Category: Hamfest

A huge thank you to everyone who visited FRARS Hamfest 2026, to the many traders that made it worthwhile, to our hosts at Cobham Sports & Social Club, and to our tireless volunteers!

Hamfest 2026 was hot and dry once again, in the middle of a summer of heatwave after heatwave, but that didn’t seem to deter our dozens of traders and societies, dozens of car boot sellers and hundreds of visitors.

Out on the field we had a revised layout this year, but just about managed to fit everyone in! We also had a number of societies and traders indoors, where the air conditioning and the bar also proved popular!

A good moon provided an opportunity for the club to demonstrate their EME capabilities, and our treasure stall also proved popular, raising money from the sale of equipment belonging to our late friend Dr Julian Gannaway G3YGF, much of it to benefit the Bell Hill Microwave Beacon group.

We hope to see you all again on Sunday 8th August 2027. Keep an eye on the Hamfest page for more details closer to the time.

On Sunday 11^th 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 10^th – we look forward to seeing you there!

73, Alan M0VLT – FRARS chair.

_{Article by Alan M0VLT, 20 August 2024.}