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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 2012Another year ends and so far this winter we have been spared much in the way of cold temperatures and the white stuff. One then begins to wonder what dear old Mother Nature has in store for us before the spring arrives.Let us hope for a summer this year full of sunshine and good band conditions.I have been a little busy this festive season with my qrp rigs, the GQRP club always runs what they call ?the winter sports? event. Not a contest as such, just chatting on air using qrp rigs. Some joy interspersed with a few ?rubber stamps?.With this rather brief start to this New Year with my chat, I guess all that remains to say is our next club meeting is on Monday the 9th of January when our Phil is giving us one of his always-interesting talks on railway communications. Our first club net of this bright new year is on Friday the 6th at our usual start time of 20.00 hrs. Lets hope for a good turnout, like our Christmas morning net, which this year exceeded all our previous festive nets.It just remains for this scribe to wish you and your families a cracking New Year and band conditions to wow us all. 73'sTony - Club Chairman
An optimist stays up until midnight to see the New Year in.A pessimist stays up to make sure the old year leaves. Bill Vaughan.
Swale Amateur Radio Club G4SRC
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