# Becoming a radio amateur

## The Radio Society of Great Britain

The RSGB is the national society for radio amateurs in the UK. The majority of its members hold amateur transmitting licences: the others either hope to do so later or are interested primarily in the receiving side of amateur radio.

The Society acts as the spokesman for the radio amateur and amateur radio in the UK, and is one of the founder members of the International Amateur Radio Union, the worldwide association of the various national societies.

The Society was founded as the London Wireless Club in 1913 but soon attracted members throughout the country. The name Radio Society of Great Britain was formally adopted in 1922. For many years its activities have been devoted almost entirely to the many aspects of amateur radio, that is, the transmission and reception of radio signals as a hobby pursued for the pleasure to be derived from an interest in radio techniques and construction and for the ensuing friendships with like-minded persons throughout the world.

The Society is recognised as the representative of the amateur radio movement in all negotiations with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) on matters affecting the issue of amateur transmitting licences.

The Society maintains close liaison with the DTI on all matters affecting licence facilities and the frequencies assigned to amateur radio, and sends official representatives to the important World Administrative Radio Conferences of the International Telecommunication Union and other conferences where decisions vital to the future of amateur radio are taken.

The Society helps amateur radio in many ways. Of particular importance is the provision of information on technical matters and on the various activities and events of concern to amateurs. Since 1925 it has published a monthly journal, Radio Communication, the oldest and largest magazine in this country devoted to amateur radio. All members receive this magazine by post, without payment other than their annual membership subscriptions.

Anyone over 18 years of age or holding an amateur transmitting licence is eligible to become a Corporate Member of the Society. It is not necessary to be engaged professionally in radio but equally this would not debar any one from joining. Many members do in fact work in the electronics field, but for very many others radio is purely a spare-time hobby. If you are over 65 years of age or a student under the age of 25 who holds a UK licence, you are eligible to become a Corporate (concessionary) member at a reduced subscription. Those under 18 years old who do not hold an amateur transmitting licence may become Associate members. Associates have many of the privileges of full membership but do not vote in the annual Council election or on matters affecting the management of the Society. Associates must apply for transfer to Corporate membership on reaching 18 years of age or immediately they obtain a transmitting licence if under this age.

Full details of the aims, activities and advantages of membership of the Radio Society of Great Britain may be obtained from its Headquarters at Lambda House, Cranborne Road, Potters Bar, Herts. EN6 3JE.

Visit the RSGB website

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