FROM ITS INCEPTION TO PRESENT DAY

B.A.R.S. Barry Amateur Radio Society was formed in 1965 as a student union society and until recent years was known as the Barry College of Further Education Radio Society. The society benefited from the close link with the College as accommodation and equipment was freely available. This made it possible for a small membership to undertake ambitious projects. 

In August 1968 the National Eisteddfod came to Barry. The College stand in the Industrial tent was exclusively handed over to the Radio Society. Using the callsign GB3NEW (National Eisteddfod Wales) we issued a certificate, printed both in English and Welsh to each contact made. This was the first time an amateur radio station had operated from the Welsh National Eisteddfod. 

The Society from its early days has commemorated annually the Marconi-Kemp radio tests in the Bristol Channel. On occasions we are supported by amateur radio societies from across the water at Bristol & Brean Down. Our members operated from Flatholm Island & Lavernock Point. 

The 75th Anniversary of Marconi`s tests was commemorated with the issue of a special postage stamp by the Post Office and establishment of a post box at Flatholm Island, with a special hand stamp. The Marconi Company supplied on loan the actual kite used by Marconi on these tests. A special certificate was awarded printed in both English & Italian. First day covers autographed by Marconi`s widow, Kemps son, King Hussein, Senator Barry Goldwater, and Lord Brian Rix, were donated to various organisations that had assisted the Society in this project. 

Commemoration of these tests is an annual project undertaken by the Society, and last year saw the 100th celebration of those tests. Operating from Flatholm and Lavernock Point, the Society organised & established a sculpture on Flatholm to mark the event. Special GB100 callsigns were issued for both Lavernock and Flatholm. Those operating included a group from Passau in Germany. Many items of memorabilia were produced for this event- with each member of the club receiving a special commemorative mug. 

Other events take place throughout the year. The most ambitious is the organisation of the Barry Rally. Planning starts in mid summer to ensure that traders are informed and the leisure centre is reserved. The first Rally was held at the Barry Rugby club, where we erected a marquee for the trade stands. We offered a price for the licensed amateur who had travelled the furthest distance. It was won by a German amateur. 

We establish stations on the SS Waverley the last ocean going paddle in the world as GC4BRS/MM and at Llandrindod Wells in Victorian week taking with us a Marconi replica Spark Gap transmitter. We work with the Scouts and Guides when asked to put "Thinking Day on Air". We have operated from the top of Ben Nevis packing an old "AM" set to the top plus a generator on ones back. Also to the top of Pen-Y-Fan in the Brecon Beacons. At one time we held the world record for the longest distance contact on 10Ghz. We enter contests and are always looking for interested parties to help out. Last year we were issued with the contest call of GW7K and in 1998 will use GW8K. 

The Society is very active in re-creating historical events in the life of Marconi. To this end we go to Flatholm Island each year. To commemorate the worlds first radio transmission across water, as done by Marconi in May 1897. The Society has recently re-enacted Marconi`s first commercial radio transmission 24th December 1898 & the first "Marine Distress Radio Signal" April 1899, which was sent out by the East Goodwin Lightship, when she was rammed in fog by the SS Mathews. This special twin event was done from the South Foreland Lighthouse, & also from on board the East Goodwin Lightship in the middle of the English Channel. From the 19th of December 1998 until Christmas Eve using the calls GB100SFL & GB100EGL. From the East Goodwin Lightship using a TS50S into a simple vertical Outbacker Antenna Magmounted to the foredeck & a 100 Watts, with power from a car battery, we worked 160 contacts in the 3 hours on board including VK9NL Kirsti & VK9NS Jim Smith from Norfolk Island. 

We are now located at Sully Sports & Leisure Club, where we have a fully equipped radio station complete with 60ft tower and triband beam, operating on VHF & HF bands. We meet every Tuesday evening around 8.00pm.

If you would like to know more of the clubs history, or you would like to join in our fun, please contact us by any method on the contacts page.