One of the newest additions to the two-way radio world is FRS, or otherwise known as the Family Radio Service. FRS is a new type of Citizens Band service but is much more useful in today's way of life. Unlike traditional CB radios that you normally associate with semi-trucks, this type of CB radio service allows much more clearer reception. Normally you can expect to get about 1 mile of clean coverage but can get up to two miles of range depending on where you are located such as in

an open field with nothing in the way. Other benefits of FRS radios is that they are as compact as a small cell phone, cheap, do not require a license, and can be put into a type of private mode to help filter out unwanted communications from nearby users.

   Although you have the option of blocking out other users on the same channel as you and your friends, in our case with Batchelors Grove we can now keep in touch with other visitors. What the GRP proposes is a

dedicated calling channel for Batchelors Grove cemetery. By doing this we can organize communications better between visitors and help promote the growth of a more friendlier community. Of course this will only work if you bring along your FRS radio and keep an open mind that not everyone is as bad as they may seem even if you do come across some individuals that just joke around on the air waves. So next time you are about to make your visit be sure to grab your radio and tune in!

Bachelors Grove Calling Channel

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1.   Remember that you will be using radio waves so anyone can listen in on what you are saying. Do not give out your full name, phone number, or even worse, your home address.

2.   Do not meet up with someone you have never met by yourself. If you will be visiting the cemetery by yourself and happen to run into someone on the radio that you have never met before use caution and remember that the world can be a dangerous place.

3.   Parents, be sure to speak to your children about the dangers of talking to strangers on the radio. Radio usage can feel like a safe and magical thing to children and they may decide to meet up with someone they never met or take advise given to them over the air waves.

4.   Be courteous to others and do not use foul language. Children may be listening in and can be influenced by what you say. If someone is trying to make contact with another user do not try and disrupt them by trying to transmit over them. If someone has a question(s) that you do not have the answer(s) to do not make things up. You may end up getting them lost and/or cause them to suffer an injury as a result.

5.   If there is someone calling out in distress be sure to clear the channel and see if someone answers them back. If no one else is talking with them try to make contact. You may be the only one that can hear them! So do your best to help in such a situation. If you are the person calling out for help and no one answers be sure to keep trying and give out your location the best you can. Someone may be listening but can't reach you and they may be able to relay your information to the proper authorities.