Well I’ve just returned to the shack after running Dad’s Taxis tonight - picking Jimmy M0HGY and Liam up from the pub!
I came into the shack to resume the catch-up with the summit pages on my website, and I turned the radio on to find something to listen to. You never know what might be going out on the Shortwave Gold frequency 3975kHz so I tuned to that frequency.
Imagine my surprise when within seconds I heard the words “Tom M1EYP and Jimmy M0HGY”! It turns out the programme going out was the Amateur Radio Newsline Report, and the item was about the forthcomng SOTA Gaulfest!
Curious to hear the full item, I did a quick websearch and soon found this:
So you can check it out yourself! But as an old SWL, I am smugly satisfied that I came across it randomly, through my rig, listening to short wave!
I guess that’s the same for everyone Kevin - even us! Fixing a date in advance gives more people the opportunity to commit - or otherwise. But - it does limit you to a potentially awful day in midwinter with no flexibility to alter!
That’s why - at present - we are trying the method of announcing a few candidate dates in the lead up, with the actual date actually confirmed the week before with the benefit of accurate weather information.
There is lots of potential for an awful day on the Welsh borders at this time of year. It was pretty foul last year, but I am glad that I made the effort.
It makes sense to try to align with the day offering the best weather forecast, and I am happy to live with the uncertainty around dates.
I will keep watching the reflector and hope to see you at Mr Bun.