G4DHF 144MHz

Radio History 

I was born in 1954 and became interested in visual astronomy at an early age. This progressed to radio astronomy, which in the late '60's was gaining wider public attention and so I studied for the RAE at Grimsby Technical College and obtained my first licence in 1972 (G8HAE) and obtained my present call in 1974. My fascination with the wide variety of propagation modes on 144MHz has been a constant interest and source of personal motivation. Working as part of a team with Keith, G4ODA and the Five Bells Group (G5B / G4SIV), I have been on many V/UHF dx-peditions over a 15 year period throughout the '80's and '90's, including most of the Scottish Islands, OY and TF. I learned CW in order to work EME and more DX via Aurora and have constantly strived to study and learn from others in order to improve my antennas, operating skills, radio station and knowledge of propagation. I'm continuing to learn and am having the time of my life in doing so! I was Chairman of the RSGB VHF Contests Committee for a few years in the '90's, where I devised and introduced the popular "Backpacker" series of contests.

Professional

In 2009 I took early retirement from teaching, having been Head of Art & Design in a highly successful Specialist Technical College for over 30 years, teaching students from 11 to 18 years, including adults. I was responsible for a faculty, which included Fine Art, Photography, Graphics and Art History. I have always been involved in external assessment at a National Level and now work part time as an Educational Consultant for a  National Examination's Awarding Organisation.

Personal

I have a partner (Jan) who supports my interests. We enjoy walking, particularly around the North Norfolk Coast, which we visit most weekends. In more recent years our holiday visits to Scotland have provided more challenging walks when not playing on the radio.

I am a passionate believer in life-long learning and have devoted my professional life as a teacher facilitating this in students of all ages, regardless of mental or physical ability, race or gender. Education facilitates enlightenment, understanding and promotes tolerance, self-respect and respect for others. It is a journey, which is undertaken with a positive aspect towards life and provides enrichment and fulfilment. It is enabled through the setting of personal goals and openness to learn from a wide range of sources, Cultures and Civilisations. It is frequently spiritual. There is joy in making order out of chaos, discovery and comprehension. It encourages us to reflect, evaluate and empathise. There may, perhaps, be disappointments, but continuing education extends into all aspects of life making us continually adaptable. This is very much a Renaissance ideal where the individual was encouraged to develop skills in art, science, mathematics, music and literature. Education is power.