Ashburton ARC: Connecting Mid-Canterbury Hams with Aviation History

Ashburton, NZ – For radio enthusiasts in the Mid-Canterbury region, the Ashburton Amateur Radio Club (ARC), Branch Number 1, stands as a vibrant and active hub for communication, learning, and community engagement. Uniquely situated within the Ashburton Aviation Museum, this dedicated group fosters a thriving local "ham" community, keenly focused on both hobby and emergency preparedness.

The club holds its gatherings at the Ashburton Aviation Museum Club Rooms, 470 Seafield Road, ASHBURTON 7777. This distinctive location provides a stimulating environment for their monthly meetings. For postal correspondence, their address is C/- 37 Nelson Street, Ashburton 7700.

Dedicated Leadership and Essential Technical Support

The Ashburton ARC is guided by a committed team of officers who ensure smooth club operations and a strong emphasis on crucial amateur radio functions, including emergency communications and technical infrastructure:

• President & Repeater Trustee: Danny Ainsworth (Callsign ZL4FW) leads the branch and is instrumental in maintaining the club's repeater infrastructure. He can be reached at danny@connectm2m.co.nz.
• Secretary & Repeater Trustee: B.S. Rickard (Callsign ZL3TJW) handles the club's administration and also contributes to repeater maintenance. He can be contacted at brianrickard@xtra.co.nz.
• AREC Group Leader: Jim Nelson (Callsign ZL3ND) is responsible for the club's vital Amateur Radio Emergency Communications (AREC) efforts. He can be reached at glashburton@arec.nz.

The club benefits from the expertise of its Club Callsign Trustees, Phill (ZL3TIK) and Ken (ZL4KD), who manage the club's on-air identity.

Consistent Meetings and Active On-Air Nets

The Ashburton ARC offers a consistent schedule for its members to gather, learn, and connect:

• General Meetings: Held on the second Monday of each month (except December) at 7:30 PM at the Ashburton Aviation Museum (Ashburton Airport). These gatherings are an excellent opportunity for members to discuss club news, share technical insights, and socialize.
• AGM (Annual General Meeting): The AGM is held in April each year, providing an opportunity for members to review the year's activities and elect officers.

Beyond in-person gatherings, the Ashburton ARC maintains a strong presence on the airwaves with its regular Net Information:

• Monday Night Net: Held at 7:30 PM on 438.9 MHz Fusion and 144.6 MHz. This provides a reliable opportunity for members to check in, share news, and conduct discussions.

Fostering New Talent: Dedicated Exam Supervisors

The Ashburton ARC is committed to growing the amateur radio community, with a dedicated team of Exam Supervisors ready to guide aspiring radio amateurs through the licensing process:

• M. Trump (Callsign ZL3XD), mtrump@orcon.net.nz
• Phill Rodgers (Callsign ZL3TIK), phillrodgers2@gmail.com

Whether you're a seasoned "ham" looking for a vibrant local community, an aspiring radio amateur keen to earn your license, or simply interested in the world of wireless communication and its vital role in regional connectivity and emergency services, the Ashburton ARC offers a welcoming and engaging environment in Mid-Canterbury.