Radio fans rally for West Berkshire show

Enthusiasts attend largest event of its type in south east England

AMATEUR radio and computer enthusiasts rallied at Newbury Showground on Sunday.

Nearly 1,000 people attended the annual Amateur Radio Rally, run by the Newbury and District Amateur Radio Society (NADARS), and included demonstrations from a live amateur radio station, an automatic satellite tracking antenna system steered by a Raspberry PI self-programmable mini computer, a 1957 police control vehicle and demonstrations of radio slow scan television technology.

Within the hobby, the Newbury Rally is regarded as the biggest in the South of England as radio components and computer spares are on sale for ‘build your own’ projects.

NADARS chairman Jeremy Willis said: “We were expecting numbers to be down this year due to the local roadworks disruption at Junction 13, but once we heard only last week that they had finished, we managed to contact our regular groups to encourage them to attend.

“Radio hams come from Wales and Cornwall, as well as locals, for this event.

“We are well known for running a well-organised rally and with guaranteed good weather.”

NADARS meet locally once a month and run regular courses for those who wish to pass their amateur radio licence.

Details of NADARS activities and courses can be found at www.nadars.org.uk