CDXC 2024 AGM

Chairman’s Report

Chris Duckling, G3SVL – Chairman

I find it informative to look back on my previous year’s report to get a starting point for this year’s Chairman’s report. A lot has changed in the past 12 months as the Covid years fade to memory, DXpeditions are back to normal levels – if not above – and sunspots are producing propagation we haven’t seen for a long while. All of this is good for those of us who enjoy chasing DX and contesting.

Our Club is increasingly seen as a respected voice and supporter of DXpeditions – you cannot fail to see our logo on DXpedition websites and QSL cards. Indeed, at Friedrichshafen this year many of those we have sponsored dropped by to say ‘thank you’. This would not be possible without members’ contributions.

The Reflector continues to be a vibrant source of information and the Skype chat and DX channels are invaluable when the DX is on. Our Facebook page would, however, benefit from more pictures.

This has been a difficult year for the Committee. Sadly, Peter, G3RZP and Derek, G4XEE had to stand down due to ill health. We are sorry to loose two dedicated people and wish them well – they left big holes in our capacity to operate.

Lee, 2E0LMA stepped up to assist Derek with our Challenge adjudication and has now taken it over completely (we will be recognising the Challenge Trophy winners immediately after the AGM). Lee has also taken on some of the event management and Pete, G4RRM has picked up some of our promotional activities. At last we have a new CDXC badge supplier thanks to Pete’s efforts.

The Digest Editor situation is more challenging. Due to Peter’s sudden hospitalisation last year I have taken on the task of editing the last three editions. It’s not a skill I have nor enjoy, but I recognise the enormous respect with which members hold the Digest. Paul, EI5DI and Tex, G1TEX have come to my rescue to sort pictures and layout production respectively which makes the task more bearable. That said, I see this as a short-term role and would dearly like someone else to take on the job. We also have a member vacancy on the Committee which would allow some load spreading. All meetings are bi-monthly and virtual.

As always, I would like to thank the Committee for their dedication and hard work – especially Chris, G4FZN who has picked up the membership secretary tasks with a very steep learning curve.

That concludes my report for the year. I am happy to answer any questions.

73 & Good DX

Chris, G3SVL