The SOTA stand at the Norbreck Rally was again a success, well-attended by SOTA enthusiasts and interested potential participants alike throughout the day.
Jimmy M3EYP and myself were joined, as usual, by Rob G4RQJ and Audrey. We spent nearly two hours setting up the stand, which included Rob and Audrey’s excellent collection of summit photographs, all on laminated A4 card. Also featured were SOTA award certificates, an example of a portable SOTA station (Yaseu FT-817, 4.2Ah SLAB, fist mike, Mini Palm Paddle & 2m SOTA Beam), SOTA Powerpoint presentation (on laptop), SOTA Digital photo gallery (rotating on mini-screen), leaflets & stickers, and Audrey’s legendary homemade SOTA cakes! This was presented under the large SOTA Banner, which was hoisted between a pair of fishing poles.
The display was then augmented by a fine selection of colour activation pictures of John G4YSS (GX0OOO/P) activations, kindly supplied by Roy G4SSH and John G4YSS. As well as Rob, Audrey, Jimmy and myself, the stand was manned during the day by Clive M1YAM and Andy MM0FMF - many thanks for your help and time-commitment chaps.
It was good to see so many friends old and new call in on the stand. The visitors book was signed by:
Rick GW0VMW, Richard G3CWI, Frank GM1UUL, Keith G0OXV, Chris M0TES, Stuart G0MJG, Ian G7ADF, Roy G4SSH, Terry G0VWP, Greg 2E0RXX, Liam M3ZRY, John M0JFE, Nathan 2E0OCC, Ian GW8OGI, Eleri MW3NYR, Colin M0CGH, Geoff G4CPA, John G4YSS, Michael (SWL), Geoff G6MZX, Keith G8HXE, Jim G0CQK, Roy G0HDX, Phil G1OPV, Clive M1YAM, Tom M1EYP, Rob G4RQJ, Audrey (XYL), Jimmy M3EYP, Andy MM0FMF, Chrissie MW3LXK, Alan G3NPJ, Iain M3WJZ, Dave G1HAK, Stephany G1LAT, Barrie G1JYB, Nigel M0RXY, Sean 2E0BAX, Kevin M0XLT, Steve M0DNA, Peter 2E1DNB, Stephen 2I0SGM, CRAG MX0BCQ.
Thanks to everyone for making the effort to “check-in” with us. Thanks to Jimmy who probably put in more hours/minutes/seconds on the SOTA stand than any other individual on the day. Especial thanks to Rob and Audrey who again, as ever, provided the materials, items and personality that really bring this stand to life. I am very grateful, as I’m sure is everyone that visited the stand today.
Thanks also to Richard G3CWI / SOTA Beams for sponsoring the SOTA stand.
Cheers,
Tom M1EYP