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.
Another month has slipped by but even if bands still persist in staying in the doldrums at least our weather is certainly waking up. With this in mind some of our members are now checking their gear before venturing into to the countryside for some relaxing /portable operations.Here at Marant the garden continues to need some attention to water, not forgetting to top up the bowl which finds good use by our local bird population.With this nice settled weather this operator is looking to do some antenna work, reports on my vhf signals being not always up to the mark of late I intend to replace the co-ax. Checking back it would seem that the existing cable is at least twenty years in being so that being the case it?s not to soon for a change hi.Our next meeting is on the 13th of the month so hope to see you all there when our Buildathon should be in the final stages. That?s it again chaps so have fun and check out those bands, they must get better soon.73, Tony GØPEH
Greetings Gentlefolk - July 2009
Be curious always!For knowledge will not acquire you;You must acquire it.On the 25th July 1909 Louis Bleriot became the first man to fly across the English channel.
Swale Amateur Radio Club G4SRC
build your own website