50th Anniversary of GB2RS News

His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh

Sunday is a very special day for the GB2RS news service. It will be exactly 50 years since the first official GB2RS broadcast was transmitted by Frank Hicks-Arnold, G6MB, on 25 September 1955.

To mark this unique occasion, the Radio Society of Great Britain's patron – His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh – has presented us with a special anniversary message:

“Exactly 50 years ago, on 25 September 1955, the RSGB was granted permission to broadcast a weekly news bulletin addressed to radio amateurs under the callsign GB2RS. This major initiative has proved to be an outstanding success, and I am delighted to have this opportunity to congratulate the pioneers of this valuable service, and to acknowledge the contribution of the 130 volunteers who read the weekly bulletins over the air waves. I understand that these bulletins are now distributed as far afield as Australia and New Zealand , and are then relayed over VHF transmitters.

“This special anniversary occasion also gives me the chance to send my greetings and good wishes to all the listeners to these news broadcasts. Amateur radio has made significant contributions to the development of radio communications worldwide, and it has been responsible for many important innovations. I am confident that the hobby will continue to flourish in the future and that it will give its followers the same challenges and satisfaction.”

Source: GB2RS News - Courtesy of the RSGB

• For more information on the British Monarchy, click here

Other recent stories..

Other News Stories

• Get our news headlines for your website - click here
• Submit your news story - click here