Marlborough, Blenheim ARC: A Strong Link for Communications in Wine Country

Blenheim, NZ – For radio enthusiasts across the Marlborough region, the Blenheim Amateur Radio Club (ARC) Inc., Branch Number 22, stands as a vibrant and active hub for communication, learning, and community engagement. With a consistent schedule of general and social meetings, robust VHF and HF nets, and a strong focus on emergency communications, this dedicated group fosters a thriving local "ham" community in New Zealand's renowned wine country.

The club holds its General Meetings at the Marlborough EOC (Emergency Operations Centre), located at 4 Wither Road (West Extension), Blenheim 7201. This strategic location underscores their commitment to emergency preparedness. For postal correspondence, their address is 7A Lane Street, Blenheim 7201.

Dedicated Leadership and Essential Technical Support

The Marlborough, Blenheim 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: John G. Errington (Callsign ZL3TIL) leads the branch, and can be reached at john@errington.co.nz.
• Secretary: D.N. Laing (Callsign ZL3DN) handles the club's administration and can be contacted at dnl0949@gmail.com.
• AREC Group Leader: Paul W.G. Rennie (Callsign ZL2RE) is responsible for the club's vital Amateur Radio Emergency Communications (AREC) efforts for the Tasman region. He can be reached at gltasman@arec.nz. Paul is also one of the Club Callsign Trustees.

The club benefits from the expertise of its Branch Repeater Trustees, David Rothwell (ZL2WDR) and Stuart Watchman (ZL2TW), ensuring the proper functioning of their regional repeaters. The other Club Callsign Trustee is Graeme McKay.

Diverse Meeting Schedule and Active Nets

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

• General Meeting: Held on the second Thursday of the month at 7:30 PM at the EOC, 4 Wither Road, with the exception of January. These gatherings are an excellent opportunity for members to discuss club news, share technical insights, and socialize.
• Social Group: Held on the third Thursday of each month, providing a relaxed setting for camaraderie.
• Committee Meeting: Held on the fourth Thursday of the month at 7:30 PM, ensuring regular club governance.

Beyond in-person gatherings, the Marlborough, Blenheim ARC maintains a strong presence on the airwaves with its regular nets:

• VHF Net: Held on Mondays at 7:30 PM on the Blenheim 146.950, 145.600, and 147.225 MHz linked repeaters. This provides extensive local and regional coverage.
• HF Net: Held on Tuesdays and Saturdays at 8:30 PM on 3876 MHz.

Fostering New Talent: Dedicated Exam Supervisors

The Marlborough, Blenheim 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:

• W.G. Cousins (Callsign ZL2AYZ), b.cousins@xtra.co.nz
• Nicholas Batt (Callsign ZL2NEB), nick@zl2neb.nz

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 Marlborough, Blenheim ARC offers a welcoming and engaging environment.

For more details on the Marlborough, Blenheim Amateur Radio Club and their activities, visit their website at http://zl2ks.org.nz or drop by one of their upcoming meetings!