Visit by RAF Waddington ARC

 Saturday 13^th October saw a visit from a bunch of like-minded people from Lincolnshire, and more specifically the RAF Waddington Amateur Radio Club: http://www.g0raf.co.uk/

 Their posse set off from Lincoln at 9 am and made good time arriving at the fort a little past 10:30 am. It seems that they arrived a little earlier, but decided to enjoy some of the outside of the fort before entering. After the initial introductions, between our parties, and of course the signing of the visitor’s book, we settled down to a civilized cuppa with some stickies. There was a little trouble from James (RAF) – he was determined to make the drinks, but he was a guest so was waited upon. Bob and James were interested in our little compact shack, and as soon as a straight key was provided, James was tapping away as if it was his favourite record.

 

 

 

 

 After the refreshments, it was time for a guided tour of the fort and the facilities on offer. As we set off with Andy as the tour guide, James could be still heard in the distance tapping away. After a couple of moments though he caught up with the troupe, and enjoyed the tour.  The tour took in much of the forts offerings, ranging from the fortifications of WW1 & WWII, back through time to the realm of Henry VIII, who commissioned the initial Fort. It was noted though, that all the cannons on the top of the fortifications were pointing towards Lincolnshire. Nearing the end of the tour, the on-site expert arrived, and Frank then talked about the Blackburn Beverley – the last surviving specimen, to which Don commented that he flew in them out of Singapore back in the 50s.

 Well on completion it was back to the shack for some more refreshments (or beer for some that noticed the bar was open). James was again straight onto the key and worked well with a key in one hand, a beer in the other and a sandwich. After chewing the fat for a while, the RAF Waddington ARC called it a day and headed to the door for their trip back across the Humber Bridge and back to Lincoln. From those of us of the Humber Fortress DX ARC, we would like to say thank you for the visit, and we had a good time hosting you for the day. Maybe we will be able to meet up again in the future.

 

The following were the visiting members of RAF Waddington ARC:

Bob (G3VCA) – Chairman, Jeff (G6JLW), Margret (Jeff’s XYL), Don (M0CES), James (G0EUN), John (G4ZHG), and Keith (M3YHD)

And the hosting members:

Jason (M0MGF), Andy (G7LRR), Bob (M0RWL), Frank (2E0CIY), Sean (2E0SCA), and Trevor (G1TDN)

 Regards

 Jason (M0MGF) – Chairman

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