[Boatanchors] KEEP THE VULTURES FROM LANDING

[Bill and Liz]

In the London, On area we have seen our share of vultures taking advantage of a family’s bereavement, and so a number of older hams have let it be known in the community that we are available to sort, price and, if necessary, sell the equipment/parts on behalf of the estate.  Over the past 10 years or so we have helped dispose of about a dozen stations/collections, realizing a nice return for the families.

One problem we have is that families want us to accept payment for what we do and we have to be firm about refusing with thanks.  We tell them that this is ham radio, not a  commercial enterprise.  All too often, after all the “good stuff” is sold, there are a few boxes of bits ’n pieces which nobody seems to want to buy.  These find their way over time to the local vintage radio club or a ham fleamarket to be snapped up for free.

I think every ham community needs a volunteer group like this to make certain that an estate so lovingly collected and cared for over decades does not end up in the hands of the unscrupulous for peanuts.

Bill VE3NH