|
Russell Radio is a voluntary organisation which is based in
Russell in the Bay
of Islands of New Zealand.
Located in the top half of the North Island Russell Radio has
served locals and
offshore vessels since it was started by a small band of
local fishermen shortly
after the war.
In 1951 Ritchie Blomfield came home with a 12 volt ex army radio
telephone given to him by Fullers [the local tourist
sightseeing operator] to enable the fleet of fishing boats
operating in the area to stay in touch. Ritchie soon became
the friendly voice over the air waves.
By 1979 Russell Radio became an Incorporated Society and a
committee formed to draw up the society’s constitution. The
radio service covered the wider bay area and changed its
name to “The Bay of Islands Marine Radio Association”
Over the years equipment
improved along with the level of services and has
expanded to cover SSB for trans-Tasman and trans-Pacific
yachts and localised VHF channel 63 coverage for the Bay
of Islands. Overseas visiting yachts can call on 16 or
63 and directions will be provided for the right course
for the "Q" berth and the Customs dock in the
Opua Marina.
Ritchie's lifelong association with the sea and local knowledge of
the Bay of Islands climatic intricacies made him a legend.
Many vessels owe their safe homecoming to the quick action
and wealth of local knowledge that Ritchie acquired over his
many years in Russell. He was helped by Olive, his wife
and daughter Lynda.
The Russell community and boating fraternity mourned the sad loss
of Ritchie Blomfield in March 2005 and after following in
her fathers footsteps for a short while, the committee
realised that it was too big an ask so the decision was made
to move to new premises.
The committee were fortunate to secure a lease to new premises at 8
Church Street, Russell. The property is close to the wharf
and centre of town and visitors are always welcome to pop
in. Equipped with modern sophisticated equipment, Russell
Radio's operations room is now no longer the massive array
of aerials that it was at Ritchie home in York Street. A
full time Station Manager has now been recruited. Stewart
Irvine, a master mariner who moved to Russell in 2005 is now
charged with the responsibility of recruiting more
volunteers and raising the profile of Russell Radio.
The AGM and election of committee of the
association is held in November each year. Russell Radio is
a voluntary organisation, dependant on donations, membership
fees
and time given by dedicated volunteers who man the air waves
365 days a year. Your involvement in Russell Radio whether
it is as a volunteer at the station or with financial
assistance is greatly appreciated by all at Russell Radio.
If you would like to assist in any way “pop in” for a chat
with Stewart or phone 09 403 7218 anytime. |
