For the past 8 out of 9 Januarys Bedworth Lions Club supported by the Coventry Amateur Radio Society has run a Lions Awareness event. In essence, very simply, Lion Brian, a radio amateur (G8GMU) obtains a permit from Ofcom to use a special callsign GB4BLC (GB4 Bedworth Lions Club) and opens his home to the public with a display of the work of Lions Clubs and Amateur Radio.
Why you might ask? The answer is simple; both are misunderstood by the general public.
Wrongly amateur radio is CB and that old chestnut Lions is a rugby club.
During the month GB4BLC spread the word about Lions Clubs to all continents and spoke to people who have updated us with the latest information about areas in which Lions have assisted, such as Phucket and India. On several occasions Lion Brian was talking to people about Lions at the rate of 1 every 2 minutes. Let us also not forget that Lions Clubs use Amateur Radio in far flung places for disaster relief. Publicity is generated on the web so please Google “GB4BLC” and just look at the entries.
Bedworth Lions would also suggest that Lions Clubs join forces with their local amateur radio club as this is a really good publicity tool.
Further information can be obtained from Lion Brian on 07801 86 26 86, who also points out that the “funny numbers” are people’s unique radio call sign.
Image is the attendees at the opening of the event.
Lions Tony, Martin & Brian who are Lions and radio hams.
Graham G4BCG, the President of the Coventry Amateur Radio Society.
Radio Hams - Howard 2E0HSJ, Mark G4RUN Joshua M3HBM (who is nearly 17 and held his licence for half his life).