Every year the Southport & District Amateur Radio Club lends support to a local school in Southport and they have recently received an award for their efforts.
During March a team goes into Bishop David Sheppard school for National Science Week and introduces the Year 6 pupils to radio communications. As well as using PMR-466 equipment to conduct live communications across the school using the phonetic alphabet a special event station, GB5BDS, is established for the event and those attending get to speak to Radio Amateurs all over the district. However, by far the the most popular part of the day is the Morse demonstration where the pupils learn to key their name - the children are mesmorised by Morse code.
Later in the year the club returns to the school to run a special event station (under the same callsign) for the school's Summer Fair and the pupils from all years are available to experience Amateur Radio and send messages to operators around the world.
The Friends of Bishop David Sheppard School have recognised the efforts of the club and have awarded them the 'Good Friend Award Community Cup'. Derek Hughes (G7LFC), Chairman of the club, thanked the Friends for their kind gesture and pledged the club's continued support.
| Notes | This news report is brought to you courtesy of the American Radio Relay League's ARRL Letter. |