David:

Joining actually sounds like a neat challenge with lots of potential 
benefits.  And, I'm really sincere when I say that perhaps when I retire in 
a few years and have more time, I will pursue it.  I consider myself to be a 
reasonably proficient CW operator, and believe I would feel quite 
comfortable in such a group.

Thanks, David, for sharing all this great info.

73 from Tom Behler: KB8TYJ, Big Rapids, MI

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "David W Wood" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Saturday, February 02, 2013 12:33 PM
Subject: Re: F O C contest??


> Tom, Lloyd and all
>
> I am not sure why my reply only went to to Lloyd - very odd!
>
> Tom, as you say, you need to have time to get onto the bands and get
> yourself known.
>
> It is a great club which, apart from geeing on the air, has some superb
> social gatherings also.
> I went to one in November in the midlands of England, their was one in
> Florida in early December, others in California and Germany are regulars,
> also one associated with the Dayton Hamfest.
>
> In most instances there is at least one F O C member on the teams of the
> major DX-peditions.
>
> The ethos of the club is like many others (to necessarily ham radio) 
> whereby
> the entrant must have the gear, be seen to be able to use it, and does use
> it!
> In sailing circles here in Europe is the Royal Cruising Club, and also in
> motorsport the Royal Automobile Club which has full members who are in
> motorsport.
>
> 73
>
> David W Wood
>