Good... morning, evening, nooning and midnighting. Whenever you're listening, I'm John VK4JPM, secretary of the Darling Downs Radio Club, and it might very well be the week of 30 November 2025. Wow. One month to go before we increment the year counter. Lots happened this past week. Thanks to all the people who sent back suggestions of location for our Club end-of-year gathering and BBQ - more about that in a second, but put Saturday 13 December in your diary right now. The next club meeting is on 8 December - that's next week - and this is definitely one for remote attendees as much as those in the room. The topic is handheld radios, how well today's devices work, and whether you need to pay a fortune, or you can get great results for $30. I'm one of those people who paid over $700 for a three-channel synthesised 2m handheld in the 70s - I still have it - and I can't believe the value you get today. But that doesn't mean it's the best option. The club did investigate the topic previously, but that was 15 years ago, and it's time for an update. So if you have a Baofeng, Quansheng, Retevis, BinQi, Maycall, Hyterra, Inrico, or some other brand with an unpronounceable name that nobody has heard of, this is a meeting for you. We're going to pool knowledge, check out additional software, look for tips and tricks, and discuss some reviews, both complementary and damning. At the end, we'll all know more, and that's a good reason to attend. Check the website for details: www.ddrci.org.au and wait until it comes round if it's not on the screen immediately. 8 December at 1900 for that one. Our end-of-year in-person gathering is scheduled for Saturday, 13 December at Webb Park in Toowoomba. This is the location we used last year, and it came back as a popular selection. And why not: it's not on an official Park list; it's high, but not the highest, and it's next to two major schools. That puts it adjacent to YOTA, SOTA and POTA. More importantly, it has undercover areas, good BBQs, lots of parking, and it's roughly in the middle of everything. More info on the website for that one, too. We're planning meetings for next year too, so if you'd like to make suggestions or ask us to do something, send an email now so that the Committee can add your thoughts to the list. Secretary@ddrci.org.au is the best way to reach us; all ideas are welcome and considered. Last weekend, another of our aspiring candidates made it through exams, and congratulations to young Gene, who is now running the application process to get his Australian licence after previously holding a Canadian call. The final practice was lots of fun, with a POTA activation at Ravensbourne. The bands were buzzing, and with not many watts, we had POTA contacts and a good QSO with a J who was calling CQ. If you'd like to get or upgrade a call, drop a line to education@ddrci.org.au and let's talk about how we can help. Finally: If you'd like a club cap or a club shirt with your name, call, place the order now. Sizes, costs and details are on the website so wait for it to come past. We love your comments so don't be bashful: email to secretary@ddrci.org.au and we'll do what we can to help. I'm John VK4JPM and thanks for getting involved. 73 from Darling Downs Radio Club.

Additional info: Saturday 13 December from 1130-1430 or as long as we run, at Webb Park on Dudley Street in Toowoomba. BYO everything. Family-friendly and harmonics will be well catered for on the council-provided playthings. BBQ, somewhere to sit, and amenities are all good and free.