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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 - May 2012At this time last year I made comment on how sunny and warm it was, but with a decided lack of rain. Not so this last month with plenty of the wet stuff to please the gardeners and farmers to say nothing of all the water companies.Now suddenly on the last day of April the sky has cleared and sun is shining so here at Marant we made this a time to get those jobs done in the garden. If it would only last for a while I may get to doing that antenna / feeder check I keep promising myself to do hi.The quote at the top of this months blurb could well apply to radio clubs and it?s nice to see our club doing just that with people taking part in our monthly meetings, only hope the weather at our May meeting allows us to mount an antenna for some practical operating.As you all probably know it will soon be our Queens diamond jubilee celebrations and following on, the Olympics and Paralympics will take place. Ofcom are allowing radio amateurs the chance to operate using an addition to our callsign prefix. This can easily be obtained by going to the RSGB web site.During the Olympic Games you may know also that there are restrictions on using parts of some uhf bands, to find more on this subject please look at our news page. There are web sites listed to give you all the gen.That?s it again chaps, next club meeting is on the 14th when I hope to see you all.73 Tony (Club Chairman)
Coming together is a beginning, Keeping together is progress, Working together is success. Henry Ford
Swale Amateur Radio Club G4SRC
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