1	WAMRAC and WACRAL Uncovered WACRAL Conference Talk 2003 By Paul J Goodhall M3JFM Assisted By Peter M3PHP
2	With special thanks to the following who have also assisted Information technologist Peter A Goodhall M3PHP
3	With special thanks to the following who have also assisted WACRAL Officers, Representatives and Managers
4	With special thanks to the following who have also assisted Derek Chivers G3XNX For help in explaining the business affairs of WACRAL
5	With special thanks to the following who have also assisted Proof Copy reader Allison Goodhall Proof copy reader Julie Goodhall
6	With special thanks to the following who have also assisted Harold Turner G4YRH For advice on grammar, punctuation,
7	With special thanks to the following who have also assisted Phyl G6UFI John G3TWS Malcolm G6UGW Gordon G3NAK Arthur G8HTN Harry G3NGX Howard M0CIW Peter G3NZK Jack VK3ALP
8	With special thanks to the following who have also assisted Murray G3KZB Elaine G0WTO Shirley Jackson CSWL 1199G Geoff G4EZU Geoff G4YJW Jan G7ULN Victor G3JNB Dick G0UUE Robin G6RSC
9	With special thanks to the following who have also assisted RSGB National Amateur radio Library. Librarian John G3WFM Oxford & District Amateur Radio Society G5LO
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11	"Rev Arthur Shepherds" Rev Arthur Shepherds interest in amateur radio started in 1947 through the purchase of a good commercial radio set especially to listen to short wave broadcast stations, and particularly Radio Australia, In which country his two sisters had just arrived. On the night of there arrival in Melbourne, whilst they were fast asleep he heard broadcast the Melbourne town hall clock strike midnight. Listening he heard some thing else too fellow radio amateurs talking to each other whoever could they be? That’s the first he had ever heard of amateurs living then near Daventry and rugby he soon got to know more. Not until the end of 1956 he took up the hobby of amateur radio
12	Nine Years Later One day when the Rev Arthur Shepherd was the Minister of The birch Road Methodist Church Berry Brow Huddersfield He discussed his scheme with his trusted Secretary Gordon's father Mr Mallinson who thought that his son Gordon would help.
13	"Later Arthur would recall Gordon..." Later Arthur would recall Gordon Has been my personal friend and helper in the development of WAMRAC from the very beginning He was my poor steward in birch Road Methodist Church Berry Brow Huddersfield I was then Minister One day after discussing my scheme with Gordon's father my trust Secretary now Wamrac Auditor he said he thought Gordon would help me as he built at least a portable radio set from kit parts and he was a GPO engineer.
14	"Thus the friendship began between..." Thus the friendship began between us. Gordon helped me found and run G3LQK. We went to the Huddersfield Technical college together to prepare for the RAE which brought us closer together.
15	"They Both Passed the RAE..." They Both Passed the RAE in may of 1958 and both took the CW exam in the following august Gordon passed to become G3NAK and Arthur failed but passed on the second attempt on the 19^th December 1958 at the GPO HQ and got his ticket immediately. As G3NGF.
16	"Gordon got his ticket first..." Gordon got his ticket first and thus became the first to become an amateur through a Methodist Amateur Radio Club He married Beryl on the 15^th august 1959 and shortly afterwards moved to there first home at Meltham Near Huddersfield. That took them away from Berry Brow which made it so difficult for him to continue the leadership of G3LQK which he had taken over when I left Wrote Rev Arthur W Shepherd CL no 9 November 1960.
17	Rev Arthur W Shepherd G3NGF having no transmitter he had to wait until the 13^th February before he operated as G3NGF however after the granting of the WAMRAC licence, on the 10^th April 1959 he ceased operating his personal call to put his station on the air as G3NJB
18	Huddersfield south Circuit Methodist Amateur Radio Club 20^th January 1957 – 31^st August 1960 Huddersfield south Circuit Methodist Amateur Radio Club Founder Rev Arthur W Shepherd G3NGF founded 20^th January 1957 Licensed 25^th March 1957 Officially opened 26^th June 1957 Closed down 31^st August 1960
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20	G3NAK
21	Huddersfield south Circuit Methodist Amateur Radio Club From The Huddersfield Club was born WAMRAC
22	WAMRAC founded Sunday 20th November 1957 Place Huddersfield Manse 18^th January 1958 commencement of the register comprising of the names of the people present G3KRL Jack Schofield then of Batley G3EJT Arthur Hogley Holmsfirth Huddersfield G3QL Sam Dunn Riddlesden Keighley G3LQK Rev A W Shepherd founder Huddersfield south circuit Methodist Radio Club
23	WAMRAC LOGO
24	What does WAMRAC Mean ? “WAMRAC Stands for the advancement of International Understanding, goodwill, and peace, through a World Fellowship of Christian Radio Amateurs United in the ideal of Christian Service.” Wrote WAMRAC African correspondent Les Smith ZS6AFJ/11 11^th October 1960 CL no 9.
25	Sunday 21th March 1960 36 Radio Amateurs from 9 countries 17 Methodist SWL’S from 6 countries Associate member those belonging to other denominations 1 amateur 3 SWL’s from one country Rev Arthur W shepherd CL no 2 April 1960
26	"I visualized one such club..." I visualized one such club for every circuit throughout the world of Methodism that such a group might enjoy world wide Christian fellowship by amateur radio the qth Salem Methodist church Berry Brow. serious trouble was recently found in the roof too costly for The Church trustees to repair, so it has been decided to close the Church immediately 31^st August 1960 as it is unsafe for use. There is another Methodist church near by but with limited room
27	"There is another Methodist church..." There is another Methodist church near by but with limited room. That together with other contributory factors particularly lack of support generally and its present leader my successor Gordon G3NAK/12 getting married last august and leaving berry brow, has led to the regretful decision that G3LQK must go QRT – I wish I could say temporarily. There are 7 members at present the club product two radio amateurs G3NAK/12 and G3NGF/10 two more of its members sat the RAE last may. This club gave birth to WAMRAC
28	G3LQK/1 qrt This club gave birth WAMRAC. It was the desire of the Club to donate its radio equipment K W Vanguard transmitter which the members had built from a kit to WAMRAC Headquarters for operation under the call sign G3NJB It run 50 watts on all bands 80m – 10m CW and phone and it is complete and working except the club has not managed to secure a cabinet for it.
29	G3LQK/1 QRT “I am most thrilled with this most generous gift from G3LQK which is a gift to the whole of the WAMRAC Fellowship, and therefore to you too” Arthur Shepherd CL No 9 November 1960
30	Gordon arrives with the Vanguard Thursday the 29^th September 1960 was a great day when Gordon borrowed his fathers car to drive the 100 mile round trip He arrived here with the Vanguard we rigged it up and after Gordon had left the first two qso’s I made were with W8AJW and W3QRT on 15m phone.
31	"Since then I have had..." Since then I have had qso’s with amateurs in The USA, Canada, Cuba, Nigeria, North Africa, Rhodesia, Syria, Pakistan,
32	"I have worked Zl1AOV Peter..." I have worked Zl1AOV Peter qth Whenuapai 18 miles from our New Zealand WAMRAC Correspondent Mrs Judith Holland ZL1AWM/26
33	"There is no doubt that..." There is no doubt that the arrival of this “Vanguard” Marks an important stepping stone in the development of this World Methodist Amateur Radio fellowship, which if it to succeed must have an adequately equipped station at WAMRAC Headquarters Rev Author W Shepherd CL No 9 1960
34	"I had a QSO with..." I had a QSO with Geoff (G2BJY-Walsall) on 10/2/60 on 40m. As usual I introduced myself and explained the call sign G3NJB. Geoff was kind in his reply, saying he was pleased to meet me, but felt he must be honest and therefore said: "I am an atheist" and kindly gave me the chance to withdraw from the QSO. But I could not do that, neither as a good amateur, nor as a true Christian. Geoff appreciated that and asked me to write to him, adding, "I wish I could believe"
35	"I wrote a letter to..." I wrote a letter to Geoff and he replied on the 1st March saying: "Many thanks for your letter.... I have shown your letter to many of my friends and they all join me in wishing you the best of luck in your efforts. I admire the work you fellows do very much and only wish that I could believe. Here's hoping that we meet again soon. Yours sincerely, Geoff."
36	"Geoff enclosed a 10/6d" Geoff enclosed a 10/6d. P.O. with no comment. That I noted was the amount of an annual subscription. But he is not a Methodist so he cannot be a member of WAMRAC. He does not even claim to belong to any other denomination, so he cannot be an Associate Member. Then the answer came like a flash into my mind: "Invite him to become a SUPPORTER." I did, for I could do no other than follow that leading. I wrote him and sent him an Application Form slightly adapting it.
37	infra dig!. And I am thrilled to tell you Geoff accepted the invitation given in the name of WAMRAC and thus became Supported No 1 (G2BJY/S1). He said "Many thanks for your letter and the C.L.s which I have read with interest. I am very pleased to be welcomed as a Supporter. Believe me, I can do with all the friendship that is offered, and that is why I set such great store my amateur radio. I think I have explained to you that I an an agnostic, although I firmly believe in the ethics of Christianity....If there is any way I can help your organization I would like to do so, that is unless a sinner is infra dig!.
38	"I replied to Geoff and..." I replied to Geoff and asked his permission to tell you this story.
39	"He replied (18/5/60):..." He replied (18/5/60): "Dear Arthur, Thank you for your letter. I shall be pleased to become Supporter No 1 and hope to be able to do something to merit the honour. Yes, you may tell any of our friends how we net via a nice QSO on 40m fone and how you were tolerant enough not to discard a potential friend and helper because he could not accept what must be a great comfort and virile force to you who believe. I am glad you understand my point about my acceptance and understanding of the ethics of Christianity. Amateur Radio is one of the things that make life worth living for me:
40	"after all there is a..." after all there is a code of conduct and a friendship not to be experienced with most other hobbies. Many of our old friends are dead, but the youngsters are coming along and we have a duty to set them an example, on the air I mean. I should like to keep in touch if I may, and will look out for new members.
41	"I have a G.E.C" I have a G.E.C. oscilloscope in new condition in case. I should be glad to send it to you if you think you could sell it to augment the funds. In conclusion Arthur, the best of luck and take it easy. Yours sincerely, Geoff. P.S. I hope I have made it clear that I think that the service you are giving is adding to the appeal of amateur radio and underlying its principles."
42	"“" “I feel sure you will agree that I did the right thing in the true spirit of amateur radio, and more important still, the Church. It is a step which opens the door of opportunity and challenge to all of us who are members of WAMRAC. As you know, amateur radio cannot be used for religious propaganda, though we share our own personal thoughts and experiences. But who can measure the redemptive force of Christian friendship? It can mean more to one in need than preaching. So let us show in practical ways to Geoff and to all such that. if there is friendship in amateur radio, as Christian Radio Amateurs, we offer friendship plus”. Wrote Arthur W Shepherd G3NGF ( CL 5 )
43	Geoff Johnson G2BJY/S1 Since moving house he has been active on 160m,and 10m cw and phone. Having given up the business he now works in a steel works and says “amongst the dirt, fumes, and the heat. We found time to argue about the existence or not and the nature of GOD’…I wish you were there CL no 10 December 1960
44	"Another Amateur Worked me on..." Another Amateur Worked me on the air at WAMRAC HQ G3JNB on 40m He said he was a agnostic, but he envied us. He was welcomed as a member of WAMRAC. Over ten years contact, contact lost, contact again and through many dark times in the renewed fellowship of WAMRAC, and radio contact, he asked about his local Methodist Minister. There is power The Power Of GOD In World Christian Radio Fellowship Wrote Arthur W Shepherd G3NGF CL 89 march/april 1973
45	WAMRAC Types of Membership Methodist Radio Amateurs CL1 Methodist Short Wave Listeners founded march 17^th 1959 Associate membership for those belonging to other denomination commenced 6^th July 1959 Supporter commenced 1^st march 1960 Christian but not a radio amateur or radio amateur but not a Christian.
46	WAMRAC Correspondents African Correspondent E Leslie Smith ZS6-AFJ/11 appointed June 1960 Australasia Auckland area correspondents Judith ZL1AWM/26 appointed June 1960 G Correspondent Alex H Eckles G5GC/AM1 appointed July 1960 correspondent for SWL's Alf MSWL/1 appointed July 1960 Virginia Correspondent Rev Norman Preston K4PRQ/8 Virginia appointed June 1960 California Correspondent Richard P Morgan K6RAH/15 June 1960
47	WAMRAC Correspondents Chief Wamrac North Correspondent North American region Rev Don A Payne W4ZNX/24 UK Correspondent Peter G Robinson G3NZK/36 Duties also include Radio Fellowship. DX and Local Correspondent Wamrac net controller Californian Correspondent Dick Morgan K6RAH/15.
48	December 1960 We have 73 members from 14 countries 47 Amateurs 26 MSWL’S Wrote Author W shepherd CL No 10 December 1960
49	WAMRAC Clubs Brompton And Bowden Mission Boys Radio Club VK5BA/16 Joe VK5BO is the leader Their Minster is Rev L F Ashman Interests very greatly One evening nine 14years year old boys Made Xtal and Valve radio sets the club tx works on 288m/cs CL no8 October 1960
50	Rev Arthur Shepherd Founder of WAMRAC / WACRAL
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56	CL89/a
57	CR89/b
58	CR89/c
59	CR89/d
60	Shocking News Dear Member It is With Deep regret That We Have to record the passing away of our founder and secretary of WAMRAC. He was in control of the Sunday 80 meter net on April 14^th, sounding in good spirit and voice. On the following day he had a coronary, and was taken off to hospital. Thursday 18^th April 1974. He passed away in the evening. Arthur has suffered from heart trouble for several years, and I suppose in a way we all had at the back of our minds the thoughts that some thing like this could happen – even so, his passing came as a great shock to all of us. He was a man of true faith, a devoted lover of The Lord Jesus, and a man of strong convictions, never afraid to stand and speak out about those things in which he believed. Wrote Len Colley G3AGX membership number 100 Circular Letter N0 90 May/June 1974
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64	Rev Arthur W Shepherd was the Author of Circular Letter N0 1 June 1959 To Circular Letter N0 89 March - April 1973
65	The Funeral Service Was held At Narborough Road Methodist Church, Leicester. On Wednesday April 24^th 1974 at 13:30 The service was led by the minister Rev Eric Foster Sermon Rev Dr Leslie A Newman
66	"Dr Neman referred to Arthur..." Dr Neman referred to Arthur as an enthusiast and an evangelist who rejoiced when the Gospel was gladly received and suffered when the word was rejected by men. WAMRAC would ever be a living memorial to his urgent desire that all and every means should be placed at the service of the church in the communication of the Gospel of Jesus Christ
67	"A memorial service for Arthur..." A memorial service for Arthur W Shepherd G3NGF Was held at his local Methodist Church, west Felton on Sunday April 28^th 1974.
68	WAMRAC After the death of the founder of WAMRAC sudden changes in the movement soon took place
69	The Future of Wamrac Many members in my area have written two me and I have contacted other members “on the air” Lots of ideas and suggestions have been put forward To sum up WAMRAC must carry on as a memorial to Arthur wrote Len Colley G3AGX CL 90
70	There are Problems with an Association such as WAMRAC There are Problems with an Association such as WAMRAC Which was formed in 1957 Since that date Arthur has acted as Continued Len Colley G3AGX member 100
71	A One Man Show Since that date he has acted as Chief Administrator Secretary Treasurer Continued Len Colley G3AGX member 100
72	I am a strong Believer in Democracy ! We have had no Committee Who has the authority To say Yea or Nay To Make decisions Len Colley G3AGX member 100
73	I am a strong believer in democracy “We have had no committee who has the authority to say yea or nay to make decisions”. Len Colley G3AGX member 100
74	Executive Committee to serve until conference or AGM July – August 1974
75	I suppose its up to The chief correspondents Area correspondents All enthusiastic Members Working as a team So keeping things moving Len Colley G3AGX member 100
76	"After three months service as..." After three months service as WAMRAC Secretary Colin G3VAP resigns “ due to heavy business and Personal Commitments”
77	WAMRAC Executive Committee 7th September 1974
78	New WAMRAC Secretary Colin Weston G3VAP member 257 To start right away Colin believes in “decentralisation”
79	"The Circular Letter" The Circular Letter It is my intention to publish this every two months commencing with this issue CL 90 May/June 1974 “Newsletter” Would be a better name Len Colley G3AGX member 100
80	The New Secretary suggests Form an Executive Committee For day to day running An advisory Council To deal with policy etc Should have AGM or Conference Books and files need checked Finances need checked Statement published
81	Len Colley G3AGX rise to fame UK Correspondent -1974 Circular Letter no 90 Editor May/June 1974 Newsletter editor 1974 Secretary and General Organiser at the September conference 1974-1884 In 1978 WAMRAC became WACRAL at the Whitby Conference President of WACRAL
82	The End