Gironde's Enduring Airwaves: The RAG-REF 33 Chronicles a Century of Amateur Radio

ARTIGUES PRÈS BORDEAUX, Gironde — In the heart of the Gironde department (33), the Radio Amateurs de la Gironde (RAG-REF 33) stands as a beacon for the region's radio enthusiasts. Located at 48 Avenue de Pinsan, 33370 Artigues près Bordeaux, this local REF (Réseau des Émetteurs Français) affiliate is dedicated to fostering the hobby, facilitating communication, and preserving the rich history of amateur radio in the region.

The RAG-REF 33 is presided over by M. Michel Trias (F5OZF), who can be reached via email at f5ozf@radioamateur.net. The association maintains a robust online presence through its website, http://rag-ref33.r-e-f.org, which serves as a comprehensive resource for information and updates on their activities.

For the crucial task of QSL card management, M. Jean-Paul Otin (F5TBX) takes the lead, ensuring that contacts made by RAG-REF 33 members are efficiently confirmed and processed. This dedicated role highlights the association's commitment to supporting its members' global communication efforts.

A Century of Presence: Tracing the REF's History in Gironde

A particularly notable aspect of the RAG-REF 33's heritage is its deep connection to the history of amateur radio in Gironde. Gérard F2VX, a key figure in the Girondine community, compiled a comprehensive document detailing the history of the REF in Gironde since 1925. This invaluable chronology, meticulously enriched and updated, is now available for download on the association's website.

The document, celebrating "75 ans de présence du REF en GIRONDE" as of February 2015, offers a fascinating journey through the decades of amateur radio development in the region. It's a testament to the enduring passion, innovation, and community spirit that have characterized the hobby for nearly a century. This historical record is a must-read for anyone interested in the local roots of global communication.

The RAG-REF 33 stands as a vital local resource, providing a space for learning, sharing, and connecting with fellow radio amateurs, thereby enriching the fabric of the hobby in the Gironde department and ensuring its legacy continues for generations to come.