Take the mic this weekend, 2025
15th March 2025

AN amateur radio group is hosting a free family friendly open weekend today and tomorrow.

South Derbyshire and Ashby Woulds Amateur Radio Group will be offering visitors the opportunity to operate on the amateur radio bands under supervision – meaning they will use radio waves to transmit messages to other operators around the country, and maybe even internationally if weather conditions permit.

The event is being set up after the group, based at Moira Replan Centre on Ashby Road, responded to a call to action by the Radio Society of Great Britain (RSGB), the UK’s national society for amateur enthusiasts.

Group secretary Jacqui said: “Everyone is invited to come along and get involved.

“We have lots of activities for people to try, from learning about aerials to understanding how amateur radio is active in the digital world.

“They can even take part in construction activities. And, who knows, maybe they’ll be inspired to become radio amateurs for themselves.”

The RSGB is keen to show what the hobby has to offer people of all ages and interests.

The group is hosting the event this weekend as part of British Science Week celebrations.

At the event there will also be a selection of classic sets on display, which will show radio through the ages, as well as the opportunity to take part in kit building.

RSGB British Science Week coordinator Professor Ian Neal M0KEO, said: “British Science Week is a fantastic way to introduce amateur radio to new audiences, and we’re delighted to see how radio amateurs are getting involved.

“The skills learnt from construction activities can help in a wide range of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) careers, including as a game developer, software engineer or mobile app developer.”

Visit rsgb.org/bsw to be part of the celebrations.

Story originally published in The Derby Telegraph, 15 March 2025.