Homepage
History of Swale ARC By Club President Mike Elliott G4VECAt around 1982, a number of amateur radio enthusiast's in the Swale area were meeting once a month at the Wyvern hall in central Sittingbourne. Membership was approximately 25 but amenities were basic, there was no possibility of installing or operating radio equipment, and the cost of hiring the hall was proving expensive. Thus, when the opportunity was given for us to use a large room on the top floor of Nina's Little Hotel & Restaurant in the High Street, free of charge, we were able to meet once a week every Monday except for bank holidays. We were also given a smaller room which we used to install VHF & HF radio equipment, and plenty of space outside for antennas. Due to our elevated position, we made some impressive contacts on all bands and modes using the club call signs G4 SRC & G6 SRC. Active membership increased to about 40, and the club went from strength to strength. All this came to an abrupt end, when on New Years Eve 1984; a large fire caused severe damage to the restaurant, and destroyed most of the upstairs area including our radio rooms and all the equipment. For a couple of months, a number of members met at various public houses in the area, while we hunted for a permanent meeting place. Eventually we found what we were looking for at The Ivy Leaf Club who offered us similar facilities which we had enjoyed at Nina's. However, the Ivy Leaf was forced to close in 2004, and once again we had to search for another venue.After a few months, we managed to secure a room at the Woodstock Club, December 2004, which was about 2-miles from the Town centre, which increased the journey for those travelling from the Isle of Sheppey. After only a few months in May 2005, due to a change of ownership, we had to look for another suitable meeting place. This proved very difficult, but we managed to hire the Bobbing Village Hall in June 2005, but due to costs, and status of membership, it was decided that meetings would be held the second Monday of each month, and although we lack some of the comforts we had at previous places, we all enjoy a chat, and are able to operate radio equipment on a portable basis, and the kettle is always on for a cuppa.Well that?s how we are at the present and we have room for anyone with an interest in radio or the need to know more, if so please e-mail for more information.
Greetings Gentlefolk - February 2012Goodness me, February already and I have only just got used to January 2012 but guess like us all at the start of each New Year one is surprised at how quickly the time slips by. I guess that is why this operator has not made as many qso?s as he expected to.The last Sunday of January saw us again spending an hour looking into our garden and noting all the birds that were visiting, yes it was the RSPB annual ?Big Garden Bird Watch? and as usual Marion and I were seeing which species were paying us a visit. I know other members also do their bit with this survey and I understand it does help. Apparently, bird populations give us information on a lot of things to do with our environment, hopefully to make things better in the future for us all.You may or maybe not have read recently that there has been some changes to our band plan after the Sun City conference in August 2011. These changes are available on the RSGB web site but for your information we have listed some on our news page. We have only put those for hf but there are also some changes for 50MHz, 70MHz, 145MHz, 70cm, and 23cm. which as mentioned above are available.I believe a full revised band plan will be issued in the March 2012 Radcom.That?s it for now chaps but remember our next club meeting is on the 13th, when Ian G6DUI will be giving his presentation on repeaters, hope to see you all then.73 Tony GØPEH
A love affair with knowledge will never end in heartbreak. Michael Garret Marino
Swale Amateur Radio Club G4SRC
build your own website
report abuse