THE 28th Dartmoor Radio Club Rally held on Monday attracted almost 300 visitors.

Despite heavy rain just before the doors opened, and increased fuel prices, many people turned up to get bargains on the numerous stands and renew friendships with amateur radio friends who normally only meet on the air.

Members were pleased to welcome Rob Mannion and his team from the magazine Practical Wireless. Rob is originally from Tavistock and always makes the effort to attend, despite the distance from Poole.

Traders, including Henry Westlake, were doing a brisk business and there were representatives from various clubs and societies, including the Royal Signals Amateur Radio Society and Radio Society GB, the organisation which looks after the interests of amateur radio worldwide.

Plymouth, Saltash and West Devon clubs were present. Caradon Hill, Mid Cornwall, West Devon and Plymouth Repeater groups all sent representatives who displayed their activities to keep Repeaters and Beacons running.

St John Ambulance was there to provide first aid.

Dartmoor Radio Club was saddened to lose one of its long term members, Ron Middleton, just before the rally. However, the plans laid out nine years ago are still working well and the excellent facilities of Tavistock College were appreciated.

It is hoped to run the rally again there next year. The next club event is on Tuesday May 22 at Callington.

For further details contact secretary Viv Watson on 01752 823427 or e-mail [email protected]">[email protected].

More information is available on the website: http://www.radioclubs.net/g1rcd">www.radioclubs.net/g1rcd