To all Commonwealth Amateur Radio Stations
It is with great honour, as President of The Radio Society of Great Britain, to confirm that the iconic RSGB Headquarters station GB5CC will once again be on air and for this year’s Commonwealth Contest, I will be its operator. We do so in respectful memory of Bob Whelan G3PJT, a former RSGB President, colleague, and friend to many across the world, whose lifelong service and quiet leadership left an enduring mark on amateur radio and on the Society. I very much look forward to working many stations across the Commonwealth, sharing time on the air that reflects the fellowship, tradition, and sense of community that Bob valued so deeply and which remain at the heart of this contest. I look forward to working you over the contest weekend from my home station in Guernsey, Channel Islands.
73
Bob
Bob Beebe
GU4YOX
President
The Radio Society of Great Britain
The first time I entered BERU, I won the VP8GQ Trophy. Bob Whelan encouraged me to write the trip up, and “A Yankee Clipper in Her Majesty’s Commonwealth Contest” was the result. (Google it!)
For 2026, I will operate from VP9, hoping to duplicate the 2012 achievement, and dedicate my effort to the memory of G3PJT. His memory is forever intertwined with this contest, in my mind.
We all get to die twice….
The first time is when our heart stops beating…
The second, is when our name is spoken for the last time.
Allen – N2KW