West Devon RAYNET

Radio Amateurs Serving The Community

Autobiographical bit....

I was born on the Isle of Wight, and since then have moved about the country a fair bit, although I have now been in Plymouth for over 30 years...(guess I just qualify as a native now!)

My interest in radio has extended for over 40 years, finally taking my Radio Amateur, City & Guilds Exams, in 1982, when I was one of the first in the UK to be awarded the then new 'G6' prefix callsign.

I originally joined RAYNET in 1975, becoming the group controller in 1985. From 1989 to 1990 I did a short stint as the RAYNET Zone 7 coordinator, but an accident resulting in a broken back forced me to give that up and I eventually returned to the group in 1991, when I was asked to resume as group controller again.  Since then they have been stuck with me!

During my time with RAYNET I have seen a lot of changes, both in terms of the equipment we use and the extent of our work with the changes in the variation to the amateur license for RAYNET members. Recently I have been very involved with the work on the new Civil Contingencies Act, which came into law in November 2004, replacing all the previous Emergency Powers legislation. (Much of which was written in the 1920's!) 

I have also been asked to take on the role of one of the two Assistant Zone 7 (SW England) Co-ordinators, with specific responsibility for the South of the Zone. (Covering Devon, Cornwall, Dorset and the Isles of Scilly.)

I have had the privilege of working with one of the hardest working teams I know who have turned out in all weathers for all sorts of events, sometimes at very short notice. Thank you to all of you and especially your understanding families.

These days I can often be seen and heard pottering about the West Devon area on my trusty steed, 'Thunderbird 1' operating through the local amateur repeaters GB3WD, GB3TR, GB3CH and the new Internet linked repeater GB3IE, operating /motorcycle-mobile. If you hear me, give me a call.

Ian, G6BJJ

Please send mail to west.devon@raynet-uk.net with questions or 
comments about this web site.   

Thank you.				

Copyright © 2008 Ian Harley G6BJJ