Podcasts about Festival Hall

The Beach Boys' SMiLE was abandoned by Brian Wilson in 1967 and eventually performed at an emotional gathering of the faithful in London 37 years later. For writer and lecturer David Leaf it became an obsession. He made a documentary about it in 2004 and has just published ‘SMiLE: The Rise, Fall and Resurrection of Brian Wilson' drawn from detailed conversations with the people involved. He talks to us here about his discoveries, which include … ... the Rolling Stone story that kick-started his obsession. … “a bicycle ride from Plymouth Rock to Hawaii” and other early plans for the album. … how Leonard Bernstein, the Beatles and Derek Taylor racked up the pressure in the studio. … why the other Beach Boys – and Capitol and Murry Wilson - felt the new music was a threat to their livelihood. … how Brian composed the “teenage symphony for God” that became an albatross around his neck. ... “Ray Davies needed a deadline”: the perils of endless recording time. … the magnetism of Van Dyke Parks, a man who “talks in paragraphs”. ... the imagined impact on the world and the band's career if SMiLE had come out in 1967. … the birth of “art rock” versus the strictures of the music business. … the value of the SMiLE myth in the eventual rebirth of the Beach Boys. … the reaction to its long-awaited performance at the Festival Hall in 2004. ... why Brian thought shelving the album would save the group yet “they went from a No 1 single to an act nobody cared about in under a year”. ... and the greatest Beach Boys record of all time. Order SMiLE: the Rise, Fall & Resurrection of Brian Wilson here: https://omnibuspress.com/products/smile-the-rise-fall-and-resurrection-of-brian-wilson-published-10th-october-2024?_pos=1&_psq=smile&_ss=e&_v=1.0Help us to keep the conversation going by joining our worldwide Patreon community: https://www.patreon.com/wordinyourear Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Beach Boys' SMiLE was abandoned by Brian Wilson in 1967 and eventually performed at an emotional gathering of the faithful in London 37 years later. For writer and lecturer David Leaf it became an obsession. He made a documentary about it in 2004 and has just published ‘SMiLE: The Rise, Fall and Resurrection of Brian Wilson' drawn from detailed conversations with the people involved. He talks to us here about his discoveries, which include … ... the Rolling Stone story that kick-started his obsession. … “a bicycle ride from Plymouth Rock to Hawaii” and other early plans for the album. … how Leonard Bernstein, the Beatles and Derek Taylor racked up the pressure in the studio. … why the other Beach Boys – and Capitol and Murry Wilson - felt the new music was a threat to their livelihood. … how Brian composed the “teenage symphony for God” that became an albatross around his neck. ... “Ray Davies needed a deadline”: the perils of endless recording time. … the magnetism of Van Dyke Parks, a man who “talks in paragraphs”. ... the imagined impact on the world and the band's career if SMiLE had come out in 1967. … the birth of “art rock” versus the strictures of the music business. … the value of the SMiLE myth in the eventual rebirth of the Beach Boys. … the reaction to its long-awaited performance at the Festival Hall in 2004. ... why Brian thought shelving the album would save the group yet “they went from a No 1 single to an act nobody cared about in under a year”. ... and the greatest Beach Boys record of all time. Order SMiLE: the Rise, Fall & Resurrection of Brian Wilson here: https://omnibuspress.com/products/smile-the-rise-fall-and-resurrection-of-brian-wilson-published-10th-october-2024?_pos=1&_psq=smile&_ss=e&_v=1.0Help us to keep the conversation going by joining our worldwide Patreon community: https://www.patreon.com/wordinyourear Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Beach Boys' SMiLE was abandoned by Brian Wilson in 1967 and eventually performed at an emotional gathering of the faithful in London 37 years later. For writer and lecturer David Leaf it became an obsession. He made a documentary about it in 2004 and has just published ‘SMiLE: The Rise, Fall and Resurrection of Brian Wilson' drawn from detailed conversations with the people involved. He talks to us here about his discoveries, which include … ... the Rolling Stone story that kick-started his obsession. … “a bicycle ride from Plymouth Rock to Hawaii” and other early plans for the album. … how Leonard Bernstein, the Beatles and Derek Taylor racked up the pressure in the studio. … why the other Beach Boys – and Capitol and Murry Wilson - felt the new music was a threat to their livelihood. … how Brian composed the “teenage symphony for God” that became an albatross around his neck. ... “Ray Davies needed a deadline”: the perils of endless recording time. … the magnetism of Van Dyke Parks, a man who “talks in paragraphs”. ... the imagined impact on the world and the band's career if SMiLE had come out in 1967. … the birth of “art rock” versus the strictures of the music business. … the value of the SMiLE myth in the eventual rebirth of the Beach Boys. … the reaction to its long-awaited performance at the Festival Hall in 2004. ... why Brian thought shelving the album would save the group yet “they went from a No 1 single to an act nobody cared about in under a year”. ... and the greatest Beach Boys record of all time. Order SMiLE: the Rise, Fall & Resurrection of Brian Wilson here: https://omnibuspress.com/products/smile-the-rise-fall-and-resurrection-of-brian-wilson-published-10th-october-2024?_pos=1&_psq=smile&_ss=e&_v=1.0Help us to keep the conversation going by joining our worldwide Patreon community: https://www.patreon.com/wordinyourear Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Formed more than 30 years ago, the Friends of Petersfield Heath hold their AGM on Tuesday 20 May at 7pm in the Rose Room at the Festival Hall. You can join on the night and hear Margaret Paren OBE, now the Chair of the Council for the Protection of Rural England, speaking about the battle to form the South Downs National Park. Richard Philips, the Secretary of the Friends, spoke to Mike Waddington about the biodiversity the group are sustaining, from Kingfishers to Barn Owls, and hedgerows and pathways - he also tells you how to get a licence for your kayak. More about the Friends of Petersfield Heath at Home - Friends of Petersfield Heath See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Councillor Chris Paige spoke at the Petersfield Town Meeting about the plans for the Festival Hall. The next phase, expansion of the Council chamber in the Art Deco building, starts on 1 April and runs up to July. When completed it will be named after Petersfield's First elected Mayor, Councillor K A HIck.. Chris spoke to Mike Waddington.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Around 100 people attended the Town meeting on Tuesday 4 March. Reports came from the main committees, like the Festival Hall plan, the new Heath toilet and changing block, as well as briefings on devolution and the South Downs National Park plan. The Mayor, Councillor Lesley Farrow, gave out awards to community champions and spoke about her charities she's supporting as Mayor; the Rosemary Foundation and Petersfield Lions. Lots of questions came from attendees about many aspects of the environment here like litter on slip roads. and responsible dog walking as well as queries on the timing of projects. Cllr Jamie Mathews spoke about managing 200 acres of public open space in Petersfield. The Heath attracts 350,000 visitors a year and he gave details of the new toilet and changing facilities block, to be built in late spring. Sine Radio's Julie Butler, was surprised when the Mayor gave her an award at the Meeting, for her work on Shine Radio, Speedwatch and dementia. MIke Waddington reports See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Around one hundred and fifty people gave blood at the Festival Hall in Petersfield. In an echo of the Covid pandemic the festival hall became a medical centre again. Staff guided blood donors through the process within the building. Both blood and plasma can be received by the NHS staff. Nurse Hayley explains to Shine Radio's Stephen Martin how it all works, how you can become a donor and why you'll be especially welcome if you carry one particular type of blood.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

GB2RS News Sunday the 26th of January 2025 The news headlines: The RSGB has announced the details of the amateur radio activity that it provided for the British Science Week 2025 Community Pack Nominations encouraged for the role of RSGB President The next Tonight@8 webinar will focus on fault finding in construction projects The RSGB is delighted to announce details of the amateur radio activity that the Society provided for the British Science Week 2025 Community Pack. The RSGB Outreach Team, working with the RSGB Comms Team, submitted two activities on this year's theme of ‘Change and adapt' and one was chosen for the Community Pack. This activity was created by John Hislop, G7OHO and tested by RSGB School Youth Champion Chris Aitken, MM0WIC, and other members of the Outreach Team with various groups and ages. It uses amateur radio to find out if people in different countries are seeing changes in their weather patterns. It is a simple activity that is also designed to get people on the air. Community or youth groups will need access to a Digital Mobile Radio repeater and assistance from a radio amateur, which is why the RSGB is asking for the support of the amateur radio community to make this as effective as possible! You can find the RSGB activity and other resources on its website at rsgb.org/bsw so take a look and get ready to be involved! You can also find the full set of this year's activity packs at britishscienceweek.org  To ask questions or suggest an activity, contact the RSGB British Science Week Coordinator Ian Neal, M0KEO via bsw@rsgb.org.uk  The RSGB President is a prestigious and important role. Each President has the autonomy to shape the duties and activities they carry out to best match their view of the role. Former Presidents have spoken of the unique insight it has given them into the hobby, and the fulfilment they have felt from the role. Read more from the current and some previous Presidents by going to rsgb.org/president  If you believe you can advocate for amateur radio, that you have the necessary understanding of how the RSGB works, and are someone who can relate to and talk engagingly with a wide range of people, then why not apply to be the next RSGB President? Nominations are now open in the RSGB 2025 elections and full candidate packs can be found via rsgb.org/election  Applications are strongly encouraged from radio amateurs of all different backgrounds and identities. Every new volunteer who joins the RSGB is an opportunity to bring a different perspective, which the Board is eager to embrace. Remember that the closing date for all vacancies is 2359UTC on the 31st of January. So, if you'd like to rise to the challenge and be the Society's next President, act now.   Have you ever spent time constructing a project, only to find it doesn't work? If so, the next Tonight@8 webinar on Monday the 3rd of February is one to put in your diary. Lee Aldridge, G4EJB will present a basic fault finding and electronics session that will look at the requirements of construction, as well as the pros and cons of different types of construction. He will also look at what to do when you've built a project, but it doesn't work. This will include looking at your method, understanding some simple circuits and basic use of a digital multimeter, your expectations, as well as checking and testing. Lee has nearly 35 years experience of working in telecoms and electronics and will be known by many as the former RadCom Basics Editor. Find out more about this discussion by going to rsgb.org/webinars  Watch the presentation live on the RSGB YouTube channel or special BATC channel and ask questions via the live chat. Today, the 26th, the 2m band is full of transmissions from operators taking part in 145 Alive. The event is running from 12 pm to 3 pm and there are nets operating in most Maidenhead Squares across England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland. To take part, all you need to do is call in and make contact with others. For more information visit the 145 Alive Facebook page. Have you been involved in inspiring newcomers to amateur radio? Do you have a knack for introducing and explaining the fundamental principles of our wonderful pastime to the uninitiated? If so, have you considered writing for RadCom Basics? Tim, G5TM, the RadCom Basics Editor, welcomes all suggestions. If you have ideas for future articles, email radcombasics@rsgb.org.uk The RSGB is looking for an assistant editor to join the team that produces its suite of RadCom publications. The successful candidate will be involved in everything from magazine production and sub-editing to writing articles and planning content. More information is available on page 83 of the February 2025 issue of RadCom and via rsgb.org/careers  If you are interested in applying for the role, email radcom@rsgb.org.uk  And now for details of rallies and events The Lincoln Shortwave Club Winter Radio Rally is taking place today, the 26th, at The Festival Hall, Caistor Road in Market Rasen. The doors open at 10 am and admission is £3. Hot refreshments and ample free car parking are available. For more information contact Steve Burke, M5ZZZ on 07777 699 069 or email m5zzz@outlook.com On Sunday the 9th of February, the Mid Cheshire Amateur Radio Society RadioActive Fair will take place at Nantwich Civic Hall, Market Street, Nantwich, Cheshire, CW5 5DG. The doors will be open from 10am to 3pm and admission will cost £5. Hot food, refreshments and free car parking will be available. For more information contact Patrick, 2E0VGF via info@radioactivefair.co.uk The Red Rose Winter Rally is due to take place on the 23rd of February from 10am at Mather Hall, Mather Lane, Leigh, Lancashire, WN7 2PJ. Please note that the maximum number of five-foot tables per trader has had to be reduced from six to five. On a brighter note, the price remains as it has been for several years at £10 per table. For more information visit wmrc.co.uk Advance notice now that the 13th Scottish Microwave Round Table will be held on Saturday the 1st of November 2025 at the Museum of Communication, Burntisland, Fife, Scotland. There will be an optional dinner in the evening at a local hotel. Further updates will be posted on the gmroundtable.org.uk website in June or July 2025. To find out more email Colin via gm4hwo@gmail.com Now the Special Event news The Straight Key Century Club's Straight Key Month is currently underway. The annual on-air event commemorates the Club's founding in 2006 and celebrates the original instruments of early radiotelegraphy including straight keys, bugs and ‘cootie' keys. Listen out for the K3Y callsign which is being aired from the ten USA call areas. Information on the event and QSL instructions can be found at tinyurl.com/K3Y2025 A large multi-national team is active as TX7N from Hiva Oa in the Marquesas Islands, OC-027, until tomorrow, the 27th. The team is operating using CW, SSB and digital modes on the 160 to 6m bands. QSL via Club Log's OQRS and Logbook of the World. For more information and updates visit tx7n.com British Railways Amateur Radio Society is running special event stations GB0LMR and GB2SDR during 2025 to celebrate 200 years of train travel. Operation will be mainly focused on 40m but there may be additional activity on other bands. QSL via the Bureau. To read more about the special event stations visit QRZ.com  Now the DX news Dwight, VE7BV is active as TG9BBV from Guatemala until the 28th of January. He is operating using mostly CW and SSB on the 40 to 6m bands. QSL via Dwight's home call and Logbook of the World. Ralf, DB4REB is active as CN2REB while on holiday in Morocco until the 30th of January. He is operating using CW, FT8 and SSB on various bands. Ralf is hoping to work some Parks on the Air sites along the coast during his visit. QSL via eQSL or directly to Ralf's home call. For more information and updates visit QRZ.com Felix, DL5XL is active as DP1POL from a German research station in Antarctica, AN-016, until the 25th of February. He is operating mainly using CW on the HF bands. There may also be some digital mode and SSB activity. QSL via DL1ZBO. QSOs will be uploaded to Logbook of the World and Club Log. Now the contest news The British Amateur Radio Teledata Group RTTY Sprint started at 1200UTC on Saturday the 25th and runs until 1200UTC today, the 26th of January. Using RTTY on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is your serial number. The CQ 160m DX Contest started at 2200UTC on Friday the 24th and runs until 2200UTC today, the 26th of January. Using CW on the 160m band, the exchange is signal report and CQ Zone. USA stations also send their state and Canadian stations send their province. On Tuesday the 28th, the RSGB SHF UK Activity Contest runs from 1930 to 2230UTC. Using all modes on the 13, 9, 6 and 3cm bands, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Wednesday the 29th, the United Kingdom and Ireland Contest Club 80m Contest runs from 2000 to 2100UTC. Using CW on the 80m band, the exchange is your six-character locator. The UK Six Metre Group Winter Marathon began at 0000UTC on Sunday the 1st of December and ends at 2359UTC on Friday the 31st of January. Using all modes on the 6m band, the exchange is signal report and locator. On Sunday the 2nd, the RSGB 432MHz Affiliated Societies Contest runs from 0900 to 1300UTC. Using all modes on the 70cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.  Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA and G4BAO on Thursday the 23rd of January 2025 This week, ending today the 26th, has looked a lot like a repeat performance of two weeks ago. The majority of the sunspots are in the western hemisphere with very few in the eastern side. This means that the solar flux index could drop over the coming week unless there are sunspots ready to rotate into view to replace those being lost. A look at the STEREO Ahead spacecraft imagery suggests that there are indeed sunspots over the Eastern limb, so all may not be lost. Overall, the Sun has been fairly quiet. There were no X-class flares and only five M-class flares from the 19th to the 23rd of January. The Kp index has also been relatively low, only peaking at four for one three-hour period on the 20th of January. As a result, with the solar flux index in the 200s, HF conditions have been quite good. The maximum usable frequency over a 3,000km path has been consistently over 28MHz, from around 0830 to 1600 UTC. However, the 20, 17, 15 and 12m bands, seem to be carrying most of the DX at the moment. Next week, NOAA predicts that the solar flux index will remain in the mid-200s. Geomagnetic conditions are also predicted to be good until the end of the month, but a Kp index of 5 is forecast for the 31st of January, and this could last for a few days. So, we urge you to make the most of the conditions now, before geomagnetic storming, if it occurs, makes a mess of HF as we enter February.  And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO The weather pattern is being driven by a very strong winter jet stream across the Atlantic Ocean. This gives scope for rapid development of deep lows and consequent gales and damaging winds. On Friday the 24th of January, the first big storm hit the northwest of Britain. We may find that the next low in the series is heading for southern Britain tomorrow, the 27th.  This all makes tropo unlikely for much of the week ahead since it stays unsettled through most of the period but with the smallest hint of higher pressure trying to return from Thursday. Rain scatter will probably be worth some consideration on the GHz bands while meteor scatter remains driven by random activity rather than any major showers. There have been further aurora alerts over the last week and it's always worth keeping the Kp index in view to monitor any possible chances for aurora. High figures, above a Kp index of 4, are a good trigger point to get interested. Moon declination reaches a minimum in the northern hemisphere today, the 26th, when Moon windows are at their shortest and peak Moon elevation is at its lowest. Path losses are now falling as we passed apogee on Tuesday the 21st. 144MHz sky noise is high, reaching over 3,000 Kelvin today, the 26th, before dropping to moderate until Wednesday when the Moon and Sun are very close in the sky for the whole Moon pass. After this, it drops to a low for the rest of the week. And that's all from the propagation team this week.

The 18 year old who went on a frenzied stabbing spree at a Taylor Swift dance class has been sentenced. Apprentice tradies are set to be offered $10,000 to take up a job in and stay in the construction sector. An 88 year old man has been charged, after he allegedly fired a bullet at the home of NRL coach Anthony Seibold. The Oscar nominations were announced this morning. There was a nasty accident at a heavy metal band’s gig at Melbourne’s Festival Hall on Wednesday night. Aryna Sabalenka is through to her third straight Australian Open final.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

GB2RS News Sunday the 19th of January 2025 The news headlines: The RSGB is an official partner for this year's British Science Week Nominations are open for two RSGB Elected Board Director roles Don't forget to update your club's RSGB Club Finder information The RSGB is delighted to announce that it is an official partner for this year's British Science Week, run by the British Science Association. The RSGB Outreach Team worked with the RSGB Comms Team to offer an amateur radio-related activity, and this will feature in the British Science Week Community Pack. This links with the Society's strategic priority of Growth and its desire to reach new audiences. The Society is very excited that amateur radio will be featured for the first time in this important national STEM campaign. Full details of the RSGB activity will be shared during the next week when all the packs are officially launched. This year's event runs from the 7th to the 16th of March with the theme of “Change and adapt”. It is not just for young people and the RSGB has a range of additional activity ideas you could try with your community, friends and family too. The RSGB hopes its ideas and resources will encourage you to get out there and inspire others. Find out more at rsgb.org/bsw  and look out for further announcements this week. If you have an idea or a plan to get people involved or would like some advice and support, please contact the RSGB British Science Week Coordinator, Ian Neal, M0KEO via bsw@rsgb.org.uk  If you're an RSGB member, have excellent leadership skills and would like to contribute to the amateur radio community, how about becoming an RSGB Board Director? Nominations are now open for applicants to stand for two Elected Board Director roles. The existing Board is looking for Directors who have specific skills to replace outgoing Directors. It would love to see applications from those who have expertise in spectrum matters and with building positive relationships with other organisations. The Board is also looking for people who are passionate about continuing its important outreach activities, as well as its ongoing work in developing practical skills amongst the amateur radio community. The Society is encouraging candidates from a diverse range of backgrounds to stand for election and wants to ensure that the voices around the table understand and reflect the community it aims to serve. Find out more about these roles, as well as other opportunities in the RSGB 2025 Elections, by going to rsgb.org/election. The closing date for all vacancies is 2359UTC on the 31st of January 2025, so act now and ensure you take this opportunity to help shape the future of amateur radio.   If you're a member of an RSGB-affiliated club or society, the RSGB is encouraging you to visit rsgb.org/club-finder and check that your organisation's details are up to date. The RSGB Club Finder allows people to search for local amateur radio groups. Those people could want to join your group, find out more about amateur radio before taking their Foundation licence exam or perhaps need support for British Science Week activities. Updating your listing is easy. Just log into your club's Membership Services account at rsgb.org/members and go to the ‘UK Club Finder' section. The form includes a section called ‘Meeting details' where you can add helpful information about disabled access, as well as details about both physical and online meetings. The Society will update Club Finder with any new data between 4 pm and 6 pm every Friday. If you wish your update to appear before the weekend, please ensure you update your details before 3 pm on Fridays. Any questions on the process can be sent to membership@rsgb.org.uk  Ofcom has announced a consultation which seeks to simplify the licensing of amateur radio visitors to the UK from a specified list of countries. The consultation also covers the proposed simplification of other wireless equipment usage. Ofcom says: “We propose to introduce a new licence exemption for short-term use of radio amateur equipment by radio amateurs visiting from countries that are not covered by the CEPT Recommendation but with whom the UK has a bilateral reciprocal agreement.” The deadline for responses to the consultation is 5 pm on the 28th of March 2025. You can read the Ofcom consultation document at tinyurl.com/ofcom-uwtle Have you revalidated your licence recently? Ofcom requires that radio amateurs revalidate their licence at least every five years, although confirming annually is recommended. For more information on the process go to rsgb.org/licensing  and select ‘Licence Revalidation' from the right-hand menu. The web page provides further information on the process, a link to the Ofcom portal, as well as a handy video guide on the process from Ofcom. Make sure you keep your details up to date and add a diary reminder to renew each year.  Have you made a New Year's resolution to learn CW? If so, you might be interested in Essex CW Amateur Radio Club's CW for Beginners training. The next course starts on Thursday the 6th of February. It will take place via Skype from 7 pm. If you are interested in taking part, email Andy, G0IBN via g0ibn1@yahoo.com Lots of operators are on the air, until the end of January, with stations taking part in the World-Wide Award. If you have been listening to the HF bands, you will have heard lots of stations using callsigns with a WWA suffix. Points are awarded for working these stations using a variety of modes. For example, two points are awarded for a contact made using a digital mode and ten points are awarded for making a CW contact. To qualify for the award, you need a minimum of 100 points. To read more about the World Wide Award visit hamaward.cloud/wwa And now for details of rallies and events The Lincoln Shortwave Club Winter Radio Rally is taking place on the 26th of January at The Festival Hall, Caistor Road in Market Rasen. The doors open at 10 am and admission is £3. Hot refreshments and ample free car parking will be available. The cost of a table is £10. To book, contact Steve Burke, M5ZZZ on 07777 699 069 or email m5zzz@outlook.com On the 9th of February, the Mid Cheshire Amateur Radio Society RadioActive Fair will take place at Nantwich Civic Hall, Market Street, Nantwich, Cheshire, CW5 5DG. The doors will be open from 10 am to 3 pm and admission will cost £5. Hot food, refreshments and free car parking will be available. For more information contact Patrick, 2E0VGF via info@radioactivefair.co.uk The Red Rose Winter Rally is due to take place on the 23rd of February from 10 am at Mather Hall, Mather Lane, Leigh, Lancashire, WN7 2PJ. Please note that the maximum number of five-foot tables per trader has had to be reduced from six to five. On a brighter note, the price remains as it has been for several years at £10 per table. For more information visit wmrc.co.uk Now the Special Event news HI59UD is a special callsign in use by the Dominican Amateur Radio Union, the second-oldest amateur radio club in the Dominican Republic. The station is active to celebrate the 59th anniversary of its foundation. Look for activity on the HF bands, using SSB and digital modes, until the 25th of January. For information about a certificate that is available for working the station visit QRZ.com Special callsign PA25MC will be on the air for just one day on Thursday the 23rd of January. The station will be active to introduce Dutch Marines to the world of amateur radio. Operators will be using SSB on the HF bands. The event is organised and supported by PI4VBD, the club station of the Royal Netherlands Army Signal Regiment. More information is available at QRZ.com Now the DX news David, VE3VSM/HR9 is active from Roatan Island, NA-057, off the north coast of Honduras, until the 25th of January. He is operating CW and FT8 on the 30 and 20m bands. QSL via Logbook of the World, or David's home call. Jeff, VA3QSL is active as FG/VA3QSL from Guadeloupe, NA-102, until the 26th of January. Following this, he will be active as PJ7/VA3QSL from Sint Maarten, NA-105, between the 27th of January and the 16th of February. The final leg of his Caribbean tour sees him operating as FS/VA3QSL from St. Martin, NA-105, between the 16th of February and the 4th of March. He will operate SSB, CW and digital modes on the 40 to 6m bands. QSL via Logbook of the World, directly to Jeff's home call, or via the Bureau. Now the contest news Tomorrow, the 20th, the FT4 Series Contest runs from 2000 to 2200UTC. Using FT4 on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is your report. On Tuesday the 21st, the 1.3GHz UK Activity Contest runs from 2000 to 2230UTC. Using all modes on the 23cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. The CQ 160m DX Contest runs from 2200UTC on Friday the 24th until 2200UTC on Sunday the 26th of January. Using CW on the 160m band, the exchange is signal report and CW Zone. USA stations also send their state and Canadian stations send their province. The British Amateur Radio Teledata Group RTTY Sprint runs from 1200UTC on Saturday the 25th until 1200UTC on Sunday the 26th of January. Using RTTY on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is your serial number. Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA and G4BAO on Thursday the 16th of January 2025. It looks like the lull in sunspot activity is coming to an end as the solar flux index rose to 174 on Thursday the 16th, after a week in the 150s and 160s. The Sun was fairly bare, but there are now signs of more sunspot activity rotating into view. There have been no X-class flares in the past seven days and only one M-class event. This has meant that the Kp index has been low, thanks to a lack of associated coronal mass ejections. There were four during one three-hour period on the 13th of January. As a result, HF conditions have not been too bad with daytime maximum useable frequencies, or MUFs for short, over 3,000km regularly exceeding 24 and even 28MHz at times. However, nighttime MUFs are still in the doldrums, often struggling to get above 5MHz over a 3,000km path. This will no doubt change as we head towards spring. DX on the bands recently has included S01WS in Western Sahara and UP7WWA in Kazakhstan, both on 28MHz CW. Closer to home we have had GB200LB celebrating the bicentenary of the invention of the Braille code and GB1GKA commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Portishead Radio receiving station, callsign GKA, at Highbridge, Somerset. Both of these stations were active on the 20, 17, 15 and 10m bands using CW. At the other end of the bands, Kev, VK6LW, has been heard on 1822kHz from Western Australia at his sunrise at 2112UTC, as has Robert, DU7ET, in the Philippines at 2200UTC. January is a great month for top-band contacts. Next week, NOAA predicts that the solar flux index will remain in the 160 to 175 range. Geomagnetic conditions are predicted to be good with a maximum Kp index of 3. Watch solarham.com for news of solar flares and coronal mass ejections, which could easily send the Kp index higher and the MUFs lower. And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO. The current spell of high pressure has served us well with some good tropo paths around the edge of the high into Spain and Portugal and even beyond to Madeira. This has shown how effective long maritime ducts can be around the edge of areas of high pressure.  On the 16th of January, the Atlantic was taking over the agenda and low pressure near Scotland was pushing a weakening front into north-western Britain as the high retreated east into Europe. The rest of the coming week has other lows bringing some rain or showers – especially to the north-west of the UK where it will become quite windy again. On Wednesday the 15th, weather models suggested a small high may return to the southern part of the country. We are in a rather unsettled weather period with some limited rain scatter potential for the GHz bands. Meteor scatter is also a bit thin with just a possibility of scatter via the Gamma Ursae Minorids, which peaked yesterday, the 18th. However, the number of meteors is at a very low rate and so is not a great option. Next, we move on to aurora and there continue to be examples of alerts suggesting minor events. Generally, though, spring is usually a better time, so there's still a while to wait. Saturday the 11th of January brought a welcome out-of-season Sporadic-E opening to Poland, and then the Balkans, on 50MHz lasting around three and a half hours from 1200UTC. Another good piece of news is the return of ionosonde data for the propquest.co.uk website after a few missing days. This is a timely opportunity to thank all those who maintain the professional data sets that allow us amateurs to see what the bands are doing. Moon declination is positive, going negative this Sunday. Moon windows will shorten, and peak Moon elevations fall. Path losses continue to increase as we approach apogee on Tuesday. 144MHz sky noise is low all week. And that's all from the propagation team.

GB2RS News Sunday the 12th of January The news headlines: There are opportunities in the RSGB's Regional Team World Thinking Day on the Air is coming up in February Are you interested in an exciting opportunity to volunteer with the amateur radio maker community? If you're looking to get involved in a different side of amateur radio this year, have you thought about becoming a volunteer RSGB Regional Representative for your area? There are eight Regional Representative posts available for nomination in this year's RSGB elections. This rewarding role will give you the opportunity to represent the views of members in your region to the Board, as well as supporting and advising the District Representatives located within the Region. Regional Representatives are also members of the volunteer Leadership Team and have the opportunity to contribute to the Society's strategy and policy development, as well as to its implementation. If you think this sounds exciting, and you are a confident communicator who has experience in managing people, then go to rsgb.org/election and read the candidate pack now. You'll also find details about how to apply, alongside information on other roles, including the RSGB President and two Elected Board Director vacancies. The closing date for all vacancies is 2359UTC on the 31st of January. So, act now and use your expertise to make an impact on amateur radio in your region. On the 15th of February, Girlguiding members will celebrate World Thinking Day on the Air. The aim of this event is to encourage Girlguiding members to make friendships with those in other units, using amateur radio as the means of communication. On this day, Crawley Amateur Radio Club and RSGB volunteers will be hosting a special event call sign GB1SCG, which relates to Sussex Central Guides. Girlguiding members of all ages will have the opportunity to celebrate by communicating via the amateur bands. If you or your amateur radio club are planning to work with a local Girlguiding group for World Thinking Day on the Air, please get in touch via comms@rsgb.org.uk  so the RSGB can promote your event.  As part of the RSGB's ongoing strategy to take amateur radio to new and diverse audiences, it is delighted to advertise a new volunteer role. This is an opportunity for someone to be an advocate for amateur radio within the maker community. The spirit of experimentation, curiosity and learning is common to both groups and the RSGB would like to foster greater crossover between the amateur radio and modern maker communities. This crossover would be centred around hackspace and maker spaces, as well as larger events, but would also encourage individuals from each community to inspire and learn from each other. This role is intended to help take amateur radio to a new audience with an emphasis on how the licence would support other hobbies, rather than the promotion of traditional amateur radio activities. To carry out this role you'll need to be open to working with different communities, be proactive and organised, and be able to build a team and help it to work to achieve goals. To find full details of the role go to rsgb.org/volunteers and if you're interested in applying or being part of a wider team, contact RSGB Board Director Mark Jones, G0MGX via g0mgx@rsgb.org.uk  The RSGB is recruiting volunteers for two roles that are fundamental to the delivery of the Society's Convention. The Convention Chair will be someone who understands the advantages of both online and in-person events. The successful applicant will have an awareness of all aspects of amateur radio and will contribute to shaping the RSGB Conventions of the future to suit the changing amateur radio audience. A second opportunity to be part of the Convention team is as the Society's Lecture Coordinator. This role is part of both the Convention and Tonight@8 teams and requires someone who is proactive and collaborative. The applicant will need to bring ideas for presentations that educate and inspire radio amateurs to try something new, learn more about interesting topics and expand their knowledge of amateur radio. To find out more about either of these roles and how to apply, go to rsgb.org/volunteers  Don't forget that the next event in the popular 145 Alive series will take place on Sunday the 26th of January 2025. It will run from 12 pm to 3 pm and there will be nets operating in most Maidenhead Squares across England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland. To take part in the event, which is designed to promote FM activity on the 2m band, all you need to do is call in and make contact with others. For more information visit the 145 Alive Facebook page. Please send details of all your news and events to radcom@rsgb.org.uk The deadline for submissions is 10 am on Thursdays before the Sunday broadcast each week. And now for details of rallies and events The Lincoln Shortwave Club Winter Radio Rally is taking place on the 26th of January at The Festival Hall, Caistor Road in Market Rasen. The doors open at 10 am and admission is £3. Hot refreshments and ample free car parking will be available. The cost of a table is £10. To book, please contact Steve Burke, M5ZZZ on 07777 699 069 or email m5zzz@outlook.com On the 9th of February, the Mid Cheshire Amateur Radio Society Radioactive Rally will take place at Nantwich Civic Hall, Market Street, Nantwich, Cheshire, CW5 5DG. The doors will be open from 10 am to 3 pm and admission will cost £5. Hot food, refreshments and free car parking will be available. For more information contact Patrick, 2E0VGF via info@radioactivefair.co.uk The Red Rose Winter Rally is due to take place on the 23rd of February from 10 am at Mather Hall, Mather Lane, Leigh, Lancashire, WN7 2PJ. Please note that the maximum number of five-foot tables per trader has had to be reduced from six to five. On a brighter note, the price remains as it has been for several years at £10 per table. For more information visit wmrc.co.uk On the 1st of March, The Lagan Valley Amateur Radio Society Annual Rally will be held at Hillsborough Village Centre, 7 Ballynahinch Road, BT26 6AR. The doors open at 10.30 am. For more details visit lvars.uk Now the Special Event news The South African Radio League, or SARL, is enjoying its 100th anniversary in 2025. To celebrate the occasion, the SARL Centenary Marathon QSO Party began at 0000UTC on the 1st of January and will run until 2359UTC on the 31st of December 2025. Throughout the year, the League, with the aid of its members and associated clubs, will be on the air using special event callsign ZS100SARL, as well as the permanent callsigns ZS6SRL and ZS9HQ. For details of several awards that will be available, and for more information, go to tinyurl.com/SARL25 The Deutsches Museum in Munich, one of the largest science and technology museums in the world, celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2025. Special callsign DL100DM will be active throughout the year from the amateur radio station which is part of the Museum's permanent electronics exhibition. QSL via DL8FA. More information is available at QRZ.com Now the DX news Thierry, TK1CX is active in Cameroon until February 2025. In his spare time, he is QRV as TJ/TK1CX on the 20, 17, 15, 12 and 10m bands. He operates mainly using FT8 with a solar power supply. QSL via Logbook of the World, eQSL or via EA5ZD. Don, KW7R is active as V73KW from the Marshall Islands in the northwestern Pacific Ocean. He is there on a work assignment until September 2025 and, in his spare time, he operates CW and FT8 on various bands. QSL via Logbook of the World.   Now the contest news Today, the 12th, the RSGB Affiliated Societies 80 and 40m Data modes Contest runs from 1300 to 1700UTC. Using PSK63 and RTTY on the 80 and 40m bands, the exchange is signal report and serial number. On Tuesday the 14th, the RSGB 432MHz FM Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 1955UTC. Using FM on the 70cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. Also, on Tuesday the 14th, the RSGB 432MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 2000 to 2230UTC. Using all modes on the 70cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Thursday the 16th, the RSGB 70MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 2000 to 2230UTC. Using all modes on the 4m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Saturday the 18th, the RSGB Affiliated Societies 80 and 40m SSB Contest runs from 1300 to 1700UTC. Using SSB on the 80 and 40m bands, the exchange is signal report and serial number. Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA and G4BAO on Thursday the 9th of January 2025. First, let's take a look at last week's solar activity. As predicted, the solar flux index declined to the 160s. We had one X-class solar flare on the 4th and there have been 11 M-class flares since then. The net result was that the ionosphere was unsettled from the 4th to the 6th of January with the Kp index hitting 5 on the 4th. Following this, the Kp index was at 4 on the 5th and 6th of January. There were reports of visible aurora over the UK on Saturday the 4th, but it was nothing like the record-breaking aurora in April 2024. There were coronal mass ejections, or CMEs, over this period but they were mainly facing away from Earth. Maximum usable frequencies, or MUFs for short, held up over this period, although the shorter days meant that the MUF over a 3,000km path didn't stay above 28MHz for long after sunset. MUFs plummeted to below 10MHz by 1800UTC on Sunday the 5th. The message is clear – get your high-band DXing done by sunset! Next week it looks like the Sun is going into hibernation. The main sunspots will be disappearing over the western limb, leaving it looking a little bare. As a result, NOAA predicts that the solar flux index will remain low until the 16th when it is predicted to climb into the 200s once again. Unsettled geomagnetic conditions are forecast from the 16th to the 20th of January with a predicted maximum Kp index of 4. There are currently no coronal holes to worry about. So, in conclusion, this weekend ending the 12th looks set to be reasonable for HF operating, barring any X-class solar flares and accompanying CMEs. We predict that MUFs over 3,000km will be above 28MHz from around 0900UTC to 1500 UTC.   And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO. We are in the middle of a proper winter cold spell at the moment, and we are about to see a large high coming over the country. This high is building in cold air and it means sharp frosts and perhaps some fog, so there's a chance of patchy tropo at times. Conditions may further improve as the high slips south after this weekend ending today the 12th. This may allow milder, moister Atlantic air in from the west to improve the refractive index contrast across the inversion, which could lead to tropo. The solar conditions have remained interesting and produced a few aurora alerts, so we can probably benefit from watching the Kp index during the coming week.  Meteor activity has passed its early January peaks, and we are now sliding back into random meteor activity as our best option. These tend to be better just before dawn. There is just one minor shower this week. The Gamma Ursae-Minorids are active from the 10th to the 22nd of January and peak on the 18th. We have mentioned Sporadic-E quite a lot recently but, with the passing of the meteor activity, the chances of it occurring have reduced considerably. Although limited activity may enhance the lower bands, it probably won't feature in the usual high HF and VHF bands. The Moon reaches maximum declination this weekend, ending today the 12th. Moon windows are long and peak Moon elevations are high. Path losses are also high and increasing all week. 144MHz sky noise is low all week. And that's all from the propagation team.

It's Panto Time. Oh no it isn't! Oh yes it is!Laura Sheppard and Phill Humphries go behind the scenes at the Petersfield Panto, which is on this week and next.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There’s a drop-in event on Friday 24 January at 10am at Petersfield's Festival Hall, for any former military personnel and offers help with any issue a veteran or their family may be facing. People from all kinds of organisations are offering practical help for any issue. Some Veterans may be young and some old. One purpose, however, is to tell their stories, especially as we mark 80 years since the end of the Second World War. Chris Paige, chairman of the Petersfield Royal British Legion spoke to Mike Waddington about the event and why it is needed. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

GB2RS News Sunday the 5th of January The news headlines: The GB2RS News service is the subject of tomorrow's Tonight@8 webinar The RSGB 2025 election process has begun Don't forget to report YOTA activity!  The news team and all the staff at RSGB HQ would like to wish our newsreaders, listeners and online readers a very happy New Year. We would like to remind everyone that we always welcome your news, by email, to radcom@rsgb.org.uk and the deadline is 10 am sharp on Thursday mornings. And now, on with the news. The first RSGB Tonight@8 webinar of 2025 will be live tomorrow, Monday the 6th of January. During the presentation, you will get a behind-the-scenes insight into the RSGB's GB2RS News service which is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year. The team of presenters include GB2RS News Manager, Steve Richards, G4HPE and also RadCom Managing Editor Ed O'Neill, M0TZX who will explain how a team of people produces and shares the weekly GB2RS news script. You'll also hear from the Society's Operating Awards Manager Lindsay Pennell, GI3KME who has details about a series of special GB2RS awards for you to chase. Pete Sobye, G0PNM will give you a newsreader's perspective of the weekly broadcast. Find out more about this fascinating discussion and the presenters by going to rsgb.org/webinars Watch the presentation live on the RSGB YouTube channel or special BATC channel and ask questions via the live chat.  What are your goals for 2025? Could you spare some time and share your expertise to make a difference within the amateur radio community? The RSGB 2025 elections process has begun, and nominations are open for a range of volunteer roles. The RSGB's President John McCullagh, GI4BWM will reach the end of his second year as President at the AGM and so will stand down. There are also two Elected Board Director vacancies. The Board is looking for people with specific skills to fill these roles. The current President is one of the few at the Board level with extensive experience in spectrum matters and negotiating with the authorities – so that skills gap needs to be filled. Outreach has been an important focus over the last year for the Society and it would like to support the current activities and expand on them. These developments will include encouraging practical skills amongst the amateur radio community and also building links with other organisations. Building those relationships will require someone with drive and determination but also tact and diplomacy. There are eight further posts available for RSGB Regional Representatives, ranging from Region 1 in Scotland to Region 11 in the southwest. For more details about the roles as well as application forms and candidate packs, go to the RSGB website at rsgb.org/election  December 2024 saw a wide range of individuals, clubs, schools and universities encouraging youngsters to get on the air and try amateur radio as part of YOTA Month 2024. The RSGB National Radio Centre also hosted the callsign over several evenings and weekends. If you were involved with Youngsters on the Air Month and would like your activity to be included in the RSGB's special RadCom feature, remember that you need to email your photos and a short report to comms@rsgb.org.uk by this Tuesday, the 7th of January.  Do you like making things? Or are you interested in creating software for use in amateur radio? Have you thought about entering the RSGB's Construction Competition? This annual competition is judged online to allow RSGB members from the UK and across the world to participate and demonstrate their creativity. In line with the Society's strategic priority of growth, there will be a new Outreach category this year in which members are encouraged to submit a project that can be reproduced in a school or public environment. The other five categories are beginners, construction excellence, innovation, software and antennas. The winner of each section will receive a cash prize, with a bonus for the overall winner. The deadline for entries is the 1st of March 2025. Find out more by going to rsgb.org/construction-competition    And now for details of rallies and events The Lincoln Shortwave Club Winter Radio Rally is taking place on the 26th of January at The Festival Hall, Caistor Road in Market Rasen. The doors open at 10 am and admission is £3. Hot refreshments and ample free car parking will be available. The cost of a table is £10. To book, please contact Steve Burke, M5ZZZ on 07777 699 069 or email m5zzz@outlook.com The Red Rose Winter Rally is due to take place on the 23rd of February from 10 am at Mather Hall, Mather Lane, Leigh, Lancashire, WN7 2PJ. Please note that the maximum number of five-foot tables per trader has had to be reduced from six to five. On a brighter note, the price remains as it has been for several years at £10 per table. For more information visit wmrc.co.uk On the 1st of March, The Lagan Valley Amateur Radio Society Annual Rally will be held at Hillsborough Village Centre, 7 Ballynahinch Road, BT26 6AR. The doors open at 10.30 am. For more details visit lvars.uk The Exeter Radio Rally will take place on the 2nd of March at The Kenn Centre, EX6 7UE from 10 am. Traders and catering will be available on-site. For more information contact Pete, G3ZVI by phone at 07714 198 374, or by email to g3zvi@yahoo.co.uk  Now the Special Event news Today, the 5th, is the last chance to work special callsign OZ400POST. The station is active to celebrate the anniversary of Denmark's postal service which was originally established on Christmas Eve in 1624. Visit QRZ.com to read about awards that are available for working the station. To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the opening of the Portishead Radio, callsign GKA, receiving site at Highbridge, Somerset, special callsign GB1GKA will be operated until the 31st of January. The operation will be mainly focussed on CW, but some SSB activity is planned. The station will be active on all bands from 40 to 10m.  British Railways Amateur Radio Society is running a special event station GB0LMR during 2025 to celebrate 200 years of train travel. The operation will be mainly focussed on the 40 and 10m bands. QSL via the Bureau. More information about the station is available at QRZ.com In celebration of the 70th anniversary of the GB2RS News service, a special callsign GB70RS has been on the air since the 1st of January. Listen out for operators on all modes and all bands. QSL via the Bureau, eQSL or Logbook of the World. For more information, please visit the GB70RS page at QRZ.com Now the DX news Brian, GW4DVB is operating from St Kitts as V4/G4DVB until tomorrow, the 6th of January. The station is active using multiple modes on the 160 to 6m bands. QSL directly to Brian. More information is available at QRZ.com Ralf, DB4REB is active as CN2REB from Morocco until the 30th of January. He is operating using CW, FT8 and SSB on various bands. QSL via eQSL, or directly to Ralf's home call. More information is available at QRZ.com Now the contest news The ARRL RTTY Roundup started at 1800UTC on Saturday the 4th and ends at 2359UTC today, Sunday the 5th of January. Using RTTY on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and serial number. USA stations also send their state and Canadian stations send their province. Tomorrow, the 6th, the IRTS 80m Daytime Counties Contest runs from 1700 to 1800UTC. Using SSB and CW on the 80m band, the exchange is signal report and serial number. EI and GI stations also send their county. On Tuesday the 7th, the RSGB 144MHz FM Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 1955UTC. Using FM on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. Also on Tuesday the 7th, the RSGB 144MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 2000 to 2230UTC. Using all modes on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Wednesday the 8th, the RSGB 432MHz FT8 Activity four-hour Contest runs from 1700 to 2100UTC. Using FT8 on the 70cm band, the exchange is a report and four-character locator. Also on Wednesday the 8th, the RSGB 432MHz FT8 Activity two-hour Contest runs from 1900 to 2100UTC. Using FT8 on the 70cm band, the exchange is a report and four-character locator. Stations entering the four-hour contest may also enter the two-hour contest. On Thursday the 9th, the RSGB 50MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 2000 to 2230UTC. Using all modes on the 6m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Saturday the 11th, the Worked All Britain 1.8MHz Phone Contest runs from 1900 to 2300UTC. Using SSB on the 160m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and Worked All Britain square. On Sunday the 12th, the RSGB Affiliated Societies 80 and 40m Data modes Contest runs from 1300 to 1700UTC. Using PSK63 and RTTY on the 80 and 40m bands, the exchange is signal report and serial number. Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA and G4BAO on Thursday the 2nd of January 2025. We started the new year with a bang, or more precisely a Kp index of 8 and widespread visible aurora. This was caused by a partial halo coronal mass ejection, associated with an eruption in the Sun's southeast quadrant on the 29th of December. The strong G3 to severe G4 geomagnetic storm peaked at about 1800UTC on the 1st of January as the solar wind speed moved past Earth at just above 500 kilometres per second. It then subsided as the Bz component settled into a north-pointing position. HF propagation suffered as a result with the maximum usable frequency down for the rest of the evening. By the morning of the 2nd of January, things had improved and maximum usable frequencies over a 3,000km path were back above 28MHz. The solar flux index remained above 200, which no doubt helped, but we are in rocky times from a space weather point of view. A large coronal hole became Earth-facing on Friday the 3rd of January which will no doubt cause some geomagnetic disruption today, the 5th, as the Kp index rises. NOAA predicts the solar flux index may decline this week, possibly ending in the 160s to 170s. Geomagnetic conditions may also be in for a rough ride around the 10th and 11th when the Kp index is forecast to reach 4. From a radio point of view, January is a peak time for low-band DXing. The nights are long and dark so make the most of the 160 and 80m bands. You may also get DX during the late afternoon on the 40m band. During the daytime keep an eye on the 10m band, which may throw up the odd, interesting DX station while the solar flux index remains high.  And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO. To start the year the main feature is low pressure over the country but, in the depths of winter, it's good to remember that snow and rain both provide scattering opportunities for the GHz bands. There is a glimmer of tropo hope for the end of the coming week, around the 11th and 12th, as high pressure builds over northern Britain. This will be a cold-air high which tends not to be the best for tropo, but it's worth a look nonetheless. The solar conditions provided an aurora on New Year's Day with a brief index of 8 during the afternoon. With other disturbances possible, it is worth keeping up to date with solar conditions and prospects for geomagnetic storms on spaceweather.com  This is one propagation mode where CW is so much easier to copy under the difficult conditions of aurora. Meteor scatter propagation is driven by the Quadrantids in the first week of January. It peaks on the 4th but spans the period up to the 12th. This is a productive shower with an hourly rate of 120. Since it's the last major excitement until the late April Lyrids, make the most of it before we're reduced to chasing random meteor activity during the rest of winter. We have previously mentioned the chance of out-of-season Sporadic-E propagation in mid-winter and we still have the next week to keep alert, especially in view of the Quadrantids adding fuel into the E region. The ionised trails of the meteors provide long-lived metallic ions, which is the material that gets focussed into Sporadic-E if we are lucky. The Moon starts the weekend with a negative but rising declination, going positive today, the 5th, so Moon windows continue to lengthen. Path losses are low with perigee on Wednesday. 144MHz sky noise is low all week. And that's all from the propagation team this week.

GB2RS News Sunday the 22nd of December The news headlines: The RSGB is looking for a new Lecture Coordinator YOTA Month draws to a close but is still busy on the air The first RSGB Tonight@8 webinar of 2025 focuses on GB2RS The RSGB facilitates just over 60 lectures each year in a mixture of in-person, hybrid and remote formats. 50 of these are at the RSGB Convention and 11 are delivered through the livestreamed Tonight@8 webinar programme of events. This set of presentations aims to cover a wide mix of amateur radio-related subjects, across all depths of amateur radio experience and knowledge. They are watched and admired by RSGB members and non-members across the world. The RSGB Lecture Coordinator is part of the Tonight@8 and Convention teams. Its recent Lecture Coordinator Keith Hotchkiss, G0FEA has stepped back to focus on his professional commitments, so the RSGB is looking for someone new for this volunteer role. The right person will be proactive and collaborative, bringing ideas for presentations that educate and inspire radio amateurs to try something new, learn more about interesting topics and expand their knowledge of amateur radio. They will lead the invitation and scheduling process for Tonight@8 webinars and contribute to the decisions about Convention presentations. They will also be the main contact with Convention presenters, inviting them to speak, updating the speaker project plan and helping to create a balanced programme. Reporting to the Convention Chair, the Lecture Coordinator would be a member of the RSGB Convention team but would not be required to take responsibility for organising and managing other aspects of the event. If you're interested in the role or would like to find out more, please contact the RSGB General Manager Steve Thomas, M1ACB via gm.dept@rsgb.org.uk Youngsters on the Air Month is nearly at a close. It has been filled with some brilliant activity from young people using special callsign GB24YOTA. Thank you to everyone involved, from supervising young amateurs to making contact with them on the air. Before the year ends, we still have some activity using GB24YOTA, so please continue to listen out. Tomorrow, Monday the 23rd of December, Hilderstone Radio Society will be back on the air as it hosts the callsign for a final time this month. On Sunday the 29th of December, Bushvalley Amateur Radio Club in Northern Ireland will be operating GB24YOTA, followed by Marlborough Scouts on Monday the 30th of December. If you have been involved with Youngsters on the Air Month and would like your activity to be in a special RadCom feature, email your photos and a short report to comms@rsgb.org.uk  as soon as possible. The first RSGB Tonight@8 webinar of 2025 will be live on Monday the 6th of January. The presentation is all about the RSGB's GB2RS News service which will be celebrating its 70th anniversary next year. A team of people will contribute to the live presentation and will give you a behind-the-scenes insight into how the script is compiled, as well as a newsreader's perspective of the weekly broadcast. They'll share details of the plans being put in place for the anniversary and explain how you can get involved. The team will also consider GB2RS in the modern media environment and how new technologies in amateur radio are being embraced. Find out more about this fascinating discussion and the presenters by going to rsgb.org/webinars  Watch the presentation live on the RSGB YouTube channel or special BATC channel and ask questions via the live chat. The RSGB will be releasing four new presentations from its 2024 Convention over the festive season. If you'd like to be the first to hear about new releases as soon as they are available, go to youtube.com/theRSGB and subscribe to receive notifications. The RSGB YouTube channel has hundreds of other videos and webinars to enjoy, as well as numerous playlists on amateur radio construction, useful practical skills, technical topics and much more. Let the Society know you enjoy the content by pressing the ‘Like' button when you watch a video. Don't forget that the RSGB's headquarters will be closed for Christmas and New Year from 2pm on Tuesday the 24th of December 2024 until 8.30 am on Thursday the 2nd of January 2025. The RSGB National Radio Centre, or NRC, will also be closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day. On New Year's Eve, the NRC will close at 2 pm and it will also be closed for essential maintenance works on Thursday the 2nd of January. Outside of these times, volunteers look forward to welcoming visitors as usual. Sweden's Alexanderson alternator station SAQ has scheduled a transmission to send out a traditional Christmas message to the world. The century-old 200kW transmitter will start up and begin tuning at 0730UTC on Tuesday the 24th of December using CW on 17.2kHz. Transmission of the Christmas message will take place at 0800UTC. The event will be live-streamed from 0725UTC via the Alexanderson site's YouTube channel. Further details about the event, including test transmissions and QSL reports, can be found by going to alexander.n.se  Please note there will be no GB2RS broadcast on Sunday the 29th of December 2024, but many newsreaders will be holding informal nets in their usual broadcasting slots. Please send details of all your news and events to radcom@rsgb.org.uk  The deadline for submissions is 10am on Thursdays before the Sunday broadcast each week. And now for details of rallies and events The Sparkford Radio Rally is taking place on Sunday the 29th of December at Davis Hall, Howell Hill, West Camel, near Yeovil. Doors are open to traders from 7.30 am and from 9.30 am to the public. Admission is £2. Refreshments and free parking will be available. For more information, contact Luke on 07870 168 197 or email m3vhv@hotmail.co.uk Looking ahead to events coming up next year, the Lincoln Shortwave Club Winter Radio Rally is taking place on the 26th of January at The Festival Hall, Caistor Road in Market Rasen. Doors open at 10 am, and admission is £3. Hot refreshments and ample free car parking will be available. The cost for a table is £10. To book, please contact Steve Burke, M5ZZZ on 07777 699 069 or email m5zzz@outlook.com Now the Special Event news In celebration of the 70th anniversary of the GB2RS News service, special callsign GB70RS will be on the air from the 1st of January. Listen out for operators on all modes and all bands. QSL via the Bureau, eQSL or Logbook of the World. For more information, please visit the GB70RS page at QRZ.com Denby Dale Amateur Radio Society will be celebrating the New Year with a series of special event station callsigns all ending in HNY, which stands for Happy New Year. Members will be active on all HF and VHF bands using SSB, CW, FM and data modes. You can find full details of active callsigns on the GB0HNY page at QRZ.com Several special event stations will be active between the 1st and the 3rd of January 2025 to celebrate KW Electronics, a former UK manufacturer of amateur radio equipment. The active callsigns will include: GB4KW, GB8KW, GB0KW, GB1KW, GB5KW, GB2KW and GB6KW. More details are available via QRZ.com Special callsign GB0IRN will be active in January to celebrate the anniversary of the International Radio Network. The International Radio Network is active on various platforms and its mission is to promote amateur radio to those interested in radio communications. Find out more by visiting irn.radio Terry, GM3WUX will be using special callsign GB200LB from the 4th of January until the 31st of January 2025. The ‘LB' in the callsign stands for Louis Braille. The station will be operating to celebrate the bicentenary of the invention of the Braille Code. The 4th of January is Louis Braille's birthday. Activity will be mainly on CW. QSL via M0OXO. Further details are available via QRZ.com Now the DX news A Danish DXpedition is operational as TO0J from French Guiana until the 31st of December. The group will be active on the 80 to 10m bands using CW, and SSB, but mainly FT8. QSL via Clublog's OQRS, Logbook of the World or eQSL. The J75K team is active in Dominica from the 26th of December 2024 until the 4th of January 2025. The IOTA reference is NA-101. They will be operating on the 160 to 6m bands using SSB, CW and FT8. QSL via Logbook of the World or directly to IV3JVJ. Brian, GW4DVB will be operating from St Kitts as V4/G4DVB from the 31st of December 2024 to the 6th of January 2025. The station will be active using multiple modes on the 160 to 6m bands. QSL directly to Brian. More information is available on QRZ.com Members of the Rebel DX Group will be active as 5N9DTG from Abuja in Nigeria during January 2025. They will operate on the 160 to 6m bands using CW, FT8 and possibly SSB. QSL via ClubLog's OQRS. Now the contest news The UK Six Metre Group Winter Marathon started at 0000UTC on Sunday the 1st of December and ends at 2359UTC on Friday the 31st of January 2025. Using all modes on the 6m band, the exchange is signal report and locator. On Thursday the 26th of December, the DARC Christmas Contest runs from 0830UTC to 1059UTC. Using CW and SSB on the 80 and 40m bands, the exchange is signal report and serial number. German stations also send their DOK number. On Friday the 27th of December, the RSGB 50MHz Christmas Contest runs from 1500 to 1700UTC. Using all modes on the 6m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Saturday the 28th of December, the RSGB 70MHz Christmas Contest runs from 1500 to 1700UTC. Using all modes on the 4m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. The Stew Perry Top Band Challenge starts at 1500UTC on Saturday the 28th of December and ends at 1500UTC on Sunday the 29th of December. Using CW on the 160m band, the exchange is your four-character locator. On Sunday the 29th of December, the RSGB 144MHz Christmas Contest runs from 1500 to 1700UTC. Using all modes on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Monday the 30th of December, the RSGB 432MHz Christmas Contest runs from 1500 to 1700UTC. Using all modes on the 70cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Wednesday the 1st of January 2025, the RSGB 144MHz FT8 Activity four-hour contest runs from 1700 to 2100UTC. Using FT8 on the 2m band, the exchange is report and four-character locator. Also on Wednesday the 1st, the RSGB 144MHz FT8 Activity two-hour contest runs from 1900 to 2100UTC. Using FT8 on the 2m band, the exchange is report and four-character locator. Stations entering the four-hour contest may also enter the two-hour contest. On Wednesday the 1st of January, the UK and Ireland Contest Club 80m Contest runs from 2000 to 2100UTC. Using SSB on the 80m band, the exchange is your six-character locator. The ARRL RTTY Roundup Contest starts at 1800UTC on Saturday the 4th of January and ends at 2359UTC on Sunday the 5th of January. Using data modes on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and serial number. American stations will send their state, and Canadian stations will send their province. The European CW 160m Party runs from 2000UTC to 2300UTC on Saturday the 4th of January and from 0400UTC to 0700UTC on Sunday the 5th of January. Using CW on the 160m band, the exchange for club members is signal report, name, club and membership number. For non-members, the exchange is report and name. On Saturday the 4th of January 2025, the RSGB 80 and 40m CW Affiliated Societies Contest runs from 1300 to 1700UTC. Using CW on the 80 and 40m bands, the exchange is signal report and serial number. Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA and G4BAO on Thursday the 19th of December 2024. The last week was a little more disturbed than usual and we had a Kp index that hit 5.33. An enhanced solar wind stream contributed to active geomagnetic conditions and an interplanetary shockwave, that swept past Earth at 0519UTC on the 17th of December, caused minor G1 geomagnetic storming. A far-sided halo coronal mass ejection event also occurred later on the 17th of December at 1600UTC although this was not directed towards Earth. This shows that the Sun is still very active, and we should not be surprised if we experience more solar flares and CMEs. The solar flux index stayed in the 160s and 170s and we should keep an eye on active region 3927, which is currently turning to be Earth-facing and has already been the source of some C-class solar flares. Next week NOAA predicts that the solar flux index may rise slightly to be in the 180s. The largest Kp index forecast is 2, which probably means that NOAA is unsure about what will actually happen. We are pleased to report that OF9X is once again on the air from the land of Santa Claus in Lapland. Up to 16 operators will operate Santa Radio on the 160 to 6m bands using CW, SSB, RTTY, FT4 and FT8. They have already been spotted on the 30 and 20m bands using CW and on the 12 and 17m bands using RTTY. So, there is plenty of scope to work them. According to the prediction program Proppy, paths to Lapland should be open on 14MHz from 0800UTC to 1800UTC. On 28MHz, expect them to be open from 0930 to 1500UTC. The 80 and 40m bands should be mainly open during the hours of darkness. As always, across the Christmas period, we recommend that you use solarham.com and propquest.co.uk for real-time updates on solar and ionospheric conditions. And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO. Last week ended in a colder unsettled period of weather with strong north-westerly winds and spells of rain or showers. The air is sufficiently cold that some snow is possible over northern hills. This is potentially good news for rain or snow scatter, especially off fast-moving showers down the coastal fringes of the UK.  Although the nearest high remains near the Azores to begin with, it slowly migrates east to France and, by Christmas, to central Europe. This will bring high pressure and possibly Tropo onto Santa's list from Christmas Eve onwards. Look for patches of misty low cloud or fog for the best conditions. As usual, check for other modes. Meteor scatter and aurora are both worth consideration and this is a prime time for out-of-season Sporadic-E between now and about mid-January.  One of the helpful aspects of looking for winter Sporadic-E is that quite often the jet streams are significantly stronger than in the more traditional summer Sporadic-E season. Jet streams are a good source of turbulence that can eventually propagate up to the E region to make Sporadic-E propagation. Jet streams are shown on upper air charts and can be a good geographical guide to Sporadic-E prospects in the summer and should therefore be similarly consulted for these winter events. In this case, they tell us that the first half of the coming week, up to Christmas Day, is well set up with a northerly jet stream over central Europe and, more importantly, crossing the Alps. So, a second mode goes on to Santa's list. Check the VHF Cluster's Sporadic-E graphs at propquest.co.uk for early signs of activity, particularly for paths to the southeast into Italy and the Balkans. The Moon started this weekend with positive declination but goes negative late today, the 22nd. Path losses are at their highest due to apogee on Christmas Eve. 144MHz sky noise is high until Wednesday, including near-eclipse conditions all day on Monday. That's it for this year. How about making a New Year's resolution to try a new mode? Maybe use SSB or CW on VHF now and again and put out lots of CQ calls in 2025! And that's all from the propagation team this week.

GB2RS News Sunday the 15th of December The news headlines: The RSGB 2025 election nominations process is open The Society is advertising for a new Convention Chair YOTA Month is busy this week with more callsign hosts to listen out for The RSGB 2025 elections process has begun, and nominations are open for a range of volunteer roles. The RSGB's President John McCullagh, GI4BWM will reach the end of his second year as President at the AGM and so will stand down. There are also two Elected Board Director vacancies. The Board is looking for people with specific skills to fill these roles. The current President is one of the few at the Board level with extensive experience in spectrum matters and negotiating with the authorities, so that skills gap needs to be filled. Outreach has been an important focus over the last year for the Society, and it would like to support the current activities and expand on them. These developments will include encouraging practical skills amongst the amateur radio community and building links with other organisations. Building those relationships will require someone with drive and determination but also tact and diplomacy. There are eight posts available for RSGB Regional Representatives, ranging from Region 1 in Scotland to Region 11 in the southwest. For more details about the roles as well as application forms and candidate packs, go to the RSGB website at rsgb.org/election The RSGB has been developing its Convention over recent years to suit the changing needs of the amateur radio community. From a face-to-face meeting, it evolved into an online event when we weren't allowed to meet, then changed again into a hybrid event, bringing together the best of both for people in this country and across the world. The Society has also been developing the programme to include practical workshops and forums to support radio amateurs who would like a safe and accessible environment in which to try to develop their practical skills. The RSGB General Manager has been doing the role of Convention Chair for the last three years but has now stepped back from that additional voluntary role, so the RSGB is looking for a new Convention Chair. This role needs someone who understands the advantages of both online and in-person events and who can contribute to shaping the RSGB Conventions of the future to suit the changing amateur radio audience. The RSGB is looking for someone enthusiastic, proactive, collaborative and good at working with others in a strong team. They will also need an awareness of all aspects of amateur radio, including the latest developments and what might be on the horizon. As part of the wider Convention team, they will need to suggest ideas for speakers and practical activities that will attract a range of radio amateurs. If you believe you could contribute to the development of this prestigious annual event, the RSGB would like to hear from you. Please contact the RSGB General Manager Steve Thomas, M1ACB via gm.dept@rsgb.org.uk Youngsters on the Air Month is now halfway through, with plenty more operators booked to host GB24YOTA. There is still time to work the RSGB National Radio Centre's GB3RS station which is hosting the callsign for the duration of today, Sunday the 15th of December. On Wednesday, the 18th of December, the Simon Langton Boys School in Canterbury will be operating between 12 pm and 6 pm. On Thursday, the 19th of December, between 12 pm and 6 pm the Cambridge University Wireless Society will once again be hosting GB24YOTA. To finish up this week, Tommy, M7OMY will be operating on the 20th and 21st of December under the supervision of Las, M0BOY. Tommy is a young radio amateur and has been taking part in YOTA Month for a few years, so be sure to listen out and make a QSO with him. Search GB24YOTA on QRZ.com  to view the full operating schedule. The RSGB's headquarters will close for the Christmas and New Year period from 2pm on Tuesday the 24th of December 2024. It will open again at 8.30am on Thursday the 2nd of January 2025. During that time, if you need information about amateur radio, exams or RadCom, you'll find lots of information on the website via rsgb.org  If you are planning to visit the RSGB's National Radio Centre at Bletchley Park over the holidays, please note that it will be closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day. On New Year's Eve, the NRC will close at 2 pm. The National Radio Centre will also be closed for essential maintenance works on Thursday the 2nd of January 2025. Outside of these times, volunteers look forward to welcoming visitors as usual. Remember that RSGB Members can download a free entry voucher for Bletchley Park from the RSGB website via rsgb.org/bpvoucher On the 6th of December, Ofcom announced an update regarding the timing of phases two and three of its amateur radio licensing framework, including changes to the new intermediate call signs and rules for Special event Stations. These phases were originally planned for December 2024 and March 2025 respectively, but Ofcom now expects to deliver them in the third quarter of 2025. For more information go to ofcom.org.uk  and search for ‘Licensing updates'. Please send details of all your news and events to radcom@rsgb.org.uk  The deadline for submissions is 10 am on Thursdays before the Sunday broadcast each week. And now for details of rallies and events The Sparkford Radio Rally is taking place on Sunday the 29th of December at Davis Hall, Howell Hill, West Camel, near Yeovil. Doors are open to traders from 7.30 am and from 9.30 am to the public. Admission is £2. Refreshments and free parking will be available. For more information, please contact Luke via 07870 168197 or email m3vhv@hotmail.co.uk Looking ahead to events coming up next year, the Lincoln Shortwave Club Winter Radio Rally is taking place on the 26th of January at The Festival Hall, Caistor Road in Market Rasen. Doors open at 10 am, and admission is £3. Hot refreshments and ample free car parking will be available. The cost of a table is £10. To book, please contact Steve Burke, M5ZZZ via 07777 699069 or email m5zzz@outlook.com Now the Special Event news There is still time to work The Humber Fortress DX Amateur Radio Club which is once again active with special callsign GB0MC until Thursday the 26th of December. The ‘MC' in the callsign stands for Merry Christmas. The Club would like to invite everyone to call in and give them a hearty “HoHoHo” and tell them what radio equipment you would like from Santa this year. The Club will also be live streaming on its YouTube Channel. OR100LGE is the special callsign in use by members of the Liège Radio Club, ON5VL to celebrate its 100th anniversary. The station is active until the end of the year on the 160 to 6m bands using CW, SSB, FT8 and FT4. QSL via Logbook of the World, eQSL or via ON6YH. QSOs will also be uploaded to Club Log. Starting in January 2025, members of the British Railways Amateur Radio Society will be operating Special Event Station GB0LMR to celebrate 200 years of the modern railway. QSL via the Bureau or direct by sending a Stamped Addressed Envelope to the address given on QRZ.COM. Now the DX news Mike, V47NH is active from St Kitts and Nevis until the 17th of December. The IOTA reference is NA-104. He will operate on the 40 to 10m bands and SSB. QSL via KC1NGS or Logbook of the World. The VP2VMM team is active from Anegada Island in The British Virgin Islands. They will be QRV in the 2024 ARRL 10m Contest which ends at 2359 today, Sunday. Outside the contest, they will be QRV holiday style using VP2V/homecall until Tuesday the 17th of December. QSL via Logbook of the World, Bureau, OQRS or direct to KU9C. Full details via QRZ.com S21DX is active from Bangladesh until the 19th of December. The IOTA reference is AS-140. The team is active on the 160 to 10m bands, SSB, RTTY and FT8. QSL via Logbook of the World or direct to EB7DX. A Danish DXpedition will be operating as TO0J from French Guiana between the 20th and 31st of December. They will be active on the 80 to 10m bands, CW, SSB, but mainly FT8. QSL via Clublog OQRS, Logbook of the World or eQSL. Now the contest news The UK Six Metre Group Winter Marathon started at 0000UTC on Sunday the 1st of December and ends at 2359UTC on Friday the 31st of January 2025. Using all modes on the 6m band, the exchange is signal report and locator. The ARRL 10m Contest started at 0000UTC on Saturday the 14th of December and ends at 2359UTC today, Sunday the 15th of December. Using CW and phone on the 10m band, the exchange is signal report and serial number. US, Canadian and Mexican stations will also send their State or Province code. On Tuesday, the 17th of December, the RSGB 1.3GHz UK Activity Contest runs from 2000 to 2230UTC. Using all modes on the 23cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Thursday, the 19th of December, the RSGB 70MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 2000 to 2230UTC. Using all modes on the 4m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA and G4BAO on Thursday the 12th of December 2024. We had another week with quiet geomagnetic conditions. Other than three hours with a Kp of four on the 9th of December, as of last Thursday when this report was being compiled it had been below three for the past seven days. Active region 3920 produced an impulsive M2.8 solar flare, peaking at 1006UTC on the 11th of December. A quick M2.0 flare was also detected around AR3922 in the southeast quadrant. There was also an M6.4 solar flare at 0648UTC on the 10th of December, but no Earth-directed coronal mass ejections were observed. The solar flux index, despite being predicted to reach 200 again, has been simmering away in the 160s and 170s. Nevertheless, the quieter geomagnetic conditions have helped HF with the extrapolated MUF over a 3,000km path often hitting 40MHz at times. However, the early sunset, which is around 1538UTC to 1621UTC at the moment depending on your location in the UK, means that the MUF drops off quite quickly in the afternoon. The average critical frequency at night is currently about 3.0-3.5MHz, which explains why the HF bands appear to be dead. The winter solstice is on the 21st of December, and we won't see much change until we get to mid-January. There is DX to be had with CDXC members reporting working YJ0CA (Vanuatu) on 15 metres, V73WE (Marshall Islands) on 30 metres and YI1QEA (Iraq) on 10 metres. So, at the moment, make the most of the daytime DX and greyline openings, and reserve the evening for Top Band and perhaps 80 metres. Next week, NOAA predicts that the solar flux index will remain around 170 to 175. The Kp index is expected to be around two or three, apart from the 19th of December when it could reach four. And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO. The period of enhanced Tropo activity will have faded away by this weekend as the high pressure slips away into Europe and declines. This allowed low pressure to regain control from last Friday through the current weekend. There may be a chance of some rain scatter propagation on the GHz bands, although it doesn't look like a particularly good example.  All is not lost for Tropo followers, since the next high drifts in from the Atlantic early next week. The southern UK will benefit the most with Tropo paths to France and across Biscay. This lasts until midweek, to be followed by a return of low pressure for the second half of the week and probably a better rain scatter option than this weekend. The big Geminids meteor shower peaked yesterday, the 14th of December, but will linger throughout the month. The radiant source rises late afternoon and sets the following lunchtime and is most favourably positioned late evening and early morning, pre-dawn. Next, a consideration of aurora prospects, which are still a little enhanced by solar conditions. So, as usual, stay alert to an increasing Kp index above Kp=4 to keep in the game. Finally, remember that the period of Christmas and early January is well known for producing random out-of-season Sporadic-E. It's not possible to fine-tune Es prospects this far ahead, but it wouldn't hurt to monitor the f0Es traces on the www.propquest.co.uk website between now and mid-January. The Moon's declination is at maximum today, Sunday the 15th of December, and also on Monday, so expect long Moon windows with high peak elevations. Path losses are still low but rising, so it's still a good week for EME. The 144MHz sky noise is moderate to low all week. And that's all from the propagation team this week.

GB2RS News Sunday the 8th of December The news headlines: Take part in the RSGB Construction Competition A new edition of RadCom Basics has been published A busy week with GB24YOTA hosted by many groups for YOTA Month During November, the RSGB used its Photo Friday feature on social media to highlight construction and practical skills. Photos included everything from Construction Clubs for newcomers to ground satellite repairs at university clubs. If these have left you feeling inspired and wanting to get creative, why not submit an entry to the Society's 2025 Construction Competition? There are six categories, including a new Outreach category that gives entrants the opportunity to create a project that can be reproduced in a school or public environment. Whether you are a seasoned constructor, used to building your own projects or a beginner looking to take your first steps in amateur radio construction, the RSGB would love to hear from you. Visit the RSGB website at rsgb.org/construction-competition  for full details of the competition and how to enter. For further inspiration, pick up a copy of the June Edition of RadCom and turn to page 36 to view last year's entries. The November 2024 issue of RadCom Basics is now available on the RSGB website for members to read. The publication is aimed at new licensees or anyone who enjoys reading about the fundamental principles behind the many facets of amateur radio. This issue includes part one of how to get on 40m with a small suburban garden, as well as articles on home construction and using repeaters. If you aren't one of the thousands of members who have done so already, you can subscribe to receive notifications about RadCom Basics via the RSGB Membership Portal. Log in and choose the “Manage preferences” tab. To read the latest edition go to rsgb.org/radcom-basics The RSGB would like to congratulate everyone who operated GB24YOTA last week. There was some brilliant activity on the air, including Wick High School Radio Club which had 12 student operators involved and inspired some to take their Foundation licence. If you missed talking to the group, you've got another chance to make a QSO with them today, Sunday the 8th of December. Taking over tomorrow, Monday the 9th of December is Hilderstone Radio Society, which will be operating between 9 am and 5 pm. Cray Valley Radio Society will host the callsign after 5 pm. The RSGB's National Radio Centre station GB3RS, will be on the air with GB24YOTA for the duration of Tuesday the 10th of December. NRC volunteers will also host youngsters from the 6th Bletchley Guides from 6 pm on that day, so do listen out and get on the air to make a QSO with this group. On Wednesday the 11th of December, Hilderstone Radio Society will be back on the air with the callsign for a second day. Bromsgrove & District Amateur Radio Club will operate as GB24YOTA from 6 pm on Friday the 13th of December. To finish the week, the RSGB's National Radio Centre station GB3RS will once again be on the air as it hosts the callsign over the weekend of the 14th and 15th of December. There are still operating spaces left if you'd like to get involved, but don't delay as GB24YOTA is only operational until the end of this month. Go to rsgb.org/yota-month  to find out more. The RSGB Contest Club recently announced that it is looking for volunteers to take part in the second World Wide Award event taking place in January 2025. To be part of the team you will need to be an RSGB member and hold a Full Licence. QSOs can be made using SSB, CW and digital modes. Foundation or Intermediate licensees can join in under supervision or take part in WWA as award chasers. To be part of the operating team email contestclub@rsgbcc.org  to register your interest. To find out more about the event search ‘RSGB Contest Club' on the RSGB website and scroll down to the section titled World Wide Award 2025. Poldhu Amateur Radio Club is celebrating the 123rd anniversary of the first radio transmission across the Atlantic in 1901. Visitors are invited to join members of the Club at The Marconi Centre in Cornwall between 9 am and 4 pm on Thursday the 12th of December to learn how the location played a crucial part in the history of wireless communication. As part of the celebrations, radio amateurs will be operating on various radio bands throughout the day. If you would like to operate as part of the event email secretary@gb2gm.org  You can find full details on the anniversary celebrations on the Club website via gb2gm.org Please send details of all your news and events to radcom@rsgb.org.uk  The deadline for submissions is 10 am on Thursdays before the Sunday broadcast each week. And now for details of rallies and events The Mid-Devon Amateur Radio and Electronics Fair is taking place today, Sunday the 8th of December, at Winkleigh Sports and Recreation Centre. Doors are open from 9 am to 1 pm. Entry is £3 per person and there is no charge for partners and under 16s. Free parking and Wi-Fi are available, as well as hot food and refreshments. The cost for traders is £5 per 6ft frontage with tables supplied. Booking in advance is recommended. Mains electricity is also available on request. Traders are asked to pre-book as soon as possible. Please contact Phil, G6DLJ via 07990 563147 or email wrg2024@hotmail.com The Sparkford Radio Rally is on Sunday the 29th of December at Davis Hall, Howell Hill, West Camel, near Yeovil. Doors are open to traders from 7.30 am and from 9.30 am to the public. Admission is £2. Refreshments and free parking will be available. For more information, please contact Luke via 07870 168197 or email m3vhv@hotmail.co.uk Looking ahead to events coming up next year, the Lincoln Shortwave Club Winter Radio Rally is taking place on the 26th of January at The Festival Hall, Caistor Road in Market Rasen. Doors open at 10 am, and admission is £3. Hot refreshments and ample free car parking will be available. The cost for tables is £10. To book please contact Steve Burke, M5ZZZ via 07777 699069 or email m5zzz@outlook.com Now the Special Event news Ian Astley, M0IAA will be operating as GB1WH on Wednesday the 11th of December. The special event station is being run to support and promote the excellent work done by Wakefield Hospice. To make a donation to the hospice or to hear more from Ian, visit QRZ.com The Humber Fortress DX Amateur Radio Club is once again running the special callsign GB0MC until Thursday the 26th of December. The ‘MC' in the callsign stands for Merry Christmas. The Club would like to invite everyone to call in and give them a hearty “HoHoHo” and tell them what radio equipment you would like from Santa this year. The Club will also be live streaming on its YouTube Channel. Special callsign HB50VC is active until the 31st of December to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Swissair Amateur Radio Club, HB9VC. QSOs will be uploaded to the Logbook of the World. QSL cards will not be provided. You can download a certificate for working this special event station from tinyurl.com/HB50VC-24 Now the DX news Carl, 2E0HPI, is in London from Monday the 9th of December until Thursday the 12th of December and will be operating from several Parks on the Air locations each day. He will be active on 10m SSB. eQSL is preferred or direct to the address on QRZ.com The T46W team is active from Cuba until Tuesday the 10th of December. They will be active on the 160m to 6m bands. Parks on the Air activity is also expected from references CU0292 and CU0298. QSL via CO6QK or Logbook of the World. The TO9W team is active from Saint Martin Island until the 13th of December. The IOTA reference is NA-105. The members will operate on the 160m to 10m bands, with a focus on the 40, 80 and 160m bands. QSL via W9ILY, Logbook of the World or ClubLog OQRS. Mike, V47NH is active from St Kitts and Nevis until the 17th of December. The IOTA reference is NA-104. He will operate on the 40 to 10m bands and SSB. QSL via KC1NGS or Logbook of the World. The VP2VMM team is active from Anegada Island in The British Virgin Islands. They will be QRV in the 2024 ARRL 10m Contest.  Outside of the contest, between Monday the 9th of December and Tuesday the 17th of December they will be QRV holiday style using VP2V/homecall. QSL via Logbook of the World, Bureau, OQRS or direct to KU9C. Full details via QRZ.com Now the contest news The UK Six Metre Group Winter Marathon started at 0000UTC on Sunday the 1st of December and ends at 2359UTC on Friday the 31st of January 2025. Using all modes on the 6m band, the exchange is signal report and locator. The ARRL 160m Contest started on Friday the 6th of December and ends at 1600UTC today, Sunday the 8th of December. Using CW on the 160m band, the exchange is a signal report for UK stations. US and Canadian stations will also send their ARRL or RAC section number. Also taking place today, Sunday the 8th of December, the RSGB 144MHz AFS Contest runs from 1000 to 1400UTC. Using all modes on the 2m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Tuesday, the 10th of December, the RSGB 432MHz FM Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 1955UTC. Using FM on the 70cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. Also on Tuesday, the 10th of December, the RSGB 432MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 2000 to 2230UTC. Using all modes on the 70cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Wednesday, the 11th of December, the RSGB 432MHz FT8 Activity four-hour contest runs from 1700 to 2100UTC. Using FT8 on the 70cm band, the exchange is a report and four-character locator. Also on Wednesday the 11th of December, the RSGB 432MHz FT8 Activity two-hour contest runs from 1900 to 2100UTC. Using FT8 on the 70cm band, the exchange is a report and four-character locator. Stations entering the four-hour contest may also enter the two-hour contest. On Thursday, the 12th of December, the RSGB 50MHz UK Activity Contest runs from 2000 to 2230UTC. Using all modes on the 6m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. The ARRL 10m Contest starts at 0000UTC on Saturday the 14th of December and ends at 2359UTC on Sunday the 15th of December. Using CW and phone on the 10m band, the exchange is signal report and serial number. US, Canadian and Mexican stations will also send their State or Province code. Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA and G4BAO on Thursday the 5th of December 2024. We had another week of high solar activity but limited geomagnetic disturbances. This meant that the upper HF bands were playing ball all week. The Kp index only exceeded four on one occasion, on the 30th of November when it hit 4.67, but otherwise, it has been low. With a solar flux index mainly in the 180s, this allowed the upper HF bands to shine. The maximum usable frequency or MUF over a 3,000km path has been consistently over 35MHz during daylight hours. The MUF over 100km has also been more than 14MHz around midday, making 20 metres almost a local band at times thanks to near vertical incidence skywave signals! If you have worked anyone in the UK on 20 metres let us know. An approaching active region just off the east limb of the sun was responsible for an M2.3 solar flare on the 4th of December, so perhaps increased solar activity is on the horizon. Next week NOAA predicts the week will start with the solar flux index starting in the 180s, perhaps then increasing to 200 as the week progresses. An increased geomagnetic disturbance is forecast for the period of the 10th to the 13th of December when the Kp index could increase to four. If this does come to fruition, we can expect MUFs to drop until the storming has passed. As always keep an eye on Propquest.co.uk for near-real-time MUF figures and solarham.com for Kp indices. And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO. Meteor scatter is top of the list this coming week, with the big Geminids shower lasting throughout the month and peaking on Thursday the 14th of December. With a peak zenith hourly rate (ZHR) of 150 it's one of the most active and reliable of the annual showers. Other lesser meteor streams are also in play, so check the meteor scatter frequencies on 144, 50 and 70MHz where digimodes MSK144 and FSK441 will dominate activity. We have another period of primarily unsettled weather for the lead into this weekend, with deep lows bringing heavy rain, and perhaps some snow over northern hills. Watch out for very strong winds with potentially damaging gales in places. By the time many of you hear this on Sunday the 8th of December, we will be mid-way through the main event but hopefully, your antennas have survived. The better news is that the first half of the week is dominated by high pressure, so this brings a chance to repair antennas and get some Tropo time before a slow drift back to unsettled conditions in the second half of the week. For other modes, GigaHertz band rain and snow scatter will be worth considering especially over the weekend and again later in the week. Last Friday afternoon saw another big 50MHz F2 opening to North America, so continue to be vigilant if you're in the shack after lunch and the Kp index is below two. The solar conditions mean that there is still a chance of Aurora, although the Sun has been a bit quieter recently. Some days the f0Es trace on Propquest shows that weak Sporadic-E is still occurring. The Moon's declination is rising again and going positive on Monday. With falling path losses as we approach perigee on Thursday, it's a good week for EME. 144MHz sky noise is low all week. And that's all from the propagation team this week.

The Winton Players are producing a very traditional pantomime at Petersfield's Festival Hall on 10, 11, 12. and 17, 18 January. 2025 It has a hero, a dame, a big baddie, dancing children, songs and terrible jokes.  Mike Waddington (who is in the back row of the chorus for the first time himself) spoke to Matt Bell (the Assistant Director), Karla Welch (playing Robinson), Joe Tully (Billy Crusoe), Simon Stanley (Captain Tiberius Hand) and Joff Lacey (Madame Olivia). Tickets from the Festival Hall, the Winton Players' website and One Tree Books. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In an ever changing world, can Tevye stay true to his roots as his views are challenged by his children. Petersfield Theatre Group are bringing Fiddler on the Roof to Petersfield's Festival Hall, and some of the team had a chat with Laura Sheppard.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  On 19 November, which is International Men's Day, Petersfield Men's Shed will visit Parliament for the UK National Men's Shed Association awards hosted by Sir Lindsay Hoyle, Speaker of the House of Commons. They are one of three shortlisted (out of 1100 Men's Sheds in the country) for 'Men's Shed of the Year.'  Chair Nick Broom spoke to Mike Waddington about being shortlisted for the 'prestigious' award. He also speaks about current projects in the community (and they are open to further approaches if their help is needed), they are always open to new members - and they are giving away free firewood! They say - "Please come along for tea, coffee, biscuits & a chat or to use the workshop & facilities. Find us in the Festival Hall car park at: 16 Heath Road, Petersfield, GU31 4DU" or see Petersfield Men's Shed – A space for men to connect, converse and create. (petersfieldmensshed.org.uk)     See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rock band Wishbone Ash and support act Claire Hamill played Petersfield Festival Hall, celebrating 50 years in the business.  Claire joined Wishbone Ash on stage to play the song she co-wrote, Living Proof. Noni Needs caught-up with Claire after her set at The Petersfield Festival Hall, October 25. With her gold sequin 'intimidating trousers' as Claire called them she helped rock The Festival hall.For more about Claire Hamill go to https://clairehamill.co.uk/home For more about events/tickets at Petersfield Festival Hall click the link.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

01 - Jaxomy x Agatino Romero x Raffaella Carrà - Pedro (Szecsei x Thomas Rush Intro) 02 - Eminem vs R3SPAWN - Without Me vs E (Josh Le Tissier Mashup) 03 - Usher feat Pitbull X Vicetone & Tony Igy - DJ Got Us Fallin' In Love X Astronomia (TONG APOLLO Bootleg Cut) 04 - W&W & VINAI with Gabry Ponte - Axel F (Take It To The Floor) (Extended Mix) 05 - DJ Kuba & Ne!tan x Terri B! with DJ Terry - Mr. Vain (Festival Cut) 06 - Usher - Yeah (Dirty Signal Bootleg) 07 - Cascada - Everytime We Touch (Kevin Kitchen & Anastovskii Remix Cut) 08 - Teddy Swims vs Steve Aoki & Danna Paola - Lose Control vs Paranoia (Muzic Mashup) 09 - KSHMR & 22Bullets - Devotion (Extended Cut) 10 - Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike & Martin Garrix - Tremor (Josh Le Tissier Cut) 11 - Kanye West & Ty Dolla & $ign - CARNIVAL Boyz In Paris (Rudeejay & Da Brozz x Mirco Akuma Mashup) 12 - Bellini x Matty Ralph - Samba Do Brasil x No Whistle, No Party (Rudeejay & Da Brozz x EDMMARO Mashup) 13 - RobxDan & Consilium - Maria (I Like It Loud) (Extended Mix) 14 - Travis Scott - FE!N (Rudeejay & Da Brozz Bootleg) 15 - Loofy - Last Night (KURA Bootleg) 16 - Soundlovers - Surrender (ENCR Remix) 17 - Central Cee & Lil Baby VS Tiesto - BAND4BAND VS Traffic (Rudeejay & Da Brozz & YuB & Mo27Da Bootleg) 18 - Gigi D'Agostino - Bla Bla Bla (WASBACK Cut) 19 - Declain x Olly James - Tainted Love x Back To The Future (BOSEP Mashup) 20 - Pogány Induló x Parno Graszt - Székelykapu (B00ST Hypertechno Remix) 21 - Strong R. X Szecsei - Érezd A Ritmust (Extended Mix)

This week we're at Petersfield's Festival Hall at the East Hampshire Dementia Festival.  This is the fourth dementia festival, which is now an annual event. The idea for it originally came from Dementia Champion and Coronation Volunteer Champion, Jeff Williams. Jeff passed away shortly after last year's Dementia Festival, but his legacy continues.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the local news today the Dementia Festival is back at the Festival Hall on Friday.  We hear about unprecedented financial pressures bring council changes and job losses.  We introduce another nominee for the Petersfield Town Awards, and stay tuned for what the local foodbank needs this week. To share your news email team@shineradio.uk or call 01730 555 500.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the local news today the Dementia Festival is back at the Festival Hall on Friday.  We hear about unprecedented financial pressures bring council changes and job losses.  We introduce another nominee for the Petersfield Town Awards, and stay tuned for what the local foodbank needs this week. To share your news email team@shineradio.uk or call 01730 555 500.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Inspired by Jeff Williams, the Festival Hall will open its doors on Friday the 4th October at 10am. The dementia bus is here for the very first time. This gives a virtual tour to help you understand the needs of someone living with dementia. Julie Butler speaks to Audrey Morton, from Dementia Friendly PetersfieldSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shine Radio's Phil Humphries is directing this Agatha Christie play set in the 1950s. It's at the Petersfield Festival Hall from Thursday 10 to Saturday 12 of October (matinee too). Phil and some of the team behind it spoke to Mike Waddington. Tickets available on line Home | Winton Players , or at the Festival Hall, or One Tree Books.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's local news we hear that more than four hundred thousand pounds has been set aside to renovate Petersfield's council chamber and fix the Festival Hall lighting grid. In other news a new Petersphere mascot was named in a fun competition at the weekend and coming soon Fire teams are burning a path to Hampshire for an international ‘Festival of Rescue' competition.  Finally , we've got this week's results for the East Hants Community Lottery. To share your news email team@shineradio.uk or call 01730 555 500. .See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's local news we hear that more than four hundred thousand pounds has been set aside to renovate Petersfield's council chamber and fix the Festival Hall lighting grid. In other news a new Petersphere mascot was named in a fun competition at the weekend and coming soon Fire teams are burning a path to Hampshire for an international ‘Festival of Rescue' competition.  Finally , we've got this week's results for the East Hants Community Lottery. To share your news email team@shineradio.uk or call 01730 555 500. .See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jacob was elected to serve the people of Bell Hill in a by-election on 28 August. He won a convincing 55% of the vote, but says he had no idea he was ahead until the very end. Shine Radio's Stephen Martin walked with Jacob through part of his ward, from Petersfield railway station to the foot of Bell Hill. Jacob is a local charity trustee who volunteers with organisations that champion poverty alleviation in the local community. It means that Bell Hill is represented entirely on the Town Council by candidates who are free of political party affiliations. A total of 413 people cast a vote in the ward. Jacob said before the election that his experience in risk and governance can help manage the proposed multi-million pound investment in Petersfield's Festival Hall.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Roma Street - Margaux spots CFMEU Protesters on the drive to work NRLW Parra player gets in old-fashioned stink over Uber Eats order John Brewster from the Angels reminisces with Marto over epic Festival Hall gig The Aussie teams male and female flag bearers Eddie Ockenden & Jess Fox Tokyo games BMX champ Liam Martin gets his Van looted! Kamilla Harris disses Trump and leapfrogs him in the polls! The 2024 OZ GAMES – Prawn peeling? Barefoot bindi run? What events do you want in the games? Text 0484101045 for suggestions Flying taxi's !! What damage have your junior athletes caused in the pursuit of excellence? How much money do you get from Oz government for winning a games medal? Billy Walters – 3 hookers lining up for broncs | Best case scenario for finals? Woolworths & Coles collectables are back! What annoying thing does your partner collect?  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Notice was given by the Town Council's consultants for the council chamber project. The contractors that had been appointed were in the process of ceasing to trade. Councillors approved that the project should still go ahead, and go out to tender. We asked about whether the council has the skills to make the Festival Hall project work. Cllr Chris Paige spoke to Petersfield Shine RadioSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's local news and information update from the volunteers at Petersfield's Shine Radio. Rain didn't stop everyone enjoying the opening of Bramshott Open Gardens Hair and body products developed in Petersfield are about to hit local shelves Disagreements over the future of Petersfield's Festival Hall led to a town councillor's resignation. Stock is running a little low at Petersfield Foodbank, are you able to help? Julie and the team have those local stories, Leo brings you your Wednesday weather forecast and Vicki rounds-up the roadworks like some traffic-calming cowgirl. To share your news email team@shineradio.uk or call 01730 555 500. You make it shine.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's local news and information update from the volunteers at Petersfield's Shine Radio. Rain didn't stop everyone enjoying the opening of Bramshott Open Gardens Hair and body products developed in Petersfield are about to hit local shelves Disagreements over the future of Petersfield's Festival Hall led to a town councillor's resignation. Stock is running a little low at Petersfield Foodbank, are you able to help? Julie and the team have those local stories, Leo brings you your Wednesday weather forecast and Vicki rounds-up the roadworks like some traffic-calming cowgirl. To share your news email team@shineradio.uk or call 01730 555 500. You make it shine.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Richard Thompson first appeared onstage aged 14 playing Beatles covers in a school group “so bad we were pelted with pennies”. Sixty years later his range of operations includes touring solo and with his band, occasional reunions with Fairport Convention, residencies on Adriatic cruise ships and running a Guitar Camp in the Catskill Mountains (along with his sons and grandson). Much has he seen and learned about live entertainment along the way and he talks to us here from his home on the American East Coast on the day of the solar eclipse. Among the highlights …   … memories of the Marquee in 1965 – the Who, the Yardbirds, the Spencer Davis Group: “if you wanted to see both sets, you'd have to walk ten miles home”. … seeing Nick Drake and the value of being “a silent, tortured genius”. … life as a support act and how to “attack an audience”. … Carl Perkins and Chuck Berry at the Finsbury Park Astoria in 1963 “when Chuck was at the height of his attention span”. … Segovia at the Festival Hall. … the perils of playing on sea cruises in rough weather. … old and current album sleeves. “Dressed as a fly and now dressed as a fisherman … that's progress.” … how Ian Anderson and Captain Beefheart told the audience who's boss. … and watching the Band at the Albert Hall from a box with Fairport Convention.---------------------- Richard Thompson tour dates: https://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/richard-thompson-tickets/artist/736296 Order the new album Ship To Shore here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ship-Shore-Richard-Thompson/dp/B0CVXHMFPB-----------------------Subscribe to Word In Your Ear on Patreon for early - and ad-free - access to all of our content, plus a whole load more!: https://www.patreon.com/wordinyourear Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Richard Thompson first appeared onstage aged 14 playing Beatles covers in a school group “so bad we were pelted with pennies”. Sixty years later his range of operations includes touring solo and with his band, occasional reunions with Fairport Convention, residencies on Adriatic cruise ships and running a Guitar Camp in the Catskill Mountains (along with his sons and grandson). Much has he seen and learned about live entertainment along the way and he talks to us here from his home on the American East Coast on the day of the solar eclipse. Among the highlights …   … memories of the Marquee in 1965 – the Who, the Yardbirds, the Spencer Davis Group: “if you wanted to see both sets, you'd have to walk ten miles home”. … seeing Nick Drake and the value of being “a silent, tortured genius”. … life as a support act and how to “attack an audience”. … Carl Perkins and Chuck Berry at the Finsbury Park Astoria in 1963 “when Chuck was at the height of his attention span”. … Segovia at the Festival Hall. … the perils of playing on sea cruises in rough weather. … old and current album sleeves. “Dressed as a fly and now dressed as a fisherman … that's progress.” … how Ian Anderson and Captain Beefheart told the audience who's boss. … and watching the Band at the Albert Hall from a box with Fairport Convention.---------------------- Richard Thompson tour dates: https://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/richard-thompson-tickets/artist/736296 Order the new album Ship To Shore here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ship-Shore-Richard-Thompson/dp/B0CVXHMFPB-----------------------Subscribe to Word In Your Ear on Patreon for early - and ad-free - access to all of our content, plus a whole load more!: https://www.patreon.com/wordinyourear Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Richard Thompson first appeared onstage aged 14 playing Beatles covers in a school group “so bad we were pelted with pennies”. Sixty years later his range of operations includes touring solo and with his band, occasional reunions with Fairport Convention, residencies on Adriatic cruise ships and running a Guitar Camp in the Catskill Mountains (along with his sons and grandson). Much has he seen and learned about live entertainment along the way and he talks to us here from his home on the American East Coast on the day of the solar eclipse. Among the highlights …   … memories of the Marquee in 1965 – the Who, the Yardbirds, the Spencer Davis Group: “if you wanted to see both sets, you'd have to walk ten miles home”. … seeing Nick Drake and the value of being “a silent, tortured genius”. … life as a support act and how to “attack an audience”. … Carl Perkins and Chuck Berry at the Finsbury Park Astoria in 1963 “when Chuck was at the height of his attention span”. … Segovia at the Festival Hall. … the perils of playing on sea cruises in rough weather. … old and current album sleeves. “Dressed as a fly and now dressed as a fisherman … that's progress.” … how Ian Anderson and Captain Beefheart told the audience who's boss. … and watching the Band at the Albert Hall from a box with Fairport Convention.---------------------- Richard Thompson tour dates: https://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/richard-thompson-tickets/artist/736296 Order the new album Ship To Shore here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ship-Shore-Richard-Thompson/dp/B0CVXHMFPB-----------------------Subscribe to Word In Your Ear on Patreon for early - and ad-free - access to all of our content, plus a whole load more!: https://www.patreon.com/wordinyourear Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The TEN, we breakdown HEX 28 at Festival Hall, the largest promotion Australia's mixed martial arts scene has ever seen. We'll give you a detailed rundown of each fight, sharing insights on the outcomes and the overall feel of the evening. This episode isn't just about the fights; we also talk about the importance of being prepared and ready for opportunities, and how this applies uniquely to martial arts and the fight game. Frank gives insight and a thorough look at the night's events, fighter perspectives & MORE Featured: Frank's Instructional // Lockdown 2.0 (Level Up Your BJJ Game) (GET IT HERE)     ----------------------------- Our Instagram page @10podcast You can find us on Instagram (@10thplanetmelbourne) // (@Mannyzen) If you would like to support the show. Please share the show and/or leave us a review. Keep it 10!

In this episode of The TEN, we disucss the upcoming HEX 28 Fight Series set for Saturday, November 18th. Frank breaks down the fight card and gives some insight into the matchups and the last-minute replacements that should see an amazing night of mixed martial arts at the iconic Festival Hall in Melbourne, Australia. Get HEX 28 Tickets or Buy The Pay-Per-View HERE ----------------------------- Our Instagram page @10podcast You can find us on Instagram (@10thplanetmelbourne) // (@Mannyzen) If you would like to support the show. Please share the show and/or leave us a review. Keep it 10!

In this episode of The TEN, we discuss the films 'Agenda' and 'Agenda 2'. The conversation centers on the persistent influence of communist ideologies, which are still present around the world and are a threat to democratic values. We also explore themes of gratitude and the appreciation of life, emphasizing the concept of 'memento mori' – the mindful recognition that life is finite. It serves as a powerful reminder to embrace and value every moment of our existence and to go out and get it. Frank sheds light on the much-anticipated HEX 28, set to take place at Festival Hall on November 18th, a jam-packed night of Australasia's best MMA talent with multiple titles going on the line, it's going to be a barn burner & MORE Discussed Topics: Agenda Movie           (WATCH HERE) Hex 28 Tickets.         (HERE)   ----------------------------- Our Instagram page @10podcast You can find us on Instagram (@10thplanetmelbourne) // (@Mannyzen) If you would like to support the show. Share the show and/or leave us a review. Keep it 10!  

We're only days away from Fev's fight night at Festival Hall as part of the HEX Fight Series, so it's time for him to meet his opponent.Subscribe on LiSTNR: https://play.listnr.com/podcast/fifi-fev-and-nickSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join Dutchie on Triple M Homegrown as we embark on a joyous journey celebrating the 25th anniversary of The Living End's groundbreaking self-titled album, released on 12th October 1998. This iconic Australian band, driven by the massive double A-side single 'Second Solution' / 'Prisoner of Society,' shattered expectations with their debut full-length album, propelling them to the top of the charts and into the hearts of music enthusiasts worldwide. Frontman Chris Cheney takes us behind the scenes of the creation of the album, reflecting on how every song and gig led them to this defining moment in their musical journey. A melting pot of influences masterfully combined, 'The Living End' delivered punk, metal, pop, rockabilly, jazz, ska, and more, showcasing the band's remarkable versatility and cohesion. To commemorate this milestone, The Living End plans to ignite the stage with a spectacular hometown show at Melbourne's Festival Hall on Saturday, 4th November. They will treat fans to an unforgettable performance, playing the iconic self-titled album in its entirety, along with an electrifying mix of their other hits, rarities, and deep cuts. Advance tickets are available exclusively to fans signed up to the band's database via pre-sale on Thursday, 3rd August, at 12 pm AEST. General on-sale tickets will kick off on Friday, 4th August, at 12 pm AEST. For those who can't get enough of this musical extravaganza, The Living End is releasing a 25th-anniversary edition of their self-titled album on 13th October 2023. This special release includes a remastered 14-track vinyl and CD version, accompanied by a captivating 32-page booklet filled with liner notes penned by Chris Cheney and captivating period photographs. Additionally, fans can savor a 10-track live recording from 1998, featuring an exceptional cover version of 'On The Inside' (theme from 'Prisoner') and a riotous rendition of 'Prisoner of Society,' available digitally. Don't miss this once-in-a-lifetime celebration of Australian musical history, as we honor The Living End's remarkable debut album and their incredible journey over the past 25 years. Tune in to Triple M Homegrown and secure your tickets to the Melbourne show to experience the magic of 'The Living End' album live, as Chris Cheney and the band create an unforgettable night filled with rock 'n' roll memories and raw musical talent.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The voice of the Tour de France - like you have never heard before.  Including... the honest answer as to why cyclists shave their legs. His tribal love for Carlton, his lamb speciality, a dinner to remember and Public Enemy at Festival Hall in 1990.  It's all there for you to enjoy, as we get to know Keeno! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The hilarious actress Kate Flannery (Meredith on “The Office”) joins Wendy Snyder to talk about “The Reunion: An Interactive Office Fan Convention” that will be taking place at Navy Pier's Festival Hall this Saturday and Sunday, April 22nd & 23rd.

The hilarious actress Kate Flannery (Meredith on “The Office”) joins Wendy Snyder to talk about “The Reunion: An Interactive Office Fan Convention” that will be taking place at Navy Pier's Festival Hall this Saturday and Sunday, April 22nd & 23rd.

The hilarious actress Kate Flannery (Meredith on “The Office”) joins Wendy Snyder to talk about “The Reunion: An Interactive Office Fan Convention” that will be taking place at Navy Pier's Festival Hall this Saturday and Sunday, April 22nd & 23rd.

Harvey Brownstone conducts an in-depth interview with Richard Jay-Alexander, Renowned Producer and Director About Harvey's guest: Today's guest, Richard Jay-Alexander, is an internationally renowned producer and director of some of the greatest Broadway shows, musical theatre productions, and concert tours of our generation.    He's been instrumental in bringing some of the most wonderful Broadway shows to audiences throughout North America, including “Les Miz”, “Miss Saigon”, “Oliver”, “Song and Dance”, and “Amadeus”, to name only a few.    He's worked with some of the greatest music artists of all time, including Barbra Streisand, Julie Andrews, Johnny Mathis, Bette Midler, Bernadette Peters, Ricky Martin, Betty Buckley, Donna McKechnie and dozens more, on their concerts, TV specials and albums.   His career has taken him to the greatest performance venues in the world – everywhere from the Royal Albert Hall and Festival Hall in London, and the biggest arenas in the world, to the Sydney Opera House, Carnegie Hall, The Metropolitan Opera House, The Hollywood Bowl, and the big theatres in Las Vegas.   As a writer, he's contributed lyrics to projects for Disney, he's written the liner notes for the albums of many classic musicals, and his interviews with dozens of legendary stars for Broadwayworld.com are pure magic.  He's directed the Chaplin Awards for Film at Lincoln Center, honouring iconic stars like Robert Redford, Robert De Niro, Morgan Freeman and Helen Mirren.   He's produced Grammy-nominated recordings and cast albums.  And in addition to all of his professional activities, he is one of the most passionate and dedicated philanthropists in the entertainment world  In fact, he's absolutely ferocious about giving back.  He's a long time Board member of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, and has directed many benefit shows, not only for that organization, but for many other causes that are near and dear to his heart, including animal welfare, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, The Actor's Fund, the National Asian Artists Project, Broadway Dreams, and Hollywood's Motion Picture and Television Fund.   He's also very active in teaching and mentoring young talent, and he's been the camp director of Kristin Chenoweth's Broadway Bootcamp. For more interviews and podcasts go to: https://www.harveybrownstoneinterviews.com/ To see more about Richard Jay-Alexander, go to:https://www.facebook.com/richard.jayalexander/ https://twitter.com/rja_tkydkyhttps://www.instagram.com/broadwaydick/ #RichardJayAlexander   #harveybrownstoneinterviews

Pigion Dysgwyr – Fiona Bennett Weloch chi'r gyfres ‘The Piano' oedd ar y teledu yn ddiweddar? Cyfres oedd hon sy'n rhoi cyfle i bianydd amatur chwarae o flaen panel o feirniaid i drio ennill gwobr, sef perfformio yn y Festival Hall yn Llundain. Un gymerodd ran yn y gyfres oedd y gantores Fiona Bennet a buodd hi'n siarad gyda Shan Cothi am y profiad Beirniaid Judges Cyfres Series Credwch e neu beidio Believe it or not Cyfrinach Secret Cyfansoddi To compose Angladd Funeral Hysbys(eb) Advert Mabwysiadu milgwn Adopting greyhounds Dere lan Tyrd i fyny Ar bwys ein gilydd Wrth ymyl ein gilydd Pigion Dysgwyr – Beti George Ychydig o hanes Fiona Bennett ar y gyfres ‘The Piano' yn fanna ar Bore Cothi. Buodd Delyth Morgan yn chwarae rygbi dros Gymru yn y gorffennol ac nawr mae hi'n rheoli tîm rygbi merched Cymru dan 18 ac 20 oed. Ond ugain mlynedd yn ôl symudodd hi i fyw i Seland Newydd. Cafodd hi waith yno, priododd hi a buodd hi'n datblygu rygbi merched yno. Dyma Delyth yn sôn wrth Beti George am ble roedd hi yn byw pan oedd hi yn Seland Newydd... Datblygu To develop Deugain munud 40 minutes Deg ar hugain o winllannoedd 30 vineyards Ariannin Argentina Selsig yn y rhewgell Sausages in the fridge Rhyddid Freedom Sefydlu To found Gweithgareddau corfforaethol Corporate activities Tu hwnt Beyond Pigion Dysgwyr – Finyl On'd yw bywyd yn Waiheke yn swnio'n wych? Delyth Morgan oedd yn disgrifio'r ynys ar Beti a'i Phobol. Am y tro cynta mewn tri deg pump o flynyddoedd mae mwy o recordiau finyl yn cael eu gwerthu na CD's. Beth yw'r apêl felly? Dyna ofynnodd Jennifer Jones i'r ffan finyl Aled Llewelyn ar dros Ginio bnawn Mawrth Cloriau Covers Hel To collect Adnabyddus Famous Y cyfrwng penodol The specific medium Yn tyrchu drwy Rummaging through Ansawdd Quality Gwatsiad Gwylio Unigryw Unique Plethu Meshing Seinydd clyfar Smart speaker Pigion Dysgwyr – Cerdded Nordig Pwy fasai wedi meddwl flynyddoedd yn ôl, on'd ife, byddai finyl yn dod yn ôl i ffasiwn? Nos Fawrth ar ei rhaglen cafodd Caryl Parry Jones sgwrs gyda Catrin o Nordig Cymru. Math o gerdded a chadw'n heini yw Cerdded Nordig, a holodd Caryl Catrin sut dechreuodd ei diddordeb yn y maes. Mwyafrif Majority Traws gwlad Cross country Yn fwy ddiweddar More recently Hyfforddi Training Pigion Dysgwyr Wel dyna i chi ffordd wahanol o gadw'n heini – Cerdded Nordig. Mae Rhian Mills yn ymgynghorydd cwsg, sef person sydd yn helpu pobl i sefydlu patrymau cwsg ac mae busnes gyda hi o'r enw Rested Mama. Cafodd Rhian sgwrs gydag Aled Hughes fore Mercher diwetha gan roi cyngor i ni am beth i'w wneud tasen ni'n deffro ganol nos...…… Ymgynghorydd cwsg Sleep Consultant Cyngor Advice Ail-afael To rekindle Beryg ei bod ar ben That's it, probably Syth bin Straight away Canolbwyntio To concentrate Synnwyr Sense Pigion Dysgwyr – Olwen Jones Cyngor da gan Rhian yn fanna am sut i fynd yn ôl i gysgu ar ôl deffro ganol nos. Cafodd Olwen Jones ei llun yn ‘The Daily Telegraph' yn ddiweddar i ddathlu Diwrnod Rhyngwladol y Merched. Mae Olwen a'i theulu yn ffermio ger Tregaron a buodd hi'n rhoi hanes tynnu'r llun wrth Shan Cothi ... Diwrnod Rhyngwladol y Merched International Woman's Day Cartrefol dros ben Very homely Cwtsio lan Cuddling up Cwympo mewn cariad Falling in love Cylchgronau byd eang Worldwide magazines Sulgwyn Whitsun Ar yr amod On condition

For ten years, Evanston writer Peter Baker had been working on his first novel, and he was eager to get it out into the world. So he wasn't skeptical when he received an email from his agent in the fall of 2020 requesting a copy of his manuscript as a Microsoft Word file. He sent it along. Then he got a call from his agent asking why he'd sent his novel to him. That's right, Baker had been scammed by “The Spine Collector,” as the FBI has called him. "The Spine Collector" is allegedly a 29-year-old in London who attempted to con writers, including well-known authors like Margaret Atwood and Anthony Doerr, into sending him their unpublished manuscripts. Baker talks with City Cast Chicago Host Jacoby Cochran about what happened when he inadvertently sent his debut novel to the “Spine Collector," and how that event affected him as a writer.  Baker's novel, PLANES, will be released May 31. Some Good News: Art EXPO is back at Navy Pier's Festival Hall starting tonight. Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm Call or Text Us: (773) 780-0246 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I am excited to welcome Tony Karman to the podcast. Tony is the President and Director of EXPO CHICAGO, the international exposition of contemporary and modern art. This year, EXPO CHICAGO, which begins on April 7th, 2022, will host more than 140 leading international artists and galleries at Navy Pier's Festival Hall. Tony has played a significant role in Chicago's civic, business, and cultural communities for nearly 30 years, and I cannot thank him enough for joining me today.  Learn more about EXPO CHICAGO https://www.expochicago.com/visit?gclid=CjwKCAjwxOCRBhA8EiwA0X8hiyjFWPcqaofA9na20dcbFuVhVKFGattCSlYNNF-BUOo8Npj4xslUCBoCeEEQAvD_BwE (here) Download this episode of For Your Listening Pleasure wherever you get your podcasts! Make sure you follow us on Instagram @https://www.instagram.com/foryourlisteningpleasure/ (foryourlisteningpleasure) Click https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3QIs28pC7TR4OMgPflPNOh?si=35775356c6554f52 (here )to listen to the For Your Listening Pleasure Theme Song Playlist currently on Spotify To continue the conversation, feel free to DM me at https://www.instagram.com/foryourlisteningpleasure/ (https://www.instagram.com/foryourlisteningpleasure/) or email me at foryourlisteningpleasure@gmail.com