First Class CW Operators' Club

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The 80th Anniversary Dinner and AGM, Girton College, Cambridge

Saturday, 8th September 2018

Annual General Meeting


We held the Annual General Meeting in the Old Hall at Girton College, Cambridge on Saturday, 8th September at 4:30pm.

There were 66 Members present, and apologies were received from a further 21 Members. The minutes from the 2017 AGM were approved, and then the Chairman's report was read by Fred, G4BWP. The full report will appear in FOCUS in due course, as will my Secretary's report which followed immediately after this. The meeting then turned its attention to the accounts, which were for an 18-month period this year (but will now return to annual periods running from 1 July each year). A full set of accounts will appear in FOCUS, too. Our Treasurer, Don, G3XTT provided his commentary, and the accounts were then adopted after being put to a vote. Bob, G4HZV also graciously agreed to be the Accounts Examiner for another year; thanks to Bob for this invaluable service which he has provided for a number of years now.

As Iain, M0PCB is moving to the USA on 1 November, he needed to step down from the Committee this year. Iain received a wonderful round of applause for his work for FOC, and justifiably so, recalling the immense dedication he put into everything he worked on (most notably this year, the 80th anniversary on-air event in May). Thanks to Iain for his numerous contributions. Luckily, James, G4ILW was ready to stand in Iain's place, and he was elected by the Members present. Welcome to the Committee, James - we're glad to have you join the team!

Drinks Reception


After the AGM and a brief informal discussion (in the form of open comments to the Members and the Committee), we adjourned from the Old Hall to enjoy a drinks reception in the Fellows' Lounge. I must clarify that a "Fellow" is a sitting professor who teaches from the college - and not necessarily a man, especially at Girton College, which was the first to accept women to study at Cambridge University! The lounge made for the perfect setting, and added a lot to the occasion with its old oak panels, antiques and general ambience of academia. 

The Dinner


After enjoying a lively drinks reception in there with 135 guests now assembled, we were summoned through to the Great Hall at 8pm for a formal photograph - which you can see in the web photo gallery here - and then we settled down to enjoy a four-course meal.

Bob, GU4YOX was our Master of Ceremonies, and helped coordinate quite a number of announcements. Thank you to Bob for being such a big help and, as always, a lively entertainer! 

The first announcement of the evening was the appointment of Andy Chadwick, G3AB as this year's President. Other announcements included the Unsung Hero Award (Bob, WB2YQH) and the G3FXB Al Slater Memorial Award (G3TXF). This year FOC also appointed a Vice President (Rob, GM3YTS) and Honorary Vice President (Sheree, Rob's wife). Congratulations to them all. Full texts as read out have been transcribed, below. I can also report that the winner of the beautiful engraved Begali paddle was Hardy, DL1VDL, who has since let me know that he used his new paddle in the BW QSO Party with great pleasure. Congratulations to Hardy. Finally, thank you, on behalf of FOC, to Margaret (ZL2AZ/2) who generously provided a blown glass ornament in Maori style as a ladies' prize. This was won by Sarita, G4DJX/2. Pete ZL2AZ and his wife Margaret were (by some margin) the furthest-travelled guests, and we were all particularly glad we could enjoy their company this year.

After such a superb weekend, it is easy to see how FOC's sociable character and many deep and lasting friendships hold the Club together. The college, the food and the accommodation all contributed in their way, but what made this a truly special occasion was to have so many of our Members in one place again. FOC's sincere thanks and appreciation to everyone who made a special effort, and perhaps a lengthy international journey, to be part of the celebration. 

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