• QSL BUREAU MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
• Number 53 -  August 2011 (Vol.2 No.1) 
• by MØOIC - QSL Bureau Manager

RSARS QSL BUREAU
6 GREENLAND CRESCENT
CHILWELL
BEESTON
NOTTINGHAM NG9 5LB

 

The number of cards received during the month of July may give the impression of reduced activity. On the contrary - cards are still arriving but in smaller numbers. Quantities are down for the simple reason that many members had a clear-out after the May Activity and working the various Royal Wedding special calls. I do anticipate that quantities of card being received will rise as will the outgoing cards next month. It is only for the reason that a large, lost, envelope has not arrived that has delayed the sealing of envelopes this month for the bureau is again, quite full   :-)

1. For the CW operators there is N2DAN Key holder Derrick G3LHJ with AFF311 to chase.

2. RSARS 50th Anniversary Activity (18 June 2011 for one year)
Operators volunteered during the month of August:

There will be two other special calls, not new but good for Anniversary points if worked previously. Peter GØRGB will operate one and MØOIC has been invited to operate the other. More information when NoV's are held.

Full details of the Anniversary Activity are laid out in this RSARS Website and on QRZ.COM under GB50RSARS. The celebrations are there to be enjoyed and I hope that we all do our best to do so. Don't forget that if non-members wish to take part you could be in demand and this should be encouraged - again all information needed is in the rules. Mike GØSWY would appreciate cards being sent to him, via the bureau if you are member, for GB50RSARS, G4RS and G3CIO so that he can submit award claims some date after 22 June 2012. For all other Anniversary contacts that you make cards are not required to support your Anniversary claim. However cards should still be exchanged if the station worked was a new one for cards are still of course required for your normal award claims.

PSK31 has been popular with some of the Anniversary operators and it was good when working a DH station and advising on G3CIO and other calls to be informed by the operator that GB50RSARS had already been worked. Hopefully he is now a certificate chaser. I have had DL and PE visitors join our Tuesday PM net and they have been advised where to find information on our 50th Anniversary as I do for all stations worked. PSK31 is an ideal mode in which to do this. I look forward to non-members joining nets and asking for exchanges with members - now won't that be fun? G3CIO has been given to RNARS members who have joined our nets. Mike GØSWY has been contacted by a RAFARS SWL for clarification of a PSK31 exchange seen on screen. I just hope that there are many more such visitors for of course cards to and from RNARS and RAFARS members all go to keep the three Society bureau managers busy.

Return addresses and stickiness?

I am at the moment concerned that an envelope, brown and thick, may have got lost en route to Chilwell. I have visited the local sorting office and while there also asked if they had any loose QSL cards and stamps lying around without a home to go to. As expected the answer to both questions was no but at least the counter chap looked around and did his best to assist. The reason for me asking about loose QSL cards and stamps was the fact that I received a rather old D10 size envelope, partly unsealed, which contained a small note advising that stamps were enclosed. They were not and on contacting the sender he advised that in addition to the stamps there were also cards. The member in question will send replacement cards and further stamps ensuring that the adhesive is suitable for task and/or will add tape for additional security.

You will note that envelopes sent from the bureau are of strong quality and if over thick are made additionally secure with clear adhesive tape across joints. You will also note that all envelopes that leave Chilwell have my return address stamp on the reverse. The reasons for non-delivery are various but may I suggest that in case your envelope gets sent to the wrong address at least with your address on the reverse it can at least be sent back to you, if not forwarded to me. Postal staff are instructed to ignore all information on items that they drop through your letterbox except for the number. Over this past month I have received envelopes addressed to 6 Martin Road, (just around the corner) 6 Grove Avenue, Beeston (about 1.5 miles away) and 6 ?? (I can't remember). So if I am receiving mail not addressed to 6 Greenland Crescent I am sure that mail addressed to me is maybe going to No 6 somewhere else on occasions. Your address on the reverse just adds that bit of extra security if your envelope gets torn within the Royal Mail mechanism. It happens and it is not rare for me to receive an envelope and cards in a Royal Mail provided plastic bag.

We work hard enough for points without our efforts getting lost en route to or from the bureau.

* I have delayed some already thick envelopes until the missing cards arrive or are replaced. The known award chasers have been contacted in case cards are urgently needed and all are happy to wait. As always, if members wish to receive their cards ASAP owing to a pending claim I am happy to oblige.

As always it is the number of cards received by the bureau that gives a true reflection of RSARS member exchange activity.

May all of your bureau envelopes be heavy ones.

                                                                                                 

Latest News 5 August 2011

Sadly Ron VK6RV has had to stand down as the VK/ZL Bureau Manager.

I would like to record my personal thanks to Ron for the support and assistance he has given me since taking over the Bureau. Also for all that he has done in keeping cards flowing safely between the UK and Australia for many years. Our thoughts and best wishes are with Ron and his dear wife Eileen.
In the VK/ZL QSL Bureau chair we now have Alan VK6PG who will not only link with the RSARS counterpart but of course with Membership Secretary on membership matters and Council on other matters. Alan, many thanks for stepping in, not only in the linking of RSARS members but also in giving your support to Ron and Eileen at this time.