OK, so this was two weeks ago now, and the sunshine might seem like a distant memory, but there are still windows of opportunity to get out and about, to see some beautiful Sussex scenery as well as to get away from all that 'orrible band noise you probably suffer when you're at home.
S2 noise floor experienced at GB-5778 Widewater Lagoon Nature Reserve below, and a stunning sunset to boot. I doubled-up with the adjacent and equally peaceful GB-5777 Shoreham Fort to make for a memorable afternoon out. Cheap and easy parking at both sites.
Included are just a couple of views from my 'shack'.
Both of these locations have recently been registered with the POTA programme, and I suspect that thanks are due to Paul G4BWQ for that. Cheers buddy. I'd never been to either of these sites.
A good sprinkling of contacts made at each 'park' including with regulars such as G4FKA, M7CUW, DK5UR, DL4DBM, G0RQL, HB9DLT, IK4IDF, G6LEE, SP2DMB, DN2FBG, DB4SNK, G4NAQ, IK1IYU, DG6OAY, CT1EHX and SP8QC who all get into my log often. These people are properly committed, and make me look like the noob that I am.
Respect to them, and thanks for putting up with my sloppy operating skills.
Pictured below is where I stay out of the less favourable weather when the particular park operating conditions permit:
I'm currently doing a bit of 'hunting' as I was duped into believing that the POTA Operator-to-Operator award for 50 contacts with a single operator was available to activators, but sadly this is not the case (which is ridiculous in my opinion). The American masters of our destiny have spoken, and we mere overseas mortals shall have no say in that. I tried.
I've hit most of my personal goals this year for POTA, but will be doing just as many activations next year, and with many more SSB QSOs. I've also signed up for BOTA - Bunkers On The Air (oh, no...)
There is not a snowball's chance in hell you'd ever get me underground in one of those terrifying cesspits, but I'll happily plonk myself down next to one with a radio and an antenna, so prepare to be bored stupid hearing about my adventures at these historic sites next year.
I'll also be doing Mills 2026 (maybe at Chailey?) plus BIWOTA (Google it...) at Ardingly reservoir, and ROTA at Beech Hurst in memory of Gavin, using the Special Event callsign GB6DGK, so look out for those. Everybody welcome, as always.
I'm considering setting up Fishing Lakes On The Air and Questionable Underpasses On The Air in my spare time.
Good to see quite a few at the club last week for some fish and chips, and don't forget that there is one more club night this year on the 12th December 2025.
I've also just published the new membership form for 2026, so get yourselves signed up for next year here: https://midsussexars.org.uk/join
73's (and 44's for you outdoorsy-types)
Berni M0XYF
