ARI Imperia (IQ1IM): A Journey from Passion to Permanent Home

Imperia, Italy – The A.R.I. (Associazione Radioamatori Italiani) Sezione di Imperia, identified by its call sign IQ1IM, has a rich history rooted in the passion of local radio amateurs and a persistent effort to establish a dedicated presence in the province.

The section is currently located at VIA G. AIRENTI 82, 18100 IMPERIA IM. For inquiries, you can contact President IZ1YCQ Iapichino Alessandro. Meetings are held on the 1st and 3rd Friday of each month, from 9:00 PM to 11:00 PM. For more information, visit their website: www.arimperia.it.

Origins: Bridging the Provincial Divide

Initially, the Province of Imperia was served by a single ARI Section in Sanremo, which bore the name "Imperia" and encompassed all radio amateurs from Ventimiglia to Cervo. The ARI Statute then differentiated between "Groups" and "Sections," with provincial capitals holding jurisdiction over all members not residing in a "Group" or "Section" town.

The need for an associative headquarters in Imperia arose from the natural desire to foster the common passion for radio within its own space, as well as from bureaucratic obligations of the time. Early radio amateurs faced curious inquiries from authorities about their equipment, leading to the informal suggestion from the Carabinieri for them to appoint a representative.

The Genesis of a Group

In 1964, Franco (I1GAZ) and Gianni (I1SIG), both 19, connected over technical magazines. Gianni knew Roberto (I1BOR), and they formed a small group, with Gianni and Roberto learning telegraphy from Franco. They would regularly attend meetings in Sanremo and even assist at the Air Force meteorological station. After passing their exams, Franco, Gianni, and Roberto received their licenses. They soon involved I1RD and were joined by I1CXS Carlo, I1BBF Andrea, I1ABN Alessabdro, and I1PAA Paolo. Meanwhile, I1MQ Giovanni Garibaldi and IW1LLL were active in Diano Marina. This growing community began to solidify into the "Imperia Group."

Formal Recognition and Challenges of Location

In 1965, Radio Rivista announced the formation of the "ARI Group" in Imperia. Significant mediation, even involving the National Secretary Sergio I1ZCT, was required because the Sanremo section was keen to maintain its broad provincial jurisdiction. Ultimately, a solution was reached: a new Imperia Section was established, having jurisdiction over all radio amateurs in the province's municipalities where no other section existed, effectively covering the entire province except Sanremo.

The first headquarters was in Via Airenti, in a space provided by I1SIG and furnished collaboratively. Meetings were conveniently held on Sunday mornings at the INIASA (former g.c.) in Via De Marchi alle Ferriere. Franco I1GAZ, later relocating, proudly became the first President, passing the torch to capable hands.

Years later, thanks to Stelvio Bozzano (I1BWI, honorary president in memoriam) and the presence of many former Marconi operators among its members, the ARI Imperia Section found a home within the National Association of Italian Sailors (A.M.N.I.).

However, in 1991, the section had to leave the A.M.N.I. premises and was hosted by the Imperia Civil Protection until 1993. In September 1993, through the efforts of Dr. Badano (Imperia City Council Assessor), the section secured new premises at the former municipal swimming pool.

In 2013, following a demolition order for their building, the section was again compelled by the Municipality to vacate. With considerable difficulty, and once again thanks to the availability of unused premises from the Imperia Civil Protection, an agreement was finally reached with the Municipality for the acquisition of these new premises. Through significant sacrifices by dedicated members who devoted their time and effort, the new assigned premises were renovated.

The current headquarters of the ARI Imperia Section, at Via G. Airenti nr. 82, was officially inaugurated on March 14, 2015, marking another milestone in its enduring history.