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GB2RS NEWS

Sunday 7th February 2010

The news headlines

* RSGB responds to Ofcom WRC consultation

* Long time GB2RS newsreader retires

* Norman Fitch, G3FPK, silent key

The RSGB has responded to Ofcom's consultation on World
Radiocommunication Conference by submitting a detailed response; see
the spectrum forum section of the RSGB website. This has been a
combined effort by the three spectrum managers, Murray Niman, G6JYB,
David Butler, G4ASR and John Gould, G3WKL, with some specialist input
by RSGB Technical Consultant Peter Chadwick, G3RZP. This was followed
by careful scrutiny by the RSGB Spectrum Forum and, of course, approval
from the Board. The purpose of the response is to protect existing
allocations, support the agenda item for an amateur allocation near to
500kHz and give indication to Ofcom of the range of issues that we
would like covered at future Conferences. The consultation has to be
seen as a formal exercise that supports an already good working
relationship in this area with Ofcom, whereby the Society enjoys
occasional membership of the UK delegation to various international
working groups that are engaged in preparatory work for WRC-12.

Last Sunday, 31st January, Jim Grieve, G4ARZ read the GB2RS News on 80
metres for the last time. He has decided to stand down now for health
reasons. The Society would like to thank him for his dedication to the
news service. He has been reading for the South East since June 1973,
and used to be the standby news reader for Arthur Milne, G2MI. From now
on Don, G3WDY and Philip, G3WUZ will read the news on 3640kHz at
0900hours for the South East and South West, whilst Philip, G4NZQ and
Mike, G4DYC will read for East Anglia on the same frequency at
0930hours.

Sad news now. RadCom VHF UHF columnist Norman Fitch, G3FPK died at his
home on Friday 29th January. Norman starting writing a VHF UHF column
in RadCom back in 1989 when he took over from Ken Willis, G8VR. He has
written that column in every issue of RadCom since and his input will
be greatly missed. An active amateur in the early mobile scene, Norman
was the honorary secretary of the Amateur Radio Mobile Society back in
the 1960s and was a regular attendee of the VHF Convention. Those who
knew G3FPK have described him as a true professional in his work and a
gentleman in his private life. Staff at the RSGB, Members who regularly
corresponded with him and his friends on the sked he kept every day
send their condolences to family and friends.

The RSGB Spectrum Defence Fund has reached its first milestone, having
received over £10,000 of donations from concerned amateurs. However,
this is still well short of what the RSGB has already spent in seeking
legal advice on the PLA issue. The Fund is still desperately in need of
your donations, which can be posted to RSGB HQ or you can donate online
at www.rsgb.org. If you would like more details on the noise from these
PLA devices, visit the UKQRM website where you will find a wealth of
information including sound files. The RSGB would like to thank the
UKQRM group for maintaining this website with up to date information.

The QSL sub manager for the G2 series of callsigns would like to
encourage those amateurs to think about getting envelopes and stamps to
him as soon as possible. He has a number of QSL cards waiting to be
sent

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on to G2 callsigns but few envelopes to achieve this. Details for John
Godfrey, M0JOH can be found in the 2010 Yearbook or on the RSGB
website.

New D-Star digital repeater node GB7NE at Lynemouth in Northumberland
has now been connected via the Internet to the D-Star network. The
repeater operates using digital voice GMSK modulation with its output
on 439.450MHz. The equipment at Lynemouth is fully homebrew and is
based on the GB7MH design described in the February 2010 RadCom. GB7NE
is the third non-Icom D-Star repeater node in the country. For more
information, have a look at the Northumbria Repeater Group website,
gb7ne.org.uk.

The forthcoming 3C0C DXpedition to Annobon is looking for support for
the DXpedition. Any help is always appreciated. For full details on the
DXpedition may be found on their website at www.3c0c-annobon.com/.

A photo & video report of the MM0DGR/P DXpedition to GMFF-015 is
available at www.srars.org/wff- reports/gmff-015.htm. The operators
would like to thank everyone who contacted them.

Horndean & District ARC will shortly be running Foundation and
Intermediate licence classes and exams. Please contact club secretary
Stuart on 023-9247-2846 or by e-mail to if
you are interested in taking part.

Whitton Amateur Radio Group has a Foundation course starting on 17
February. The course normally runs on a Wednesday evening at 7:30pm.
Contact Ian, G0OFN on 0870 760 5082 or by e-mail to if
you are interested in the course.

The Bury Radio Society is running a Foundation course starting on the
16 March. Anyone interested please contact Norman, G1HHU on 07525
932729 or by e-mail to for further details.

And now for the details of rallies and events for the coming week

Due to unforeseen circumstances, the Northern Cross Rally, due to be
held on Sunday 14 February at Ossett School hosted by Wakefield and
District Radio Society, has had to be postponed. It is hoped that a new
date can be agreed with the venue for later on this year.

Today, 7 February, the 25th Canvey Radio & Electronics Rally takes
place at 'The Paddocks', Long Road, Canvey Island, Essex SS8 0JA. Doors
open at 10.30am and admission is £2.

Ballymena Amateur Radio Club, Gi3FFF, will be holding its annual Winter
Bring and Buy sale on Friday 12 February from 6.30pm onwards at the new
Ahoghill Community Centre, in the same hall as last year. For
directions and map go to http://GI3FFF.synthasite.com or for any other
information contact Hugh Kernohan, GI0JEV on 02825871481 or by e-mail
to .

On 14 February, the Harwell Radio and Computing Rally will take place
in the Didcot Leisure Centre, Mereland Road, Didcot OX11 8AY. There
will be free car parking and admission is £2 with accompanied under 12
visitors admitted free. Doors open at 10.30 with disabled visitors
gaining access at 10.15am. More details are available on 01235 816379.

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Now for the news of special events

Special event station GG100WD for Wilton Division Guides will be
operating in Batley on the weekend of 20 and 21 February. The station
will be operational on HF, 2m and 70cm from 11am on Saturday to 2pm on
Sunday. The organisers would appreciate any offers of help to operate
the station. Please contact Tony, G4LMS on 01924 467612 for details.

GG100RE will operate from Eltham in south-east London on Saturday 20
February for Thinking Day on the Air, celebrating the 100th anniversary
of the Girl Guide movement. Two stations will be active throughout the
day, with Guides of all ages passing greetings messages on 80, 40 and
20m. The station will be operated by Cray Valley RS, full details on
qrz.com.

Celebrating the Golden Jubilee of the British Amateur Radio Teledata
Group, GB50ATG will be operated by John, GW4SKA from 8 February. Lots
of QSOs have been made throughout the time that the special callsign
has been operated in different parts of the country but they are always
looking for more. If you would like to win a certificate or plaque,
take a look at the rules for the BARTG Golden Jubilee Award on the
BARTG web site, www.bartg.org.uk.

In a joint even venture between the Northampton Radio Club & the
Coventry Amateur Radio Society to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of
the Daventry Experiment, GB75RDF & GB0RDF will be operating from the Ex
BBC site at Borough Hill, Daventry during February. GB4RDF will be
operating from the Birth of RADAR Memorial from 18 February until 17
March. Details can be found on QRZ.COM or contact Brian, G8GMU on 07801
86 26 86.

And now the HF DX news compiled from 425 DX News and other sources.

Until 10 February, W6HFP, W3FF, NE1RD, WZ1P, WG0AT, KC4VG, N7UN, KB9AVO
and K8EAB will sign J6/homecall from St Lucia. They will be using all
bands and modes. More information at
http://sites.google.com/site/caribbeanbuddies/.

N7I will be operating in Honolulu, Hawaii, until 10 February, mainly on
28.460 and 14.260MHz. QSL via KL7JR.

N7MSU will be operating as V31SU from Belize until 23 February in his
spare time using the 40 and 20m bands with CW and SSB. QSL via N7MSU or
see QRZ.com.

XR9JA will be the callsign of the forth coming Greenwich Island
operation. The operators will be there until 28 February using CW, SSB,
and PSK-31 on 160 to 6 metres. They also plan satellite operation using
AO- 51. QSL via CE5JA either direct or via the bureau.

Now the contest news

10 February sees the data leg of this month's 80m Club Championship
take place from 2000 to 2130UTC. The exchange is signal report and
serial number.

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The 432MHZ UK Activity Contest takes place on 9 February between 2000
and 2230 using all modes. The exchange is signal report, serial number
and locator.

The first 1.8MHz contest takes place on 13 and 14 February. There
should be plenty of UK and Continental European stations to work in
this one, plus some longer DX if you have a sufficiently competitive
station. Times are between 2100 and 0100UTC using CW and the exchange
is signal report, serial number and district.

Internationally, the Dutch National Society VERON PACC Contest takes
place on 13 and 14 February between 1200 and 1200. For non-Dutch
entrants there are sections for various combinations of power level,
mode and single- or multi-band. Send a report and serial number, but
expect to receive a report and a 2- letter Province code.

The CQ WW WPX RTTY Contest also takes place over the entire 48 hours of
the weekend 13 and 14 February. This is one of the biggest RTTY events
of the year. For single-op stations there are sections for low- and
high-power (but not QRP), and single- and multi-band. For multi-op
stations, its all-band and high- power only, with Multi-one for a
single transmitter, Multi-two for two transmitters and Multi-multi for
anything greater. Please bear in mind that Multi-multi stations send
separate serial numbers per band, so you may receive a lower number
when you work a multi-multi station on a second or subsequent band.

Now the solar factual data for the period from the 25th to the 31st of
January, compiled by Neil Clarke, G0CAS on the 1st of February.

The active group that was mentioned in last weeks report that produced
the M class solar flares remained visible even though it decreased in
size every day until it disappeared on the 31st. The group never
produced any more flares and solar activity was very low every day.
Meanwhile, elsewhere on the solar disc a group emerged on the 30th and
grew in size rapidly. Growth slowed on the 31st. Likewise, this group
as so far remained quiet. Solar flux levels declined from 81 units on
the 25th to 73 by the 29th. The average was 77. The 90 day solar flux
average on the 31st was also 77 units. That's the same level as last
week. Geomagnetic activity was quiet everyday. The most disturbed day
was the 30th with an Ap index of only 4 units. The average was Ap 3
units. Solar wind data from the ACE spacecraft saw solar wind speeds
vary between 320 and 450 kilometres per second. Particle densities were
low except for the 28th and the 30th which increased to 15 and 19
particles per cubic centimetre respectively. Bz fluctuated no more than
minus and plus 7 nanoTeslas for the period.

And finally the solar forecast. A lot will depend this week on if any
sunspot groups appear. Solar activity is expected to be very low. There
will be a slight chance of activity increasing to low. Solar flux
levels are expected to be into the 80s if spots do appear or the 70s if
the solar disc is spotless. Geomagnetic activity is expected to be at
quiet levels everyday. MUFs during daylight hours at equal latitudes
are expected to be about 23MHz for the south and 20MHz for the north.
Darkness hour lows should be around 8MHz. Paths this week to Japan
should have a maximum usable frequency with a 50 per cent success rate
of around 19MHz. The optimum working frequency with a 90 per cent
success rate will be about 15MHz. The best time to try this path will
be between 0800 and 1100 UTC.

And that's all for this week from the propagation team.

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Next, the Local News:

Please note that details of all RSGB-affiliated clubs and societies

can be found on the RSGB website, including e-mail addresses

and website links where known.

[Note to newsreaders: Please read the local news items appropriate to
the service area of your

transmission.]

NEWS FOR THE SOUTH-EAST

and EAST ANGLIA On Sunday 7 February Chelmsford Amateur Radio Society
is at the Canvey Island Rally from 10 to 4pm. Contact Martyn, G1EFL, on
01245 469 008. On Sunday 7 February South Essex Amateur Radio Society
is running the 25th Canvey Radio & Electronics Rally at The Paddocks,
Canvey Island. Contact Norman, M0FZW, on 01268 692776.

On Sunday 7 February Waterlooville Amateur Radio Club is running its
exam course. Details from Rich, G4IBW, on 02392 680852. On Monday 8
February Coulsdon Amateur Transmitting Society is having a talk by
Terry, G4CDY, entitled how to lose your SMD virginity. More information
from Andy, G8JAC, by email to . On Monday 8
February Felixtowe & District Amateur Radio Society is having a talk on
EME by Sam, G4DDK. More information from Paul, G4YQC, by email to
. On Monday 8 February Milton Keynes Amateur Radio
Society is having a talk on the 4m band and conversion of ex-PMR
radios. For more information go to www.mkars.org.uk. On Tuesday 9
February Brede Steam Amateur Radio Society is at the shack. For more
information contact Steve, on 01424 720815. On Tuesday 9 February
Chelmsford Amateur Radio Society is having a club net night. Contact
Martyn, G1EFL, on 01245 469 008. On Tuesday 9 February Harwell Amateur
Radio Society is holding its construction contest. Contact Malcolm,
G8NRP, on 01235 524844. On Wednesday 10 February Aylesbury Vale Radio
Society is having a discussion evening. Details from Roger, G3MEH, on
01442 826 651. On Wednesday 10 February Chelmsford Amateur Radio
Society is having a committee meeting at Danbury. Contact Martyn,
G1EFL, on 01245 469 008. On Wednesday 10 February Dover Radio Club is
watching a video of the 100th Anniversary of the first channel crossing
by aircraft, with Brian, G8ZYZ. For more information contact Brian,
G4SAU, by email to . On Wednesday 10 February
Farnborough & District Radio Society is having a talk on virtual radar
by Chris, G0WTZ. Details from Derek, G3OFA, by email to
. On Wednesday 10 February Harwich Amateur
Radio Interest Group is having a talk on RF-ID by James, M0ZZO. Details
from Kevan, 2E0WMG, on 07766 543784. On Wednesday 10 February Norfolk
Amateur Radio Club is having an informal evening. Details from Chris
Danby, G0DWV, on 01603 419204.

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On Wednesday 10 February South Essex Amateur Radio Society is having a
talk and presentation by Peter, G4OAD. Contact Norman, M0FZW, on 01268
692776. On Wednesday 10 February Southgate Amateur Radio Club is having
a RadCom evening, when Graeme Wilkes will bring four PCs and CDs of all
the back issues of RadCom. Contact David Sharp, M0XDS, by email to
.

On Wednesday 10 February Waterlooville Amateur Radio Club is having a
CW night. Details from Rich, G4IBW, on 02392 680852. On Wednesday 10
February Worthing & District Amateur Radio Club is having an
explanation of the D-Star system and its operation by David Lake,
G4ULF. For more information contact Roy, G4GPX, on 01903 753 893. On
Thursday 11 February Bittern DX Group is having an informal evening.
Details from Linda, G0AJJ, on 01692 404154.

On Thursday 11 February Edgware & District Radio Society is having a
talk by John, G3SJE, entitled Amplitude Modulation, nothing beats me!
More information from Mike, G4RNW, on 0208 950 0658. On Thursday 11
February King's Lynn Amateur Radio Club is having a club night and 2m
club net. Contact Ray, G3RSV, by email to . On
Thursday 11 February Reading & District Amateur Radio Club is having a
talk on the magic of six metres by Don Field, G3XTT. Details from Pete,
G8FRC, on 01189 695 697.

On Thursday 11 February Shefford & District Amateur Radio Society is
having a talk by its construction competition winner. Details from
David, G8UOD, on 01234 742 757. On Friday 12 February Cambridge &
District Amateur Radio Club is having a general social chat & shack
evening. Details from Lawrence, M0LCM, on 07941 972724. On Friday 12
February Itchen Valley Amateur Radio Club is having a members evening.
Contact Charlie, M0WYM, on 02380 439560. On Friday 12 February
Mid-Sussex Amateur Radio Society is having a radio night. Contact
Peter, G4AKG, on 01444 239371. On Friday 12 February Radio Society of
Harrow is having a discussion and hands on, practical workshop on
soldering techniques. Members are invited to bring along their
construction projects, tools and soldering irons, for advice. More
information from Linda, G7RJL, on 0208 386 8586. On Friday 12 February
Wimbledon & District Amateur Radio Society is on the air and having a
construction evening. Contact Jim, M0CON, on 020 8874 7456.

On Sunday 14 February Reading & District Amateur Radio Club is having a
talk on HV power distribution to railways by Richard O'Keeffe, G0FFL.
Details from Pete, G8FRC, on 01189 695 697.

NEWS FOR THE SOUTH-WEST On Monday 8 February Cornish Amateur Radio Club
Computer Section is having part four of the talk by Peter, G3WKP, on
music and computers. Details from Steve, G7VOH, on 01209 844939. On
Tuesday 9 February Blackmoor Vale Amateur Radio Society is watching the
Russian Alaskan Islands video. Contact Tony, G0GFL, on 01258 860741.

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On Tuesday 9 February Poldhu Amateur Radio Club is having a talk by
David Barlow, G3PLE, on Minnehaha, the Bishop and the Lizard. Details
from Keith Matthew, G0WYS, by email to . On
Wednesday 10 February Taunton & District Amateur Radio Club is
operating the club station & holding a Morse class. Contact William,
G3WNI, on 01823 666 234 for more information.

On Wednesday 10 February Thornbury & South Gloucestershire Amateur
Radio Club is on the air. Contact Tony, G0WMB, on 01454 417048. On
Thursday 11 February South Bristol Amateur Radio Club is having a
technical topics evening with Len, G4ZRY. Contact Len, G4RZY, on 01275
834 282. On Thursday 11 February Swindon & District Amateur Radio Club
is having a natter night. Contact Den, M0ACM, on 07810 317750. On
Thursday 11 February Yeovil Amateur Radio Club is holding its
construction competition. Contact Steve Crask, G7AHP, by email to
. On Friday 12 February Saltash & District Amateur
Radio Club is having a talk on loop aerials by Jules, M1AGY on Loop
aerials. Contact Brian, M0BHG, on 01752 844321. On Friday 12 February
Torbay Amateur Radio Society is having a natter night. For more
information contact Dave, G6FSP, by email to .

NEWS FOR THE MIDLANDS On Monday 8 February Gloucester Amateur Radio &
Electronics Society is operating the club equipment. Contact Anne,
2E1GKY, on 01452 548478, daytime. On Monday 8 February South Birmingham
Radio Society is having a rally planning evening. Contact Don, on 0121
458 1603. On Monday 8 February Stratford Upon Avon District Radio
Society is having a talk on the computer control of receivers by G8UKT.
Contact G0CHO, on 01608 664488. On Tuesday 9 February Eagle Radio Group
is having a talk on planning permission for radio amateurs by Jim,
G0EJQ. Details from Terry, G0SWS, on 01507 478590. On Tuesday 9
February Loughborough & District Amateur Radio Club is having a talk on
the AirNav Radar Box by Brian, G8BUB. More information from Chris,
G1ETZ, on 01509 504 319. On Tuesday 9 February Mid-Warwickshire Amateur
Radio Society is having a meet your fellow members night at the Emscote
HQ. Details from Bernard, M1AUK, on 01926 420 913. On Wednesday 10
February Bolsover Amateur Radio Society is having a natter night. For
details, send an email to . On Wednesday 10
February Hinkley Amateur Radio Society is having an antenna workshop on
the DBJ1/2 portable VHF/UHF antenna by John Rogers, M0JAV. Details from
John, M0JAV, on 07836 731544. On Wednesday 10 February Lincoln
Short-Wave Club is discussing ideas for the club's future activities.
For more information contact Pam Rose, G4STO, on 01427 788356. On
Wednesday 10 February Midland Amateur Radio Society is having a
committee meeting and holding training classes. Details from Norman,
G8BHE, on 01214 229 787.

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On Wednesday 10 February South Notts Amateur Radio Club is on the air
and using Morse. Details from Terry, M0RIA, via the web at
www.radioclubs.net/snarc. On Wednesday 10 February Telford & District
Amateur Radio Society is having an under £5 construction competition.
Contact Mike, G3JKX, on 01952 299 677. On Thursday 11 February RAF
Waddington Amateur Radio Club is having a talk on contesting and VHF DX
by Bryn Llewellyn, G4DEZ. Details form Judy Rowlands on 07544 456422.
On Friday 12 February Coventry Amateur Radio Society is having its
construction competition. Contact John, G8SEQ, on 07958 777363. On
Friday 12 February South Birmingham Radio Society is having a
construction evening. Contact Don, on 0121 458 1603.

NEWS FOR THE NORTH OF ENGLAND On Monday 8 February Angel of the North
Amateur Radio Club is on the air and having a natter night. Contact
Nancy Bone, G7UUR, on 0191 477 0036. On Monday 8 February Bolton
Wireless Club is having a talk on digital amateur television by Darren,
G7LWT. For details, send an email to . On
Monday 8 February Sheffield Amateur Radio Club is having a talk by
Peter, G3PHO on simple wire directional antennas for the suburban QTH.
For more information contact Trevor Wood, M0TWS, by email to
. On Tuesday 9 February Otley Amateur Radio
Society starts its Foundation Course. Contact Paul, 2E0PAK, on 07768
996370.

On Tuesday 9 February Warrington Amateur Radio Club is having a talk on
mobile power by Steve, 2E0BUI. Contact Roger, M0DWQ, on 07868 000 705.
On Wednesday 10 February Hornsea Amateur Radio Club is having an
activity night, taking part in the CW 80m CC Data. Contact Gordon
MacNaught, G3WOV, on 01377 240573. On Thursday 11 February South
Cheshire Amateur Radio Society is having the second part of the talk on
oscilloscopes by Dave G8DHQ. Contact Chris Wiseman, G0RDK, on 01782
773185. On Thursday 11 February South Manchester Radio and Computer
Club is having a talk by Ron, G3SVW / VP8LK entitled Antarctica - 40
years on. Details from Ron, G3SVW, on 0161 969 3999. On Friday 12
February East Cleveland Amateur Radio Club is on the air. For more
information contact Alistair, G4OLK, on 01642 475 671.

NEWS FOR SCOTLAND On Tuesday 9 February Kilmarnock & Loudoun Amateur
Radio Club is having a club night. Contact Graham, MM3GDC, by email to
. On Tuesday 9 February Livingston & District
Amateur Radio Society is having an operating evening. For more
information contact Norman, on 07740 946192. On Wednesday 10 February
Kingdom Amateur Radio Society is having a shack night. Details from
Brian, MM0XBD, on 01383 738905.

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On Wednesday 10 February Lothians Radio Society is having a talk on
microelectronics technology by Professor Tom Stevenson of the
University of Edinburgh. Contact Andy Sinclair, by email to
. On Wednesday 10 February Paisley YMCA
Amateur Radio Club is having a training evening. Contact Bill Anderson,
2M0BZZ, on 01505 613633.

On Thursday 11 February Aberdeen Amateur Radio Society is having a
construction and on the air evening. More information from Lewis,
GM4AJR, on 01224 575 663.

NEWS FOR WALES On Tuesday 9 February Marches Amateur Radio Society is
having a junk sale at the meeting. Please feel free to bring any items
you wish to sell. For more information contact Dave, MW0AYM, on 01691
777242. On Friday 12 February Newport Amateur Radio Society is on the
air and running its Intermediate class. Details from Gareth Price, on
01633 880081.

NEWS FOR NORTHERN IRELAND On Wednesday 10 February Lough Erne ARC is
hosting a talk and equipment demonstration led by John McCullough
GI4BWM, Chairman of the RSGB Emerging Technology Coordinating
Committee. The Keepers of Sligo, West Tyrone and Fermanagh repeaters
are among a strong attendance expected. The agenda includes giving
those who use repeaters an opportunity to thank those who do all the
hard work of providing them, and to encourage more use and variety of
enjoyment of repeaters. The event starts at 7pm sharp so it can finish
in time to let away those with a distance to drive home. The venue is
SHARE in Co Fermanagh, which is also the venue for the Club's
traditional April Rally, which will be held on Sunday 11 April this
year. All radio amateurs and experimenters are welcome, as are the 18
students on the Club's Foundation course. Likewise welcome are
questions and suggestions before, at and after the event. Details from
Michael Clarke, MI5MTC, by e-mail to or telephone 028
6862 1436.

And that's the end of this week's GB2RS news broadcast,

prepared by the Radio Society of Great Britain.