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GB2RS NEWS

Sunday 31st May 2009

The news headlines

* Radio amateur dies in motorway smash
* Train the Trainers at Angel of the North in August
* Prepare for National Field Day

The RSGB is sad to report that one member of the Oldham Amateur Radio
Club was killed and another seriously injured following a collision on
the M61 motorway last Sunday. Club treasurer Peter Rushton, G7PMZ died
at the scene and the chairman, Ian Firby, G7VCG was airlifted to
hospital, but is expected to make a good recovery. A 28 year old man
was arrested at the incident on suspicion of dangerous driving.

Angel of the North Amateur Radio Club is hosting a Train the Trainers
course on Saturday 8 August. It will take place at Whitehall Road
Methodist Church Hall in Gateshead. The purpose is to offer tutors
guidance on running courses and teaching techniques. The course will be
run by RSGB Board Member Dave Wilson, M0OBW. More details can be
obtained from Nancy Bone, G7UUR, on 07990 760920 or by email to
. Early booking is strongly recommended for
what is likely to be a very popular course.

National Field Day takes place next weekend, 6 and 7 June. This is an
ideal opportunity to get out in the fresh air and practice your CW
contesting skills all the way from Top Band to ten metres--and remember
that those two bands score double points too. Many clubs combine the
contest with a social event such as a barbecue, because the main focus
of NFD is having fun, rather than working DX.

Recent news that the Government has declined further funding for
Bletchley Park will not affect the planned RSGB Pavilion, says RSGB
General Manager Peter Kirby, G0TWW. Baroness McIntosh of Hudnall had
petitioned in the Lords for additional financial support for the
historic site, but the Department for Culture, Media and Sport was
unable to offer additional funding. Separately, Bletchley Park Trust is
working on a major bid for Heritage Lottery Funding to help restore the
site. The RSGB Pavilion, however, is to be fully funded from RSGB
resources. Detailed planning work is continuing and, subject to
approvals, work is still on track.

After 25 years of voluntary work, G4W series QSL sub manager Leonard
Gaunt, G4MLV is retiring. The RSGB QSL bureau would like to thank him
for his valued service to his fellow amateurs over many years. His
place is being taken by John Fogden, G4WSX, QTHR. All existing cards
and stamped addressed envelopes will be transferred to John by 1st
June. His postal address is Mr J Fogden, G4WSX, 38 Green Lane,
Chichester PO19 7NP.

South Anglia Repeater Group has just launched a new website,
www.sargroup.co.uk. This site highlights the work carried out by the
repeater group and its supporters. It includes details on the group's
five repeaters

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which cover Suffolk, Cambridgeshire, Essex and Norfolk. The site also
includes contact details for all group members, details on how to
donate to the group, pictures of the repeater gear and much more.

The Norwich 6m Net has changed its frequency. Now operating on
51.52MHz, it takes place on Fridays at 7.30pm. Run by Nigel, M0CVO, the
net welcomes locals as well as those from further afield when
propagation allows.

PSK data enthusiasts will be pleased to learn that a new version of the
popular data modes software MULTIPSK has been released. The new version
of this popular freeware can be downloaded from http://f6cte.free.fr.
It includes a number of enhancements including new experimental PSK
modes for HF.

BBC Radio Devon has completed its trials with medium wave digital radio
and the results have now been published. Overall the experiment was
judged to be a success. The daytime service area increased over the
former AM service, although some fringe listeners had difficulties with
digital cliff dropout during the hours of darkness. However, as DRM
permits multiple transmitters on the same frequency it might be
possible to use fill-in transmitters without requiring additional
bandwidth.

And now the details of rallies and events for the coming week.

On Sunday 7 June the Red Rose QRP festival takes place at Formby Hall,
Alder Street, Atherton, M46 9EY. There is talk-in on S22, free parking,
special interest groups and an active bring & Buy. The event opens at
11am and more information can be obtained from Les, G4HZJ, on 01942
870364.

Also on Sunday 7 June the Spalding & District amateur radio society
rally takes place from 10am at The Sir John Gleed Technology School,
Halmer Gardens, Spalding PE11 2EF. There is talk-in on S22, free
parking, trade stands, catering and a car boot sale. Details from John,
G4NBR, on 0794 630 2815, or by email to .

The Sausage and Scouse Net Summer Meeting takes place today, Sunday 31
May at 12 noon at The Old Quay, The Parade, Parkgate, Wirral CH64 6SB.

Now the news of special events

A small team will be active from 1-9 June from the Training Wing of 21
Signal Regiment at Colerne near Bath. They will be operating GB65BTF to
commemorate the 65th anniversary of the Bridge Too Far and GB2ASU for
the Air Support Units.

Apeldoorn DX and Contest Crew will activate an F/PA65DDAY from Juno
Beach in Normandy, France from 5 till 8 June. Depending on conditions
they will be active on 80, 40 and 20m on SSB only. QSL information on
QRZ.com.

Dundalk Amateur Radio Society will be running a contest station for the
IRTS CW field day on 6 and 7 June. The call used will be call EIOW.
They hope also to stream video of their operations on the internet at
www.ei7dar.com.

On Thursday 4 July the Isle of Man ARS will be running GB5LB the second
in its series of Life Boat station activations. Working from Peel
lifeboat station, operations will be centred around 3.7MHz. A special
QSL

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card is available; QSL direct to The Boat House, Lime Street, Port St
Mary, Isle of Man IM9 5EF. Include a self-addressed envelope and an IRC
because British stamps are not valid on the Isle of Man. A special
Award is available if you contact GB5LB at all five of its venues.

And now the HF DX news compiled from 425 DX News and other sources.

The Finnish -Turkish Friendship Consortium will be operating TC4X from
Alanya, Turkey during the CQ WW WPX CW Contest. Operator will be
Pertti, OH2PM. QSL via Martti, OH2BH.

A good number of lighthouses will be on the air this weekend, including
AN8R at LH 1276, EJ6DX at IRE 087, J48HW at LH 4186, SV8/HA0HW at LH
4186 and 9A/OE3WGC at LH 0057.

Dick, SV8/PA3DEU, can be found on the usual QRP frequencies working
from Alonissos Island, EU-072, between May 25 and June 7. QSL via home
call.

Gert, 9A/OE3ZK, and Wolfgang, 9A/OE3WGC, will be QRV from Vela Palagrza
Island, EU-090 from May 31 until June 6. QSLs via home calls.

Andy, DL4OK, will stay on Roemoe Island EU-125 from May 30 until June
6, operating holiday style on all bands, signing OZ/NX1S. QSL via
bureau to DL4OK or direct.

Laci, SV8/HA0HW, will be active from Thassos Island, EU-174, on 40,
30m, 20, 17 and 6m from May 28 until June 6. He will be signing J48HW
during the WPX CW Contest. QSL via home call, direct or bureau.

Contest News next.

The British Amateur Television Club Summer Fun Amateur Television
Contest takes place from 1200 UTC on Saturday 6 June until 1200 UTC on
Sunday 7 June on all bands from 70cm upwards. Stations are encouraged
to participate, or just look for increased amateur TV activity on these
bands. Talkback is most likely to be found on 144.750MHz FM or
144.525MHz SSB. Details of how to enter the contest can be found on the
BATC Website, www.batc.org.uk; entrants do not need to be BATC members.

The 24 hour Australian Shires Contest starts at 06.00 UTC on Saturday 6
June 6. The objective is for amateurs around the world to contact as
many VK shires as possible in the contest period. Operation is SSB and
CW in certain sections of the 80, 40, 20, 15 and 10m bands. More
details are on the web at www.vkshires.info.

Today, Sunday 31 May, is the second and final day of the CQWW WPX CW
contest on all bands from 160m to 10m. Exchange is RST plus serial
number.

The RSGB 80m Club Championship data contest takes place from 1900 until
2030 on Monday 1 June. RST and serial number forms the exchange.

Tuesday 2 June sees the RSGB UK 144MHz Activity Contest and Club
Championship from 1900 until 2130. Operation is all modes on 2m, with
an exchange of RS, serial number and locator.

Next weekend is RSGB NFD, CW only from 160m to 10m and exchange is RST
and serial number.

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And now the solar factual data for the period from the 18th to the 24th
of May, compiled by Neil Clarke, G0CAS on the 25th of May.

The small sunspot group reported last week was still visible until it
rotated of the solar disc on the 19th. It had been visible for 7
consecutive days, making it the longest surviving group since October
last year. Solar activity was very low with no solar flares taking
place at all. Solar flux levels declined from 73 units on the 18th to
69 by the 24th. The average was 71. The 90 day solar flux average on
the 24th was 69 units, that's one down on what it had been for the last
12 weeks. X-ray flux levels remained below the minimum reporting level
everyday. Geomagnetic activity was at quiet levels throughout. The
average was Ap 4 units. Solar wind data from the ACE spacecraft saw
solar wind speeds increase from 270 kilometres per second on the 19th
to 420 by the 22nd. Particle densities were low everyday. Bz varied no
more than minus 5 and plus 7 nanoTeslas for the period.

And finally the solar forecast. This week solar activity is expected to
be at very low levels. The solar disc could be spotless for most of the
week. Solar flux levels should be around the 70 mark. Geomagnetic
activity is expected to be at unsettled levels around midweek due to a
small recurring coronal hole. The remaining periods should be quiet.
MUFs during daylight hours at equal latitudes should be around 19MHz
for the south and 16MHz for the north. The darkness hour lows should be
about 10MHz. Paths this week to the Middle East should have a maximum
usable frequency with a 50 per cent success rate of around 23MHz. The
optimum working frequency with a 90 per cent success rate will be about
18MHz. The best time to try the path will be between 0800 and 1900
hours UTC. Sporadic-E is expected to take place on some days. Openings
via `double hop' sporadic-E to the Middle East could take place during
the more intense openings.

And that's all for this week from the propagation team.

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Next, the Local News:

Please note that details of all RSGB-affiliated clubs and societies

can be found on the RSGB website, including e-mail addresses

and website links where known.

[Note to newsreaders: Please read the local news items appropriate to
the service area of your

transmission.]

NEWS FOR THE SOUTH-EAST

and EAST ANGLIA Bromley and District ARS will be holding a Foundation
Course on Sunday 17 May and Sunday 31 May, with the exam on the 31st.
The venue is the Victory Social Club, Kechill Gardens, Hayes BR2 7NH.
An Intermediate course will be held on Saturdays 27 June, 4 and 11
July. The exam will be on the afternoon of 11 July. Details on the web
at www.bdars.org or by e-mail to courses bdars.co.uk. On Monday 1 June
Braintree and District Amateur Radio Society is having an aerial
clinic. Contact John, M5AJB, on 01787 460 947. On Monday 1 June Burnham
Beeches Radio Club is having a fox hunt. Contact Dave, G4XDU, on 01628
625 720.

On Monday 1 June Leiston Amateur Radio Club is having a fox hunt on
foot, commencing at 7pm. Contact Dave, G4HUP, on 01473 737 717. On
Monday 1 June Southdown Amateur Radio Society is having a talk at
Chaseley. Contact John, G3DQY, on 01424 424 319. On Monday 1 June
Surrey Radio Contact Club has its construction contest. Contact Ray,
G4FFY, on 020 8644 7589.

On Tuesday 2 June Brede Steam Amateur Radio Society is operating from
the shack. Contact Steve, on 0142 720815. On Tuesday 2 June Chelmsford
Amateur Radio Society is having a table top sale, with Colin Page,
G0TRM officiating. Contact Martyn, G1EFL, on 01245 469 008. On Tuesday
2 June Horndean and District Amateur Radio Club is having a natter
night and social evening. Contact Stuart, G0FYX, on 023 9247 2846.

On Wednesday 3 June Norfolk Amateur Radio Club is preparing for its DF
fox hunt and testing equipment. Contact Chris Danby, G0DWV, on 01603
419204. On Wednesday 3 June Southdown Amateur Radio Society is
operating at the Hailsham shack. Contact John, G3DQY, on 01424 424 319.
On Wednesday 3 June Worthing and District Amateur Radio Club is having
a talk on 21st century police communications by Andy Braeman. Contact
Roy, G4GPX, on 01903 753 893.

On Thursday 4 June Cray Valley Radio Society is having a talk by John
Large on raising and recovering the nuclear submarine Kursk. Contact
Bob, 2E0RCV, on 020 8265 7735 after 8pm. On Thursday 4 June Horsham
Amateur Radio Club is having a talk on QRP valve equipment by David
Sumner, G3PVH. Details on the web at www.harc.org.uk.

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On Thursday 4 June King's Lynn Amateur Radio Club is having a club
night and 2m club net. Contact Ray, G3RSV, by email to
.

On Thursday 4 June Shefford and District Amateur Radio Society is
having a club barbecue at the QTH of David, G8UOD. Contact David,
G8UOD, on 01234 742 757. On Friday 5 June Crystal Palace Radio and
Electronics Club is having a talk on the history of audio recording by
Jon Weller, G0GNA. Contact Bob, G3OOU, on 01737 552 170. On Friday 5
June Wey Valley Amateur Radio Group is having a club night. Details on
the web at www.weyvalleyarg.org.uk.

On Saturday 6 June Brede Steam Amateur Radio Society is at the bunker.
Contact Steve, on 0142 720815,. On Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 June
Chelmsford Amateur Radio Society is operating from Sandford Mill for
National Field Day. Contact Martyn, G1EFL, on 01245 469 008.

On Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 June Norfolk Amateur Radio Club is taking
part in National Field Day. Contact Chris Danby, G0DWV, on 01603
419204. On Saturday 6 June Worthing and District Amateur Radio Club is
operating special event station GB2WM at Worthing Museum. Contact Roy,
G4GPX, on 01903 753 893.

NEWS FOR THE SOUTH-WEST On Tuesday 2 June Blackmore Vale Amateur Radio
Society is having a talk on Japan by Chas, G7ESE. Contact Nick Perrin,
G3NRH, by email to . On Wednesday 3 June Cornish
Radio Amateur Club is having a talk on digital modes by John, M0PCM.
Contact Steve G7VOH 01209-844939.

On Wednesday 3 June Exmouth Amateur Radio Club is having a field
evening on Woodbury Common, trying to contact F/M0THJ/P. Contact Mike,
G1GZG, on 01395 274172. On Wednesday 3 June South Bristol Amateur Radio
Club is having a technical matters forum with Len, G4ZRY. Contact Len,
G4RZY, on 01275 834 282. On Wednesday 3 June Taunton and District
Amateur Radio Club is preparing for NFD. Contact William, G3WNI, on
01823 666 234.

On Wednesday 3 June Thornbury and South Gloucestershire Amateur Radio
Club is having a pedestrian direction finding fox hunt with Peter,
G4OST. Please note that the club meeting room is being redecorated and
anyone wishing to attend should phone first. Contact Tony, G0WMB, on
01454 417048.

On Wednesday 3 June Trowbridge and District Amateur Radio Club is
having a talk on Guyana 8R1PW in 2008 by Phil Whitchurch, G3SWH.
Contact Ian, G0GRI, on 01225 864 698, evenings and weekends. On
Thursday 4 June Swindon and District Amateur Radio Club is holding its
AGM. Contact Den, M0ACM, on 07810 317750. On Thursday 4 June Yeovil
Amateur Radio Club is having a talk entitled "My first year as M6DGM".
Contact Gary, 2E0BFJ, by email to .

On Friday 5 June Torbay Amateur Radio Society Is having a natter night.
Contact Dave, G6FSP, by email to . On Saturday 6 June
Taunton and District Amateur Radio Club is taking part in National
Field Day. Contact William, G3WNI, on 01823 666 234.

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NEWS FOR THE MIDLANDS On Monday 1 June Gloucester Amateur Radio And
Electronics Society is having a presentation on NFD logging. Contact
Anne, 2E1GKY, on 01452 548478, daytime.

On Monday 1 June Leicester Amateur Radio Society is having a talk by
Enigma expert John Alexander, G7GCK. Contact Linda, G8VQM, on 07804
595749.

On Monday 1 June South Birmingham Radio Society is having a contest
evening. Contact Don, on 0121 458 1603.

On Monday 1 June South Normanton Alfreton and District Amateur Radio
Club is on the air. Contact A J Higton, 2E1GWO, on 01773 783658.

On Tuesday 2 June Derby and District Amateur Radio Society is holding
its junk sale. Contact Richard Buckby, by email to .

On Tuesday 2 June Loughborough and District Amateur Radio Club has its
second DF of 2009 on 160m. Contact Chris, G1ETZ, on 01509 504 319.

On Wednesday 3 June Midland Amateur Radio Society is having a Committee
meeting and holding training classes. Contact Norman, G8BHE, on 01214
229 787.

On Wednesday 3 June South Birmingham Radio Society is having a general
meeting in the lecture room. Contact Don, on 0121 458 1603.

On Wednesday 3 June South Notts Amateur Radio Club is looking at its
construction project with G4EDX. Contact Terry, M0RIA, on the web at
www.radioclubs.net/snarc.

On Wednesday 3 June Telford and District Amateur Radio Society HQ is
closed for a committee meeting. Contact Mike, G3JKX, on 01952 299 677.

On Thursday 4 June Hucknall Rolls Royce Amateur Radio Club is having a
mobile fox hunt. Non members are welcome. Contact Dave Wilde, G1YAI, on
.

On Thursday 4 June Tamworth Amateur Radio Society is having a talk on
bats and bat detectors. Contact Colin Marks, G4ZPJ, on 01827 700 893.

On Friday 5 June Bromsgrove and District Amateur Radio Club is having a
demo of the FT1000MP. Contact Chris, M0BQE, on 01905 776 869.

On Friday 5 June Coventry Amateur Radio Society is having a talk on
radio ancient and modern by John Harris, G8HJS. Contact John, G8SEQ, on
07958 777363.

On Friday 5 June Hucknall Rolls Royce Amateur Radio Club is having a
chat night. Non members are welcome. Contact Dave Wilde, G1YAI, on
.

On Friday 5 June Nunsfield House Amateur Radio Group is having a talk
on DX hunting by Brian Reid. Contact Ken Frankcom, G3OCA, on 01332
720976.

On Friday 5 June South Birmingham Radio Society is having a
construction evening. Contact Don, on 0121 458 1603.

On Sunday 7 June Nunsfield House Amateur Radio Group is having a field
day at Hill Ashbourne for the PW QRP contest. Contact Ken Frankcom,
G3OCA, on 01332 720976.

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NEWS FOR THE NORTH OF ENGLAND Throughout June, Wakefield and District
Radio Society is celebrating its Diamond Jubilee throughout the month
of June and will have GB6WRS active all this month. Contact Ken,
2E0SSQ, on 07900 563117. On Monday 1 June Angel Of The North Amateur
Radio Club is on the air. Contact Nancy Bone, G7UUR, on 0191 4770036.
On Monday 1 June Hornsea Amateur Radio Club is taking part in the 80m
Club Data Contest. Contact Gordon MacNaught, G3WOV, on 01377 240573.

On Monday 1 June Macclesfield and District Radio Society is preparing
for HF field day. Contact Roger Bell, G0GMG, by email to
. On Monday 1 June Sheffield Amateur Radio Club is
having a talk on practical antennas by G3VOT. Contact Trevor Wood,
M0TWS, on . On Monday 1 June Thornton Cleveleys
Amateur Radio Society Is having a natter night and preparing for HF
field day. Contact John Foster, M3WAZ, on 01253 399377.

On Tuesday 2 June Chester and District Radio Society is having a talk
by John Langan entitled After the B2. Contact Barbara Green on 0151 339
9183. On Tuesday 2 June Finningley Amateur Radio Society is having a
talk on antenna modelling with MMANA by G3VZE. Contact Colin, 2E0UBT,
on 0172 471 1686. On Tuesday 2 June Morecambe Bay Amateur Radio Society
is having a social evening. Contact Martin Hazel, M0ZIF, on 07852
200232.

On Tuesday 2 June Stockport Radio Society is having a presentation by
Gary Bleads, G0HJQ, entitled "Arduino - tinkering with
microprocessors". Contact David, M1ANT, on 0161 456 7832. On Tuesday 2
June Warrington Amateur Radio Club is having a talk on APRS by Mike,
G4VSS. Contact Roger, M0DWQ, on 07868 000 705. On Wednesday 3 June
Goole Radio and Electronics Society is on the air. Contact Ken G6YYN,
on 01757 638539.

On Wednesday 3 June Hornsea Amateur Radio Club is preparing for NFD.
Contact Gordon MacNaught, G3WOV, on 01377 240573. On Wednesday 3 June
Mid-Cheshire Amateur Radio Society is on the air. Contact Peter Paul
Fox, G8HAV, on 01606 553401. On Thursday 4 June South Manchester Radio
And Computer Club is having a session of oscilloscope practice and
testing with John, G6ISA. Contact Ron, G3SVW, on 0161 969 3999.

On Thursday 4 June Wakefield and District Radio Society is having a
social evening and putting GB6WRS on the air. Contact Ken, 2E0SSQ, on
07900 563117. On Thursday 4 June York Radio Club is having Morse
instruction. Contact Tony Skaife G4XIV, on 01904- 330502. On Friday 5
June East Cleveland Amateur Radio Club is having a technical forum.
Contact Alistair, G4OLK, on 01642 475 671.

On Friday 5 June Tynemouth Radio Club is on the air. Contact Graham
Errington, on 07812 172136. On Saturday 6 June Hornsea Amateur Radio
Club is taking part in NFD. Contact Gordon MacNaught, G3WOV, on 01377
240573.

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On Saturday 6 June Wakefield and District Radio Society continues its
Intermediate course. Contact Ken, 2E0SSQ, on 07900 563117.

On Sunday 7 June Finningley Amateur Radio Society has a 3cm receiver
buildathon. Contact Colin, 2E0UBT, on 0172 471 1686.

NEWS FOR SCOTLAND On Tuesday 2 June Livingston and District Amateur
Radio Society is having a club evening. Contact Norman, on 0131 449
7641.

On Wednesday 3 June Kingdom Amateur Radio Society is having a club
shack night. Contact Brian, MM0XBD, on 01383 738905.

On Thursday 4 June Aberdeen Amateur Radio Society is having a junk
sale. Contact Lewis, GM4AJR, on 01224 575 663.

On Friday 5 June Cockenzie and Port Seton Amateur Radio Club is having
a club night. Contact Bob, GM4UYZ, on 01875 811 723.

On Friday 5 June Moray Firth Amateur Radio Society is taking part in HF
field day. Contact Jim, MM0SMD, on 01340 820 134.

On Saturday 6 June Cockenzie and Port Seton Amateur Radio Club is
participating in Port Seton Gala Day. Contact Bob, GM4UYZ, on 01875 811
723.

On Saturday 6 June Glenrothes and District Radio Club is at Fife Police
Gala. Contact Dave Francis, on 01383 823878.

NEWS FOR WALES On Tuesday 2 June Wrexham Amateur Radio Society is
having a talk on kite antennas by G4ROJ. Details on the web at
www.qsl.net/wars.

On Wednesday 3 June Conwy Valley Amateur Radio Club is holding its
annual general meeting. Contact Wynne, GW6PMC, on 01745 855 068.

On Thursday 4 June Carmarthen Amateur Radio Society is having an
informal club night. Contact Alastair Underwood, GW0AJU, on 01267
290822.

On Thursday 4 June Meirion Amateur Radio Society is having a fox hunt
and barbecue. Contact John, MW0VTK, on 07868 738016.

NEWS FOR NORTHERN IRELAND On Thursday 4 June Bangor and District
Amateur Radio Club is having its annual barbecue at the Scout camp site
in Crawfordburn Country Park. Contact Mike, GI4XSF, on 028 4277 2383.

And that's the end of this week's GB2RS news broadcast,

prepared by the Radio Society of Great Britain.