Essex Ham’s 2021 Wrap-up

As 2021 draws to a close, here’s a quick look back at what the group’s been up to over the last 12 months.

Below, you’ll find a short video highlighting our key activities in 2021:

For the second year in a row, Covid has taken its toll on amateur radio events, but Essex Ham still managed some activity with four field days in Galleywood: the June Summer Solstice, and other events in June, July and December.

We were at the Earls Colne Airfield for the Air Ambulances on the Air event in September, as official supporters of the Essex & Herts Air Ambulance.

Essex & Herts Air Ambulance 2021
Essex & Herts Air Ambulance 2021

We supported a very busy GB1BEL JOTA at Belchamps in October – a big thanks to all who helped out.

A new community workshop, the East Essex Hackspace launched in 2021, and we were invited to run a special event station for the opening. We activated the East Essex Hackspace later in the year for the Essex 2m Activity Day, and when the BBC Essex Quest paid the hackspace a visit.

East Essex Hackspace Launch
East Essex Hackspace Launch 2021

We were promoting the hobby at the Belfairs Academy Careers and Community event in October, and we were alongside Hamtronics UK at the September Suffolk RED gathering, with our handouts for newbies.

Oscar 2E1HWE ran an Essex Ham net as part of the GOTA (Gateways On The Air) activity week from Hadleigh Castle

We launched a new podcast, as a trial – the HamNews UK podcast

Essex Ham was online for the RSGB convention, engaging with the Kent Steamettes, and in the early part of the year, we were asked to take part in the worldwide QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo by the ICQ podcast, discussing with we need to re-brand the hobby, with panel members from the UK, US and Australia.

Training was a strong focus for 2021 – we ran 24 courses, with a total of 2,422 students. We produced a new suite of videos for students and newbies, and interest in the online course is still very high.

 

Our nets continued through 2021 – thanks to everyone who took part, especially to Dorothy M0MLR for running the YL Net, with the perfect winter net drink.

So that’s our look at 2021 – thanks to everyone who supported the group during this challenging year.

Here’s hoping for a brighter 2022!

Pete M0PSX

7 Comments

  1. John Bowen 31 December 2021 Reply
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