Dufftown Highland Games 2003
Highland Dancing competition. The blue MFARS van can
be seen in the background. (Click for larger photo)
You couldn't help noticing the tower! (Click for larger
photo)
The Provost of Edinvillie eyes the jams and preserves
on display. (Click for larger photo)
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Text and photos by Jim MM0SMD
In July 2003, the 111th Dufftown games were held in the shadows
of the Conval hills. As a local "loon of the toon"
with an interest in ham radio, I though it would be a good
opportunity to demonstrate our glorious hobby to the general
public (and let my neighbours see what happens below the jungle
of wires and aluminium above my shack!).
I asked the MFARS committee if it would be possible to borrow
the caravan and tower, explained my idea and they gave me
the go ahead. After contacting members of the Dufftown games
committee and explaining about the hobby (and the usual confusion
with Inverness-based MFR),
they granted their approval and reserved a spot for us at
the games arena.
The eve of the games soon came round, and I met Robin GM0NEG
and John MM0JMB at Les MM3AXA's Fochabers QTH to sort out
the equipment. Les is kind enough to store our caravan and
mobile tower near his house. My old Vauxhall Astra pulled
the mobile tower up to Dufftown from Fochabers with little
effort and was followed by Eddie MM0EFW in his Range Rover,
who had kindly agreed to haul up the society caravan. At Dufftown,
we didn't let the light drizzle dampen our enthusiasm and
we soon had the antenna tower set up with the Cushcraft A3E
(triband beam) and 40m dipole.
I arrived at the Games Park early on and hooked the radio
up to my 12v battery pack, which I use for working portable.
Conditions were fairly flat on 40m and I heard a few stations
that were setting up for IOTA complaining about the band.
Robin soon arrived and started up his generator and we made
a number of QSOs around the bands with a few of the IOTA stations
before the crowds started to appear. We happened to be sited
next to the Glenfiddich bottle stall and, after purchasing
a number of tickets, Robin and I were both lucky enough to
go home with a couple of bottles of the good stuff.
The caravan had a fair few visitors during the day of all
ages, and many had a wee tinker with the Morse key and oscillator
outside the shack and tapped out their names. Two young-looking
gentlemen, who sent Morse at a terrific speed, informed us
that they were not radio amateurs but ex-army operators who
had been among the last to receive Morse training.
The day flew past and we had a nice view out the caravan
windows of the massed pipe bands, the heavy events, tug of
war and the highland dancing. We managed to give away a number
of information leaflets (RSGB material promoting the society
and ham radio in general) to interested prospective hams.
Thanks to all who helped out on the day. With luck, we'll
be back again. Remember, it's your enthusiasm about the hobby
and participation which make events like this a success. Don't
sit back and say "feed me!" Get up and start cookin!...
Join in!
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