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RNARS London (HMS "Belfast") Group
(Affiliated)
Easter Activity Week 2009
HMS "Belfast"
Friday, 10th Apr 2009 till Sunday, 19th Apr 2009 inclusive
The RNARS London (HMS "Belfast") Group held their usual yearly activity on board HMS Belfast.
For this special occasion members travelled from many countries to be heard all across
the bands worldwide with the call sign GB2RN. This is the amateur station which is
situated in the bridge wireless office (BWO) on board the cruiser HMS Belfast.
EAW invitation 2009
Some members of the group arrived as usual on Good Friday. We had a lot to talk about
since our last meeting and soon formed into little groups for some chit
chat. We also met in the Wardroom for our welcoming drinks.
Friends
In the Wardroom
A lot of action in our amateur radio club station GB2RN was announced,
it was the Easter Activity Week. As known, the radio room is aboard
in the BWO (bridge wireless office). In the following some insights which
show the small exhibition, the radio communication systems as well as
the action at the stations.
Activities at Bridge Wireless Office
Activities at Bridge Wireless Office
Activities at Bridge Wireless Office
Wednesday was earmarked for a first excursion to all viewable sights
of the country. Eight fellows and myself had chosen Duxford Air Base.
Our destination was the air field museum with their club station GB2IWM.
Using underground and train to Cambridge, then going by bus,
we reached our destination safely.
The visit to Duxford Air Base with its 5 hangars plus the American air exhibition
and the air shows left nice impression and filled again some gaps in one's knowledges.
Duxford Air Base
Duxford Air Base
Duxford Air Base
Of course the compulsory sked might not be also absent the club station GB2IWM.
Exhibition and club station GB2IWM
Exhibition and club station GB2IWM
This air field museum is just as HMS Belfast a part of the Imperial War Museum (IWM).
Departure
On time for the Tower visit we were back again.
The Tower of London
Wednesday evening was crowned with the now traditional visit to the Tower of
London and the highlight of the evening was the Ceremony of the Keys.
This special parade has been performed without fail every night for the
last 600 years and marks the ceremonial locking up and handing over of
the keys to the resident governor of the Tower.
The Tower has many fabulous sights to offer and the Crown Jewels of the
Royal Family are just one of the many items.
Preparing for the visit
London Group members waiting for visiting the Tower of London
Ken guided us through the area
The Tower of London
After visiting the area our group in front of the Tower Wardroom
London Group members visiting the Yeoman Warders’ wardroom
- Tower of London -
The evening concluded with a small refreshment in the Tower Wardroom which
was strictly by invitation only.
London Group members visiting the Yeoman Warders’ wardroom
- Tower of London -
London Group members visiting the Yeoman Warders’ wardroom
- Tower of London -
London Group members visiting the Yeoman Warders’ wardroom
- Tower of London -
Harald in the Yeoman Warders’ wardroom
- Tower of London -
London Group members visiting the Yeoman Warders’ wardroom
- Tower of London -
London Group members visiting the Yeoman Warders’ wardroom
- Tower of London -
London Group members visiting the Yeoman Warders’ wardroom
- Tower of London -
Annual General Meeting (AGM)
This year on Thursday the AGM was held first before the VIP arrived and the social
followed in the Officers-Mess. We had a full house.
AGM
AGM
Guests attending were Colin J. Thomas G3PSM, President of RSGB (Radio
Society of Great Britain), Mick G3LIK MF334 RNARS Chairman and many others from
Scotland, Canada, America, Holland, Belgium, Switzerland and of course Germany
not to forget our veterans.
AGM
AGM
This year's AGM a new chairman was to be elected, the rest of the board
was re-elected. Rod now was our new shack manager.
Our new chairman and the honoring of Bill GØIEC
The VIP Commander Paul Hill (STO HMS President) arrived at 1230 precisely,
he proceeded to inspect the assembled RNARS members.
VIP on board
Inspection by VIP Commander Paul Hill (STO HMS President)
Inspection by VIP Commander Paul Hill (STO HMS President)
Colin Thomas G3PSM - RSBG President
Inspection by VIP Commander Paul Hill (STO HMS President)
Inspection
Finally at 1300 all participants with a valid social ticket were able to participate
in a well prepared lunch and of course plenty of liquid refreshments.
Preparations
The new committee was celebrated in style. Angelika with a few helpers had again
helped to make the party a big success. Everyone had a good time. A big thank
you goes out to her.
Impression of the social
Colin Thomas G3PSM - RSBG President and Rod 2EØRPS
Impression of the social
Raffle
After the "stressful" day with inspection, AGM and social there was again
action at our club station GB2RN, we were still in the Easter activity week.
The visitors were amazed over and over again that moves, nevertheless, a
little bit here aboard.
"Look there, they really move" we always heard this. On all other stations aboard
were only dummies (wax dolls).
Impression of the BWO
Impression of the BWO
Impression of the BWO
Friday was earmarked for an excursion to all viewable sights of the country.
Harm, Vince and myself had chosen Hampton Court Palace. Our destination was the famous
residence of Henry VIII also William III and Mary II. Using underground and train,
we reached our destination safely.
Hampton Court Palace (HCP)
HCP - palace
HCP - palace
HCP - church and the river Thames
The visit of the impressive world-famous area (Palace with about 24 ha garden and
parks along the river Thames and more) left us with a lasting impression of the area.
Something you should do more for the culture...
HCP - palace and garden
HCP - palace and garden
HCP - palace and garden
Even the landlord appeared to the visitors.
HCP - King Henry VIII and visitors
This prominent scenery is also used with pleasure for wedding photos, we were lucky.
HCP - palace and wedding couple
Back again savety to London, the appetite tormented us a little.
We could satisfy this in our next highlight, to the visit in the nearby India restaurant.
In a good mood we came back again aboard.
London
The last stay on board and impression around the ship. A successfull
activity week drew to a close.
Departure
Our happy time with friends passed far too quickly. Sincere thanks
to our hosts who made it possible again for us all to have an unforgettable
time.
Tower Bridge at night
London and HMS "Belfast": I shall return!
Responsible: Hans-Jürgen DK9OS, MF787 RN4636 LG609
last update: 29/05/2009 © dk9os
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