In early September three members of Worksop Amateur Radio Society set out to activate three parks, as part of the Parks on the Air Scheme (POTA). Andy 2E0UAW set up and activated Bassetlaw Show Ground G-0461, which is located in Worksop, Nottinghamshire. Phil 2E0FJQ set up and activated Vicar Water Country Park G-0444, which is in what would have been Sherwood Forest. Paul M0PJA activated the Lincolnshire Wolds ANOB G-0075 from Normanby Top, not far from the radar station. Paul M0PJA reports, “I have heard many people say 2m is dead, well that’s not something I see. I started calling CQ on the Saturday morning at 08:22 (BST) and had 22 QSOs by 10:15 – not the rubberstamp type either. Thanks to everyone that answered my CQ. I have really found that POTA is very accessible. As my health has deteriorated, I have been unable to activate SOTA summits. However, Parks on the Air (POTA) has given me a new lease of life as I am able to operate from a motor vehicle.” The photo shows Paul’s setup. All the above activations were on 2m FM with additional HF in some cases. Thanks to everyone that called in. Parks on the Air (POTA) started following a year-long event run by the ARRL (US National Society), to celebrate the centenary of their National Parks. The year was such a success that POTA was born. It’s now spreading around the world and following an appointment of a volunteer administrator for the UK (Andy 2E0UAW) it’s taking off here too. If you would like to join the fun please visit: parksontheair.com

This article was featured in the November 2019 issue of Practical Wireless