WRA Web Page

New England Repeater Directory (2Meters)

MARC and WRA Merge

The Wallingford Repeater Association has long been a communication fixture with the repeater on 147.36 MHz. For several decades the “36 Machine” has provided communications to Central Connecticut and particularly to the Meriden Amateur Radio Club for emergency and general communications. The WRA is a semi-official organization operating under a “gentleman’s agreement” that includes a board of directors and a following of dues assessed members, but open to all licensed amateurs. The repeater equipment has been housed at private property locations, a Wallingford Fire House, and recently at the Wallingford water tower on Gaylord Farm Road.

Recently, the risk manager for the Town of Wallingford required liability insurance coverage for all non-governmental groups such as MARC and the WRA. After reviewing many options, the WRA Board of Directors offered a transparent merger with MARC. Presented at the August 2009 meeting and approved in September, the Wallingford Repeater Association is now part of the Meriden Amateur Radio Club, Inc. Although the intent was to continue the WRA operation without any change – a goal that was achieved, it was necessary to integrate the merger into the MARC Constitution and By-Laws for legal reasons.

Unchanged

In summary, the Wallingford Repeater will continue to provide the valuable communications venue for MARC and Central Connecticut, but now adds an increase of legal protection and is a good tenant for the Town of Wallingford. The merger is affective on 10 September 2009.