Amateur Radio

We started this club 25 years ago. There weren’t many female radio amateurs then and there aren’t many now. It’s usually seen as a boys’ subject, but we didn’t tell the girls! Two members of staff held licences and were able to teach others. Over the years the hobby has flourished. Outside contact for the girls is now largely by internet, but amateur radio always holds the promise of surprise: when you put out a CQ call you never know who might answer and from where on the earth. Talking of earth, we’ve made quite a reputation for space communication as well. Helen Sharman was our first contact in space.

In the club’s lifetime over 100 girls have gained their amateur licences by examination. A number have qualified to use morse code also. Some may say why? We say why not? It’s an unusual hobby for life and it shows up very well at interview. When universities are crying out for discriminators, here is an activity which sets our girls apart.
… more