The
committee elected at the Annual General Meeting were John Armstrong, Martin Balch, Ted Gilbert, Vern
Hall. Michael Harkness, Ate Heineman, Ian Milne, Keith Simon
and Terry Thomas. At the first committee meeting the following were re-elected:
Chairman, Michael Harkness; Secretary, Ian Milne; Treasurer, John Armstrong and
Repeater Trustee, Martin Balch. Les McBean and Ron Johnston were welcomed to
the committee as group members representing the Port Chalmers Yacht Club and
the Tautuku Fishing Club Inc., respectively.
Barry Crane agreed to be our external reviewer, and it was decided to
appoint an Honorary Solictor as and when required.
During
the year the committee discussed the questions submitted by Ted Gilbert to the
AGM and fomulated answers, which will be placed on our blogsite (otagomaritimevhfassn.blogspot.com/).
The committee looked at following-up a proposal by Terry that the Association
place notices seeking new members and promoting water safety at boat ramps; a
practice followed by other associations around the country. During the past
year the power cable to the repeater on Hautai Hill was replaced with the help
of volunteer labour and generous help with heavy machinery from the Reids, who
own Nature’s Wonders. Without their support this project would not have been
possible. The Association obtained a grant from the Bendigo Foundation to
partially fund this project. We also attempted to test the effectiveness of a
repeater, operating from our old site in Emerson Street, to reach areas in the
harbour and along the coast not well served by Channel 62. You will find
further details in Martin’s report.
I would like to thank the committee for
their support especially Martin and Ian and our volunteer operators: Martin Balch, Ted Gilbert, Kevin Hughes, Heather and
Keith Simon. I would also like to thank
those who have helped with the evening weather round-ups and provided relief
for Keith and Martin.
Sadly Heather Simon passed
away at the beginning of December 2011. For many years Heather helped Keith operate
the Taieri Mouth repeater, and was very helpful to boaters intending to cross
the bar at mouth of the Taieri River. She will be missed by many recreational
boaters.
Michael Harkness
