items relating to my own radio club The West Manchester Radio Club.
West Manchester Radio Club has received an award, pictured, for the recent museums on the air field day that we all took part in. As per a previous post, I was the first on the radio working GB1TT as GB0PIT on 2m, and proud to be a part of this award along with our other operators for the club.
My own radio club, West Manchester Radio Club, has for the last 6 years operated their own 70cm Fusion digital repeater GB7WM.
Although not digitally equipped myself, I understand it is a popular repeater located in the north west of England. It is possible to connect to the repeater from (and to) further afield using Wires-X over the Internet.
Please visit the clubs website page for how to configure your radio to connect to the repeater and have fun.
This years summer Red Rose Rally will be on Sunday 16th August 2026 from 10am until 2pm at Mather Hall, Leigh, WN7 2PR. For more information on the Red Rose rally, please see the West Manchester Radio Clubs website.
Unfortunately, I will be travelling back from my summer holidays on Cornwall that day, so will sadly miss my own clubs summer rally.
Today I had a very enjoyable day with friends from the West Manchester Radio club at the Lancashire Mining Museum at the former Astley colliery which closed in 1970 celebrating museums on the air.
I am pictured making the first contact using special event call sign GB0PIT to another museum, the GB1TT “Turton Tower” museum, operated by Bolton Wireless Club.
With the sun out, and it being a baking hot day, I even managed a cream tea for my lunch, and an ice cream afterwards. Very enjoyable and reasonably priced too with a coffee included.
Here are some photos of the winding engines and other mining equipment including a rescue winder with an eight cylinder Gardener diesel engine, (I have never seen one before), and that largest winding engine left in existence that is still running…
Friends from West Manchester Radio Club all working as a team to make the event possible…
In previous years, as you all well know, I have been involved with the Scouts JOTA, however, I have never been involved in a MOTA (Museums On The Air). Given my late father’s background working for a company servicing mine equipment, it was about time I got involved with a coal pit museum.
MOTA, this year will be held on two weekends in June, the Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st June, and also Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th June 2026. Link to the RSGB website.
My own radio club, the West Manchester Radio Club, each year activate the Lancashire Mining Museum at the old Astley pit, just off the A580 East Lancashire road, and operating with the special event call sign GB0PIT.
As a club we have six members operating two radios, HF, and VHF/UHF. Radios and antennas yet to be decided.
Due to other family commitments, I can only get involved in one date, Saturday 20th June, which I am looking forward to next month.
This years Scouting jamboree on the air will be held from Friday 17th to Sunday 19th October 2025. I do hope the bands are favourable and that everyone can link up, make contacts and have a good time.
I doubt I can assist this year, but, I know my own club, West Manchester Radio Club, is helping the 1st Atherton Scout Group to get on the air.
Sunday 17th August 2025 sees West Manchester Radio Club host the summer radio rally called “Red Rose Rally”.
This year, even though it is still at the same location, there is now better (or more improved) disabled access. Ask a member of the club upon arrival.
All the usual traders will be there, along with a bring and buy, and the usual cafe for a tea, coffee or breakfast.
Reserve the date for your amateur radio diary, 17th August 2025.
West Manchester Radio Club‘s summer radio rally called the “Red Rose Summer Rally” will be on Sunday 17th August 2025 at Mather Hall, Leigh, WN7 2PJ.
The doors open to the public at 10am, (until 2pm).
More information on the West Manchester Radio Club website’s rally page.
Tonight the West Manchester Radio Club were delighted to welcome Dave Crowe G4MVU, the RSGB representative to speak to the club about active MIMO antennas used in mobile data communication on the 1.8GHz, 2.4GH and 3.4GHz bands.
Dave started by explaining what they are, why they are used, then built up a simple scenario of two, then four elements on order to electronically change the radiated “beam” pattern, the goal is to “steer” the beam towards a certain direction. This coupled with a 64 way (or more) array of dipole elements allows for a very directional beam pattern to effectively track a mobile phone as the operator of the phone moves around in order to reduce the power required to establish a radio communication channel with that device.
Dave showed some types of equipment used, and in the questions, answered how modern 4G and 5G networks operate effectively in their allocated bands.
A very big thanks to Dave and the RSGB for arranging this very enlightening technical talk.
I really enjoyed listening to his talk and here are some pictures I took.
Last night, at the West Manchester Radio Club’s annual general meeting, I was awarded the “Paul Sargeant” services to club award for my continued service over the last four years for being the club secretary.
I am very proud to receive this award from our club President, Les Jackson G4HZJ (left), myself Mark Smith M0INI (right). It means so much to me for receiving this special award.
When I took over, there was very little previous history due to COVID, and I had to piece many things together, and bring some stability to the club’s admin. I served under two Presidents, firstly Stan Batchelor M1HLL, then for the last year, Les Jackson G4HZJ, supporting them both for their committee meetings, annual general meetings, and even a extra ordinary general meeting, further supporting a minor change to the club’s constitution.
I have not stood for re-election as my circumstances have changed, however, I have loved my time as club secretary, and I hope to support the new secretary Dennis Anderson G6YBC in my old role. I intend to remain a loyal member of this club for many years to come.
Photo kindly courtesy of Tony Adams G7OHA.
