1976 Tatum Park

Convention760028

Left Front Row: Tony King, Ray Babbage, Philip Bolton, Tony Marr, Ray Crawford (obscured behind), Paul Ormandy, Dene Lynneberg, Robin Chambers, Jack Buckley (with League logo). Right Front Row: Bruce Williams (kneeling), Noel Whittington, Arthur Cushen, Ralda Cushen, Bryan Marsh, David Ricquish, John Newman, Barry Williams (kneeling), Derek Benfell, Terry Gloistein (kneeling), John Mainland and Paul Edwards (kneeling). Back Row: Paul Rawdon, UNID, Jim Benzoni, Leigh Morris, Peter Grenfell, Chris Mackerell, Lorraine Maggs & Brian Withers, Michael Pollard, Bill Pearson, UNID (obscured), Philip Hope, Ash Nallawalla, UNID behind, Jack Searle, Arthur Williams. (credit: Bryan Clark collection)

Back row L-R: Ray Crawford, Paul Rawdon, Nigel Robins, Bryan Clark, Phil Bolton, Chris Martin, Chris Mackerell, Brian Withers, David Ricquish, Leigh Morris (obscured) Derek Benfell, Dick Whittington, unid, unid, Harry Weatherley, Ray Crawford, Peter Grenfell, Phil Hope, unid. Middle row: John Newman, Arthur Williams, Jim Benzoni, Bruce Williams, Bill Pearson, Paul Ormandy, Dene Lynneberg, Phil Brooks, Graeme Hammond, John Brennan, Arthur Kindell, Arthur Cushen, Ralda Cushen, Ash Nallawalla, Bryan Marsh, Noel Whittington, Barry Williams, Terry Gloistein. Crouching: Robin Chambers, Jack Buckley Credit: Bryan Clark via Ash Nallawalla collection

Convention ’76 has come and gone, and despite a weekend of bad weather it was
judged highly successful by all who attended. The programme organised by the
Wellington group provided plenty of variety, with a number of innovations and
inevitable surprises which added ‘to the full enjoyment of the weekend. It was indeed a thrill for all the locals to have a strong contingent from Australia, and
for perhaps the first time, have the active participation of three ladies at a Convention – Ralda Cushen, Noel Whittington, and Lorraine Maggs.

The venue at Tatum Park proved ideal with the group accommodated in five motels and two tents, with do-them—yourselves breakfasts in each unit, while the main evening meal was taken in the Tatum Dining Room – and what a pleasant experience this was t00. It certainly was a far cry from the half—cooked save of Conventions past .

The programme got under way on Friday 7th at 2.p.m. with a roll call and coffee in the TV1 Studio block at Avalon, before a comprehensive tour of the complex led by Bill Pearson and several of the technical wizards. 5,15. saw the arrival of the first cars at Manakau, and settling in to the huts allocated, Everyone was pleasantly surprised to see that the huts had been named after prominent radio personalities or broadcasting personnel, and hence we had the Harry Van Gelder Hut, Keith Glover Hut, Alan Roycroft Hut, Arne Skoog Hut, Earle Fisher Hut, and the two tents – for the Wellington lads who needed ‘drying out.

Each hut was wired to a long wire of some 500′ in length – four of them lashed
to a convenient flagpole which had been scaled earlier in the day by Terry Gloistein and his rigging gang.

Dinner was at 6, so after warming up the sets, everyone trooped into the dining room for the first of our smorgasbord meals. After dinner, ‘goodie’ packs were
distributed to compliment the special issue of Capital DX handed out at Avalon – special notepaper had been printed, matches from Radio America, Lima, the usual brochures on the area, a preview of DXCURSION ’77, and the good deal in digital clocks available at the Convention. 7.15. and we had our first call from
Radio New Zealand in the Mailbox programme, and then all loops were swung north for the Cook Islands on 600 kHz. Despite Stateside interference until five minutes after the 12 minute programme started, the special was well received, and the strains of the Neketini Brass interspersed with a voice from Wellington
came through well. More exciting was the announcement from the station that a  transmitter on 3265 kHz was also on the air, and most took the opportunity of catching this 500 Watt transmitter.

Over coffee and other nutriments we caught the RNZ call again, and while most chased the Yanks, attempts were made to raise the KTWG call at 10.30 on 770. Some DXed all night – but apart from the chorus of mosquitoes and thud of  moths little of note was recorded on Friday night. Saturday dawned wet so the programme called for our panel discussion on the subject “Does New Zealand need a voice on Shortwave.” The subject was introduced. by Arthur Cushen, and a most informative and ‘thought provoking discussion ensured. The economic, tourist and technical aspects of improving the service were well aired, and it is
proposed that the League convey its observations and suggestions to the
appropriate quarters. Two films to whet “the appetite for DXURSION ’77 were
shown, before a picnic lunch knocked up by the lads was laid on.
2,p.m. and Auction time, and. after the eighty nine lots had been well and truly
pawed over, Tony King set the scene for what “turned out to be a most interesting and successful venture. How much is a collapsible loop worth, someone thought $17.50, a loop a loop booster $15.00, an ATU $8.00, a vintage radio $4.50, 35mm camera $10.00

Two hours of enjoyable bargaining which needless to say put the Convention
firmly on a good financial footing. And there were those raffles too – as Philip
Brooks — working as though he was a commission salesman — persuaded us to
part with 50c for a digital clock or 20c for a World Radio & TV Handbook (won
in the end by Ray Crawford, and Paul Rawdon respectively). Before tea – a call from Keith Glover and Warren Moulton on Radio Australia which was much appreciated – and was caught again by most of the group at 9.30.p.m. After tea, more DX with a lookout for CJVB at 9.15.p.m. By this hour however, there was considerable consternation ‘in the camp‘ about “a thing calling itself Radio Gwarno, voice of the Ocean on about ‘7520′. No sooner had most locked onto it than the test concluded but with the thoughtful promise that further tests would follow “today.” Sets remained riveted to 7520, as a new Pacific SW broadcaster was was a possibility with the recent activity in the New Hebridies. On it came again with its haunting interval signal; phone number, announcers name, village — and then close down. What to do? Ring the Post office suggested someone. Lurking in the night with his transistor cocked Phil Brooks struck “gold” (or 59 shall we say) on 7520 and homed in on – yes a peewee 2mV. radio station pumping out Guano. Momentary disarray existed in the camp for some time, but after everyone had received their official QSL card the exercise was rated as ‘very well done.’ 10pm and KDAY gave us a fleeting call and at 11.03 2AY Albury gave us a very go0d call and played us a ‘Hard Day’s Night . And so it was into the bag
for another night……. Sunday, Bryan Clark nightshirt fluttering was seen streaking across to the office block at 2.30.a.m. to receive a call from Theo Donnelly at CJVB… Breakfast was a feast at 8… and the wrap up; photos, prizes, and farewells from the most successful convention. held in the North. And for the record here is the Convention prize list: Best Logging SW – Paul Ormandy Djibouti 4780; Most logs Jim Benzoni; Most Countries -Arthur Cushen;  Most Acricans – Brian Withers; MW: Best log- Chris Martin KGRG 1600; Most logs – Paul Ormandy; Most Aussies – Ash Nallawalla; Yanks – Ash; Countries – Paul
Ormandy; Consolation – Brian Oliver

ROLL CALL
Chris Martin, Sydney.
Paul Edwards, Wellington
Terry Gloistein, Wellington
Bruce Williams, Wellington
Bryan Clark, Wellington
Berry Williams, Auckland
John Mainland, Wellington
Brian Oliver, Wellington
Dene Lynneberg, Wellington
Fred Clements, Wellington
Tony King, Wellington
Peter Grenfell, Oamaru
Michael Pollard, Temuka
Graeme Hammond, New Plymouth
Leigh Morris, Palmerston Nth
Arthur & Ralda Cushen, Invercargill
Harry Weatherley, Melbourne
Dick & Noel Whittington, Melbourne
Michael Cundy, Wellington
Ash Nallawalla, Dunedin
Chris Mackerell, Nelson
John Newman, Oamaru
Paul Rawdon, Wellington
Philip Brooks, Wanganui
Bryan Marsh, Auckland
Philip Hope, Oemaru
Brian Withers, Christchurch
Jim Benzoni, Hamilton
Jack Buckley, Sydney
Ray Crawford, Invercargill‘
Jack Searle, Haumoane
Arthur Williams, Invercargill
Robin Chambers, Opunake
John Brennan, Paremata
John Durham, Meremere
Philip Bolton, Wellington
Ray Babbage, Wellington
Derek Benfell, Wellington
Paul Ormandy, Oamaru
Nigel Robins, Wellington
David Ricquish, Christchurch
Tony Marr, Wellington
Arthur Kindell, Levin
Bill Pearson, Wellington
Lorraine Maggs, Christchurch

 

Dene Lynneberg, Paul Edwards and Ash Nallawalla (?)

David Ricquish ponders the Pacific Island location of Radio Guano, while Chris Martin wonders if there’s a medium wave frequency. In the foreground, Robin Chambers, Dene Lynneberg, Harry Weatherley (obscured) and Bryan Marsh listen intently. (credit: Bryan Clark collection)

Our resident photographers: Bryan Clark, Jack Buckley & Jack Searle. Photo credit: Robin Chambers Collection with thanks to Dawn Chambers.(credit: Bryan Clark collection)

Derek Benfell, Nigel Robins, David Ricquish, Paul Ormandy & Paul Rawdon. (credit: Bryan Clark collection)

left to right: Ray Babbage, Harry Weatherley (obscured), John Durham, Lorraine Maggs, Ray Crawford, Brian Withers (obscured), Chris Martin, Jim Benzoni, John Newman, Barry Williams & Paul Edwards. (credit: Bryan Clark collection)

Geoff Hackett (Radio NZ Shortwave Service guest speaker), Leigh Morris, Philip Hope & Harry Weatherley. (credit: Bryan Clark collection)

Phil Brooks, Phil Bolton and Tony King on DX auction duty. (credit: Bryan Clark collection)

attentive auction watchers. Seated: Graeme Hammond, Jim Benzoni, Arthur & Ralda Cushen. At back – Arthur Williams, Jack Buckley (Sydney), Jack Searle & Nigel Robins. (credit: Bryan Clark collection)

Bill Pearson with vintage receiver. (credit: Bryan Clark collection)

Phil Bolton, Tony King & Phil Brooks running the auction. Photo credit: Robin Chambers Collection with thanks to Dawn Chambers. (credit: Bryan Clark collection)

Jim Benzoni and Athur Kindelll look on as the Aussie contingent of Dick & Noel Whittington, Jack Buckley, Chris Martin, Harry Weatherley gather. Photo credit: Robin Chambers Collection with thanks to Dawn Chambers

Bryan Clark on sound recording engineer duty as Arthur Cushen interviews Chris Martin. Photo credit: Robin Chambers Collection with thanks to Dawn Chambers

Photo credit: Robin Chambers Collection with thanks to Dawn Chambers

Harry Weatherley chats with Chris Martin while Arthur Cushen interviews Dick Whittington. Photo credit: Robin Chambers Collection with thanks to Dawn Chambers

Arthur Cushen interviews Bruce Williams. Photo credit: Robin Chambers Collection with thanks to Dawn Chambers

Photo credit: Robin Chambers Collection with thanks to Dawn Chambers

Derek Benfell, John Mainland, Lorraine Maggs, Ash Nallawalla, Brian Withers, Jack Buckley, Bryan Marsh. Photo credit: Robin Chambers Collection with thanks to Dawn Chambers

Visit to TVNZ Avalon studios, Paul Edwards, David Ricquish, Bruce Williams, Phil Hope, Arthur Williams, Ash Nallawalla, Nigel Robins & Bill Pearson. Credit: Ash Nallawalla collection

Visit to TVNZ Avalon studios. Credit: Ash Nallawalla collection

Peter Grenfell, Jack Searle, Bryan Clark. Credit: Ash Nallawalla collection

?, Peter Grenfell, Jack Seale, Chris Mackerell, Ralda Cushen, Noel Whittington, Bryan Marsh. Credit: Ash Nallawalla collection

L-R – Brian Wither, Tony Marr, Philip Bolton, Barry Williams, John Newman (obscured rear), Graeme Hammond, John Durham, —-, —-. Robin Chambers, Leigh Morris. Front – (backs only) Brian Oliver, Philip Brooks (Dene Lynneberg collection)

L-R – —- (back view), Philip Bolton, Barry Williams, —-, Peter Grenfell, Tony Marr. (Dene Lynneberg collection)

L-R – Back Row: Paul Rawdon, Nigel Robins, —-, Arthur Williams, Chros Mackerell, Robin Chambers, —-, —-, —-, Fred Clements Harry Weatherley, Tony Marr, Peter Grenfell, Philip Hope, John Brennan Middle Row: John Durham (half cut off), —- (obscured behind), Bill Pearson, John Mainland, Paul Edwards, Chris Martin, —-, David Ricquish, —-, Brian Oliver, Arther & Ralda Cushen, Bryan Marsh? Noel Whittington, Barry Williams. Front Row: Bruce Williams, Paul Ormany, Philip Brooks, Graeme Hammond, John Brennan. Arthur Kindell, Ash Nallawalla, Terry Gloistein (Dene Lynneberg collection)

L-R – Back Row: Paul Rawdon, John Brennan, Jim Benzoni, Leigh Morris, Peter Grenfell, Chris Mackerell, Lorraine & Brian Withers, —-, Bill Pearson, —-, Philip Hope, —- (in fron ot Phil Hope), Jack Searle, Arthur Williams, John Durham, —-, John Mainland, Harry Weatherley. Front Row: Tony King, Ray Babbage, Philip Bolton, Tony Marr, Paul Ormandy, Ray Crawford, Robin Chambers, Jack Buckley, John Newman??, Dick Whittington, Arthur & Ralda Cushen, Bryan Marsh, David Ricquish. Front (kneeling): Bruce Williams, Barry Williams, Terry Gloistein, Paul Edwards. (Dene Lynneberg collection)

L-R – Bryan Clark, Arthur & Ralda Cushen, Philiop Bolton (rear), Paul Ormandy, Tony King, Nigel Robins (Dene Lynneberg collection)

L-R – Philip Brooks, Philip Bolton, Tony King (Dene Lynneberg collection)

L-R Back Row: —-, Paul Rawdon, John Brennan, Jim Benzoni, Robin Chambers, Peter Grenfell, Leigh Morris, Chris Mackerell, Lorraine & Brian Withers, —-, Bill Pearson, —-, —-, Philip Hoope, Jack Searle, Arthur Williams, John Durham, —-, John Mainland, Harry Weatherley. Front Row: Tony King, Ray Babbage, Philip Bolton, Tony Marr (partly obscured), Paul Ormandy, Ray Crawford, Bryan Clark, Jack Buckley, John Newman??, Arthur Kindell??, Arthur & Ralda Cushen, Bryan Marsh, David Ricquish. Front (kneeling): Bruce Williams, Barry Williams, Terry Gloistein, Paul Edwards. (Dene Lynneberg collection)

Philip Brooks, Philip Bolton, Tony King (Dene Lynneberg collection)

L-R – Philip Brooks, Tony King, Philip Bolton. Seated (backs) Paul Ormandy, Paul Rawdon, Paul Edwards (Dene Lynneberg collection)

L-R – Arthur Cushen extreme left, Ray Crawford (4th from Left), Chris Martin (7th from Left), Nigel Robbins (2nd from Right) Philip Bolton (extreme right) Paul Rawdon? (5th from Right) others unknown. (Dene Lynneberg collection)

Robin Chambers sitting behind loop antenna (Dene Lynneberg collection)

John Brennan (Dene Lynneberg collection)

Dene Lynneberg (Dene Lynneberg collection)

L-R – Tony Marr, Brian Oliver, Philip Bolton, John Durham. (Dene Lynneberg collection)

Brian Oliver, Philip Bolton, Ray Crawford, John Durham, Graeme Hammond. (Dene Lynneberg collection)

Jack Searle, Chris Martin (Dene Lynneberg collection)