Maggie Fair 2004

The Maggie Fair is a traditional village fair which has been held each June in Garmouth, near the mouth of the River Spey, for over 400 years.

Folk from the village and surrounding area gather for an afternoon of activities including craft and produce stalls, bric-a-brac stands, daft competitions, sporting events and other attractions. The fair is opened by the village Laird, who is actually a lady...

For the last few years, Moray Firth ARS has set up its HF/VHF station alongside the various other stands and invited folks to see what ham radio is all about.

The operating setup usually includes our triband beam (20/15/10m) and dipoles for 40m and 80m on the mobile tower, all driven by an FT920 or FT847 running from a small generator. We also have 2m gear for a few local contacts.

Setting up the evening before the fair gives us a chance to check that everything is working and get in a few contacts, so we can avoid rushing around on the morning of the fair.

Stations we contact are always interested to hear how long the fair has been running, and some of the local area history - Bonnie Prince Charlie once lodged at a house in the village on his travels, and the river mouth area used to be a major ship-building and salmon-fishing centre.

We were explaining to one ham in Mongolia where Garmouth was, and were surprised to discover that he came from Peterhead! This was Laurence Howell, GM4DMA, who works with Raleigh International.

It's a good, fun way to advertise ham radio, with locals and visitors of all ages wandering around and usually plenty to see and do.

Jim Skelton firing up his scale traction engine, which is a regular feature at the Maggie Fair. (Click for larger photo)

Engine rides go down well with the children (and adults too!). (Click for larger photo)