BEGIN:VCALENDAR
VERSION:2.0
PRODID:-//First Class CW Operators' Club - ECPv6.15.19//NONSGML v1.0//EN
CALSCALE:GREGORIAN
METHOD:PUBLISH
X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://www.g4foc.org
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for First Class CW Operators' Club
REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H
X-Robots-Tag:noindex
X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H
BEGIN:VTIMEZONE
TZID:UTC
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:+0000
TZOFFSETTO:+0000
TZNAME:UTC
DTSTART:20240101T000000
END:STANDARD
END:VTIMEZONE
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20251205
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20251208
DTSTAMP:20260408T122517
CREATED:20240708T083714Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250618T081556Z
UID:6651-1764892800-1765151999@www.g4foc.org
SUMMARY:Florida Weekend
DESCRIPTION:The 35th FOC Florida Dinner will be held at the Holiday Inn Orlando Airport on December 5\, 6 and 7\, 2025. \nAlways a well-attended and exciting event with local dining events on Thursday and Friday evenings\, FOC and member programs on Saturday\, and an outstanding buffet dinner Saturday evening. W4FOC will be on the air and available for attendees to operate from the hotel.  \nFree hotel parking\, a shuttle between the airport and hotel\, and daily breakfast for 2 are included in the $131.00 per night plus tax. Group room rates are available for the period 12/3 – 12/7 for attendees who wish to arrive earlier and/or depart later. The reservation cut-off date is November 3\, 2025. \nCall 1-800-465-4329 for reservations for “The First Class CW Operators Club”. The Group Booking Code is CW3. A $100.00 per attendee event fee covers the Saturday dinner and other hotel expenses for the event. \nChecks covering attendee event fees should be made payable to and sent to Richard Baxter\, K5TF (good on QRZ.com) \nQuestions? Contact Van Richardson N5TOO or Cathy Goodrich W4CMG via email (both good on QRZ.com) \nMore information to follow. \n 
URL:https://www.g4foc.org/calendar/florida-weekend-2/
LOCATION:Holiday Inn\, Orlando Airport\, 5750 T.G. LEE BLVD\, Orlando\, FL\, 32822\, United States
CATEGORIES:Social events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260101
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260102
DTSTAMP:20260408T122517
CREATED:20231106T211414Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251107T132109Z
UID:1912-1767225600-1767311999@www.g4foc.org
SUMMARY:Bug Day
DESCRIPTION:There has been continued interest in an activity twice per year (to run alongside the Mechanical Key Days) where the idea is to get on the air using those bug keys. It is open to both FOC members and non-members.  \nThe exchange is expected to include\, at the very least\, a description of the bug being used. \nCalling CQ Bug Day is suggested.  Frequencies are 25 khz above most band edges and up as needed. \nPlease send a list of stations worked using bugs and your vote for best bug fist to Benny K5KV.   \nParticipants can contact Benny K5KV at email listed on QRZ.com with questions.
URL:https://www.g4foc.org/calendar/bug-day/
CATEGORIES:On air events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260104T120000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260105T120000
DTSTAMP:20260408T122517
CREATED:20240625T171042Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251201T143016Z
UID:6596-1767528000-1767614400@www.g4foc.org
SUMMARY:FOC Old School Classic 1960s QSO Party
DESCRIPTION:Purpose: To turn the clocks back to what ham radio was like in the 1960s. To the extent possible\, re-create the operating practices and gear used by amateurs before computers became a staple in most amateur stations\, “contest” software became common\, and DX Clusters were used for posting callsigns and frequencies of stations on the air anywhere in the world.  \nParticipation: Open to all licensed amateurs \nDate and Time:  Summer: Last weekend in June or first weekend in July: Sunday  \n Winter: First weekend in January: Sunday  \n Time: 24 Hours beginning 1200 UTC through 1200 UTC following day. \nDates and Times are subject to change. \nMode: CW Only \nCall: “CQ OS” or “CQ OSQP” or “CQ FOC OS” \nSuggested CW Speed: 15-30 WPM with 30 WPM maximum speed \nBands: 160M\, 80M\, 40M\, 20M\, 15M\, 10M and 6M bands only.  \nSuggested Operating Frequency:  28 to 45 Khz above Band Lower Edge. \nVisit event page to read more
URL:https://www.g4foc.org/calendar/foc-old-school-classic-1960s-qso-party/
CATEGORIES:On air events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260206
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260209
DTSTAMP:20260408T122517
CREATED:20231106T204331Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251114T093001Z
UID:1906-1770336000-1770595199@www.g4foc.org
SUMMARY:FOC Marathon
DESCRIPTION:What: This is the club’s only scored operating event of the year. The idea is to work as many members\, on as many bands as possible. There are bonuses for having a contact with a member on five and six bands\, as well as for the number of DXCC entities worked. \nWhen: The first full weekend in February\, from Friday at 2100z to Sunday at 2100z. In the years when 1st February falls on a Saturday\, the Marathon will begin at 2100z on 31st January. \n \nBands: 160\, 80\, 40\, 20\, 15 & 10m. Only one transmitted signal allowed at one time.
URL:https://www.g4foc.org/calendar/marathon-2024/
CATEGORIES:On air events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260227T180000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260227T235900
DTSTAMP:20260408T122517
CREATED:20240531T122348Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250923T092942Z
UID:6450-1772215200-1772236740@www.g4foc.org
SUMMARY:East Africa Dinner
DESCRIPTION:Muthaiga Country Club\, Nairobi\, Kenya\n\n\n  \nEast Africa FOC Dinner 2026\n\nFriday 27st February\, 2026\n1800hrs Muthaiga Country Club\, Nairobi\, Kenya \n\n  \nAndy\, 5Z4VJ is again organising the 3rd East Africa FOC Dinner and weekend in February in Nairobi.\n\n\nSeveral members (from UK\, EU and NA) are planning to attend\, some combining the visit with a safari\, beach holiday or a tour of Nairobi city and its national park.\n\n  \nMore details and a three day suggested itinerary are available at:\nhttps://sites.google.com/view/east-africa-foc-dinner-2026\n\n\n\n\n\nSome photos from the 2024 Dinner here:\nhttps://www.g4foc.org/east-africa-dinner/\n\n\n  \nPlease contact Andy\, 5Z4VJ for further details and enquiries.
URL:https://www.g4foc.org/calendar/east-africa-dinner/
LOCATION:Muthaiga Country Club\, Muthaiga Road\, Nairobi\, 00620\, Kenya
CATEGORIES:Social events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260307
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260308
DTSTAMP:20260408T122517
CREATED:20260128T185555Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260327T090614Z
UID:8726-1772841600-1772927999@www.g4foc.org
SUMMARY:Mechanical Key Day (MKD)
DESCRIPTION:A regular opportunity for some friendly QSOs\, while giving the electronic keyer some time\noff. Members are encouraged to try to get on one of their favourite band(s) at some time during\nthis 24-hour period and look for other members. There are no set exchanges\, just have an\nenjoyable QSO with a fellow member using straight key\, bug or sideswiper.
URL:https://www.g4foc.org/calendar/mechanical-key-day-mkd/
CATEGORIES:On air events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260328
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260329
DTSTAMP:20260408T122517
CREATED:20231106T213746Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260325T195923Z
UID:1915-1774656000-1774742399@www.g4foc.org
SUMMARY:Bill Windle QSO Party
DESCRIPTION:Here is a special invitation for you to join in the fun during the Bill Windle QSO Party (BWQP)\, formerly known as the FOC QSO Party (FOCQP)\, that we schedule twice a year. Many members have reported this is their favourite operating event! The idea behind the BWQP is to offer a stress-free opportunity for members to meet and greet both other members and nonmembers. Each one of us can make this event what you want it to be – some get on for a few casual QSOs\, others spend several hours on different bands and still others treat it like a miniMarathon. The basic concept is to work as many stations as you can over the 24-hour period. All the contacts made during both BWQPs count for all the FOC awards. So\, if you are chasing Windles\, Augies\, or WAFOC etc\, this is a good opportunity to fill in the stations you still need to work. The BWQP runs for a 24-hour period from 0000z to 2359z. 27 Call ‘CQ BW’ from 015 to 040kHz on all bands\, excluding the WARC bands. The exchange is: RST\, name\, and FOC number (non-members send RST and name). Many also engage in longer QSOs; it is entirely up to you! Please note we still call ‘CQ BW’ to initiate a QSO\, a tribute to Bill Windle who did so much to foster activity in our Club will be continued. Having your results listed has been a problem with a few stray emails. Ray\, G4FON (SK) developed a new reporting method that allows you to simply enter your results into a web form that will assure that your report is received. \nTo report your results\, use this address: FOCQP.g4foc.org Reports are due 7 days after the event. A complete list of the stations who do report will be included in FOCUS\, and on our public website. Handsome certificates are awarded to members and non-members on each continent reporting the highest number of QSOs. Please do not email results to the previous address as these will not be tabulated.
URL:https://www.g4foc.org/calendar/bw-qso-party/
CATEGORIES:On air events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260411T123000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260411T170000
DTSTAMP:20260408T122517
CREATED:20260227T084326Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260227T084847Z
UID:8808-1775910600-1775926800@www.g4foc.org
SUMMARY:FOC in the North 2026
DESCRIPTION:Chris\, G5VZ\, has booked The Blue Bell in Wentbridge for our 2026 FOC in the North lunch\, on Saturday\, 11. April.\nWe will meet at 1230 (local time!).\nThe Blue Bell is on The Great North Road just a couple of hundred metres south of the bridge over the River Went\, famous in the legend of Robin Hood.\nThe Blue Bell has an extensive menu and a range of beers – the web site is at bluebellwentbridge.co.uk. The address is The Blue Bell Inn\, Great North Road\, Wentbridge WF8 3JP\nThe phone number of The Blue Bell is 01977 620697. You can find a phone number for Chris in the Year Book or contact him at chris@g5vz.co.uk\nPlease let Chris know if you’re coming. Thanks!
URL:https://www.g4foc.org/calendar/foc-in-the-north-2026/
LOCATION:The Blue Bell in Wentbridge\, Great North Road\, Wentbridge WF8 3JP\, WF8 3JP\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Social events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260508
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260511
DTSTAMP:20260408T122517
CREATED:20260128T191505Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260128T194728Z
UID:8324-1778198400-1778457599@www.g4foc.org
SUMMARY:Condin 2026
DESCRIPTION:In 2026\, the traditional Continental Dinner will be held in the city of Bremerhaven in the North of Germany. Bremerhaven\, a port city at the mouth of the Weser River\, was founded in 1827\, making it 199 years old as of 2026\, and is known for its maritime heritage\, hosting the German Maritime Museum and is a major fishing and container port. With a population of about 113\,000\, it blends industrial significance with cultural attractions like the Klimahaus science center. \nThe venue will be the Best Western Plus Hotel Bremerhaven\, a 4-star property opened in 2013 in Bremerhaven’s historic Fischereihafen  district. Plans for the weekend include a joint visit to a restaurant on Friday evening\, museum visits or a harbor cruise on Saturday\, and a dinner for the group on Saturday evening\, of course. The date for this event has been set for the weekend from 8 May to 10 May 2026.\nBooking for this event is open now. The rates are €119 for a single and €149 for a double room per night including a buffet style breakfast.\nPlease phone +49-471-80935300 or mail info@best-western-bremerhaven.de for your reservation\, and do not forget to mention booking code FOC0526. These rates will only be available until 27 March 2026. If you have any questions about the event\, please do not hesitate to contact DL5XL at felix@dl5xl.de. The organizers would also appreciate a short note if you intend to participate so that activities can be planned accordingly.
URL:https://www.g4foc.org/calendar/condin-2026/
LOCATION:Best Western Plus Hotel Bremerhaven\, Fischkai 2\,\, Bremerhaven\, 27572\, Germany
CATEGORIES:Social events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260517T103000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260517T133000
DTSTAMP:20260408T122517
CREATED:20260201T094554Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260201T094742Z
UID:8769-1779013800-1779024600@www.g4foc.org
SUMMARY:FOC Breakfast at 2026 Dayton Hamvention
DESCRIPTION:Mark your calendars for Sunday\, 17th May for the annual FOC Breakfast at Hamvention. The breakfast will again be\nat the Hope Hotel which is located next to Wright Patterson Air Force Base at Gate 12A. The breakfast meeting starts at\n7:30 AM and runs until about 10:30 AM. We are very grateful for the assistance of member K3LR\, and DX Engineering\,\nfor arranging the Sabre Room at no cost to FOC and for providing some really super door prizes! FOC will also be\nsponsoring a coffee and tea station. This year Tom\, N4LSJ\, will be Coordinator/MC. More specific details will be in the\nMarch News Sheet! If you have any questions\, contact Dennis\, WØJX. 
URL:https://www.g4foc.org/calendar/foc-breakfast-at-2026-dayton-hamvention/
LOCATION:Hope Hotel\, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base\, Dayton\, OH\, 45433\, United States
CATEGORIES:Social events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260602
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260603
DTSTAMP:20260408T122517
CREATED:20260128T190616Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260327T090525Z
UID:8730-1780358400-1780444799@www.g4foc.org
SUMMARY:QRS Day
DESCRIPTION:Now and again\, we should switch down a few gears and QSO with those operators who are not\nas fast at CW. Casual operators on the bands appreciate it when we slow down and work people\nat their own pace. This is a chance to encourage wider activity on the bands with everyone\,\nincluding other members. Suggested maximum speed of 15wpm.
URL:https://www.g4foc.org/calendar/qrs-day/
CATEGORIES:On air events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260626T190000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260626T230000
DTSTAMP:20260408T122517
CREATED:20260317T201934Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260317T202808Z
UID:8856-1782500400-1782514800@www.g4foc.org
SUMMARY:HAM Radio - FOC Dinner
DESCRIPTION:This year´s HAM RADIO will again feature the FOC DINNER  a` la carte for 25 members on Friday 26th June at 07:00 PM\, in Tettnang\, Hotel Torstuben. \nMembers who have booked so far can be found on my website  www.pileup.de.com.  Please send registrations to Baldur\, DJ6SI at  drobbi@t-online.de
URL:https://www.g4foc.org/calendar/ham-radio-foc-dinner/
LOCATION:Hotel Torstuben\, Tettang\, Bärenplatz 8\, Tettnang\, 88069\, Germany
CATEGORIES:Social events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260705T120000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260706T120000
DTSTAMP:20260408T122517
CREATED:20260104T184601Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260327T090452Z
UID:8694-1783252800-1783339200@www.g4foc.org
SUMMARY:FOC Old School Classic 1960s QSO Party
DESCRIPTION:Purpose: To turn the clocks back to what ham radio was like in the 1960s. To the extent possible\, re-create the operating practices and gear used by amateurs before computers became a staple in most amateur stations\, “contest” software became common\, and DX Clusters were used for posting callsigns and frequencies of stations on the air anywhere in the world. \nParticipation: Open to all licensed amateurs \nDate and Time:  Summer: Last weekend in June or first weekend in July: Sunday \nWinter: First weekend in January: Sunday \nTime: 24 Hours beginning 1200 UTC through 1200 UTC following day. \nDates and Times are subject to change. \nMode: CW Only \nCall: “CQ OS” or “CQ OSQP” or “CQ FOC OS” \nSuggested CW Speed: 15-30 WPM with 30 WPM maximum speed \nBands: 160M\, 80M\, 40M\, 20M\, 15M\, 10M and 6M bands only. \nSuggested Operating Frequency:  28 to 45 Khz above Band Lower Edge. \nVisit event page to read more
URL:https://www.g4foc.org/calendar/foc-old-school-classic-1960s-qso-party-2/
CATEGORIES:On air events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260718
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260719
DTSTAMP:20260408T122517
CREATED:20240111T192717Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260128T184510Z
UID:3748-1784332800-1784419199@www.g4foc.org
SUMMARY:Bug Day
DESCRIPTION:There has been continued interest in an activity twice per year (to run alongside the Mechanical Key Days) where the idea is to get on the air using those bug keys. It is open to both FOC members and non-members.  \nThe exchange is expected to include\, at the very least\, a description of the bug being used. \nCalling CQ Bug Day is suggested.  Frequencies are 25 khz above most band edges and up as needed. \nPlease send a list of stations worked using bugs and your vote for best bug fist to Benny K5KV.   \nParticipants can contact Benny K5KV at email listed on QRZ.com with questions.
URL:https://www.g4foc.org/calendar/bug-day-2/
CATEGORIES:On air events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260905
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260906
DTSTAMP:20260408T122517
CREATED:20260128T190107Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260327T090419Z
UID:8728-1788566400-1788652799@www.g4foc.org
SUMMARY:Mechanical Key Day (MKD)
DESCRIPTION:A regular opportunity for some friendly QSOs\, while giving the electronic keyer some time\noff. Members are encouraged to try to get on one of their favourite band(s) at some time during\nthis 24-hour period and look for other members. There are no set exchanges\, just have an\nenjoyable QSO with a fellow member using straight key\, bug or sideswiper.
URL:https://www.g4foc.org/calendar/mechanical-key-day-mkd-2/
CATEGORIES:On air events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260912
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260913
DTSTAMP:20260408T122517
CREATED:20240802T100227Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260313T091047Z
UID:6884-1789171200-1789257599@www.g4foc.org
SUMMARY:UK Annual Dinner 2026
DESCRIPTION:This social event is held every year.  It’s FOC’s flag-ship social event and is open to Members and their guests. \nThis year’s  event is to be held  Saturday\, 12th of September 2026 at the Crewe Hall Hotel & Spa\, near Crewe in Cheshire: https://www.crewehallcheshire.co.uk \nOver the coming weeks\, further details and a booking link will be provided – this is an opportunity to mark the weekend in your diary.  For more information see  https://www.g4foc.org/annual-dinner-2026/ \n  \n 
URL:https://www.g4foc.org/calendar/uk-annual-dinner-2026/
LOCATION:Crewe Hall Hotel & Spa\, Weston Road\, Crewe\, CW1 6UY\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Social events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260926
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260927
DTSTAMP:20260408T122517
CREATED:20240111T192954Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260105T093140Z
UID:3754-1790380800-1790467199@www.g4foc.org
SUMMARY:Bill Windle QSO Party
DESCRIPTION:Here is a special invitation for you to join in the fun during the Bill Windle QSO Party (BWQP)\, formerly known as the FOC QSO Party (FOCQP)\, that we schedule twice a year. Many members have reported this is their favourite operating event! The idea behind the BWQP is to offer a stress-free opportunity for members to meet and greet both other members and nonmembers. Each one of us can make this event what you want it to be – some get on for a few casual QSOs\, others spend several hours on different bands and still others treat it like a miniMarathon. The basic concept is to work as many stations as you can over the 24-hour period. All the contacts made during both BWQPs count for all the FOC awards. So\, if you are chasing Windles\, Augies\, or WAFOC etc\, this is a good opportunity to fill in the stations you still need to work. The BWQP runs for a 24-hour period from 0000z to 2359z. Call ‘CQ BW’ from 015 to 040kHz on all bands\, excluding the WARC bands. The exchange is: RST\, name\, and FOC number (non-members send RST and name). Many also engage in longer QSOs; it is entirely up to you! Please note we still call ‘CQ BW’ to initiate a QSO\, a tribute to Bill Windle who did so much to foster activity in our Club will be continued. Having your results listed has been a problem with a few stray emails. Ray\, G4FON (SK) developed a new reporting method that allows you to simply enter your results into a web form that will assure that your report is received. \nTo report your results\, use this address: FOCQP.g4foc.org Reports are due 7 days after the event. A complete list of the stations who do report will be included in FOCUS\, and on our public website. Handsome certificates are awarded to members and non-members on each continent reporting the highest number of QSOs. Please do not email results to the previous address as these will not be tabulated.
URL:https://www.g4foc.org/calendar/foc-qso-party/
CATEGORIES:On air events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20261101T090000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20261102T085900
DTSTAMP:20260408T122517
CREATED:20240709T100142Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260128T184756Z
UID:6672-1793523600-1793609940@www.g4foc.org
SUMMARY:Memorial Day QSO Party
DESCRIPTION:Memorial Day QSO Party (MDQP) is an activity providing participants with an opportunity to honour amateur radio operators who are now Silent Key. \nMDQP is being sponsored and managed by FOC and is open to all licensed amateurs: the idea is for each participant to honour a silent key. They might have a special memory to share\, along with the callsign and name of one who went before us. \nFor more information : Memorial Day QSO Party
URL:https://www.g4foc.org/calendar/memorial-day-qso-party/
CATEGORIES:On air events
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR