I have enjoyed

watching, and being instrumental in the continued success of the club since moving
from Colwyn Bay, several years ago, long may it continue?
 I have also enjoyed and benefited personally from volunteering within Blind
Veterans U.K. itself, and being recognised in a 'One Team Awards Ceremony' at the
Tower of London in October 2018.

Hopefully, and in club terms, I can continue for a little while longer. further
cementing our position as we go from strength to strength.

Finally, it goes without saying that I would like to thank my fellow committee
members for their support during this last period of office; President-Peter Roberts,
Secretary-Liz Cabban and outgoing Treasurer George Hobson.

Thanks to George, the whole financial side has been transformed, and available
for all to see. Finances are looking a whole lot healthier due to our strategy of
moving from Colwyn Bay, & are now totally transparent.

On a personal note, “George, thanks very much!! I wish you a healthy and happy
year, travelling the world with ever increasing frequency & increased commitment
during 2019, and beyond”.

73's to one and all!

Gron MW0HTG
 1. nt Committee positions held after 2017 elections were:

President: Peter Roberts

Chairman: Goronwy Edwards Secretary: Liz Cabban

Treasurer: George Hobson