Big Mistake

So in 1988 ish, i dont remember the actual year,  i signed up for the Amatuear radio course at  my local college with my best mate. We were both big in to radio having been big CB'ers and pirate radio (thats another story) and looking for the next step.

I stepped in to the college classroom and instantly hated it. It took me back to my school days which wasnt good for me, so i left a few minutes later, knowing I couldn't be in that environment (now I've left school)  i left and never came back.

My mate stayed and eventually passed his exams as part of the course and got a G7 callsign. I wont post the full callsign as he recently passed.

Everytime I went to his house he showed my all his radio gear and let me listen to all his QSO's etc. i was not interested in any of that sh*t as he bored me to death with this nonsense.

Looking back, I was actually very jealous that he stayed the full term and enjoyed for years the benefits it gave him.

I'm almost 55 and now realise this was my boyish stupidity that stopped me from gaining that qualification at the same time, and for that, It's a big regret for me. We could have shared so much more together. He was the best man at my wedding.

Now i know im an idiot, I intend to pass my license and carry on and enjoy what Alan would have wanted me to do.

73's mate

Good for you it's never to late, you mate will look down and be proud when that ticket arrives.

Hello Ian,

Good luck with your endeavours.

Don't beat yourself up too much, it is all part of life and how we develop as a person.

I am sure Alan would be proud of your resolve to get your license.

Take it easy, Buddy and good luck.

73s John.

Can I recommend the online EssexHam course?  It is very good and free.

It's never too late and each day is a new page, a new adventure and it can be a new experience. Don't look at learning as a chore, try and look at it as a journey. Go for it! have fun!

I did the college course back in 93 along with 3 friends every Wednesday night for weeks and weeks and we all got the pass.
At the time my marriage was on the rocks and the week we got the pass was the time i left with the clothes i stood in and penniless. 
Radio was the last thing on my mind finding some ware to live and start again was the main thing.
Changed my address to my mums with the DVLA and stuff like that but my x didn't bother to forward any mail to me but nothing i wanted well i thought at the time.
Years later and re-married and i thought about radio again.
That was when i thought about my x not sending my mail on and yes there was something i would have wanted the paperwork from the exam my "big mistake".
Tried contacting the powers that be but without that paperwork and number i had no chance even when i contacted a m8 and got the exact dates they could find nothing.
So i start again but all changed and i did the foundation on line and that will do for me as i get all i want and QRP is my thing so i am happy with my lot now and had my wedding anniversary last Saturday.

Hi Alan Pilot, have your tried contacting C&G https://www.cityandguilds.com/help/contact-us ? All you need is the date of the exam, the centre you took the exam at and your personal details. You should still be able to obtain a copy certificate and apply. It would be worth doing as you can now obtain a full licence on the strength of that certificate.

Purple Witch wrote:

Hi Alan Pilot, have your tried contacting C&G https://www.cityandguilds.com/help/contact-us ? All you need is the date of the exam, the centre you took the exam at and your personal details. You should still be able to obtain a copy certificate and apply. It would be worth doing as you can now obtain a full licence on the strength of that certificate.

Thanks for that.
Yes tried all that 5 or 6 years ago but with no luck.
As i said i am happy with what i have now plus a bit long in the tooth to go through all that again on the phone for hours like last time.

Alan Pilot wrote:

Tried contacting the powers that be but without that paperwork and number i had no chance even when i contacted a m8 and got the exact dates they could find nothing.

Hi Alan.

Earlier this year I contacted the C&G to re-issue my RAE pass certificate.

Even though my name has changed since the 1980s, I gave a 4 year window of when I though I'd sat the exam, my ID, and the college where I sat it. Paid a £44 fee, and within two weeks my re-issued C&G certificate arrived here in France.

Then a simple process with Ofcom to have my original callsign re-activated.

https://www.cityandguilds.com/help/help-for-learners/replace-and-amend-certificates

Deb

Will give them a go.
                          Thanks.