Christchurch ARC: A Cornerstone of Amateur Radio in the Garden City

Christchurch, NZ – For radio enthusiasts across the Canterbury Plains, the Christchurch Amateur Radio Club (ARC) Inc., Branch Number 5, stands as a vibrant and exceptionally active hub for communication, learning, and community engagement. With a diverse schedule of meetings, casual gatherings, and regular nets, this dedicated group fosters a thriving local "ham" community, keenly focused on both hobby and emergency preparedness.

The club holds all its gatherings at its clubrooms, located at 5 Idris Road, Fendalton, Christchurch. This accessible location provides a comfortable and consistent space for their numerous activities. For postal correspondence, their address is PO Box 1733, Christchurch 8015.

Dedicated Leadership and Comprehensive Support

The Christchurch 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 club publications:

• President: Catherine de Croy (Callsign ZL3CATH) leads the branch, and can be reached at catejemma@hotmail.com.
• Secretary: B.A. Kenton (Callsign ZL3TOY) handles the club's administration and can be contacted at zl3toynz@gmail.com.
• Treasurer & Exam Supervisor: Ian MacPherson (Callsign ZL3TAO) manages the club's finances and is also a dedicated Exam Supervisor. He can be reached at ian@macpherson.gen.nz.
• AREC Group Leader: Don MacDonald (Callsign ZL3DMC) is responsible for the club's vital Amateur Radio Emergency Communications (AREC) efforts. He can be reached at glchristchurch@arec.nz.

The club's activities are further enriched by Publications: Hamlarks Editor - Kelvin Barnsdale (ZL3KB), reachable at kb.ew@xtra.co.nz. Kelvin is also an Exam Supervisor and a Morse Examiner.

Diverse Meeting Schedule and Active Nets

The Christchurch ARC offers a dynamic and welcoming schedule for its members to gather, learn, and connect:

• General Meeting: Held on the first Wednesday of each month.
• Casual Tuesday Night: Weekly informal gathering for a "natter & cuppa" at 7:30 PM. This provides a relaxed setting for members to socialize and exchange ideas.
• Committee Meeting: Held on the Monday after the First Wednesday of each month at 7:30 PM.
• AREC Meetings: Held on the second Wednesday of the month, underscoring the club's commitment to emergency preparedness.
• Net Information: A consistent net is held every Sunday evening at 8:00 PM on the 145.625 Repeater.

All these meetings and gatherings take place at the 5 Idris Road clubrooms, making it a central and accessible hub for the Christchurch amateur radio community.

Fostering New Talent and Morse Code Proficiency

The Christchurch ARC is highly committed to growing the amateur radio community, boasting a strong team of Exam Supervisors ready to guide aspiring radio amateurs through the licensing process:

• Kelvin Barnsdale (Callsign ZL3KB), kb.ew@xtra.co.nz
• Ian MacPherson (Callsign ZL3TAO), ian@macpherson.gen.nz
• D.H. Pratt (Callsign ZL2BCF), zl2bcf@gmail.com
• Des Rowe (Callsign ZL3AK), drcr.rowe@xtra.co.nz
• Rob Thirkettle (Callsign ZL3RX), rob@alliedog.co.nz
• A. van Poppel (Callsign ZL3TVP), tony.vp@xtra.co.nz

In addition to licensing, the club supports Morse Code proficiency with Morse Examiners: Des Rowe (ZL3AK), Kelvin Barnsdale (ZL3KB), and Richard Smart (ZL4FZ).

Whether you're a seasoned "ham" looking for a vibrant and active local community, an aspiring radio amateur keen to earn your license (and perhaps learn Morse Code!), or simply interested in the world of wireless communication and its vital role in community services, the Christchurch ARC offers a welcoming and engaging environment in the Garden City.

For more details on the Christchurch Amateur Radio Club and their activities, visit their website at http://www.chchhamradio.org.nz or drop by one of their many upcoming meetings or social gatherings!