|
|
|
|
Oldham ARC Rally Cancellation Notice
Oldham Amateur Radio Club regrettably announces the cancellation of it's
Rally which was to take place on 22nd January 2006 at the Oldham Sports
and Leisure Centre.
The cancellation is due to insufficient take up of table space by traders.
Out of over 50 traders invited to attend only 12 had made confirmed bookings
with less than 4 weeks to go to the opening. The vast majority of the
remainder stated that they were no longer supporting rallies or that they
were only intending to be present at the Blackpool and Donnington events.
The Oldham Rally has been providing a platform for everyone involved with
Amateur Radio since the mid 1980's and could normally expect to put approximately
40 traders on display. In addition further accommodation was given, at
no cost, to voluntary groups (Repeater Groups, RNARS, RAFARS, Royal
Signals, RSGB etc.etc.) in order to provide a more comprehensive event
for visitors. This was in a vast hall that was well lit and warm, and
even when full with traders and hobbyists there was still room to move
around in comfort
to view the items on display.
Obviously with only 12 confirmed traders bookings and the others definitely
declining there was no way that the club could host a viable rally that
would be beneficial to all concerned. With the cost of hiring the hall
rising each year it was important to fill it with traders and visitors.
This was obviously going to be impossible so reluctantly the event had
to be cancelled.
Of the 12 confirmed traders the club was delighted to see that 2 major
companies, Waters & Stanton and Moonraker are still highly committed
to supporting the hobby as they were among the first of the confirmed
traders to claim space at the event and both expressed disappointment
when informed of the cancellation.
Unfortunately this is further confirmation of the trend of declining interest
in Amateur Radio and it is feared that many other events could be similarly
affected.
Oldham Amateur Radio Club gives it's apologies to all who were planning
on coming to the Rally and would like to assure everyone that every avenue
will be explored to try to organise another event sometime in the future.
73
Geoff Oliver G0BJR
Chairman, Oldham Amateur Radio Club.
Website: http://www.oarc.org.uk/
|
|
|
