A HISTORY OF THE WESTCUMB AMATEUR RADIO CLUB(From Minutes of Club Meetings)byJerry Hannah, VE1KW
On April 9, 1980, a meeting of persons interested in the possible formation of an Amateur Radio Club in the Amherst area was held in the Amherst Regional High School. The organizing force behind the meeting was Lee Nolan, VE1BHS, of Maccan.
In addition to Lee Nolan the following were in attendance: Ron Hesler – VE1SH, Frank Gallant – VE1BPM, Brad Ross – VE1BFB, Bruce Sears – VE1BBM, Charles Gould – VE1BSQ, Jerry Hannah – VE1KW, Alex Gibbons (studying for exam), Al Christie – VE1BHQ, Hazen Smith – VE1IK, Peter Hebb – VE1(passed exam, waiting for call), and Ed Crandall – VE1ADC.
The Meeting agreed to form a Club with the following initial officers: Chairman – Ed Crandall, Secretary – Lee Nolan, and Treasurer – Charlie Gould. Initial funds were the twenty dollars left over from the running of the latest Amateur Radio Classes.
Of the names suggested for the Club, the Meeting chose Westcum Amateur Radio Club after discarding Ithmus, and Amsack.
The first Field Day Committee was formed, with Brad Ross as Chairman. Bruce Sears and Peter Hebb were appointed to the Committee. At Ron Hesler’s suggestion it was agreed that a Club Call of VE1WRC be requested from DOC.
After setting the date for the next Meeting, this inaugural meeting was adjourned.
WHAT FOLLOWS IS A SUMMARY OF EVENTS OR DECISIONS AT FOLLOWING MEETINGS
May 29, 1980 Meeting at Amherst Regional High School
Committee named to create a proposed Constitution, By-Laws, and fee schedule for Club Dues. The Secretary, Lee Nolan (VE1BHS) to apply for a Club call from DOC; Hazen Smith (VE1IK) to be the custodian. A site has been selected for Field Day, and a portable generator located. If a Club Call is not available in time for Field Day, VE1IK will be used. Ed Crandall (VE1ADC) noted that EMO would be having a meeting in Amherst in May or June regarding traffic handling.
May 27, 1980 Meeting at Amherst Regional High School
A Publicity Committee was named: Kevin Brown (VE1AVL), Al Christie (VE1BHQ), with Brian MacDonald (VE1BSD) as Chairman. George Maston from the Boy Scouts Association gave a talk on their Operation Alert, scheduled for September. Club members expressed an interest in assisting them with their expected need for communications.
June 17, 1980 Meeting at Amherst Regional High School
The Secretary reported that the Club license and call, VE1WRC, had been received.
The Meeting discussed the Constitution, By-Laws, and plans for Field Day.
October 28, 1980 Meeting at Amherst Regional High School
After reports on Field Day and Operation Alert Charles Gould (VE1BSQ) presented the proposed Constitution for a clause-by-clause discussion. Following some amendments, the Constitution was adopted. Following defeat of a motion that the Club dues be $10. For Member and family, the Meeting accepted a motion setting the dues at $5. Per Member, $7. per family (i.e. more than one licensed member in the family).
Ed Crandall (VE1ADC) announced that he would not be able to continue as Chairman. After discussion, he agreed to remain until the November Meeting, when there would be an election of officers. Brad Ross (VE1BFB) and Kevin Brown (VE1AVL) were named as the Nominating Committee.
November 25, 1980 Meeting at Amherst Regional High School
The following were elected as officers of the club: President- Lee Nolan (VE1BHS), Vice-Pres.- Geoff Langille (VE1BWI), Sect.- Kevin Brown (VE1AVL), Treas.- Charlie Gould (VE1BSQ).
A tour of the Radio Canada International facilities was arranged for Dec. 2. Club Bulletins were to be mailed to Club Members, and a Swap Shop section is to be included in the Bulletin. Lee Nolan (VE1BHS) is to investigate the cost of having membership cards printed.
January 28, 1981 Meeting at The Little Red Schoolhouse, Nappan
The Club accepted with thanks the gavel made and donated to the Club by Johnny Colson. Lee Nolan (VE1BHS) gave a report on the Amateur Radio Classes underway at ARHS. Continued use of the Little Red Schoolhouse was approved, at a rental rate of $10. Per month. Committees to be established at a later date are: Social, Publicity, Ways & Means, Education, Field Day, and Trustees.
Field Day was discussed and Bruce Smith offered his site, as was used last year.
February 25, 1981 Meeting at The Little Red Schoolhouse, Nappan
Lee Nolan (VE1BHS) reported that attendance at the Amateur Radio Classes was holding steady at 16. The results of a secret ballot taken at the Meeting showed unanimous support for holding future meetings at the Little Red Schoolhouse. A tour of CKDH Radio Station is expected to be held soon.
March 25, 1981 Meeting at The Little Red Schoolhouse, Nappan
President Lee Nolan (VE1BHS) reported that Bruce Sears (VE1BBM) has agreed to be Chairman of the Field Day Committee, and that Al Christie (VE1BHQ) and Brad Ross (VE1BFB) have agreed to be Trustees of the Club. It was decided that a letter be sent to Ron MacKay (VE1AIC) with a request that a 2-metre Net be held on VE1SPR.
April 29, 1981 Meeting at The Little Red Schoolhouse, Nappan
It was decided that a 'pre-examination' be held for the students in the Amateur Radio Classes on May 12. It was also decided that all Club members be invited to a social hour to be held following the pre-examinations. This Meeting is to be the last one held on a Tuesday night as the regular Meeting Night will shift to Wednesday (the Amateur Radio Classes are being held on Tuesday nights).
May 26, 1981 Meeting at The Little Red Schoolhouse, Nappan
President Lee Nolan (VE1BHS) reported that the Amateur Radio Classes are now over. Attendance averaged 65% throughout the Course, 11 Members will be writing for their license and two Members plan to write for their Advanced qualification. Charlie Gould (VE1BSQ) mentioned the upcoming Boy Scout Alert exercise and the possibility of Club Members assisting
June 23, 1981 Meeting at The Little Red Schoolhouse, Nappan
Geoff Langille (VE1BWI) gave a report on the float to be entered by the Club in the Gathering of the Clans in Pugwash, July 1st. Field Day plans were discussed, as well as Operation Alert plans for September. President Lee Nolan (VE1BHS) reported that 9 of the Class members wrote the DOC exam on June 17, with no Passes. Of the two writing the Advanced exam, one passed. Brian MacDonald (VE1BSD) and Peter Hebb (VE1CCL) were named as the Nominating Committee.
September 29, 1981 Meeting at The Little Red Schoolhouse, Nappan
Reports given showed that the Field Day exercise was a success, as well at the Operation Alert. The Meeting congratulated Abbie Ross on receiving her call - VE1CEW. There was discussion about the possibility of holding some additional classes for those having difficulty preparing for the DOC exam. It was decided to have a buy-sell-trade-night at the November Meeting, with 10% of the proceeds going to the Club.
Election of officers was postponed until the next meeting.
October 27, 1981 Meeting at The Little Red Schoolhouse, Nappan
Report on Field Day stated that over 1100 contacts were made. Regarding a 2-m Net, Bob Sherwood (VE1XW) has agreed to allow the Club to use the VE1MTN Repeater (147.690 - 147.090) for a Net. It was decided that Monday evenings from 8:00 to 9:00 would be good; Lee Nolan (VE1BHS) is to contact Bob regarding this request.
In the Nominating Committee Report there was no nomination for President; Lee Nolan (VE1BHS) agreed to remain in office for one more year The following nominations were accepted by the Meeting: VP- Geoff Langille (VE1BWI), Sect.- Brian MacDonald (VE1BSD), Treas.- Charles Gould (VE1BSQ), Field Day Comm.- Bruce Sears (VE1BBM), Peter Hebb (VE1CCL), Frank Gallant (VE1BPM), Lunch Comm.- Abbie Ross (VE1CEW) and Education Comm.- Jerry Hannah (VE1KW).
President Lee Nolan (VE1BHS) reported that the Club Call was used at Parrsboro during the Boy Scouts' Jamboree On The Air on Oct. 17, with Lorne Anderson (VE1BXK) and he as operators.
November 24, 1981 Meeting at The Little Red Schoolhouse, Nappan
Irene Wheaton was congratulated on receiving her call, VE1CFK. The 2-m Net on VE1MTN is to be moved to Thursday evenings at 8:00. It was agreed that no meeting be held in December. (Following this Meeting the buy-sell-trade event was held)
January 26, 1982 Meeting at The Little Red Schoolhouse, Nappan
Information was given on the VE1 Phone Contest, power restrictions on 160 m., emission mode designation changes, and a new band on 10MHz coming available to hams. To save on postage costs it was decided to mail out the Club Bulletin every three months instead of every month. Charlie Gould(VE1BSQ) opened discussion on the low number of check-ins to the 2m Net and recommended that the Net be moved from Thursday Night to Monday night; the first trial would be Feb. 1, 1982, on 146.520MHz.
February 23, 1982 Meeting at The Little Red Schoolhouse, Nappan
Monday night has been successful for the 2m Net, and it was decided to have Repeater Identification cards placed at the border Tourist Bureau. A committee was established to set up an Amateur Radio display for Amateur Radio Week - - Peter Hebb(VE1CCL), Brian MacDonald(VE1BSD), Ed Crandall(VE1ADC) and Frank Gallant(VE1BPM). The Ham Fest in Charlottetown is to be held Aug. 20 - 22 at UPEI.
March 30, 1982 Meeting at The Little Red Schoolhouse, Nappan
It was noted that China is permitting ham radio operation beginning in March. It was agreed that the Club Call be renewed, and that the name of the sponsor be changed to Al Christie(VE1BHQ). Several possible money-raising projects were discussed, including a yard sale and the re-selling of VE1 Call Books.
April 27, 1982 Meeting at The Little Red Schoolhouse, Nappan
The meeting applauded Brad Ross on getting his Advanced licence and Rod Babcock on getting his first licence. It was noted that a new 2m repeater is operating in Moncton, VE1HUB, operated by Bob Sherwood(VE1XW), on 147.270 Rx, 147.870 Tx. President Lee Nolan(VE1BHS) noted that in celebration of the proclamation of the Canadian Constitution, the prefix VC1 may be substituted for VE1 from April 14 to May 31, 1982.
May 25, 1982 Meeting at The Little Red Schoolhouse, Nappan
Planning was done for Field Day, and for the yard sale to be held May 29.
Following the meeting Gary Capson(VE1AHM) gave a talk on constructing VHF antennas from salvaged TV antennas.
June 29, 1982 Meeting at The Little Red Schoolhouse, Nappan
After the bills for Field Day were paid the Treasurer reported a balance of $145.21 Then the Yard Sale Committee reported net receipts of $234.15 The radio demonstration set up at the Amherst Centre Mall collected names of 22 persons interested in amateur radio. In response to Jeff Langille's(VE1BWI) request for amateur radio activity in the July 1st celebration at Pugwash, Les Day(VE1CEF) volunteered to assist and permitted the use of his rig. Abbey Ross(VE1CEW) noted that the 2m Net on 146.52 would be shut down for the summer, and President Lee Nolan(VE1BHS) noted that the Boy Scout Alert exercise would be taking place in Musquodoboit.
A club Picnic is planned to be held at the home of Jenny and Les Day(VE1CEF) on the Gulf Shore on July 25.
September 28, 1982 Meeting at The Little Red Schoolhouse, Nappan
It was reported that the Club was very well represented at the PEI Hamfest '82. The new officers of the Club were elected by acclamation: President - Charles Gould(VE1BSQ), Treasurer - Peter Hebb(VE1CCL), Secretary - Brian MacDonald(VE1BSD) After some discussion, it was decided that members would be asked to volunteer to bring lunch for each monthly Meeting. It was decided to move the 2m Net from Monday to Tuesday evenings at 9:00pm., and to attempt to get out a monthly newsletter again.
October 26, 1982 Meeting at The Little Red Schoolhouse, Nappan
More committee offices were filled: Publicity - VE1CCL, Education - VE1KW, Field Day - VE1BBM,VE1BWI,Bruce Smith, Club Trustee - VE1BHQ. The Club dues for 1982-83 were set at $5.00 Single and $7.00 Family. Ken McCormick offered to give members a tour of the MT&T facility on the John Black Road. It was decided to donate funds to the upkeep of the VE1SPR Repeater.
November 29, 1982 Meeting at The Little Red Schoolhouse, Nappan
Les Day(VE1CEF) has established a format for the Newsletter, requested more input from the membership, and volunteered to have the printing done. It was announced that a Licensing Class would begin in January, covering Morse Code, Regulations and Radio Theory, with classes being held at ARHS. The CCRL manual and question/answer books will be used. Since the classes will have to be held on Monday nights, it was decided to have the Club Meetings held on Wednesday nights for Jan., Feb. and March. Carroll ChoisnetVE1CJE) presented a card from VE6NM, originally from Southampton, who would like to make contacts in the area.
January 26, 1983 Meeting at The Little Red Schoolhouse, Nappan
Lee Nolan(VE1BHS) reported that there were 23 attending the Licensing Classes, 5 of whom are Amateurs (upgrading). The meeting discussed designs for the proposed QSL cards for the Club; designs are to be drawn up and shown at the march Meeting. Design for a Club crest was discussed; Bruce Sears(VE1BBM) will be bringing in his design for members to see. Possible affiliation with the CRRL was discussed.
February 23, 1983 Meeting at The Little Red Schoolhouse, Nappan
Lee Nolan(VE1BHS) reported that affiliation with CRRL is not an option since it requires that 51% of the Club members must be individual members of CRRL. Some persons have dropped out of the Licensing Classes and attendance is about 16 to 19, currently. It was agreed that a list be passed around by the Field Day Committee to see what equipment can be available for Field Day.
March 30, 1983 Meeting at The Little Red School House, Nappan
A letter was read from Ron MacKay(VE1AIC) expressing thanks for the Club's contribution toward the SPR repeater. It was reported that 10 - 13 people were still attending Licensing Classes. After consideration of the list of donated equipment, Bruce Smith suggested that the Club purchase some re-usable equipment for Field Day - - rope, stakes, guys, antennas, etc. This could also be used for emergency operation. A procurement list is to be circulated to the members at the next meeting. Discussion about possible participation in the July 1st celebration in Pugwash was held, with no definite decisions.
April 26, 1983 Meeting at The Little Red Schoolhouse, Nappan
Joe Lees(VE1CEX) was applauded for receiving his Advanced Licence. Gerry Hannah(VE1KW) reported that 10 - 13 people completed the Licensing Classes. So far, one person has passed his Advanced; five plan to write the Amateur exam in June. Field Day preparations were discussed, as well as redesigning the proposed QSL cards for the Club. Abbey Ross(VE1CEW) proposed a yard sale for May 28 - - the meeting agreed.
Following the meeting Philip Hannam gave a talk on Search and Rescue Operations in Nova Scotia.
May 31, 1983 Meeting at The Little Red Schoolhouse, Nappan
The QSL card design was accepted as it appeared in the Newsletter. A Mini-Fest is to be held in Sackville in August. Jerry Hannah(VE1KW) reported that a short computer course may be run for the Club in the Fall.
June 28, 1983 Meeting at The Little Red Schoolhouse, Nappan
Bruce Smith reported that the portable tower for Field Day has been constructed and is ready for operation at the FD site. Field Day preparations included Peter Hebb(VE1CCL) submitting an article to the newspaper on Field Day. Details for operating the FD site were discussed, with operating sign-up sheets circulated.
A Club Bar-B-Q is to be held August 6 at the cottage of Abbey(VE1CEW) and Brad(VE1BFB) Ross at Two Islands.
September 27, 1983 Meeting at The Little Red School House, Nappan
Jerry Hannah(VE1KW) announced that there will be a 3-night course, "Introduction to Computers", dates and time to be decided. All Club officers remain unchanged, having been elected by acclamation. Some discussion of the Constitution took place, with a motion that officers serve two-year terms; this will be voted on at the October Meeting. Dues are to remain unchanged, $5.00 Single, $7.00Family. Les Day(VE1CEF) suggested that each paid-up member be issued a membership card. Kaye Hannah(VE1YH) volunteered to print the cards.
October 25, 1983 Meeting at The Little Red Schoolhouse, Nappan
The computer course began on Oct.5, and was deemed quite successful. The Field Day Committee was established: Charles Gould(VE1BSQ), Frank Gallant(VE1BPM) and Bruce Sears(VE1BBM). Because of the effort required in compiling, printing and distributing the Newsletter, both Lee Nolan and Les Day notified the meeting that it will be discontinued. The proposed motion that the term of office be changed to two years was defeated. Lee Nolan(VE1BHS) moved that the Club make a ten dollar donation to a charity when any member has a death in their immediate family. Carried. Frank Gallant suggest that the Club have a "social event"; after much discussion, the meeting decided to have an "adults only" Christmas party in November, this party taking the place of the November Meeting.
February 28, 1984 Meeting at The Little Red Schoolhouse, Nappan
The Field Day Committee was completed: Charlie Gould, Bruce Sears and Frank Gallant. It was announced that Louise Nolan passed the exam, receiving the call VE1ABI. The meeting discussed Al Legere's (VE1BKD) proposal that the Club sponsor the Old Timers Ham Fest in Sackville in August. Louise Nolan (VE1ABI) moved and Peter Hebb (VE1CL) seconded that a committee be organized to meet with Paul Blakeny to discuss everything involved in running the Mini-Fest. This was passed, and the Committee was composed of Don Maxwell (VE1CGD), Ed Crandall (VE1ADC), Lee Nolan (VE1BHS), Charles Gould (VE1BK) and Peter Hebb (VE1CCL). The Meeting thanked Al Legere (VE1BKD) for the receiver he donated to the Club.
March 27, 1984 Meeting at The Little Red Schoolhouse, Nappan
The ad-hoc Committee met with Paul Blakeny then had a following meeting at the Schoolhouse. It was decided that there was insufficient interest within the Club membership to handle the hosting of the Mini-Fest. A letter is to be written communicating this to Paul. There was discussion of a suggestion that the Club affiliate with CRRL. It was noted that 51% of the members would have to be CRRL members in order to affiliate at no cost to the Club.
April 27, 1984 Meeting at The Little Red Schoolhouse, Nappan
A 'yard sale' was set for May 26 at the Schoolhouse.
May 29, 1984 Meeting at The Little Red Schoolhouse, Nappan
All Field Day equipment has been rounded up and is at Frank Gallant's residence (VE1BPM). The June meeting is rescheduled so it can be held before Field Day.
June 19, 1984 Meeting at The Little Red Schoolhouse, Nappan
Charles Gould (VE1BK) suggested we might be able to have a "get-together" sometime this summer. Abbie Ross (VE1CEW) offered to have one at her and Brad's (VE1BFB) cottage near Parrsboro on August 4th. It was decided that the radio equipment donated by Al Legere (VE1BKD) would be retained for use by the Club. Field Day will be operating from the Little Red Schoolhouse.
September 25, 1984 Meeting at The Little Red Schoolhouse, Nappan
The following were elected for the year 1984-85: Pres. Abbie Ross. Vice-Pres. Lee Nolan, Sec't. Brian MacDonald, Treasurer Jack McGee, Publicity Paul Follini. The dues are to remain as $5./single, $7./family. Charlie Gould (VE1BK) informed the meeting that we might lose the Schoolhouse as a meeting place as the community is considering selling or demolishing the building. Lee Nolan (VE1BHS) suggested that the Club consider putting out a Club Bulletin again.
October 30, 1984 Meeting at The Little Red Schoolhouse, Nappan
No news on the fate of the Schoolhouse. It was decided that a Christmas Party be held in place of the November Meeting
January 29, 1985 Meeting at The Little Red Schoolhouse, Nappan
Since there were not enough persons interested in taking a ham course this year, Lee Nolan (VE1BHS) has offered to make code tapes for them and it is intended to have a technical session following each Club Meeting. Charles Gould (VE1BK) informed the meeting that the community has decided to renovate the Schoolhouse. At Paul Follini's (VE1CZX) suggestion it was decided to purchase study guides, regulation books and handbooks for use of Club Members. Following the Meeting Jerry Hannah (VE1KW) gave a session on basic electricity.
February 26, 1985 Meeting at The Little Red Schoolhouse, Nappan
Lee Nolan (VE1BHS) suggested that QSL cards for Club Members could be sent by Brit Fader to the Club Secretary to be distributed at our Meetings. It was moved/seconded by Carroll Choisnet (VE1CJE) /Irene Wheaton (VE1CFK) that a donation of $50. be sent to Ron (VE1AIC) to help with expenses for the Springhill repeater. Carried. A technical session was given by Jerry Hannah (VE1KW) following the meeting.
March 25, 1985 Meeting at The Little Red Schoolhouse, Nappan
Charles Gould (VE1BK) has agreed to chair the Field Day Committee, with the assistance of Brad Ross (VE1BFB). Following the meeting Jerry Hannah (VE1KW) gave a session on propagation.
April 30, 1985 Meeting at The Little Red Schoolhouse, Nappan
A special welcome was given to a visiting ham, DK9OF, Hendrich, from Germany. Frank Gallant (VE1BPM) was congratulated for qualifying for his Advanced Licence. It was decided to have a yard sale at the Schoolhouse on May 25 as a fund raising venture. Don Maxwell told the meeting of an elaborate ham shack in Barbados, 8P6WA. Congratulations went to Joe Lees and Grace on their 52nd wedding anniversary.
May 28, 1985 Meeting at The Little Red Schoolhouse, Nappan
The yard sale produced a profit of $243. The June Meeting is to be moved ahead so that the meeting can be held before Field Day. Brian MacDonald is to see about having a station set up at the Amherst Mall for demonstration on June 20, 21.
June 18, 1985 Meeting at The Little Red Schoolhouse, Nappan
Field Day is to be held at the Schoolhouse. Al Legere (VE1BKD) has loaned a generator for FD use. The meeting decided to donate $25. To the Jack Ravenscroft Fund (a ham who was cleared for non-interference by DOC but is being sued by his neighbour). A social event is to be held at Brad and Abbie Ross' cottage at Two Islands on August 10.
September 24, 1985 Meeting at The Little Red Schoolhouse, Nappan
The following were elected for 1985-86: Pres. Abbie Ross (VE1CEW), Vice-Pres. Peter Hebb (VE1CCL), Sect'y. Brian Macdonald (VE1BSD), Treas. Jack McGee (VE1CZD). Lee Nolan is obtaining quotes on Club QSL cards from local printers. Other positions: Education, Jerry Hannah; Publicity, Paul Follini; Lunch&Social, Louise Nolan. Suggestions for activities were: RCI tour, technical talks, ham videos. Following the meeting, Al Legere (VE1BKD) showed a film of Africa.
October 5, 1985 Meeting at The Little Red Schoolhouse, Nappan
Jack McGee (VE1CZD) reported a membership of about 30 this year. Brad Ross (VE1BFB) reported that New Brunswick repeaters were going to be linked soon and are looking for proposals for equipment and tie-in procedures. Next month's meeting will actually be a Christmas Party, as last year.
