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RNARS London (HMS "Belfast") Group
(Affiliated)
Easter Activity Week 2006
HMS "Belfast"
Saturday, 15/04/2006 till Monday, 24/04/2006
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.
A special QSL card will be printed to confirm all contacts.
As this was the first time I had taken part in this event and it was also my first visit
to England and the ship, I made a special point of getting to know the specialities of
the ship and London.
Impression of the Tower Bridge
After the stress of the journey followed the relaxation, all the group members already
present went to the nearby pub for light refreshments, a good time was had by all.
Relaxation in the pub
Staying in the world capital London it was imperative to take in the sights and what
better way than having a tour on the world famous open double-decker bus.
Bus tour through London
Open double-decker bus
HMS Belfast is a museum ship in the Pool of London between London Bridge and Tower Bridge.
There was a lot of free time to enjoy but also the BWO was in big demand as it was
activity week.
BWO in action
Ward room, Bill in the washing maschine, ward room and sea cadets
On Wednesday 19/04/06 we took a trip on the river in a pleasure boat from City Cruises to nearby
Greenwich, famous for the Meridian which runs through the middle and of course the
observatory. The observatory lies on a hill and once climbed you have a beautiful view of London.
We visited the museum’s Exhibition of Time and how it was measured and also the big optical
telescope. Then we went on to the National Maritime Museum to explore more treasures.
Greenwich
The evening was taken up with a visit to the nearby Tower of London.
We had a guided tour led by a yeoman warder of the tower. And the highlight of the
evening was the Ceremony of the Keys. This very old ceremony is the actual locking
of the Tower for the night.
London Group members visiting the Yeoman Warders’ ward room - Tower of London
The evening was concluded with a little refreshment in the yeoman warders’ ward room
in the tower.
On Thursday 20/04/06 was AGM and VIP day of the London group.
The day started with an inspection of the sea cadets on board HMS Belfast by Captain
J. Kingwell RN. He started his career as a sea cadet on the ship.
MF members from DL
Inspection by Cpt. Kingwell
The AGM was held in the large officers’ ward room which had been prepared for this
occasion by members and especially our 2 ladies Angelika and Pat.
Other guests present were Mick G3LIK.RNARS-Chairman, Harald DL5XI Chairman MF-Runde,
Angus Annan President of the RSGB, Scots, Canadian, American, Dutch, Belgian members,
also Peter DL8BEL MF689 and many members from the UK.
AGM of the Belfast Group
Mick G3LIK, Chairman RNARS
In the evening was a little celebration for all the re-elected members of the committee.
Friday 21/04/06 was another special occasion - it was HM Queen Elisabeth’s 80th birthday celebration.
In her honour a 62 gun salute was fired with 4 guns from the tower which lies directly
opposite the Belfast.
On Saturday 22/04/06 some of the members decided on a little excursion to Chatham Historic Dockyard.
It is a big shipyard with wharfs, maritime exhibitions, RN Life Boats, a destroyer and a
submarine. We visited the destroyer (HMS Cavalier) and had guided tour on the submarine
(HMS Ocelot) (very tight fit on board for the author).
HMS Cavalier
Friends
"heavy" submarine
On Sunday 23/04/06 another Museum visit was on the agenda and Monday a concluding bus tour but
this time another route.
International War Museum (IMW)
I decided to carry on with this unforgettable week next year and earmarked a few
attractions for then, for example the Royal Albert Hall and Madam Tussauds Waxworks.
Madame Tussaud
To conclude I can only say:
"It was a wonderful time with friends in a big interesting capital. Unfortunately I
had to keep remembering everything was happening on the wrong side, driving and walking."
Finally sincere thanks to Angelika 2E1GDC and Terry GØTBD who made this an
exciting and lasting experience for all who took part.
Our Hosts
London and HMS "Belfast": I shall return!
Responsible: Hans-Jürgen DK9OS, MF787 RN4636 LG609
last update: 06/09/2008 © dk9os
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