Also in GB2RS this week…

December is Youngsters on the Air month and 37 stations will be operating all around Europe, Africa and the Middle East getting young people involved in amateur radio. There are even two stations from Asia and the Caribbean that are part of this event. In the UK, the callsign G14YOTA is moving around the country throughout December. Today, the 14th, Wakefield and District Radio Society will be operating the station, with Castle Rushden High School Radio Club taking over operation on the 17th, 18th and 19th. Then, next weekend, the 20th and 21st, Wirral and District ARS will be getting young people on the air. If you hear young people on the air at these stations, please take the time to speak to them.

On 8 December, a group of Polish amateurs reported receiving ARTSAT2 DESPATCH from deep space at a distance of 2,316,759 km. The previous day, the same group of radio amateurs also received the 437.385MHz amateur radio signal from the Shin’en2 spacecraft at a distance of 1,511,246 km.

Sad news now, we regret to announce that John Dunnington, G3LZQ became a Silent Key on 8 December, passing away peacefully in his sleep. John generously served amateur radio and the Society in many ways, including DXpedition Fund Manager and Awards Manager.

Also ex-GB2RS newsreader, Bill Carpenter, G4KQJ passed away at the end of November. He retired from his position as a West Yorkshire GB2RS newsreader in the first half 2014, having served in that position for 10 years. Our thoughts are with both families and their friends at this difficult time.

The next Bath Buildathon is to be held on 10 January. The aim of the event is to encourage newcomers to have a go at homebrewing radio equipment under the watchful eye of some experienced radio constructors. The chosen kit is the Rode receiver from Walford Electronics, which can be used on any one band, 80, 40 or 20m. The Buildathon is planned to run from 9am to 5pm. All soldering and test equipment will be made available on the day. The cost of the day will be £55 to include the kit, room hire, use of tools, tea, coffee and biscuits, etc. You just need to bring yourself and a packed lunch. Places will be limited to ensure that everyone gets good mentoring. For further details, please contact Steve Hartley, G0FUW by email to G0FUW@tiscali.co.uk.

Chris, M0KPW is looking for people who have information on the history of amateur radio in the Furness area, South Cumbria, between around 1950 to 1970. He’s looking for information on activities in the areas around that time, old photographs, facts, anecdotes, etc to help him put together a talk about the history of radio in the area. If you used to live in the area, or have visited the area over the years, and have any information please contact Chris by email to furnessamateurradio@outlook.com or visit m0kpw.com.

Category: GB2RS Headlines