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30th September to 3rd October 2011

Lincoln Short Wave Club is a group of Radio Amateurs (sometimes known as Hams) which has been in existence since 1921. Radio Amateurs have qualified to operate two-way radio equipment from their own homes or cars. There are many facets to the hobby allowing them to transmit voice, morse code, data and even television pictures. Radio Amateurs even have their own communications satellites in orbit! It is a growing hobby with more than 3,000 new licences being issued in the last year.

In the 1950s the Club held several ‘Hamfests’ (The name derives from Ham and Festival). Then in the 1980s the Hamfest was revived, and moved to the brilliantly placed Newark Showground several years ago. The Showground is near the A1/A46/A52 junction.  

This year the event will be bigger than ever with the support of the hobby’s national body, ‘The Radio Society of Great Britain’ (RSGB). It is expected that radio amateurs from all over the UK will attend.

The show in the George Stephenson Pavilion at the Newark Showground has attracted most of the major retailers of amateur radio equipment. Radio transceivers can cost anything from £100 to several thousands of pounds. There will also be Broadcast Radio and Aircraft Band radios available. This event will have all the latest equipment under one roof. There are also second hand bargains on the ‘bring and buy’ stall. There will no doubt be computer equipment and peripherals to buy too.

Thousands of visitors are expected over the 2 days of the show, many not only to view the trade stands but also meet with old friends. A number of special interest groups within the hobby will also be attending including a group for women operators, one each from the three armed forces and numerous others.

The Lincoln Short Wave Club has a commitment to training and runs several courses each year for potential radio amateurs. A special facility which is organised by the Radio Communications Foundation will be on site. It is a fully equipped educational communications module aimed young people. It can even demonstrate 2 way communications via satellite and has equipment on board to demonstrate reception of weather satellites. The Foundation believes that an interest in amateur radio can lead youngsters into careers in science. The Lincoln Club has had some success in training young people and has members aged 11 and 12 with licences.  

The Radio Society of Great Britain will have staff available to explain how to get started in the hobby and will be happy to point newcomers in the right direction. 

£4.50 (accompanied under 16s are free).   Visit the website to save money on advance tickets www.radioclubs.net.

As with all major rallies we will be having:

• The RSGB – complete with committees and book stall
• Full range of national traders
• Specialist traders
• Club stands
• Special Interest Groups
• “Bring and Buy” stand
• GB4FUN – located outside of the hall
• Local companies
• Static millitary vehicle display
• Car boot sale (non-trade)
• Hot and cold refreshments -  including a licensed bar
• A large seating/meeting area, adjacent to the catering facilities and in the main hall
• 2m talk-in station – run by Lincoln Short Wave Club
• Caravan pitches (available directly from the Showground)
• Whilst you are at the National Hamfest the family can visit Lincoln or Newark
  
  Time:  10.00 am to 4.00 pm
  

  On both days we open the gates 30 minutes early (9.30am) to allow access to the information tent, Flea Market and the Bring and Buy.

   

  At 10am on the Friday there is an opening ceremony and ribbon cutting at the main entrance to the George Stephenson building – you are welcome to attend this – and then the main hall will open a few minutes later.

   

  On Saturday the main hall opens at 10am.

   

  On both days the hall and outside exhibits close promptly at 4pm.