Titahi Bay Hams: Porirua Club a Dynamic Hub for Communication and Community

Titahi Bay, Porirua – For radio enthusiasts in the Porirua area, the Titahi Bay amateur radio branch (Branch Number 42) stands as a vibrant and active hub for communication, learning, and community engagement. With regular meetings, open clubrooms, and consistent activity on both VHF and HF nets, this dedicated group keeps the airwaves buzzing and fosters a thriving local "ham" community.

The club holds its gatherings at Tireti Hall, located at the corner of Tireti Road & Te Pene Avenue, Titahi Bay, Porirua. This accessible location provides a comfortable space for their various activities. For postal correspondence, their address is 30 Peterhouse Street, Wellington 5028.

Dedicated Leadership and Technical Expertise

The Titahi Bay branch is guided by a committed team of officers who ensure smooth club operations and a strong focus on crucial amateur radio functions, including emergency preparedness and technical infrastructure:

• President, Repeater Trustee & Club Callsign Trustee: J. Linschoten (Callsign ZL2JTL) leads the branch, oversees its repeater infrastructure, and manages its on-air identity. He also serves as an Exam Supervisor. He can be reached at zl2jtl@gmail.com.
• Secretary & Exam Supervisor: B.C. Officer (Callsign ZL2BCO) handles the club's administration and is also instrumental in guiding new aspirants into the hobby. He can be contacted at b.officer@andcer.com.
• AREC Group Leader: Ross A. Pedder (Callsign ZL2UAC) is responsible for the club's vital Amateur Radio Emergency Communications (AREC) efforts. He can be reached at gltitahibay@arec.nz.

The club benefits from the expertise of its Repeater Trustees, John Linschoten (ZL2JTL) and Ken Pattle (ZL2TKY). Ken Pattle (ZL2TKY) also serves as an Exam Supervisor (kenandcindy@xtra.co.nz).

Diverse Meeting Schedule and Active Nets

The Titahi Bay branch offers a dynamic schedule for its members to gather, learn, and connect:

• Formal Meeting: Held on the first Tuesday of each month (except January) at 7:30 PM. The Annual General Meeting (AGM) is specifically held on the first Tuesday in February at 7:30 PM. These gatherings are excellent opportunities for members to discuss club news, share technical insights, and socialize.
• Clubrooms Open: The clubrooms are open every Tuesday night at 7:30 PM, providing informal opportunities for members to work on projects, chat, and enjoy the hobby. Visitors are always welcome, but it's advised to check with a contact person if in doubt about opening.
• Committee Meetings: Held as required, and visitors are also welcome to attend.

Beyond in-person gatherings, the Titahi Bay branch maintains a strong presence on the airwaves with its regular nets:

• Sunday VHF Net: Held on the 146.750 MHz Repeater at 7:40 PM.
• Sunday HF Net: Connect on 3710 kHz (3.71 MHz) at 8:00 PM.

Fostering New Talent: Dedicated Exam Supervisors

The Titahi Bay branch is highly committed to fostering new talent, boasting a dedicated team of Exam Supervisors ready to guide aspiring radio amateurs through the licensing process:

• B.C. Officer (Callsign ZL2BCO), b.officer@andcer.com
• J. Linschoten (Callsign ZL2JTL), zl2jtl@gmail.com
• K.A. Pattle (Callsign ZL2TKY), kenandcindy@xtra.co.nz

The club also maintains an active presence on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/tbarc.

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, the Titahi Bay amateur radio branch offers a welcoming and engaging environment in Porirua.

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For more details on the Titahi Bay amateur radio group and their activities, visit their Facebook page or drop by their club rooms on a Tuesday evening!