The venue has been booked for the 2022 Rally and Open Day to be held at the Volunteer Hall in Galashiels.
Read more »2022 Rally and Open Day – CONFIRMED DATE Sunday 30th October 2022
Posted by gdars
on December 6, 2021
7 comments
Railways On The Air 2021 – GB0WHR – Sat/Sun 25th/26th September 2021
Posted by gdars
on September 27, 2021
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Some of our club members again activated the Whitrope Heritage Centre near Hawick in this year’s Railways On The Air event.
Different callsign from usual WRH, which no doubt created some confusion when the QRZ page corresponding to the WHR callsign gives details of another station.
A good weekend was had by all, despite drizzly rain most of the first day then heavier rain on the Sunday afternoon.
74 QSOs were made over the weekend.
Station operating from the carpark of the centre. Thanks to Dave H MM0HTL for use of the caravan and awning.
Equipment:
Transceiver: Kenwood TS-430S
Antenna Tuner: Yaesu FC-902
Amplifier: Yaesu FL-2100B putting out about 200w peak.
Antenna: UK Antennas End-fed multiband antenna (40/20/15/10m)
Many thanks to the Waverley Route Heritage Association for allowing us to set up in their carpark at Whitrope again this year. Thanks also to Dave S GM0KCN, Dave H MM0HTL and Steven MM0ILC for organising, helping set up, and operating the station for the weekend, and other club members visiting during the event.
QSL cards will be on their way to stations contacted.
Wednesday Night Club Meetings RESTARTING 8th September 2021
Posted by gdars
on September 3, 2021
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As COVID restrictions have relaxed, the operators of our venue for our weekly club meetings are reopening the halls from 6th September after a deep clean, so we are able to resume club nights.
Usual place Focus Centre, Livingstone Place Galashiels, TD1 1DQ.
Time 2000-2200 (local) on Wednesday nights (from 8th September 2021).
We look forward to seeing old members back after 18 months away, welcoming any new members to the club, or anyone just interested in seeing what we do.
New COVID-19 measures (specified by the Focus Centre):
- Hand sanitiser will be provided in the room to be used regularly.
- Tables to be wiped down at the end of the night.
- Face coverings to be worn around the building (unless exempted).
- Attendance records with contact details will be kept for Track & Trace to be carried out if needed.
Any changes to the situation of restrictions will be announced here.
Note: This is separate from the Rally and Open Day in October which is still cancelled, hopefully to return in 2022.
CANCELLED – 2021 Rally and Open Day 24th October 2021
Posted by gdars
on July 23, 2021
2 comments
It is with much regret that the organisers of the annual Galashiels Rally have cancelled the 2021 event. This was due to be held on 24 October.
The hall is unavailable due to it being used as a vaccination centre and our caterers are ceasing trading from the end of July.
In consideration of our primary responsibilities to the health and welfare of volunteers, traders and visitors we have decided that this cancellation is the right decision.
The environment in which the event is held presents unique and very difficult challenges in protecting social distancing, preventing handling of equipment and controlling numbers in a confined area.
Arrangements are in hand for returning to the Volunteer Hall in 2022 and we look forward to seeing you there.
GDARS
PW 144MHz QRP Contest – Sunday 13th June 2021
Posted by gdars
on June 8, 2021
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As COVID-19 restrictions have relaxed somewhat, the club took part in the Practical Wireless 144MHz QRP Contest this year.
We’ll assembled at the usual spot at the quarry off the summit of the Ettrick “Middle Swire”, between Yarrow and Kirkhope (W of Ettrickbridge).
Note: COVID-19 precautions were taken, and we were well short of the 12-person outdoor limit. All attendees were fully vaccinated.
Warm in the sunshine, but a persistent brisk wind and increasing cloud meant that we had to shelter between the vehicles for ourselves and to protect the mic from wind noise.
It stayed mostly dry with just a spot of drizzle late on, so we were able to operate outside with no interruptions.
We made almost 30 contacts over the day, reaching from Fife down to South Wales, and from the Isle of Man to Yorkshire, including one contact from the summit of Mount Snowdon.
Not quite the lift conditions we’ve experienced on some contest days, so no Irish, continental Europe or south of England.
(“Not the first time and won’t be the last…”)
Despite the slightly disappointing weather, we had a good day out and it was good to meet up with other club members again seeing as our weekly club nights have been suspended since March 2020.
Here’s hoping we have more days out, hopefully with slightly better weather.
