Club Chair’s Review of Hamfest
On Sunday 11th August at Flight Refuelling ARS we opened gates for their 40th Hamfest!
We always book good weather, and to be fair we do get it most years. This year was no exception, warm and sunny with a little cloud to keep the temperatures comfortable. Big Chief’s ice cream van did a very good trade as well.
With traders and local radio clubs and organisations in the traders area there were quite a few bargains to be had, along with a lot of banter between folks who turn up year after year and catch up with friends. The separate car boot area is as popular as ever, and this year saw a lot more radio-related offerings at this end of the field. There were a few traders in the main building as well, and the RSGB book stand too!
FRARS HQ was open for visitors, with demonstrations of our EME (Earth – Moon – Earth) system and the 12’ diameter dish antenna. Our ever-popular ‘treasure’ stall outside the HQ was a good attraction as well.
A selection of talks and presentations in the lecture room proved as popular as ever.
The South West Model Railway Club, who have the building behind FRARS HQ, were open for visitors as well, and they gave the first talk of the day.
We were pleased to see an increase in visitors this year and received a lot of good feedback from them as they left.
Hamfest 2025 will be held on Sunday August 10th – we look forward to seeing you there!
73, Alan M0VLT – FRARS chair.
Article by Alan M0VLT, 20 August 2024.