Many are probably aware of the ARRL's famous and "prestigious" DX Century Club award, and that they have other awards that can be worked towards e.g. WAS (Worked All States). Working the required stations is only one the first stage of getting the awards, QSL confirmation of the QSOs is also required, and then you must pay for them. I can imagine that last aspect especially turns many away from applying for awards as the total cost for one, not including any sending / paying for QSL cards, can amount to the region of £50.
I wonder how many are aware that the RSGB also offer a variety of awards that can be worked towards. Again, all are required to be paid for when certificates are ordered, but, the RSGB fees are a fraction of those charged by the ARRL at about a tenth of the cost.
My wonderings of who is aware of the RSGB awards stems from the RSGB's 2023 Committee Reports which details how many awards applications were made over the past few years. Here's the first few stats, the rest can be found in
their report.
| Summary Stats | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
| IARU Region 1 Award | 34 | 35 | 16 | 13 |
| IARU Region 1 28MHz Award | 3 | 2 | 0 | 2 |
Compared to the 100,000+ amateur radio licences Ofcom state that are currently on issue in the UK, these award application numbers look pretty low to me.
There are obviously many reasons why people do not apply for awards, not just including that some will consider them completely pointless and will have no interest in ever applying for, and amateur radio covers a such vast array of subject matter that the awards currently available only scratch the surface of and do not cover the interests of some people. A personal example is that of their 'Intermediate 100 Award' which for part of the application requires 25 contacts on the 80m band, for me at this present time that is just not of interest.
If anyone was not aware of the RSGB awards prior to reading this and would like to know more, then follow one of the two links below.
HF Awards:
rsgb.org/main/operating/amateur-radio-awards/rsgb-hf-awards/
V/UHF Awards:
rsgb.org/main/operating/amateur-radio-awards/vhfuhf-awards/
I have been aware of the RSGB awards for quite a while and been working towards the Class 2 levels of the two above, specifically the 28MHz one which I was recently awarded.
This 28MHz award is really one I wanted highlight to CT members as over previous years there has been very few applications as you can see, but I know many people here love the band being it having a very close 11m relationship. With where we are in the sun spot cycle and the fact that application for the award can be made using any modes of operation, even if you are only starting out on HF then the Class 3 level should really achievable to anyone who seriously works towards. The Class 1, due to a couple of awkward entities, may take some years though.
I didn't use ClubLog data for my applications, but I see from the links above that the RSGB allow QSL confirmation using it for at least the two IARU Region 1 Awards listed above which should make them more available to those who do not use LotW.
Hopefully I have peaked a few people's interest and that the next RSGB's stats will show an increase in at least one or two award applications.
If you are working towards any, do let us all know of your progress. If you have achieved awards previously and want to wave them, feel free
*I have no direct affiliation with the RSGB and am not trying to sell anything. Only trying to support the awards program of the society who makes it possible for us in the UK to do what we do. The awards are also available to be applied for by those outside the UK btw.
Yesterday at 10:47 pm by 
Subject: Shack wall and social media bling 
