Syllabus Sections:-

Special events.

7H1   49    Recall the purpose of special event stations and the format of their call signs.

Purpose

The RSGB acts upon behalf Ofcom with regards to authorisation of a special event station and Ofcom requires the society when distributing Notice of Variation allowing radio amateurs to set up special event stations to ensure that the request is for an event which:-

• is of special significance and therefore is generally accepted as one requiring celebration

• and that the event is open to viewing by members of the public.

Format

The station set up cannot be mobile nor maritime mobile .

It is understood that some events which are classed as Special event and for which you obtain a "Special Event Licence variation" are charitable events with a major concern being fund raising.

Ofcom has agreed that the nature of the event may be mentioned one air but under no circumstances may donations be requested during the contact nor must the sending of a QSL from the event be dependent / conditional upon a pledge of a donation.

So you cannot ask for money over the air - it is as simple as that !!

However there is nothing to stop the Special Event Station being sponsored in advance. In this case those who are to operate the Station can seek pledges from family members etc for so much money for each contact made or what ever other arrangement you wish to make BUT you may not seek sponsorship "on-air" at any time even prior to the event.

The call sign for the Special Event station could be something like GB2QJ which the BRATS used for the Queens' 60th Jubilee.

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7H1   49 continued  Recall the process for obtaining a special event call sign.

This information is from the RSGB web site ...

"Applications for Special Event Stations (SES) should be made to Ofcom, the UK communications regulator responsible for managing amateur radio licensing. A Notice of Variation (NoV) will only be issued to individuals who hold a current UK Full Licence or a Full (Club) Licence. Applications for a standard SES can be made and issued via the Ofcom Online Licensing System.

An SES must be in support of an event which is of special significance, such as a celebration, anniversary or demonstration; and will be open to viewing by members of the public. The NoV will be valid for a maximum of 28 consecutive days.

Note that applications for ‘Specials’ (SSES) and ‘Permanents’ (PSES) cannot be made online, have additional criteria and require a separate Ofcom form (OfW287).

The station may only be established and operated at one specified location. This must be the address stated on the application form, which must be detailed enough for anyone to find easily.

Only the person responsible for the station need sign the form, as the authorisation is by notice of variation to that individual’s licence or to the club licence. Additional operators need only sign and write their callsigns in the logbook."