2. “I am delighted with the news announced by the RSGB about the future of IOTA – that, following the initial statement of intent last year, terms of agreement have been fleshed out for the programme to be run by a new body in partnership with the RSGB. This new body will take the form, we hope, of a Foundation Charitable Incorporated Organisation, with the name Islands on the Air Foundation (IOTAF). It will be a separate legal body. I have to thank the RSGB Board for acknowledging that the future sustainability of IOTA is of paramount importance to thousands of amateurs worldwide and that this must be the overriding consideration. Why the change? IOTA has risen from a niche programme to one that is mainstream and second only to DXCC as the international driver of activity on our bands. Increasingly, serious IOTA-watchers saw that the programme needed to be allowed to spread its wings, particularly to have control of its finances and to draw on the pool of overseas helpers in its management. The decision now to embark on the paperless QSLing project, a significant project with many challenges, provided the necessary stimulus for bringing in the change and for making it in a timely way. On Sunday morning at the RSGB Convention, Johan, PA3EXX, our IOTA IT Project Leader, gave a progress report on the project. He explained that the initial technical design papers have been written and that implementation work will start shortly. We envisage a launch in Spring 2017 after the annual update exercise although we will try to make it sooner. Looking back I should like to thank all who through many years helped IOTA to grow, and the RSGB Board for trusting us with this significant change. From the Foundation’s side, we look forward to a harmonious and successful partnership with the Society in taking the programme forward.
G3KMA, 12 Oct 2015”
Following the RSGB Board decision at this weekend’s RSGB Convention we can now move to formally setting up the new organisation. This may take a few months. The exact format may undergo some changes but we can say that, once launched, it will have full control of IOTA management, finances, budgeting, IT, strategy, promotion and marketing. The programme remains owned by the RSGB. I cannot go into further detail at this stage but I am sure that you will agree that the immediate future presents a number of challenges. Over the years I have received a number of offers of help with management most of which I was not able to call in because strategic decisions were awaited. If any of you feel that you can help in a particular area (maybe an additional area to what you are already doing!) or know someone in IOTA who is keen to help and would be an asset, please let me know. As the situation develops, we will keep you informed.
If you wish, you may publish the text of the two website notices above. However, please be careful not to stretch your interpretation of the notices beyond what they say!
Looking forward to a new horizon.
Best regards
Roger
Roger Balister, G3KMA
RSGB IOTA Manager
Charles M0OXO
I was born in the 1960’s and have lived all my life in the Coal Mining Town of Barnsley in South Yorkshire, Northern England. My parents were all from this area of Yorkshire and my father worked in the main Industry of the local Collieries as a face worker. I have been married to my wife Debbie for 35+ years and we have two children and two grandchildren.
I have been licensed for around 20 years after my interest was re-kindled when I retired from my role as a Police Officer within South Yorkshire Police Force. The latter few years were spent as Radio Operator in the Force Operations Control Room at Sheffield, before my career ended.
IOTA chasing is (and always has been) my real passion, as climbing the ladder to reach Honour Roll status was always my main aim. The 1000 Islands Trophy is still out of reach but I am heading in the right direction. I am currently a Board Member of IOTA Ltd and IREF.
In my free time I am a keen Photographer of Wildlife, Aviation, (anything really) but the QSL Manager role is my main passion within Ham Radio.
https://www.m0oxo.com/
https://www.m0oxo.com/oqrs/
