Ropoco 1 in 2002 differed from recent events in several respects. Most importantly, it was a much closer-run affair, and even after several reviews of the adjudication process, three stations could not be separated at the top of the table. Congratulations therefore to Don Beattie, G3BJ; Dave Lawley, G4BUO; and Robert Morgan, M0TTT/P, who jointly head the table. Special mention should be made of M0TTT, who achieved this accolade at the first attempt, and at the tender age of 15 years: clearly the senior citizens of Ropoco must look to their laurels! However, Don and Dave saved their blushes by submitting error-free logs, and therefore share both the Verulam Silver Jubilee Trophy, as well as that for the highest-scoring error-free log.

Nearly everyone once more expressed how much they enjoyed the event, and many submitted suggestions for improvement. These are too numerous to mention here, but as always include variation of the timing. The adjudicator feels that action in this regard would invigorate an already popular contest.

Another difference on this occasion was the facility kindly provided by Ray, G4FON, which enabled direct conversion of all electronic logs to the database format which was used for all cross-checking since Ropoco2 2000, even several non-standard, idiosyncratic formats: well done Ray! This produced, as usual, over 2000 lines of QSO information. The other side of this coin was that paper-based logs increased to 11 in number, all of which had to be retyped for the adjudication process.

The error rate in respect of postcodes and RST reports, was once again in the order of 5%, a very commendable performance , well done everyone. See you all in Ropoco 2.

Clive Whelan, GW3NJW.

Check logs gratefully acknowledged from G0ATR and G3HZL.