GB1TSR - TICKHILL GALA - Saturday 3rd July 2010
Two years ago we set up a special event station at the Tickill Gala, and despite the deluge during the afternoon a good time was had. Unfortunately we weren't able to attend last year but 2010 saw us returning to this popular village event.
Why GB1TSR? Well, the last bit stands for "Tickhill Scouts Radio" as the station is being operated in conjunction with local scouts, many of who took and passed their radio exams following the event two years ago.
The weather was fine when we met at our HQ to pick up all the necessary gear, and stayed fine for the whole day. We assembled at the Sports Ground on Tithes Lane, Tickhill to find the scouts had erected a fine event shelter to shade us from the sun. Within the hour we'd got everything up and running. As in 2008 the HF aerial was atop the main mast and strapped to a large metal fence that provided a great ground plane. The VHF & UHF aerials were held by the two tripod masts.
The main rig was our Icom 706 MkIIG and the FDK750 was put into use on 2m. Power was provided by our generator, one of many such items on the field that day!
Business was not too brisk either on air or from visitors. This event is mainly geared towards youngsters, with roundabouts, donkey rides, face painting etc. etc. A very interesting visitor was Ted G6HMS, a local amateur who is well into satellite working. He brought us some wonderful pictures sent from the space station, and played recordings of some contacts with its astronaut occupants. This was also enjoyed by some visitors.
Running out of fuel for the genny a little earlier than expected meant we went off air about 30 minutes before the event ended. Apart from that all had been going well until the HF aerial tumbled to the ground. We can't be 100% sure but we think it was hit hard by a football, snapping the straps. Fortunately it fell within our roped off safety zone so no one was hurt, but it didn't do the aerial any good. It looks as if it could be a write off.
Other than that, a good time was had by all. Our thanks go to all members who helped.
will be listed here
soon.