latest news
DJ1YFK = DX Contester of 2009
by Chris Burbanks on 18-Jan-10 16:45
BWQP Nov 2009 Results posted
by Chris Burbanks on 13-Jan-10 14:50
DJ4KW goes to Belize
by Chris Burbanks on 09-Jan-10 17:37
G3RWF goes back to Uganda
by Chris Burbanks on 09-Jan-10 16:55
RSS FeedThe First Class CW Operators' Club (FOC) web site ... is dedicated to the Achievements and Expertise of FOC members in Amateur Radio. A celebration of the contribution by our members to the development and enjoyment of the hobby.
FOC with its roots, history and management in the UK, promotes good CW
(morse code) operating, activity, friendship and socialising via its
worldwide membership of 500. Members are active on all HF bands and
the character of the club is best expressed in its motto: “A man
should keep his friendship in constant repair” – Samuel Johnson (1755)
Bob G3PJT (FOC 1778) operates 40m CW at GB7HQ
One of the club's past members, W5FXN
summarised the essentials of the organisation in one of the monthly
news-sheets. An excerpt is reproduced below:
"FOC
is more than a club; it is a way of life, a camaraderie. It is an
organised effort to that which is good for all by example. FOC means
more than a clean CW operator capable of transcribing 60 wpm in
Old-English characters with a 6" brush. FOC means a clean signal, a
willingness to QRS to 3 wpm for the struggling beginner, a helping hand
for the aspirant down the street, a feeling of one-ness who would like
to see the level of amateur radio rise. FOC is not an award, it is a goal"
Al Slater Award 2009
The Al Slater, G3FXB, Memorial Award presented by the First Class CW Operators ClubThe Award is presented once a year to an individual, group or society that has, in the judgement of the FOC Committee, made an outstanding contribution to the hobby that reflects the attitudes and approach of Al Slater. This came from exemplary and considerate operating standards and a high level of encouragement, friendship and support given to other amateurs, especially newcomers. Al’s whole approach to amateur radio, and indeed, to many aspects of life itself, was something that others appreciate, look up to and seek to emulate.
The winner for 2009 is Don Field, G3XTT, shown here receiving the award from Al Slater's Daughter.
Other winners have been (FOC Members in bold) - Bill Maxson N4AR, The Chiltern DX Club, Fred Laun K3ZO, The NCDXF, Peter Watson ZL3GQ, Lou van de Nadort PAØLOU, Roger Western G3SXW, Frank Donovan W3LPL, Chris Page G4BUE, Dave Sumner K1ZZ, Dennis Andews F5VHY, FISTS CW Club, Dave Lawley G4BUO and Paul O’Kane EI5DI.