International Amateur Radio Union
Region 1
Working for the future of amateur radio
Region 1 Committees & Working Groups
PA0LOU Retires from IARU Region
1 Committee as Chairman after 28 Years
(IARU-R1) December 2002
After
almost 28 years at the helm of Region 1, the recent IARU conference was
a momentous occasion for Lou van de Nadort as he will be retiring from
active duty on the executive committee that steers the organisation
between conferences at the 31 December when the new Chairman will take
over.
" I have chosen the word active duty advisably as I will always have
IARU and its work at heart and will continue to support the cause", he
said in his farewell editorial in Region 1 News.
"Amateur Radio has gone through a difficult time over the past few
years. Membership numbers of national member societies are dwindling
which impacts equally negatively on the IARU.
The new executive who will take office after the conference will have
to also look at operational issues. How can Amateur Radio be revived,
how can the interest of new generations in Amateur Radio be kindled and
how can the Amateur Service be turned around onto a growth path?"
"I will look back fondly on my involvement in IARU. While not always
smooth sailing, I have experienced many moments of triumph like when the
organisation achieved major successes in protecting and growing the
frequencies available to Amateur Radio". Lou said.
"It was a wonderful experience to work with so many dedicated people
from all walks of life, from all part of the world. I thank you all for
your support and above all your friendship. I will miss you all … but
then of cause there is Amateur Radio that will allow me to keep in touch
with all my friends be it on the key or microphone."