Bredhurst Receiving and Transmitting Society

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BRATS training has the ethos of "learning by practical application"

History

The Society was formed in February 1982, under the name of the Bredhurst Breakers Club (BBC). The club was best described as an up market CB Radio Club, due mainly to its interest in the technical side of radio (CB) and the lectures.

Within a short time the limitations of CB were realised by many of the members, and a steady progression into amateur radio and short wave listening took place.

To reflect this wider interest the club changed its name to the Bredhurst Receiving and Transmitting Society (the BRATS) The society is in the unique position of being able to offer the hardened Radio Ham, the CBer and the SWL a common meeting ground where the club can cater for all facets of the hobby of radio communication.

Since the concept of the Foundation Licence was first released in a press notice from the Radiocommunication Agency (now OFCOM) in 21st September 2001 the Brats instigated a training course.

Training

The BRATS published its first online training material at the end of 2001 and ran its first Foundation Course in February 2002 and this was followed by many successful Foundation short courses (3 hours revision prior to an Exam) but now with this learning resources most students are able to study on their own without attending a formal course. This allows the student to proceed in their preparation for the exam at their own pace.

Those students who become members of the BRATS club have the back up of access to the training team both by email and in training sessions on club nights and at weekends at the club's remote shack and usually achieve 100% success rate in their examination.

The BRATS Club now has material that covers in detail all three levels of examination and full back up of tutors who have detailed knowledge of their subject - there is not just one tutor running all the session of tutoring whether it is at Foundation, Intermediate or Advanced level. Currently there are 6 club members actively participating the BRATS CLUB training, having together a total of about 60 years experience in Amateur Radio.

In addition to tutors being available to BRATS members, previous students of the courses are also available to share their insight into the exam topics.

The structure of the tuition given at the BRATS has been discussed with educational professionals and takes into account the most modern of methods of imparting knowledge to the student.

The club tries to tailor the training according to the individual student's needs (however one to one training cannot be provided).

The Web site is kept up to date whether it is changes in the syllabus or new ideas on better presentation of the training material.

The goal of all the BRATS training is for you to pass the exam and to enjoy the learning of the knowledge to enable you to pass.

Club Meetings

The BRATS CLUB meets at the Parkwood Community Centre, Rainham, Gillingham, Kent ME8 9PN on a Thursday night at 20:30 local time. Click below to show a map of the location.

http://www.streetmap.co.uk/streetmap.dll?G2M?X=580797&Y=164221&A=Y&Z=1

Note: The Parkwood community centre is a little to the south east of the arrow pointer !!!

Foundation and Intermediate Licence training course and Exam

Registration for the Foundation Licence course can be taken at any time and to gain the benefit of tutor help membership of the club is required.

You can start studying from the course set out on the web site and join the club in readiness for study seminars and field weekends etc that are held during the year where some of your learning can be put into practice.

Similarly with the Intermediate Licence course.

Advanced Exam training course and Exam

The course notes are on the web site and students who have their Foundation and Intermediate passes are now preparing for Exams in due course. Others may join them at any time.

Club Net

The Club holds a net 145.400 MHz +/- Tuesdays at 21:00 clock time coverage about 15 miles around the Medway Towns Kent.

Location for training, practicals and exams

• The FLC training is generally available in the BRATS remote shack but sometimes training can be arranged at the Parkwood Community Centre, Parkwood Green, Parkwood, Gillingham, Kent - with practicals assessments are conducted at the club room at Parkwood or the BRATS remote shack or during one of the BRATS many Field weekends. The exams are taken in the club room at Parkwood.

• The Intermediate is generally available in the BRATS remote shack but sometimes training is available in the club room, practicals assessments are conducted in the club room at Parkwood or the BRATS remote shack or during one of the BRATS many Field weekends. The exams at our Wainscott Centre Strood and at the shared centre with the Maidstone ARS in Maidstone when available.

• The Advanced is generally available in the BRATS remote shack but sometimes training is available in the club room, there are no practicals prior to the Advanced exam. The Advanced exams are taken at our Wainscott Centre Strood and at the shared centre with the Maidstone ARS in Maidstone when available.

• The intention is to offer training for all licence levels with an emphasis on how the information learned fits into the practical aspects of amateur radio and how it suites the student.

You could join or enquire about joining?

Club membership is open to all adults over 18 years. Children free if related to an adult member and must at all times be escorted by that family member.

For more information write to :-

Membership, The BRATS C/O The Club Room, The Parkwood Community Centre, Long Catlis Road, Rainham, Gillingham, Kent, ME8 9PN

or you could come along to the club venue on a club night to meet us and arrange joining the club - membership application forms can be sent .pdf file to you by email.

If you are joining to train for exams part way through our year April to March then pro rata fees exist which when less than 9 months exists the membership is for the remaining part of the current year and the next year.

as at 1st Jan 2007 ( but subject to change without notice on this web site ):-

If joining in April to end June membership fee is £25 and gives single adult membership to end March of the next calendar year ( one year's membership )

If joining in July to end September membership fee is £43.75 and gives single adult membership to end March of the next two years ( one and three quarter year's membership )

If joining in October to end December membership fee is £37.50 and gives single adult membership to end March of the next two years ( one and a half year's membership )

If joining in Jan to end March membership fee is £31.25 and gives single adult membership to end March of the next calendar year ( one and a quarter year's membership.