Compiled by John KC0G / M0KCY
“The Northern Radio Societies’ Association was formed in 1965 with the object of presenting Amateur Radio to the public. A secondary object was to provide an opportunity for enthusiasts in the North West to meet one another periodically. Successful Conventions were held in the Autumns of 1965 and 1966 and after a break of eighteen months the third Convention was held on 19 May, 1968 at Belle Vue Gardens, Manchester.
With the objects already mentioned in mind the Committee of the NRSA started planning this year’s Convention in November 1967. The previous Chairman, through business and family commitments, was unable to continue in office and Mr Wm. M. Furness, G3SMM, was elected to serve in his place. It was thought that this year’s Convention should be held early in the Amateur season at a time when it was unlikely to conflict with other events in the nature of rallies or contests.
The clubs in NRSA, namely Ashton-u-Lyne & District RS, Bury & Rossendale RS, East Lancashire RC, Eccles & District RC, Manchester & District ARS, NW V.H.F. Group, South Manchester RC, Stockport RC and Wirral Amateur RS, were to arrange their own stands and displays.”
| Year | Date | Venue | RSGB Bulletin | Short Wave Magazine | Practical Wireless | Wireless World |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1965 | 10 October | Belle Vue Manchester | RSGB, Apr 1965, p. 260; May 1965, p. 342; Jun 1965, p. 404; Jul 1965, p. 484, Aug 1965, p. 549; “Looking ahead” describing it as the “Manchester Amateur Radio Convention” RSGB, Sept 1965, p. 616; Oct 1965, p. 689; “Looking ahead” “Northern Radio Societies Convention, Belle Vue” RSGB, Oct 1965, p. 684 editorial notice | SWM, May 1965, p. 170; SWM June 1965, p. 236; mentions the newly constituted “Northern Radio Societies Association” SWM Sept 1965, p. 398; “…. and the aim is to make this a really worthwhile occasion, with an exhibition, demonstrations, lectures and a programme of events for /M’s and radio-controlled model boats and aircraft.” SWM Oct 1965, pp. 494 and 500; notes that the entrance charge is the standard one for Belle Vue. SWM Dec 1965, p. 602, RTTY at Belle Vue | Practical Wireless, Nov 1965, p. 618 | |
| 1966 | 3-4 September | Belle Vue Manchester | RSGB, May 1966, p. 342 Jun 1966, p. 418; Jul 1966, p. 483; Aug 1966, p. 549; “Looking ahead” RSGB Jul 1966, pp. 461 details in an editorial notice RSGB Oct 1966 p. 669 full page report. NRSA second convention | SWM May 1966, p.170; SWM Oct 1966, p. 488 RTTY at Belle Vue | Wireless World, Jun 1966, p.279, notice of second convention in “World of Wireless” column | |
| 1967 | No Show | No Show | RSGB Jul 1968, p. 454, no show in 1967. | |||
| 1968 | 19 May | Belle Vue Manchester | RSGB, Mar 1968, p. 201 “Looking ahead” “Amateur Radio Convention, Belle Vue, Manchester” Mar. 1968, p. 194 SMRC preparation of caravan Apr 1968, p. 256 “Looking ahead” “Northern Radio Societies’ Convention, Belle Vue, Manchester”, Apr 1968, p. 259, details in an editorial notice; May 1968, p. 329 “Looking ahead” “Northern Radio Societies’ Convention, Belle Vue, Manchester”, May 1968, p. 319, further details in an editorial notice;Jun 1968, p. 354, brief report; Jul 1968, p. 454, half page report. NRSA formed in 1965. Third convention, with previous two being in 1965 | Practical Wireless, Mar 1968, p. 819 | Wireless World, Mar 1968, p. 33 in “World of Amateur Radio” column | |
| 1969 | 27 April | Belle Vue Manchester | RSGB, Nov 1968, p. 769;, Dec 1968 p. 848; Jan 1969, p. 61; Feb 1969, p. 139; Mar 1969, p. 212; Apr 1968, p. 284; “Looking ahead”, “Bellevue Convention, Manchester”RSGB, Apr 1969, p. 274, editorial notice of the convention RSGB, Aug 1969, p. 526 full page report | Practical Wireless, May 1969, p. 27 Practical Wireless, Aug 1969, p. 240 | Wireless World, Jan 1969, p.49, notice of the convention in the “World of Amateur Radio” column by John Clarricoats, G6CL | |
| 1970 | 26 April | Belle Vue Manchester | RSGB, Apr 1969, p. 274, editorial notice of the convention, p. 258 “Looking ahead” RSGB Jun 1970, pp. 392-393, report – a little over a page in length. (SMRC) RSGB, Jul 1970, p 472 Council comment | SWM, Apr 1970, p 117 | ||
| 1971 | 9 May | Belle Vue Manchester | RSGB, Mar 1971, p. 207, Apr 1970, p. 280; May 1971, p. 347; “Looking ahead” “NRSA Convention” RSGB Mar 1971, p. 161, editorial notice of the convention RSGB Jul 1971, pp. 486-487, report – a little over a page in length | SWM, April 1971, p.83; and May 1971, p 166 | ||
| 1972 | 7 May | Belle Vue Manchester | RSGB Mar 1972, p. 139, editorial notice of the convention RSGB Jul 1971, pp. 472-473, report – a little over a page in length. Reported as 8th annual convention (my comment – number of the convention does not agree with the 3rd in 1968) | SWM, May 1972, p 157 | ||
| 1973 | 6 May | Forum Hall Wythenshawe | RSGB, Mar 1973, p. 203, “Looking ahead”, venue – Belle Vue RSGB, Apr 1973, p. 271, editorial notice of the convention, at Wythenshawe. RSGB, Apr 1973, p. 281, “Looking ahead”, change of venue, Wythenshawe, RSGB, May 1973, p. 358, “Looking ahead”, change of venue, Wythenshawe; p. 353 notes under Leyland ARG and bottom of Region 1 notes. RSGB Jul 1973, p. 490, report, about a third of a page, no photos. | SWM, Apr 1973, p. 113 | Practical Wireless, June 1973, p. 119 | |
| 1974 | 12 May | Belle Vue Manchester | RSGB, April 1974 p. 260, May 1974, p. 323 “Looking Ahead”, at Belle Vue RSGB, April 1974 p. 223, editorial notice of the convention, | |||
| 1975 | 27 April | Belle Vue Manchester | RSGB, Nov 1974, p.791; Dec 1974, p.874; Jan 1975, p.44; Mar 1975, p.227; “Looking Ahead” RSGB, April 1975, p. 311, editorial notice of the convention | SWM, June 1975, p. 232, mentioned in trade ad. | ||
| 1976 | 25 April | Belle Vue Manchester | RSGB, Dec 1975, p.922, Jan 1976, p.62; Feb 1975, p.137; Mar 1975, p. 218; Apr 1975, p. 287; “Looking Ahead” RSGB, Mar 1976, p. 181, editorial notice of the convention RSGB, Apr 1976, p. 309, advert – half page | SWM, April 1976, p. 117, advert | ||
| 1977 | 24 April | Belle Vue Manchester | RSGB, Aug 1976, p. 620; Sep 1976, p.711; Oct 1976, p. 769; Nov 1976, p. 842; Dec 1976, p 936; Jan 1977, p.68; Feb 1977, p.147, Mar 1977, p.224; Apr 1977, p.316; “Looking Ahead” RSGB, Apr 1977, p. 267, editorial notice of the convention, p. 325 advert – half page RSGB Jun 1977, p. 474, brief report of the convention | SWM, April 1977, pp. 109 and 117 (advert) | ||
| 1978 | 2 April | Belle Vue Manchester | RSGB, Sep 1977, p. 717; Oct 1977, p.808; Nov 1977, p. 889; Dec 1977, p.960; Feb. 1978, p. 150; Mar 1978, p.247; “Looking Ahead RSGB, Mar 1978, pp. 174-177, four pages paid advertising, with vendors | SWM, March 1978, pp. 19 and 55 (advert) “Radio and Electronics Exhibition” | ||
| 1979 | 22 April | Belle Vue Manchester | RSGB, Jan 1979, p.50; Feb 1979, p.163, Mar 1979, p.255; Apr. 1979, p.362; “Looking Ahead” RSGB, Mar 1979, p. 278 advert – half page RSGB, April 1979, p. 290-293, four pages paid advertising, with vendors | Radio & Electronics Constructor, May 1979, p. 541 | ||
| 1980 | 27 April | Belle Vue Manchester | RSGB, Jan 1980, p. 61; Feb 1980, p. 183; Mar 1980, p. 283; Apr. 1980, p.401; “Looking Ahead” RSGB, Mar 1980, p. 321; advert – half page RSGB, April 1979, p. 259 brief editorial notice; pp. 326-327, two pages paid advertising, with vendors | SWM, February 1980, p. 685 (NRSA) | ||
| 1981 | 29 March | Belle Vue Manchester | RSGB, Jan 1981, p. 62; Feb 1981, p. 167; Mar 1981, p. 254; “Looking Ahead” RSGB, Mar 1981, p. 214 advert – full page; | SWM, February 1981, p. 801 (NRSA) | ||
| 1982 | 4 April | Belle Vue Manchester | RSGB Jan 1982, p. 29; Feb 1982, p. 157; Mar 1982, p. 245; April 1982, p.339; “Looking Ahead” (no RSGB advert found) | SWM, March 1982, pp. 41 and 48 (NARSA) | ||
| 1983 | 19-20 March | Pointins Southport *** | RSGB, Mar 1983, p. 267, advert – full page | SWM, February 1983, p. 671 | ||
| 1984 | 7-8 April | Pointins Southport *** | RSGB, Mar 1984, p. 203; Apr 1984, p. 296; “Other Events” RSGB, Mar 1984, p. 261, advert – full page, Advertised as 22nd Annual Radio/Electronic Exhibition | SWM, March 1984, p. 45 | ||
| 1985 | 10 March | Belle Vue Manchester *** | RSGB, Nov 1984, p. 950; Dec 1984 p. 1034, Jan 1985, p.23; Feb 1985, p. 101, Mar 1985, p.175; “Mobile Rallies calendar” RSGB, February 1985, p. 138 advert – 1/2 page. Advertised as 23rd Annual Radio/Electronics Exhibition | SWM, February 1985, p. 580 advert | ||
| 1986 | 9 March | Belle Vue Manchester | RSGB, Feb 1986, p. 92; Mar 1986, p. 163; “Mobile Rallies calendar RSGB Feb 1986, p. 142, advert, 1/4 page, with no location advertised as 24th Annual Exhibition and Mobile Rally | Amateur Radio, Feb 1986, p. 43, advert with location. | ||
| 1987 | 15 March | Belle Vue Manchester | RSGB, Nov 1986, p.8 of news pages; Dec 1986, p.63; Jan 1987, p. 36; Feb 1987, p. 118; Mar 1987, p. 188; “Events Diary” RSGB, Feb 1987, p. 94; advert – full page | Amateur Radio, March 1987, p. 27 Amateur Radio, Sept 1987, p. 11. Belle Vue site sold. Next show at Norbreck Castle, Blackpool on Jan 31st, 1988 |
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| 1988 | 31 January | Norbreck Castle Hotel Blackpool | RSGB, Jul 1987, p,. 517; Aug 1987, p.596; Sep 1987, p. 678; Oct 1987, p. 767; Nov 1987, p. 845; Dec 1987, p. 938, Jan 1988, p. 47; “Events Diary RSGB, Dec 1987, p. 960; Jan 1988, p, 80; advert – 1/2 page | SWM, Feb 1988, p. 44; advert – 1/2 page | PW, Jan 1988, p. 77; advert – 1/2 page | Amateur Radio, February 1988, p. 41 |
| 1989 | 29 January | Norbreck Castle Hotel Blackpool | RSGB, Jul 1988, p. 515; Sep 1988, p. 672; Oct. 1988, p. 767; Nov. 1988, p. 867; Dec 1988, p.955; Jan 1989, p. 32; “Events Diary” RSGB, Dec 1988, p. 998; Jan 1989, p, 73; advert – 1/2 page | SWM, Jan 1989, p. 45; advert – 1/2 page | PW, Feb 1989, p. 31, advert – 1/2 page | Amateur Radio, Jan 1989, p. 22 |
| 1990 | 18 March | Norbreck Castle Hotel Blackpool | RSGB, Dec 1989, p.87; Jan 1990, p. 80; Feb 1990, p. 79; Mar 1990, p. 82 (wrong date); “Events Diary” RSGB, Mar 1990, p, 75; advert – 1/2 page | SWM, Mar 1990, p. 31; advert – 1/2 page, “Radio, Electronics and Computing Exhibition” | PW, Apr 1990, p. 56, p. 73; advert – 1/2 page | |
The NARSA constitution on the web site shows that one of the updates to the constitution was on 14th June 1981. Presumably this included the name change from Northern Radio Societies Association (NRSA) to Northern Amateur Radio Societies Association (NARSA).
And yet I think that there are other parts to the story. Very briefly:
1. The RSGB lost money on its national exhibition in 1955. They decided not to hold one in 1956, and asked groups in Manchester, Bristol and Birmingham if they would organiser one. None did.
2. The first mobile rally was in Oxford in 1955. Within three years or so there were several large mobile rallies. Many ran for 40 years or more.
3. There were many regional activities in Region 1, which was basically the North West. Basil O’Brien, as RSGB Regional Representative from 1952 to 1976 was the driving force. He then served on the Council and was president of the RSGB in 1981.
I have a stack of notes and references on my computer. They are a complete shambles, and I need to sort them out.
4. The major mobile rally in Region 1 was the Stockport and SMRC rally, which seems to run from 1958 to 1962. Here are many references:
| Year | Short Wave Magazine | RSGB |
|---|---|---|
| 1958 | 1958/06 p. 208 July 13 Stockport and South Manchester Capesthorne Hall, Wilmslow. SWM 1958/08 p. 314 report 300 visitors mobile installation competition. “SWM 1958/03 event to be on 18th May, details of location later nothing in 1958/04 issue. SWM 1958/05 p.144, date still 18th May | RSGB 1958/03 p. 430 May 18th tentative date. RSGB 1958/04 p. 484 Stockport Radio Society, mobile rally planned for July. RSGB 1958/05 p. 528 July 13th, Capesthorne, full details next month. “RSGB 1958/06 p. 571 details, “”organised by the South Manchester and Stockport Radio Clubs””p. 883 Stockport Radio Society. RSGB 1958/07 p.84 report, first rally, “Stockport and South Manchester Mobile Radio Rally” |
| 1959 | SWM 1959/06 p. 211 August 30th SMRC and Stockport more details later” SWM not published in July and August, printing industry issues no report in 1959/09 issue, no mobile column in 195/10 issue | RSGB 1959/07 p. 13 Pavilion Gardens, Buxton Mobile treasure hunt starting in Stockport RSGB 1959/09 p. 122 report 300 people |
| 1960 | SWM 1961/08 p. 313 August 28th SMRC and Stockport Pavilion Gardens, Buxton Mobile treasure hunt starting in Stockport “Thus the Rally will be on the same lines as the successful event last year” usual radio events activities plus road safety exhibition and radio trade display SWM 1960/10 p. 421, report, 300 visitors | RSGB 1960/07 p. 30 RSGB 1960/08 p. 88 RSGB 1960/10 p. 158 |
| 1961 | SWM 1961/08 p. 323 August 27th SMRC and Stockport Pavilion Gardens, Buxton Radio navigational exercise starting in Stockport SWM 1961/07 p. 25 SWM 1961/10 pp 423-424 report It can be taken that Trentham, Barford St. John (Banbury), Derby, Longleat, Cheltenham, Beaulieu, Woburn and Buxton are now established features of the mobile scene, as regards large-scale undertakings. | RSGB 1961/07, p.13 RSGB 1961/08 RSGB 1961/10, p. 177 report, 330 visitors |
| 1962 | SWM 1962/08 p. 299 August 26th Stockport Pavilion Gardens, Buxton SWM 1962/10 p. 423 report very bad weather, 350 people, 30 /M vehicles – organisers disappointed treasure hunt | RSGB 1962/07 p. 21 RSGB 1962/10 p. 178, report 350 people “(The rally) … was unfortunate in having what was probably the worst weather conditions of any rally this year. Heavy and persistent rain and high winds prevailed for most of the day….” “In all a successful day despite the weather. “ |
The chairman of the 1966 Convention was Ian MacDonald, G3NUQ ( RSGB Oct 1966 p. 669). I understand that was a member of the Stockport RS (https://www.g8srs.co.uk/barry-simpson-vk2bj/ I don’t know who the Chairman was for the 1965. For 1968 it was William. M. Furness, G3SMM (see above).
