The International Morse Preservation Society
                                    and
                             FISTS C.W. CLUB
   _____________________de G3ZQS            _______________ 1996

    Dear__________________________,

   You have been sponsored for membership of the above club and it is my great
   pleasure to enclose herewith the membership application form.

   There has long been a demand for an organizations such as this not only
   to fill the void left by the declining numbers of ex-professional
   operators but to nurture the interests of those who are drawn to the mode
   but lack the operating skills. It' s just these Amateurs who would
   otherwise be tempted to exchange the key for a microphone if the
   satisfactions and pleasure of Morse were to be denied them by a lack of
   opportunity. Such opportunity is rare when one is a beginner and the bands
   appear to be populated by c.w signals which are well beyond their limited
   skills.

   FISTS is peopled by those whose love of Morse has urged them on to
   encourage the beginner, to dispel those initial moments of fear and help
   them reach out for a joy known only to a small minority of Radio Amateurs.

    A love of MORSE and a concern for its perpetuation are the only
    requisites for membership. There is no specific speed requirement and
    neither is membership of the RSGB or other National body demanded. The
    aims of the club are:

    a) To further the use of Morse Code on the bands
    b) To encourage the newcomer to the mode
    c) To engender friendships within the membership

   You will appreciate that in order to effect these goals, the club must
   render itself open to the novice operator and have a healthy sprinkling
   of Veterans to encourage them.

   Your subs are due on the anniversary of the month in which you joined.
   There will be approximately 12 newsletters per year which will depend
   largely on your own contributions and you are encouraged to offer
   comments and observations.

   We have our own QSL bureau wtrich distributes members cards free as far
   as is possible and members may also chose to adopt the club QSL card.

   In addition, we have a talking newsletter for those who are visually
   handicapped.

   One of the greatest spin-offs of a club of this nature is the firm and
   lasting friendships which are a direct result of membership and
   consequent on-air contacts. You are encouraged not only to meet other
   members on the air but, if the opportunity is there, on a Social basis
   also. Should you wish to invite your current friends to join the club,
   you are at liberty to nominate them bearing in mind the criteria
   mentioned above.

   We look forward to receiving your reply.

                               73 de GEO  G3ZQS