Most radio amateurs know there is a sound relationship between our hobby and scouting with events like Jamboree on the Air and Thinking day on the Air every year. But there are many other ways in which radio and scouting go well together, so this week scout Matthew 2E0MAP gives us an insight into how his two hobbies work together and in particular shows how radio unites scouts from around the world in the world Jamboree.
We meet at CNS from 7pm-10pm with the talk starting just after 8pm - everyone welcome.
David G7URP

This week join Ken 2E0CIP to ragchew anything you like.
It starts at 19.30 on GB3NB (145.625MHz) and of course everyone is welcome!
David G7URP

This is SOS radio week which raises awareness and funds for the RNLI, so why not try to work some of the special event stations running around the country including our colleagues in the Bittern DX group who are running GB5SLB from Sheringham Lifeboat Station.
Many more details from the comprehensive website at www.sosradioweek.org.uk
Nicky 2E0NKI

Its coming to the end of January and so far we have 2 entries in this years DX ladder, can you beat Ray or Marks scores ? come and join in its FREE !
Click here to see DX ladder, you will need to login to upload your scores.
Mark G0LGJ

Well, why not? Contests have been in amateur radio since amateur radio began, so you can safely count on them remaining part of our hobby!  It's not something that
appeals to everyone, but if you would like to take part in some really short contests and help NARC into the bargain, then please consider taking part in the RSGB 80M
CC contests.   We have a good base of operators at the moment, but we could always use more, especially to help NARC become the leading Club in the UK. Now that
WOULD be a great achievement, and it is very satisfying to know that you have been part of the team.  We have lost some participants who used to operate regularly for
whatever reason, so we are always on the lookout for new blood. Help and advice is always on hand. If you have an HF transceiver and can operate
on 80 metres, SSB, CW, or DATA, or indeed all three modes, then have a think about taking part. There are three contests per month, starting February and ending in July.
They only last 90 minutes so not a drag on your time. It will help with your operating skills and also give you a lot of fun along the way.  Friday evenings we have a contest
net on 145.250 starting at 2000 so if you care to join us there you will be welcome. Here you can discuss what you need, how to operate, how to tackle CW and DATA
because anybody can use SSB. Beats the hell out of talking about the weather!
Roger G3LDI

Two Canadian teenagers launch a man into space and return him safely.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-16759220
Roger G3LDI

This week is a social and general construction evening, plus Bright Sparks for our younger members who will be working on their christmas projects (Genie programmers help appreciated!) and a Contest workshop.
David G7URP

Following a very successful distance learning course last year (read all about it in this months Radcom) Steve G0FUW and his team are running another distance learning course for the Advance level starting next month. You need to register in advance and the course itself is free, although a small deposit is payable which is returned when you complete the course. For some of you with busy lives or work shifts including weekends it could be an ideal way to learn, so for more information and to register please contact Steve directly by emailing   This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
I am pleased to confirm that  I will be running an Advance exam sitting on July 6th at my DCP premises to support the distance learning course, although of course you are welcome to self learn and take an exam on your own if you wish - this is the only license level where you can do this without any instructor or assessor being involved. The exam facilities will be free, just the RCF exam fee (currently £37.50) and you will need book this with me no later than 13th June - I know its a long way off but if you intend to do it please diary it now as the timeline is firm and fixed.
And finally, following my previous request for instructors for our own Norfolk Advance course (more required - only 4 volunteers so far!) I received lots of requests for dates and times etc from prospective candidates. I am in early stages of planning and need to bring together a full team of instructors before I can even begin to plan a course, but it should be after the summer (so not to conflict with the distance learning course) and you can send me an email to register on the waiting list and I will send you dates and times as soon as I have them. Meantime you could always buy the Advance book, register on the distance learning course and start becoming familiar with some of the terminology and maths so that you are well prepared for the course.......
David G7URP

Thanks to Steve G3PND and Kevin M0UJD for a most enlightening and interesting talk on safe ways to wire your shack and what you are and are not allowed to do under Part P regulations.
We concluded the evening by showing a short YouTube Video on some very alarming new LED light bulb replacements some of which bring new noise threats to our hobby. To watch again visit 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o8zMhjXcmoA
and have a look in the latest Radcom which has a really interesting article on the subject on pages 52 and 53....
David G7URP