BBQ ⁽⁶⁾

The branch turned up for a picnic lunch and put ZL2WB on the air at the NZART Activity Day on 1 January 2024. Around 20+ turned up and the weather turned out great. We were able to support some of our other members who activated SOTA stations within the region. What a great way to kick off 2024 for the Wellington Amateur Radio Club. Don't forget our antenna construction event (tape measure beams) on Sunday 14 January that Eben ZL2EF is leading, and our annual club BBQ at Mike ZL1AXG's QTH on Tuesday 16 January from 5.30pm.

On 17 January we gathered at Mike ZL1AXG's QTH from 12 noon for a summer lunchtime BBQ. XYLs and family members were invited. It turned out to be excellent weather. We were able to share stories of summer adventures (particularly the acquisition of new radio gear from a Christmas estate sale) and chat about the club's future with the upcoming Hamcram.

Rather than have our own Branch 50 NZART BBQ this year, the committee decided to join with Branch 74 (Wellington VHF Group) and Branch 69 (Kapiti Branch) at their Combined Branches BBQ. The Combined BBQ was held at QE2 Park, Paekakariki on Sat 29th Jan from 1200pm onwards. Mike ZL1AXG and Frank ZL2TTS attended the BBQ. There were 14 amateurs and XYLs in attendance.

Our annual summer BBQ was slightly later this year, but Sunday 7 February at 12 noon proved to be perfect weather. The venue was the Chair's QTH (ZL1AXG) at 2 Derry Hill, Churton Park, Wellington.

We actually had a summer BBQ this year (on Wednesday 17 January) - unlike last year. Not many YLs, but there was a good turn out of OMs. including a couple under 15. The rain arrived about 8.10pm and we headed indoors. Mike ZL1AXG demonstrated his new uBITx and key features.