Despite the reported poor conditions, participation was around the same as the previous year, but some seemed to suffer more from the high QRN than others.

After last year’s mention of stations declaring a power level higher than that permitted by their licence, there were still four stations that did the same this time around. These have been moved to check-logs.

One station was permitted to enter their log using their allocated Short Contest Call, due to confusion caused by the wording of their new NoV. Another station that also used their SCC was moved to a check-log, since they were operating using the old NoV which certainly did not permit its use. SCCs will not be permitted in the 2014 Club Calls Contest.

One Club station included no fewer than four “unique” QSOs with members of their own Club. This is not within the spirit of the contest (as stated in the rules). No other station included a single “same club” unique. Consequently, those QSOs were disqualified. Please ensure that your club members understand that working EXCLUSIVELY their own club stations/members is not only against the spirit of contesting, but is easily detectable with our excellent adjudication software.

Anyway, enough of the transgressions – it would be nice to have none next year.

It was very close at the top of the individual station scores. So, by a mere 26 points the Ariel trophy is awarded to GX6YB of the Bristol Contest Group, operated this year by G3TKF, G4FSU and G0BKU, with Robert, M0VFC of Camb-Hams in second place. Obviously, GX6YB and M0VFC also win certificates as best placed Club Station and Member Station respectively.

The David Hill, G4IQM Memorial Trophy sees a reversal of the individual table with Camb-Hams beating Bristol CG into second place.

There was one suggestion to shorten the contest. However, the activity, pace and conditions seem to be able to support the current format, but I would welcome any further comments.

Listening to the contest (and reading some of the soapbox comments) it was pleasing to hear that this contest is still a popular one among societies, and one which continues to be conducted in a “gentlemanly manner” (with apologies to any YL ops!)

My thanks to G7TWC and M0BPQ for putting on the RSGB HQ station

Note: Any station with an asterisk* against their club name was calculated to be over the 80km limit, so scores are not attributed to Team Scores or the Cumulative AFS table.

Rob Thomson, G4LMW

Adjudicator