British Science Week 2026

British Science Week (BSW), run by the British Science Association (BSA), is an annual event celebrating science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM). It provides a platform to support teachers, STEM professionals and the public in delivering STEM activities and events across the UK.

It is a fantastic opportunity to showcase amateur radio to new audiences, regardless of age.

British Science Week 2026 will take place from 6–15 March and preparations are already well underway. RSGB British Science Week Co-ordinator Professor Ian Neal, G7IGN is working on guidance and activity suggestions that you could use to get involved. The BSA has chosen ‘curiosity’ as its theme for 2026, which fits perfectly with amateur radio.

Preparations for British Science Week 2026 are already well underway.

RSGB British Science Week Co-ordinator Professor Ian Neal, G7IGN is working on guidance and activity suggestions that you could use to get involved. The annual event is a celebration of science, technology, engineering and maths and is run by the British Science Association. It has chosen ‘curiosity’ as its theme for 2026, which fits perfectly with amateur radio.

This campaign is a brilliant opportunity for radio amateurs to share their passion with others. This could be through organising an open day for the local community, setting up a buildathon for a club evening, operating a special event station from your local library or even supervising your friends and family in making their first QSO – the options are endless.

If this has piqued your interest, and you would like to share your thoughts, ideas and plans with Ian, get in touch via bsw@rsgb.org.uk

You can also see what other people did last year for ideas and also look at the RSGB’s resource bank for inspiration.

British Science Week 2025 

The RSGB BSW 2025 campaign was a huge success and included schools, universities, Scouts, Brownies, community groups, amateur radio clubs, plus many more.

We are delighted to see that more and more radio amateurs are getting involved with BSW each year, sharing their enthusiasm and passion for the hobby with others.

Read the reports in the June and July editions of RadCom to see more about some of the great activities that took place.

Rallies and Events

This listing is correct as of 22 February 2026.

1 Mar 2026 – Exeter Radio Rally

New Venue. The Kenn Centre, EX6 7UE, one minute from the end of the M5.

Free Car Parking. Entry Fee £3.

Trader’s entry 8am. Public entry 10am.

Bring and buy, disabled facilities, catering.

Contact Bill, G7AKJ, 07511522092, billwrench213@btinternet.com

7 Mar 2026 – Lagan Valley Amateur Radio Society Annual Rally

Hillsborough Village Centre, 7 Ballynahinch Road, BT26 6AR.

Doors open 10.30am.

More details are available at www.lvars.uk

15 Mar 2026 – Ripon and District Amateur Radio Society Rally

Great Ouseburn Village Hall, Lightmire Ln, Great Ouseburn, York YO26 9RL.

The doors open for traders at 7.30am and to the public at 10am. Admission costs £5.

Free parking, refreshments and bacon butties available.

Tables are available at a cost of £10 each, please book early.

For more information email radars.rally@gmail.com

22 Mar 2026 – Callington Radio and Electronics Rally

The Callington Radio and Electronics Rally will be held in the Town Hall, New Road, Callington, Cornwall, PL17 7BE on Sunday 22 2026.

The venue is booked from 8am until 1.30pm with public access from 10am until 1pm. Entry is £2 each with no charge for those under the age of 16.

A comprehensive selection of traders, clubs and societies from the Southwest will be present along with a bring-and-buy stall and the usual excellent catering service.

The bring-and-buy stall accepts payment by all major debit and credit cards using contactless, chip and pin or by phone.

The café area and serving hatch will be in an adjacent room seating about 18 people.

The venue has disabled access, toilet facilities, and ample parking in a nearby car park with up to one hour’s parking free.

Although all tables in the main hall have now got confirmed bookings or are reserved, there is a waiting list should there be any cancellations.

Charges for tables are 6ftx2ft (£5), 5ftx2ft (£4) and 4ftx2ft (£3).

There is an adjacent room available (~50sq.m) with no tables at a cost of £45 for a single occupant.

Pre-booking is essential, so please contact Alastair (M0KRR) at alastair.kerr1@btinternet.com or by phone on 01503 262 755 with your requirements as soon as possible.

Visit callingtonradiosociety.org.uk for more information.

22 Mar 2026 – Dover Amateur Radio Club Rally

Note new venue: Eastry Village Hall, High Street, Eastry, Kent CT13 0QB

What 3 words locator ///townhouse.supper.struggle

Google maps  https://maps.app.goo.gl/EXUpMTYLoi7RdSuQ9

Trevor G6APW.  Publicity@darc.online

10am  to 2pm.

Entrance fee still £3.

Tea, coffee and bacon rolls available on site.

Tables are £15 each, maximum two tables per vendor.

To book your table please contact the Club via darc.online

12 Apr 2026 –  Northern Amateur Radio Societies Association (NARSA) Exhibition (Blackpool Rally)  

Norbreck Castle Exhibition Centre, Blackpool FY2 9AA.

Details from Dave, M0OBW 01270 761 608, 07720 656542, dwilson@btinternet.com

narsa.org.uk

21 Jun 2026 – East Suffolk Wireless Revival (Ipswich Radio Rally)

Kirton Recreation Ground, Back Road, Kirton IP10 0PW (just off the A14).

Doors open at 9.30am and the entry fee for visitors is £3. The venue has free car parking. Trade tables are from £10. There will be trade stands, a car boot sale, a bring and buy, special interests groups, GB4SWR HF station and an RSGB bookstall. Catering is available on site. Contact Kevin, G8MXV, 07710 046 846.

eswr.org.uk

9 Aug 2026 – Flight Refuelling ARS Hamfest

Cobham Sports and Social Club Ground, Merley, near Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 3DA.

9am to 3pm. Admission £5 (includes parking). Talk-in on 145.550MHz. On site catering and bar.

No dogs except assistance dogs (landowner’s condition).

Indoor and field pitches.

Car-boot sellers and field traders welcome from 7am.

Booking forms available via frars.co.uk

11 Oct – 2026 Annual Hornsea ARC Rally 

Driffield Showground, YO25 9FB, East Yorkshire.

Details from Les on 01377 252 393.

25 Oct 2026 – Galashiels Radio Rally and Open Day 

The Volunteer Hall, St Johns Street, Galashiels, TD1 3JX.

Doors open at 11.15am. Disabled access from 11am. Admission £3.

Bring and buy, refreshments and traders.

More details at galaradioclub.co.uk

RSGB South East News 22/02/26

Stevenage and District Amateur Radio Society has a club sked at 8pm on the 80m band each Friday close to 3.726MHz. On the last Friday of each month a 2m sked takes place on, or close to, 145.450MHz. More information can be found at sadars.com

Andover Radio Amateur Club has a net on Sundays on 70.475MHz, starting at 11am. There is also a net on 145.275MHz on Mondays at 8pm. On Thursday, there is a net on GB7KT from 8pm. More details are available at arac.org.uk  Mal, G8FHI mal.g8fhi@btinternet.com  arac.org.uk

Banbury Amateur Radio Society has a net on 144.5125MHz FM most evenings. For more information, visit banburyares.co.uk

Tomorrow, 23 February, Bishop’s Stortford Amateur Radio Society has a meeting at Farnham Village Hall from 8pm. Visitors and new members are welcome. On Wednesday there will be a net, starting at 8pm on 145.5625MHz.bsars.org

On Thursdays the Bittern DX Group has a net around 145.400MHz.

Bracknell Amateur Radio Club has a net on Sundays on GB3BN from 5pm and on GB3AL from 5.30pm. On Wednesday, the Club meeting features a presentation by Mick Kelsey, G0MGK entitled Introduction to and Getting Started with FT8.

Details of the Club’s events and activities calendar are at g4bra.org.uk Martin Stead, 2E0XBZ, secretary@g4bra.org.uk

On Thursday, Braintree and District Amateur Radio Society has a presentation on vintage broadcast radio. The meeting takes place in the clubhouse and via Zoom and starts at 8pm. All welcome.

Details of the Society’s events and activities are at badars.co.uk Geoff, G1GNQ 01376 325 429 secretary@badars.co.uk

Brede Steam Amateur Radio Society has a net via the GB7ZE repeater from 8pm on Wednesdays. For details on the meeting and all events visit bsars.co.uk secretary@bsars.co.uk

Bredhurst Receiving and Transmitting Society meets in its shack every Wednesday from 7pm. For more details, visit the Society’s Facebook page. bratsqth.org/brats/homepage

Bromley and District Amateur Radio Society has a net on Wednesday from 9pm, starting on 145.500MHz. For more information visit bdars.wordpress.com Steve, M0PEL, 07452 777908, M0PEL@gmail.com

On Sundays, Burnham Beeches Radio Club has a Club net from 10.30am, starting on 145.500MHz before moving to 145.275MHz. On Saturdays, the Club net takes place from 4pm around 7.063MHz. Greg, G4EBY, ebytronics@gmail.com

Bury St Edmunds Amateur Radio Society hosts club nets every day of the week except Sunday. Members also meet at Rougham Tower Museum on the third Wednesday of each month at 7pm.

It is a small but very active club. Details can be found on the club’s website at bsears.co.uk  The club’s general chat frequencies are 144.7375MHz FM and 433.400MHz FM. bsears.co.uk

Cambridge and District Amateur Radio Club meets every other Friday. Visit cdarc.org.uk  for more information.

Chelmsford Amateur Radio Society has a CW net on 144.060MHz on Sundays from 8pm. On Mondays, there is a CW net on 3542kHz from 7.30pm, followed at 8.15pm by GB2CW slow Morse on 3555kHz and QRS at 8.30pm. On Thursday, CW classes start at 7pm. For details, email morse2025@g0mwt.org.uk.

Also on Thursday, Intermediate and Full licence training takes place at Danbury Village Hall between 7pm and 9pm. The course is aimed at candidates who wish to undertake revision and final exam preparation, face-to-face with the Society’s experienced trainers.

Sessions include typical exam questions and in-depth explanations of the answers. The trainers can also assist with specific areas of the syllabus where greater understanding of a topic may be needed, as well as tips and advice on best exam practice.

Visit the Society’s website for details of how to book a place and the contact details for the Training Coordinator John O’Connell, M0JOC. g0mwt.org.uk/training/index.htm. g0mwt.org.uk

On Wednesday, Chesham and District Amateur Radio Society has a meeting at Ashley Green Memorial Hall. The agenda includes a talk by Guy, M0GUY on home construction techniques and 3D printing.

For details of all the Society’s events and activities, visit g3mdg.org.uk  Malcolm, G3ZNU 01494 890 840

On Tuesday, Chippenham and District Amateur Radio Club has a Club night from 7.30pm. For details of the Club’s events and activities, visit chippenhamradio.club  Brian Tanner, G6HUI 07722 242 741

On Sundays, Coulsdon Amateur Transmitting Society has nets on 145.4MHz from 11am and on 3.7MHz from 5pm. Wednesday sees a net around 70.425MHz from 9pm. secretary@catsradio.org.uk

Crawley Amateur Radio Club meets between 11am and 1pm on Sundays, and 2pm to 3.30pm on Fridays.

On Wednesday, 22 March there will be a talk on Global Navigation Satellite Systems with Mike, G0KAD. The meeting will start at 8pm and non-members are welcome.

The Club is located at Hut 18, Tilgate Recreational Centre, Tilgate Forest, Crawley, West Sussex, RH10 5PH. For more information contact Stewart, G3YSX on 0772 006 8493. stewart@g3ysx.org.uk

Cray Valley Radio Society meets at the 1st Royal Eltham Scout HQ at the rear of 61 to 71 Southend Crescent, Eltham London, SE9 2SD on the first and third Thursdays of the month. Visitors are always welcome.

A face-to-face Foundation licence training course is being planned for two Saturdays in early Spring 2026. Go to cvrs.uk  and click on the ‘Training’ tab to apply early. Courses are open to amateurs from other clubs.

The Society’s 2m net takes place on 145.350MHz on Sundays at 10am. On Friday, there is a net on 70.425MHz from 8pm. All amateurs, especially Foundation licence holders, are welcome to join in with these nets.

Separate contacts with members via these nets can also qualify for the Cray Valley Award Certificate. For more details visit cvrs.uk

On Wednesdays, Crystal Palace Radio and Electronics Club has a net on 145.525MHz from 8pm. On Saturdays, the Club has a net on 51.55MHz FM from 8pm. cprec.org

For details of events and activities organised by Darenth Valley Radio Society, email info@darenthvalleyrs.org.uk  Phil, M0IMA

On Sundays, Dorking and District Radio Society has a net on 3.772MHz SSB from 8.15am. There is also a daily net from Monday to Saturday on 144.775MHz FM from 10am.

A club meeting takes place on Thursday. More details at ddrs.org.uk/calendar or email ddrs.secretary@gmail.com. Sue, M6XUV, ddrs.secretary@gmail.com

Dover Amateur Radio Club has its weekly net on Sundays via the GB3KS repeater from 6.50pm. There is a club meeting on Thursday including a talk on grounding issues by Mac, G6NLZ. For more information visit darc.online  publicity@darc.online

Dunstable Downs Radio Club offers a welcoming environment for both newcomers and experienced radio enthusiasts. From technical presentations and training sessions to field events and international contacts, the Club provides opportunities to learn, share and connect.

Based in Dunstable, the Club meets on the first and third Fridays of the month. To find out more, including how to join or attend a meeting, visit dunstabledownsradioclub.org Alex Gutsa, G0AGT, 0742 9834 888, alex.m7duo@gmail.com

On Wednesday, East Kent Radio Society has a social evening including the Icom-IC 7300 MkII on show and a presentation by DARC on the Marconi weekend. chairman@g0ekr.org

For details of all Edgware and District Radio Society events, visit g3efx.org.uk  g0pqb25@gmail.com

Every Sunday, Felixstowe and District Amateur Radio Society has a net on 145.400MHz from 10am. On Wednesday, there is an open net via the GB3PO repeater from 7.30pm. Mark, M5BOP, fdarsradiosociety@gmail.com

For details of Guildford and District Radio Society’s events and activities, visit gdrs.net  sec.gdrs@virginmedia.com

On Tuesday Hammersmith Amateur Radio Society will be meeting from 7pm at William Morris School Annex, W6 8RB. For more information visit m0xhs.uk/events  info@m0xhs.uk

Harlow and District Amateur Radio Society’s club meeting on Tuesday starts at 9.30am. On Wednesday there is a net on 145.425MHz from 7.30pm.

On Friday, there is a club meeting from 7.30pm. Visitors and new members are welcome. g6ut.com

Harwell Amateur Radio Society has a net via the GB3DI repeater from 3.30pm on Sundays. There are virtual coffee shop events via Zoom at 7.30pm on Mondays, and on Wednesdays and Fridays from 10.30am via Zoom. There is a club net on Wednesday at 3.30pm on 7.150 or 3.710MHz.

On Friday, a Real Coffee Shop event begins at Millet’s Farm café at 10.30am. A net takes place on Friday from 8.30pm on 1.846 or 3.710MHz. There is a net on 145.4125MHz on Saturday from 3.30pm. g3pia.net  secretary@g3pia.net

Hastings Electronics and Radio Club holds a daily simplex net on 144.575MHz at 10am. A CW net is held on Mondays at 8pm on 144.575MHz. Non-members are welcome.

On Wednesdays, usually at 1pm, members meet up at various locations in the area for an afternoon of portable radio on the air on both HF and VHF bands using CW, FM and SSB. Non-members are welcome to visit.

Occasionally, the Club meets on Saturdays around 1pm. As the details vary each week, please visit hastings-electronics-radio-club.com  on Wednesday mornings to view up-to-date information about the location and time of the meeting. Contact Richard via herc.hastings@gmail.com

For details of Hilderstone Radio Society’s events and activities, email secretary@g0hrs.org

On Sundays, Horsham Amateur Radio Club has a net on 3.722MHz from 10am. On Tuesdays the net moves to 144.725MHz from 9.30pm. harc.org.uk

Huntingdonshire Amateur Radio Society’s meeting on Thursday features a presentation by Philip Nichols on RAF Upwood in Cambridgeshire from 1916 to the present day. Mervyn, G4KLE huntingdonshirears@outlook.com

On Sundays, Isle of Wight Radio Society has a C4FM net via GB7PO from 8pm. On Tuesdays, there is a joint club net via the GB3IW repeater from 7.30pm. On Thursdays at 8pm there is another net via the GB3IW repeater. On Fridays, the G3SKY net begins at 7pm. Foundation and Intermediate licence training is available at meetings. iowrs.org

Lowestoft District and Pye Amateur Radio Club has a net on Sundays on 433.575MHz from 7pm. Tuesday sees a net on 145.475MHz from 7pm. The Club meets on Thursdays from 7.30pm. The final net of the week is on Friday on 51.490MHz from 7pm. secretary@ldparc.co.uk

On Wednesday, Loughton and Epping Forest Amateur Radio Society has a digital net on Brandmeister DMR Talk Group 23511. Thursday sees an FM net from 8pm on 144.725MHz.

On Friday, there will be a Zoom meeting from 8pm. David Priest, M0VIUD 07850 120180, secretary@lefars.org.uk

The Martello Tower Group has a net every Sunday at 8pm via the GB3CE repeater. On Mondays, the net via the GB3CL repeater begins at 8pm. martellotowergroup.com

Medway Amateur Receiving and Transmitting Society nets take place each weekday from 9.30am on 144.650MHz. Roger, G0NRL, g0nrl@yahoo.com

On Friday, Mid Sussex Amateur Radio Society is having a social evening at the Millfield Suite, Cyprus Hall, Burgess Hill from 7.30pm. progsec@midsussexars.org.uk, midsussexars.org.uk

Milton Keynes Amateur Radio Society is operating Thinking Day on the Air station GB0MKG for Milton Keynes Girlguiding today, 22 February.

Tomorrow, 23 February members hear an Aspidistra talk by David, G8UOD. The Society’s regular coffee and chat meeting via Zoom takes place on Fridays from 10.30am. Brendan, G8IXK, 07803 192 604

At its meeting on Wednesday, Newbury and District Amateur Radio Society has a talk by Mark, M0CUK on the RSGB’s LoRa balloon challenge.

The meeting starts at 7.30pm in Acland Memorial Hall, Cold Ash. Rob, G4LMW 07970 885614  g4lmw@btconnect.com

Norfolk Amateur Radio Club has a meeting at CNS School on Wednesday at 7.30pm. The Club’s regular Contest Net takes place on Friday from 9pm on 145.250MHz. For details of events, visit norfolkamateurradio.org

North Kent Radio Society has a review of the local repeater at 7.30pm on Tuesday. andyfribbens@btinternet.com

On Sundays, Reading and District Amateur Radio Club has a Club net on 70.425MHz immediately following the GB2RS News.

On Thursday, the Club’s meeting starts at 8pm and includes a photo contest loosely based on amateur radio and hosted by Ace, G0ACE. The event is at the 2nd Woodley Scout Group’s building in Vauxhall Park, Woodley. For details of the Club’s events and activities, visit radarc.org

Shefford and District Amateur Radio Society has a net on 1.985MHz at 7pm each Monday evening. On Thursday there is a natter night and radio operation evening. More details can be found at sadars.co.uk  g8oud@icloud.com

Silverthorn Radio Club has a Club meeting on Friday from 8pm. colin.carter@btinternet.com

On Tuesdays from 2pm, Southdown Amateur Radio Society has a net around 7.100MHz. On Wednesday at 12.15pm there is a café meeting, followed by a net on GB3ZX from 2.30pm. sars.club

Surrey Electronics Makers and Radio Club will be discussing 3D designs for project enclosures at its meeting on Wednesday from 8pm. Graham Smith, G4NMD 07923 574659.

Surrey Radio Contact Club meets on the first and third Mondays of the month, except on Bank Holidays. On Sundays, the Club has a net on 1.905MHz from 9.30am. On Monday there is a net on 3.710MHz at 9am. On Tuesday, a net on 51.55MHz starts at 8pm.

The Wednesday net is on 28.078MHz at 10am. On Thursday from 8pm, there is a net on 70.30MHz. On Friday, a D-Star net on 144.6125MHz starts at 7.30pm, followed by a net on 145.35MHz at 8pm. John, G3MCX, 020 8688 3322

On Thursday, Sutton & Cheam Radio Society has a talk on Mills on the Air by Lyndsay Latimer, M6YMB. For details of all the Society’s events, visit scrs.org.uk secretary@scrs.org.uk

For details of Thames Amateur Radio Group’s activities and events, visit thamesarg.org.uk Andrew Atkinson, M0IXY, secretary@thamesarg.org.uk

Visit wkars.org.uk  for details of West Kent Amateur Radio Society’s events and activities. Phil, G3MGQ secretary@wkars.org.uk

On Friday from 8pm, Whitton Amateur Radio Group has a club night including HF and VHF operating. For more information visit warg.dreamhosters.com

DX News – 22 February 2026

Michael, OZ6ABL is active as 5Z4/OZ6ABL from Watamu in Kenya, until Saturday, 28 February. Activity is on the 80m to 6m bands using CW, SSB, FT8 and FT4. QSL via Logbook of the World, OQRS, or via Michael’s home call.

Ulmar, DK1CE is active as TZ1CE from Bamako in Mali until Sunday, 1 March. He is operating using mainly FT8 on the HF bands. SSB contacts are also possible. QSL via Club Log and Logbook of the World.

Contest News – 22 February 2026

Today, 22 February, the UK Microwave Group EHF Band Contest runs from 0800UTC to 1700UTC. Using all modes on 76GHz to 241GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.

The REF Contest started at 0600UTC yesterday, 21 February and runs until 1800UTC today, 22 February. Using SSB on the 80m to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and serial number.

The ARRL International DX Contest started at 0000UTC yesterday, 21 February and finishes at 2359UTC today, 22 February. Using CW on the 160m to 10m bands, the exchange is signal report and transmitter power. American stations also send their state, and Canadian stations send their province.

Tomorrow, 23 February, the RSGB FT4 Series Contest runs from 2000UTC to 2200UTC. Using FT4 on the 80m to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is your report.

On Tuesday, 24 February the RSGB SHF UK Activity Contest runs from 1930UTC to 2230UTC. Using all modes on the 13cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator.

On Wednesday, 25 February, the United Kingdom and Ireland Contest Club 80m Contest runs from 2000UTC to 2100UTC. Using CW on the 80m band, the exchange is your six-character locator.

On Thursday, 26 February, the RSGB 80m Club Championship runs from 2000UTC to 2130UTC. Using CW on the 80m band, the exchange is signal report and serial number.

The CQ 160m DX Contest starts at 2200UTC on Friday, 27 February and runs until 2200UTC on Sunday, 1 March. Using SSB on the 160m band, the exchange is signal report and CQ zone. American stations also send their state, and Canadian stations send their province.

On Sunday, 1 March, the Worked All Britain 3.5MHz Phone Contest runs from 1800UTC to 2200UTC. Using SSB on the 80m band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and your Worked All Britain area.

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Welcome

Stevenage and District Amateur Radio Society (SADARS) meet at the Resource Centre in Chells, Stevenage every Tuesday at 7:30pm- 9:00pm  

During the year there are talks, competitions, field days and visits to companies and institutions of interest to radio amateurs.  We welcome all people with an interest in Amateur Radio generally.

Please note that to transmit on the Amateur Radio Bands, a radio amateur licence is a legal requirement and exams (Online or Paper multiple choice) are involved.  SADARS has registered trainers and assessors  and the club currently provides  training and assessment at foundation and intermediate licence level.  Do get in touch if you want to know more.

The club runs a Facebook group at this link.