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Young Amateur of the Year Award 1999 |
RA Press release - 29th January 1999
The Radiocommunications Agency, in conjunction with the Radio Society of Great Britain (RSGB), announced today the Young Amateur of the Year Award 1999. The award, which is for the most outstanding achievement by a young amateur radio enthusiast, is open to anyone under 18 who has an interest in radio. It is not essential for candidates to be licence holders to apply but the following areas of activity will be taken into account when applications are assessed.
DIY radio construction;
The idea behind the scheme is to generate interest in amateur radio and to encourage youngsters to become involved for themselves.
The prize for the most outstanding achievement between 1 August 1998 and 31 July 1999, will be awarded by the Radiocommunications Agency and presented at the RSGB’s HF Convention in October 1999. All entrants will receive a copy of the RSGB’s amateur radio log book, while the winner will receive a £500 cash prize from the Agency, and amateur radio equipment from the RSGB. Both winner and runner-up (who will receive £200) will also be invited to visit the Agency’s Radio Monitoring Station at Baldock, Hertfordshire. In the past, the radiocommunications industry has also been extremely supportive of this Award, and kindly provide additional prizes for both the winner and runner-up.
Last years winner was 17 year old Mark Shepherd from Brighton, Sussex. Mark is an active member in his local amateur radio club (Brighton College) and was indeed, pivotal to its re-emergence as a ‘bona fide’ club in 1996. He also holds the position of club secretary. He set up contests such as IOTA (Islands on the Air) and staged several special event stations which helped to increase the interest in amateur radio at his club. Mark’s continued activities include his revision classes for the RAE (Radio Amateurs’ Examination) and practice Morse lessons. A particular interest for Mark is packet radio and he spent a large amount of his (dwindling) spare time towards setting up a BBS (Bulletin Board System) and acting as a Systems Operator (SysOp). In addition to these activities, Mark has written and amended a number of software programs used to run his BBS.
Mark was presented with the first prize of £300 by the Radiocommunications Agency’s Director of Telecommunications Services, Hazel Canter, at the Radio Society of Great Britain’s HF Convention at Windsor on 11 October 1998. He also received a certificate, signed by Peter Mandelson, Secretary of State for Trade and Industry.
Last year’s close runner - up was16 year old Peter Evans from Orpington, Kent. Peter is active within two Amateur Radio Clubs (Bromley & District and St. Olave’s) In the latter, he is one of the founder members and Chairman. Peter is a qualified novice instructor and has also facilitated one - to - one Morse tutoring which he conducts during school breaks. He especially enjoys the practical side of amateur radio and had a predilection for the ‘home brewing’ aspect of the hobby. Peter has also worked stations within Europe and further afield. Peter received a cheque for £50 from the Agency.
The closing date for applications is 31 July 1999. The Award is open to any resident of the UK, the Channel Islands, or the Isle of Man, who has not reached his or her 18th birthday by the closing date. Entrants must be nominated by an adult sponsor, however there is no requirement for entrants (or nominees) to hold an Amateur Radio Licence.
Applications should be sent to:
Young Amateur of the Year Award
Radio Society of Great Britain
Lambda House
Cranbourne Road
Potters Bar
Herts
EN6 3JETel: 01707 659015
Notes for Editors
1. The Award was first launched in 1988 as part of the RSGB’s Project Year (Youth Into Electronics via Amateur Radio) initiative. The Agency supports the Award as part of its own initiative to encourage young people into the hobby. This led the Agency to introduce the Novice Licence scheme in 1991, which is primarily aimed at young people.
2. The prize money for 1999 has risen by 100% from the previous year. This illustrates eloquently the Radiocommunication Agency’s continued commitment and encouragement of youngsters.
Further enquiries: 020 7211 0158
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