Presentation to the 5000th Foundation Radio Amateur

The Radiocommunications Agency was delighted to present Andrew Finch, M3FMA, with a certificate as the 5000th Foundation Radio Amateur.

Alan Betts, in presenting the certificate, said that the Agency was delighted at how well the Foundation scheme had taken off. Initially there was no expectation of presenting such a certificate either this year or probably next. So to reach 5000 so soon was really encouraging.

Much of the credit for the success of the scheme is down to the number of radio clubs and societies that have enthusiastically supported the scheme and provided courses. Their effort in that is very much appreciated and really has made all the difference.

Andrew was also presented with a FT 817 h.f, v.h.f and u.h.f radio by Paul Bigwood of Yaesu and given a certificate of membership of the Radio Society of Great Britain by Bob Wheelan, the Society's president. Andrew and his tutors from the Chelmsford Scout Amateur Radio Fellowship then enjoyed a short tour of the Agency's Baldock Radio Monitoring Station which hosted the presentation.

From left to right: Alan Betts, RA, Andrew's Mum and Dad, Bob Whelan, President RSGB, and Andrew