At the final plenary meeting of the IARU Region 1 Conference and Workshop, which closed 24th October 2021, Ole Garpestad, LA2RR and Hans Blondeel Timmerman, PB2T were announced as recipients of the Roy Stevens, G2BVN, Memorial Trophy. The trophy is awarded to a radio amateur who has best exemplified the work and dedication of Roy Stevens, G2BVN in international amateur radio.
Decisions on nominations submitted by member societies are made by an independent panel which this year was chaired by SARL Secretary Dennis Green, ZS4BS
Ole Garpestad, LA2RR, served on the Region 1 Executive Committee from 1999 and was President of IARU Region 1 from 2002 to 2008. Since 2009 he has been IARU global Vice President. Ole has worked extensively for IARU for over 30 years. His current role also carries responsibility for the development and implementation of IARU’s strategy for each World Radio Conference.
At the Administrative Council level Ole has contributed actively to the strategic agenda, supporting the need for change in IARU. He is well-known globally in amateur radio circles for his enormous contribution to the hobby and its standing in regulatory forums.
Hans Blondeel Timmerman, PB2T was President of IARU Region 1 from 2008 to 2014 and more latterly its Secretary for the last four years. Prior to that, Hans was an EC member from 2002 and Chair of the Region 1 External Relations Committee. Hans has been IARU Satellite Advisor since 2016 and chairs the global IARU panel which coordinates frequency allocations for satellites in amateur frequencies.
Hans has been extensively involved in ITU and CEPT matters and has led activity on critical amateur service agenda items in CEPT in preparation for World Radio Conferences. He is also a Director of the YASME Foundation.
Speaking after the announcement, retiring IARU Region 1 President, Don Beattie, G3BJ said “This is a much-deserved recognition for two exceptional IARU volunteers who have devoted a huge amount of time and energy working for the future of amateur radio. In Region 1 we are delighted that their commitment has been recognised in this way”.