Riviera Amateur Radio Club was formed in January 2012 and is based in Torbay, Devon, England – also known as the English Riviera. Torbay consists of the towns of Torquay, Paignton and Brixham.
In November 2011 a conversation on 2m led to Alan G2DXU and Paul M0PCZ inviting some local hams (some new to the hobby, some experienced) to meet for tea and a radio chat at G2DXU’s QTH. Six amateurs met and discussed the hobby and other subjects of interest.
G2DXU and M0PCZ considered forming an informal group so that hams, new and old, could carry out radio related activities together. The idea later developed into forming a club. This was largely due to it being a necessity in obtaining the benefit of a club callsign and also becoming affiliated to the RSGB – RSGB membership has the added bonus of Public Liability Insurance cover included for special event stations etc.
In January 2012, at the invitation of G2DXU and M0PCZ, the group met again and a list of objectives was proposed to those present, now numbering eleven hams, who were then invited to ‘join’ and form a club for carrying out those objectives. All eleven present joined and, in the discussion that followed, it was agreed to name the group the Riviera Amateur Radio Club.
The list of aims and objectives for starting the new radio club
- To carry out radio-related activities such as: DXpeditions, Special Event Stations, contests.
- To assist, encourage and teach other amateurs, especially those that are new to the hobby.
- To improve the skills and knowledge of all members.
- To acquire equipment in order to set up a (club) radio station.
- To obtain awards such as DXCC and IOTA.
- To do something positive for the community (charity, Raynet, etc).
- To extend friendship to licensed visitors/holidaymakers to the area.
- To bring together local radio amateurs with similar aims.
- To achieve further goals as desired by members of the group.
The members later elected officials to the Committee.
Club Meetings
As of late February 2012, the Riviera Amateur Radio Club has a new meeting venue.
10th Torbay Sea Scouts HQ,
The Quarry,
Babbacombe Road,
Torquay, Devon,
TQ1 3TA.
Their next meetings are on 5th and 19th March, and 2nd, 16th and 30th April.
Club Net
A club net is held on Wednesday evenings at 20:00 on 145.425 MHz, except for when there is a meeting, look for the Club callsign MX0RIV.
Membership
If you are interested in joining Riviera ARC or would like to come to a Club night, get in touch on the air, by email, through thei website contact page, via Twitter or Facebook.
The Club currently has 16 members.
