Shoebury Beach Get-together 16 Aug 2015

On Sunday the 16th of August, a team of intrepid Essex Hams descended on Shoebury East Beach for their second impromptu get-together this month.

The rain stayed away, leaving us with a sunny day, great views, interested passers-by (and traffic wardens) – a great to play radio, catch up and be social.

Some of the Essex Hams by Peter's portable shack
Some of the Essex Hams by Peter’s portable shack

In total, ten regulars turned up, which given the short notice over social media, was a great turnout. We had four stations, including Peter G0DZB operating CW from his mobile shack (bulging panniers!). Pete M0PSX was running on 2m, and 40m was active with Dorothy M0LMR working some of the Lighthouses On The Air stations. Laura was keen to try out her new Slim Jim 2m antenna that she made at last month’s Danbury Skills Night, and was able to comfortably work Jim 2E0RMI who was with the CARS team up at Sandford Mill near Chelmsford.

Laura M6LHT, proudly working GX0MWT from her antenna made at Danbury Skills
Laura M6LHT, proudly working GX0MWT from her antenna made at Danbury Skills

As well as the names mentioned above, It was great to be joined by Nick M0NFE, Majbritt, Trevor M5AKA, Rob 2E0LMX, Richard M0CLZ and Ed G8FAX during the day and to have a chat about all things amateur radio.

By special request, Pete M0PSX gave a live performance of the now famous “Monday Night Net Disclaimer“, which has recently been updated at the request of the Essex Repeater Group. With no Monday Night Net tomorrow, the new disclaimer can be heard next on the 24th of August 2015. Don’t touch that dial, pop pickers!

Dorothy M0LMR, working 2m on a sunny day at the beach
Dorothy M0LMR, working 2m on a sunny day at the beach

As well as playing radio, lots of social fun, and we took it in turns to keep young Zena amused. Well done to Majbritt for her patience playing fetch. The joy Zena gets from a single tennis ball is inspiring!

Well done to Majbritt for keeping Zena exercised all day
Well done to Majbritt for keeping Zena exercised all day

Favourite photo of the day, and one worthy of a better caption than this:

Once again, Peter tried to explains the importance of a groundplane to Zena...
Once again, Peter tried to explains the importance of a groundplane to Zena…

Thanks to all who turned up to the mouth of the Thames Estuary to play amateur radio in Essex.

UPDATE: In a nice end to a very good day, waiting for Pete M0PSX at home was an email that one of our Foundation Online students, Andy V, had successfully completed his Foundation exam with TARG on Canvey. He scored an impressive 25 of out 26, and told us: “Thanks for letting me do your course – it was a great help! I can’t wait to get my licence now!”

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2 Comments

  1. M0LMR 17 August 2015 Reply
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