PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE 2016 EVENT
Once again the friends at Lowton Independent Methodist Church in Wigan handed the church over for the day to Newton-le-Willows Amateur Radio Club for CHOTA (Alan G1EFU is a key holder), and once again the event coincided with Heritage weekend so we had non radio visitors who came to look at the church and were exposed to amateur radio as well.
Once again conditions were poor but GB1LIM was active on HF, VHF, UHF, Data modes, CW and this year we also worked DMR via our local Brandmeister Repeater GB7JL and via our local All*Star node thanks to the NOV holders.
As is the custom at the church and the Radio club copious amounts of Tea was consumed some of the visitors were interested in the pipe organ and G1EFU played “I will make you fishers of men”, the only thing he can play on any keyboard instrument.
A great day was had by all and the opportunity was taken to use the radio by members of our current Foundation Course who we are pleased to say passed the exam two weeks later.
PHOTOGRAPHS OF the 2015 event
The bands were not good this year however the event was a success, the station consisted of VHF/UHF, HF and data modes with activity also on CW, the event was also used as a training session for our Foundation course members. Quite good 2 meter FM distances were obtained and UK and European including Russian contacts made. The event was visited by scouts from St.Mary's C of E church (opposite) and the Saint Cathrines RC Scouts 3rd Lowton (who meet in the chapel since the demise of their Church) the scout leaders of both the Lowton scout groups are licensed amateurs, a number of local amateurs came to visit us as did many members of the public due to our new banner we had secured to the chapel fence. There was much interest in the chapel pipe organ it was a pity none of us were able to play it for them. Typical of the meetings of both the chapel and the Newton-le-Willows ARC many gallons of tea and coffee were drunk during the day.
