During this month’s club meeting, Alan Burton (callsign G4VUA) shared an old photograph he came across while organising his Radio Shack. Even though we recognised the individuals in the picture, we struggled to determine the exact year and purpose of the photograph. The HF radio featured in the image appears to be a Yaesu FT767, which indicates a timeframe around the late 1990s. Further investigation in the British newspaper archives led us to discover the following article from the Grantham Journal.
For copyright reasons we are unable to print the full arcticle.
So, here instead is a summary of the article printed in the Grantham Journal on October 22, 1999.
(Low quality repo)
Network of amateur hams extend across the world
Radio enthusiasts has friends he’ll never see
Mike Ellis, a British amateur radio enthusiast from Barrowby, has a wide network of global friends through radio communication. Despite not meeting most of them, Mike’s passion for Amateur Radio connects him with people worldwide. He has communicated with radio enthusiasts like Hank near Chicago and Sing-Ho near Tokyo, but due to maintenance work at his home, he is currently limited to a 50-mile radius until he can reinstall his damaged aerials, next year.
Amateur Radio is not just about long-distance chats; it has played critical roles in emergencies like distress calls from ships in trouble. There is a well-prepared group of radio amateurs called Raynet ready to provide emergency communication support. Mike, a retired science and math teacher, has had a diverse life, from playing in a band to being a chemical engineer and later a teacher.
Mike’s radio experiences include conversations with significant figures like the late King Hussein of Jordan. He is an active member of the Grantham Amateur Radio Club, emphasising that amateur radio is not just a hobby but a lifeline for many, especially the elderly and infirm. The Grantham club engages in various activities, including setting up radio stations on remote islands and orgonising local special events.
Despite the decline in Amateur Radio’s popularity due to the internet, Mike stil finds joy in his radio hobby. The Grantham Amateur Radio Club welcomes visitors to their meetings held twice a month, fostering a community of like-minded enthusiasts. For more information, one can contact the club secretary, John Kirton.
