Three amateurs receive awards

At the SARL 80th anniversary breakfast sponsored by the South African Amateur Radio Development Trust the recipients of the Siemens Radio Amateur of the Year Awards and the Amateur Radio Community Service Award were presented.

The Siemens Radio Amateur of the Year Award was awarded to Richard Seddon, ZS2CLI, for his continuous work and new innovation on the SARL website. His recent innovations include discussion forums and a South African QSL facility which will assist ZR's with upgrades if they go the operating route and facilitate application for various SARL Awards.

The judges had a difficult time to come to a decision as all three nominations competed very closely. The ultimate deciding factor was the number of people's lives the nominee had touched with his contribution. The impact of the winner's contribution to amateur radio had both a national and international impact.

The Junior Siemens Radio Amateur of the Year Award was presented to Edrich de Lange, ZR5TUX. This is the second year that Edrich received the award, the first time since the awards were introduced. Edrich has shown continued ingenuity and technical advancement.

The Amateur Radio Community Service Award was presented to Alistair and Davina Campbell, ZS5MU and ZS5GC. ,Alistair started the Net on 26 October, 1979, in response to a request for weather information from an international yacht which was sailing from Mauritius to Durban. Having sailed for a number of years which included some off-shore yachting, he understands what yachts require. ,Initially weather information was gleaned from TV, Radio South Africa, and by fax from Phil Unterhorst, ZS5RJ, who was then at Durban International Airport.

Alistair's Net has been involved in numerous incidents: medical emergencies, mechanical and rigging emergencies, rescues, comedies and tragedies, and even legal issues. He is supported by his wife Davina who often handles the net if Alistair is not available.

Congratulations to the recipients. The awards are well deserved.

Courtesy of The South African Radio League

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