Join the exclusive RCF 500 club and help the Radio Communications Foundation share the wonders of amateur radio with the next generation.

We have made considerable progress over the last five years in bringing amateur radio to a wider audience. Through the efforts of many individuals and their clubs, increasing numbers of newcomers have been attracted to the hobby with an influx of new ideas and enthusiasm. Radio clubs have reached out to support and engage their local communities, schools and other organisations to show how an interest in amateur radio can be of benefit to all. The Foundation Licence has provided an easy entry point into amateur radio activities.

Nationally, the spearhead of the programme has been the demonstration vehicle or classroom, GB4FUN. Over the past few years, it has visited over 85 events and 205 schools. The testimonials from education professionals keep coming in, often accompanied with a request for another visit. Demand far outstrips our ability to meet it.

For sometime, the RSGB has been looking for a second vehicle, GB4FUN/2. Having two vehicles would revolutionise the logistics of supporting the schools and events programme. Now, through the good offices of Ken Blanshard, M0KPB, we have found a suitable new vehicle from the Metropolitan Police at a very attractive price.

The running costs of GB4FUN/1 are in the order of £30,000 to £40,000 per year. These costs are being met by members’ contributions either via the RCF or the RSGB. However, at present these funds will not support a second vehicle.
The trustees of the RCF have undertaken to raise the funds for GB4FUN/2 through two courses of action. One is to seek corporate sponsorship.

The second action is to form a club, named the ‘RCF 500’, of individuals who are willing to make a special effort to raise the funds necessary. The target is to recruit 500 individuals who will covenant to contribute £100/year for three years to get GB4FUN/2 well and truly on the road. As these individuals will be donating to a charity the RCF would in many cases be able to recover tax from the taxman to further swell the funds! These funds would be earmarked for the whole GB4FUN project and would be under the independent stewardship of the RCF trustees.

To get the project started RCF trustee Bob Whelan G3PJT has decided to donate the purchase price of GB4FUN/2 personally. Out of the 25,000 members of the RSGB, there must be 500 who will join and work with us to raise the further funds necessary.

GB4FUN/2 will greatly enhance our ability to bring radio communications fully into education and through that secure the long term future of the hobby.

You can join online line by clicking on the button below or alternatively you can download an RCF500 Club form (pdf)