ARI Albino (IQ2CP): A Quarter Century of Radio and Community Service

Albino, Italy – The A.R.I. (Associazione Radioamatori Italiani) Sezione di Albino, identified by its call sign IQ2CP, was officially founded on March 1, 1996. Born from the enthusiasm of a small group of amateur radio operators in Val Seriana (Bergamo Province), the section has grown to become a national presence in the amateur radio community, engaged in various forms of radio communication.

The section is currently located at c/o VILLA REGINA PACIS - VIA S. MARIA 10, 24021 ALBINO BG. For inquiries, you can contact President IZ2XAF Bortolotti Alberto.

Meetings are held every Friday from 9:00 PM to 11:30 PM.

For more information, visit their website: www.arialbino.it.

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From Public Demonstration to Formal Establishment

The journey to establishing the Albino section began in 1995 when a small group of passionate radio amateurs from Val Seriana organized an event at Alessandri Park in Albino. Their goal was to introduce radio and transmissions to the local community, especially to schools. The demonstration, featuring antennas, radio equipment, and computers for various communication modes, was a great success. It attracted many elementary and middle school students and their teachers, numerous curious onlookers, the Mayor, and even an unexpected television interview from TV Bergamo.

Encouraged by the successful event, the group decided to form an ARI section in Albino, creating a meeting point for OMs (Old Men - a term for radio amateurs) from Val Seriana and neighboring valleys. After several informal meetings and gatherings to build support, they contacted ARI Nazionale and the Regional Committee of Lombardy. Once they gathered enough members to meet the Association's requirements for a new section, ARI Nazionale granted approval for the formation of a national-level ARI Section in Albino on March 1, 1996.

Finding a Home and Growing Strong

Initially, the nascent section had no fixed meeting place, holding gatherings in public spaces like bars, oratories, restaurants, and occasional dinners to iron out initial rules and programs. Board meetings were even hosted in the homes of the pioneers.

Recognizing the need for a permanent location, they approached the Mayor of Albino. Their initial request was denied due to a high demand for spaces from numerous existing associations. However, with the help of some members, they connected with the Assessor for Leisure, who advocated for them, serving as an excellent intermediary with the Municipality of Albino. This led to their first headquarters at Via Roma 104.

On October 19, 1996, the section officially inaugurated its new premises. The Parish Priest performed the customary blessing, and the inauguration was attended by the President of the Lombardy Region, I2MUH Melloni, who conveyed congratulations and best wishes via telegram from the late National ARI President, I1BYH Ortona. Also present were the president and staff of the ARI San Donato Milanese section, along with enthusiasts, friends, and family.

Community Engagement and Current Facilities

Over the years, the radio amateurs of Albino have engaged in various social activities, not only promoting their passion but also supporting initiatives to highlight social and cultural themes. Every Friday evening, members meet to exchange information and experiences.

They are always ready and available to serve the community, providing support for sporting events, Civil Protection exercises coordinated with COM, the ARI Bergamo section, and the Prefecture of Bergamo, and conducting interventions in schools to promote and disseminate amateur radio activities.

In 2001, after six years at Via Roma, the section moved to its current location in Villa Pacis, Via S. Maria 10, in Comenduno (a fraction of Albino), due to building renovations.

The current headquarters features a meeting room, a radio room, a hall for the QSL mailroom, and complete equipment for HF, VHF, and UHF transceiving, along with computers for digital traffic. Wire and directive antennas are installed. Many members actively participate in contests, often securing top positions and earning cups and diplomas. The R7 repeater of Valle Seriana is managed by the section's members.

The section has celebrated significant anniversaries, including its 15th anniversary in 2011, 20th in 2016, and 25th in 2021. ARI Albino continues to be a vibrant and multifaceted presence in the national amateur radio scene.