Well done to team at Waters and Stanton for opening their doors on Sunday for the 24th annual Open Day.
The event ran from 10am to 4pm on Sunday the 25th of May 2014 at their store in Essex, and was a good mix of presentations, deals, food and drink, and product demonstrations. More importantly, it’s a great opportunity to meet up with other amateurs for a natter. For those not able to make it, here’s a summary:
The event was opened at 10am by Steve Thomas M1ACB, the RSGB Regional Manager, and for man, the hunt was then on for bargains – 10% was being offered off much of the store’s merchandise for those looking for new kit, and there was some good second-hand bargains to be had, as well as a busy bargains tent on the forecourt full of all sorts of specials and surplus equipment. The weather stayed largely good for those outside at the bargain tent – as commented by Essex Ham Charlie M0PZT on Twitter “Local emporium makes deal with devil in Bank Holiday weather shocker!”
Lectures
The day is also a great opportunity to learn something new – and four lectures were held.
First up was “Encouraging the next generation” a talk from Robert G4OBE on finding ways to engage with the younger generation, and get them interested in the hobby. Robert pointed out that there are not enough young engineers out there, and we need to find new ways to stimulate interest from the younger demographic.
Several suggestions came up in the talk, including the operation that we need ti be better ambassadors for the hobby at Special Event Stations, clubs should hold more construction events, and that we should involve schools more in our activities. Good mention too for the Raspberry Pi and the dual-core Banana Pi, which can be used for demos and data demos such as SSTV. To help get people started on the road to electronics, he gave out a couple of Velleman kits to those with children – thanks in advance from Kathryn, daughter of Pete M0PSX.
The “Latest News on UK Licensing” talk from Murray Niman G6JYB was standing room only. Those who’ve been to one of Murray’s talks, either at CARS or at W&S will know that he’s always up-to-date with the latest information, and what he had to report on upcoming licence changes was very interesting – so much so, that this deserves an Essex Ham post in its own right – so watch this space for a full report on Murray’s talk very soon.
There were two other talks, but we weren’t able to attend. These were “New BHI products” from Graham Somerville M3ZGS, and “What’s new from Elecraft”, by Pete Waters G3OJV.
Club of the Year
Well done to the Hilderstone Radio Club, based near Broadstairs in Kent, for winning the RSGB Regional Club of the Year trophy. Sorry, but we missed the photo of this chaps.
Companies and Clubs
It was great to see support from the manufacturers Yaesu, Icom, Kenwood and bhi for turning up, showing off the latest kit, answering questions, and donating prizes for the raffle. Essex-based Innovantennas were there too with a prize beam (poor Justin not showing jet-lag despite getting an hour’s sleep after retuning from the Dayton Ham Convention)
Also in attendance, representatives from CARS (promoting membership, training and the Skills Nights), Essex Ham, Essex Repeater Group (now accepting PayPal), SEARS, TARG and Essex’s newest club, Thurrock Acorns. RSGB Regional Manager for Region 12, Steve M1ACB was also there to support the event, pass out RSGB information and sell some books.
W & S Raffle
The charity raffle this year was in aid of British Wirelss for the Blind Fund, with prizes kindly donated by Kenwood TM-D710GE, Icon, Yaesu, bhi and Innovantennas. Well done to this year’s winners.
A great day, and many thanks to the team at Waters and Stanton for giving up their Sunday to put on the event for everyone.
More Images
It is nice to see all have good fun at W&S
Congratulations to all radio amateurs to have excellent content on this event. From Brasil PY3FBI Gilberto QTH Porto Alegre RS –… …–