GB2RS News Sunday the 31st of August 2025 The news headlines: Plan your RSGB Convention weekend with the newly released programme Volunteer for the RSGB as the Honorary Mature Members’ Officer RSGB representatives and practical activities at the National Hamfest  Have you bought your ticket for this year’s RSGB Convention yet? The weekend’s draft programme has just been released, detailing all the inspiring speakers that the Society has lined up for your enjoyment. If you want to improve your technical knowledge, be sure to add the presentation by Hans Summers, G0UPL from QRP Labs, to your must-see list. Hans will introduce the concept of polar modulation SSB, along with the story of the practical implementation of polar modulation SSB in the QRP Labs QMX and QMX+ transceivers. Perhaps you’d like to get some operating tips? In which case, Walt Hudson, K4OGO, is one to add to your weekend schedule. Walt, also known as ‘Salty Walt’, will discuss different types of antennas and his experience with them when operating portable. If you’d like to discover something new within amateur radio, then join Kjetil Vinorum, LB4FH, for a presentation on ‘elmering’ in an online world. In addition, Mike Walker, VA3MW, will present an exclusive look at the new Aurora transceiver from FlexRadio Systems and will showcase how the Aurora pushes the boundaries of software-defined radio. With a wide-ranging programme to spark your interest, three exciting workshops, the Special Interest Groups room, GB3HQ and much more, this year’s Convention is one not to be missed. The event takes place between Friday the 10th and Sunday the 12th of October at Kents Hill Conference Centre in Milton Keynes. Tickets are selling fast, so to view the full programme and book, go to rsgb.org/convention  The RSGB has announced an exciting new volunteer role, which will be tasked with attracting older people to amateur radio. The Honorary Mature Members’ Officer will also be responsible for retaining and engaging with our existing senior members. The individual will research organisations or groups with memberships that include older people who may be interested in amateur radio as a hobby. They will also help to identify ways the RSGB can support lifelong enjoyment of amateur radio, including accessibility, training and social engagement. If you are an RSGB member and interested in this role, go to rsgb.org/volunteers  to read the full description. If you’d like to apply or have a chat about the role, email the Nominations Committee Chair, Will Richardson, 2E0WYA via nominations.chair@rsgb.org.uk The RSGB will have a large presence at the National Hamfest at Newark Showground on Friday, the 5th and Saturday, the 6th of September. In addition to an extensive book stall and membership stand, the Society will be running a range of exciting practical activities and demonstrations. These include a semi-interactive display of the CubeSat and a web-based dashboard from a Tiny Ground Station running remotely. There will be the opportunity to play ‘MORSE’, a minimalist, wave-based strategy game operated with just two controls. You can also have your CW skills tested at a range of speeds. On Saturday, there will be an opportunity to get hands-on, building a Kanga FM receiver kit. The activities are all free of charge, and there is no need to book in advance. Members of the RSGB Board, staff and representatives from specialist committees and teams will also be in attendance and are looking forward to meeting you, answering your questions and offering support. If you know an up-and-coming HF DXer who has made rapid progress in the last year and has some real achievements to show, you have until Friday, the 12th of September, to nominate them for the RSGB’s G5RP Trophy. The award is not limited to youngsters or the newly licensed but is open to anyone who has recently discovered and made significant progress in HF DXing. Please email your nominations to Ian Greenshields,