GB2RS News Sunday the 31st of March 2024 The news headlines: Chris Whitmarsh, G0FDZ’s lifetime achievement award The RSGB 2024 AGM is coming up The RSGB is providing regular updates on its strategic priorities   Congratulations to Chris Whitmarsh, G0FDZ who has been presented with an RSGB Lifetime Achievement Award by RSGB President John McCullagh, GI4BWM and RSGB Board Chair Stewart Bryant, G3YSX. Chris is the only amateur in the UK to have had a two-way QSO on every single amateur band for which we are licensed. Chris has been Vice President of Cray Valley Radio Society for over 20 years, and members of the club turned out in force to see the presentation and celebrate his achievement. A reminder that this year’s RSGB AGM will take place at 10 am on Saturday the 13th of April. It is being held online to ensure as many members as possible can watch and take part. The formal business of the meeting will include the results of members’ votes on the resolutions, including the endorsement of three Nominated Directors. RSGB members are encouraged to vote on all the resolutions. This year you can ask the RSGB Board a question in one of three ways: by submitting it in advance via an online form; registering to ask a question live on video via Zoom; or asking via the YouTube live chat during the event. There are deadlines for submitting questions via the online form or Zoom so make sure you don’t miss those! Find out more on the RSGB AGM web pages at rsgb.org/agm At the Discussion with the Board session at the RSGB Convention last year, President John McCullagh, GI4BWM committed the Board to giving regular updates on work being done to fulfil the RSGB’s strategic priorities. Since the beginning of this year, a monthly report has been shared in RadCom and on the RSGB website. These reports have covered a range of activities and achievements involving both staff and volunteers. The Board is committed to continuing this regular communication so look out for the updates in RadCom each month. If you’ve missed any this year, you can find them all on the RSGB website at rsgb.org/strategy-updates Are you aged 18 to 30? Are you passionate about all things radio? Are you ready for exciting experiences, making new friends and shaping the future of amateur radio? Why not apply to be part of the RSGB YOTA team going to the YOTA Czechia summer camp this year? You can find out more on the RSGB website at rsgb.org/yota-camp  You’ll be able to read about the experiences of previous teams and download an application form for the Czechia event. The closing date for applications is the 15th of April for the Team Leader and the 22nd of April for Team Members. The March 2024 edition of RadCom Basics is now available on the RSGB website for members to read. RadCom Basics is aimed at new licensees or anyone who enjoys reading about the fundamental principles behind the many facets of amateur radio. This edition includes articles which cover: the checking and testing of components; working on the 160 and 80m bands with limited space; the importance of antenna radials; what it’s like to take up portable operating; and a guide to clean transmissions. To read RadCom Basics visit rsgb.org/radcom-basics At its recent meeting, the CEPT Frequency Management Working Group confirmed that Barry Lewis, G4SJH, in his IARU role, would continue as Chair for a further three-year period, having first been appointed in 2019. The meeting also noted updates to T/R 61-01 that facilitate the temporary operation in a fellow member’s country, for Georgia joining the scheme, as well as editorial changes to accommodate Australian licence changes and Canadian provincial prefixes. Barry has also continued his work in CEPT on the 23cm band, following the outcomes from WRC-23. IARU and RSGB volunteers are also starting ITU WRC-27 preparations, where further bands and topics are of concern to amateur radio. Please note that RSGB HQ will be closed for the bank h