New lease of life for Russell Radio
Russell Radio's annual general meeting on November 19, attracted an enthusiastic turnout of members and non-members and the election of the committee saw fresh blood on board.
Russell Radio has moved to new premises at 8 Church Street, Russell.
Equipped now with modern and sophisticated equipment, Russell Radio's operations room is now no longer the massive array of aerials that it was at Ritchie Blomfield's home in York Street.
But this is the only change that will be evident to the boating community at large.
Russell Radio gives the same friendly service with weather forecasts and general information continuing from 0800 till 2000 daily, serving the boating fraternity.
Russell Radio is also displaying weather charts in windows around Russell.
Ritchie Blomfield started the concept of a friendly voice on the waves in 1951 with a 12 volt ex army radio telephone given to him by Fullers to enable the fleet of fishing boats operating in the area to stay in touch.
Over the years, equipment improved along with the level of services expanding to cover SSB for trans-Tasman and trans-Pacific yachts and localised VHF channel 63 coverage for the Bay of Islands.
Ritchie's lifetime association with the sea and local knowledge of the Bay of Islands' climatic intricacies made him a legend.
Many vessels owes their safe homecoming to the quick action and wealth of local knowledge that Ritchie acquired over his many years in Russell.
He was helped by his daughter Lynda, and some of the workload on SSB for ocean-going yachts was, and still is, undertaken by an affiliate station operated by Des Renner from his home in Te Haumi.
Des can frequently be heard on channel 16, 74 and 63 directing visiting boats to the customs dock in Opua marina.
Russell Radio was assisted for a time by Kerikeri Radio, operated by the Cullens from their home. This station is no longer on air, but their wealth of information in procedures and technical knowledge has been passed on to Russell Radio.
Russell Radio is a voluntary organisation, dependant on donations and membership and time given by dedicated volunteers who man the air waves 365 days a year.
A full time station manager has been appointed. Stewart Irvine,a master mariner who moved to Russell a year ago after several years working in Saudi Arabia as a Marine Surveyor, is now charged with the responsibility of recruiting more volunteers and raising the profile of Russell Radio.
Stewart is keen to see Russell Radio continue to offer the boating community the same weather forecasts and central information facilities that have been Ritchie's legacy to ensure safety at sea.
Russell Radio would like to hear from anyone with a few hours to spare to help man the VHF.
Please pop in for a chat with Stewart, or phone 403 7218 anytime.
Russell Radio is building a database of boats and owners and provided they get your call when you set out, the radio station will listen out for your safe return and try to arrange assistance if you require it.
For an annual subscription of $50, you can become a member of Russell Radio. Membership forms are available at the radio station and only take a few moments to fill in.
Russell Radio 09 403 7218
Hours of operation:
0800 to 2000 on VHF Channel 16, 63 and 03
0800 to 2000 on SSB 2182
1900 to 1930 on SSB 4417
1930 to 1945 on SSB 6516
Additionally from the Te Haumi station on VHF channel 16, 63 and 74. SSB 4445, 6224 & 13101 at times arranged by Blue water sailors and Des Renner - phone 09 402 7574.
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