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 - January 2009
The start of a bright New Year for us all and with thoughts of those resolutions, in the coming months, yours truly has vowed to make more qso?s especially using my home brew qrp gear. With hopes also that our bands will start to at last move in the right direction I may make better than my usual EU Contacts. Talking of bands we still, after over a year of patiently waiting, seem to find things still not much better most of the time. Last night a qso on 80mtrs with my pal Bob over in Herefordshire started out with 579 both ways but half an hour later we were both qsb?d down into to the noise.We seem to be experiencing very low temperatures at the moment and although there is feed out for the birds these last few days there has not been much activity. Guess they are all staying put trying to keep warm. We did see our pair of local herons flying across the field yesterday, reckon they were of looking for dinner.Well that?s it again chaps for the moment, the January meeting at the Club is on the 12th when I hope to see you all, have a very happy and peaceful New Year.Take care.Tony, Club Chairman.
Then sing, you hearts that are full of cheer,With never a thought of sorrow;The old goes out, but the glad young yearComes merrily in tomorrow. Emily Millar.On the 1st January 1927 the BBC broadcast its first programs.
Swale Amateur Radio Club G4SRC
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