GUIDE TO THE USE OF THE RAFARS QSL BUREAU
AIMS OF THE BUREAU
To facilitate the exchange of QSL cards between RAFARS members and members of RNARS and RSARS.
In accordance with an agreement with the RSGB QSL Bureau, any QSL card they receive for stations using such as GBxRAF, GBxRFC, G3RAF, G4RAF, G6RAF, G7RAF, ZB2RAF, and VP8RAF will be forwarded to the RAFARS QSL Manager.
OPERATION OF THE BUREAU
Sending Cards to the Bureau
All QSL cards destined for RAFARS, RNARS, or RSARS members and for RAFARS-sponsored special event stations should be sent to the RAFARS QSL Bureau Manager. Any cards falling outside these criteria will be returned to the sender, provided there is a stamped addressed envelope (SAE) enclosed; failing that, regrettably the cards will be destroyed.
All cards sent to the Bureau should have the destination callsign and RAFARS, RNARS, or RSARS number clearly shown. For RAFARS-sponsored special event callsigns and any “RAF” callsigns, the date of the contact should also be clearly visible, along with the location from where the contact was made.
All cards should be sorted in alphanumeric order.
There is no limit to the number of cards that may be sent at any one time.
QSOs made from RAFARS HQ under G8FC & G8RAF should state to the contact that QSL cards should be sent direct to G8FC (RAFARS HQ), where the contact logs are held, NOT to the RAFARS QSL Manager. G8FC/G8RAF QSL cards will be sent out directly from RAFARS HQ to the recipient.
Receiving Cards from the Bureau
If you wish to receive cards via the Bureau, you must supply the Bureau Manager with self-addressed and stamped envelopes; it is suggested to use 2nd class stamps due to potential postal increases. Due to storage limitations, no more than FIVE envelopes at any one time. The most suitable size is C5 (8” x 6”) and of decent quality.
Special arrangements apply to overseas members who do not need to supply envelopes or postage monies.
Envelopes should be numbered counting down from 5 to 1, enabling you to know when you have nearly received the last one. Your callsign and RAFARS number should be marked on the top left-hand side of the envelopes.
Envelopes will be dispatched at the discretion of the QSL Manager.
General Notes
The Bureau facilities are available to all members, including Short Wave Listeners (SWL). Reports to Broadcast Stations are NOT acceptable.
The QSL Manager will hold cards for a maximum of SIX months.
The QSL Manager will notify the RAFARS Newsletter Manager of all unclaimed QSL cards.
The QSL Manager is authorised to handle monies or cheques from incoming stations.
RAFARS members using their own or a SES callsign should always state to the contact, “QSL via G0KUC,” the RAFARS QSL Manager, if you require a return QSL card; except for operations from RAFARS HQ (see Para 5). RAFARS members using any of the “RAF” or their own callsign and who are also members of the RSGB may send their QSL card to their RSGB QSL sub-manager if they so wish. Return envelopes are supplied to the RSGB QSL sub-managers for returns to the RAFARS QSL Manager’s system.
The RAFARS QSL Manager ONLY HANDLES CARDS for RAFARS, RNARS, and RSARS members.