VI100IARU – International Amateur Radio Union Centennial
“IARU celebrates its centenary in 2025. Since its founding in Paris, France, IARU has worked tirelessly to promote innovation in amateur radio and to encourage the growth of the service in communities throughout the world.IARU has represented the Amateur Services at international and regional regulatory bodies by relying on our volunteers who come from many countries and communities. IARU has been a sector member of the ITU since 1932 and the work of our volunteers has continued since that date with unmatched success; as was highlighted with the accomplishments at WRC-23.
Leading up to our centenary year, we should take time to reflect on the remarkable achievements of radio amateurs over the last 100 years.
While the Amateur Services have been in operation for over a century, 1924 was the first year that intercontinental amateur communication became more or less commonplace. Since that time radio amateurs have made unparalleled advances in technology related to the Amateur Services that play a critical role today in sustaining world-wide communications and allow us to respond to global emergencies.”
mine and Charles’ (M0OXO) flights being delayed, causing us to be late in arriving at the hotel – well 19:00 rather than 18:00 – but that didn’t stop us from enjoying the local hospitality and beers. Dave (EI9FBB) collected us from Dublin along with Philip (DX6SP) and Tomi (HA8RT) who were giving a talk on their recent trip to Guyana 8R7X, but more on that later. 
was a spare chair I joined them to catch up and talk radio. Eventually as the night wore on we all started drifting off, but for some reason I ended up staying through to 00:30 when the bar closed talking with some of the Irish lads about pensions, the Navy, and how we all started in amateur radio. I declined the trip in to town, finally getting in bed just before 01:00. 
the DX community, for example “If you operate as 6Y7EI which ITU region are you in?” Or “JARA is the national society of what country?” Little did we know but both these questions were clues to the next EiDX Groups expedition which we will mention more of later. Oh the answer to the first question you ask, region 2. This is a team competition and it also gives you chance to meet new people who may only be there as a day visitor.
the team, Jamie (M0SDV), Philip, and Tomi all doing their bit to tell the story and how they had overcome the difficulties of planning and getting the necessary permissions from the local government. Luckily they found a “fixer” who was well known in the area and got all the licences and a location suitable for what they needed – he was also a bit of a local celebrity and got the guys in the local paper and contacts with the government minister. 
Denis (EI5GSB) started with his own view from a rookie’s point of view with 4 or 5 quick fire slides, delivered with the Irish humour and wit he is known for, saying thanks and ending saying “there you go Dave, got back the 45-minute delay” before giving an interesting and informative look at the trip from his angle as the new boy. Followed by Adrian with N5J Jarvis Island, it was incredible that he had left Jarvis Island, sailed back to
Hawaii and onto home to immediately get back on a plane to go to CY9C, his wife must be a very understanding lady. This was the first big expedition to use the RiB (Radio in a Boat) concept where most of the operators were actually hooked u via the internet from their homes. 
Both clues to Jamaica. Looking
forward to this one for some fun chasing and wish all safe travels. Close to the end with the prizegiving for the quiz and pileup competitions, and the raffle. All finished so retire to the room to freshen up and get ready for the DX Dinner. Food once again was excellent and then to the bar for more fun over a couple of local brew – Guinness.
