A brief history of SKARS
The South Kesteven Amateur Radio Society (SKARS) is based in Grantham, Lincolnshire but is active throughout the surrounding region. The club was formed in 2011 with the first meetings taking place in the back room at the Beehive public house in Grantham.
SKARS has an enthusiastic membership eager to embrace and experiment with emerging technology as well as traditional radio communication. As well as normal amateur radio activities, SKARS has a wide collection of members with interests ranging from Tesla Coils through to High Altitude Balloons.
SKARS has a club licence and the call sign M0SKR which we use at club meetings and other events.
As required, a regional secondary locator identifier is added to the call sign so most times we will be operating as MX0SKR
Please say HELLO if you hear us on the air. We hope to work you on the bands.
SKARS and The RSGB
SKARS is affiliated to the Radio Society of Great Britain. The RSGB is the national organisation for amateur radio enthusiasts. In 2018 the Club came 1st in the RSGB small club of the year after coming 2nd and 3rd in previous years.
Like all societies affiliated to the RSGB SKARS is dedicated to the development of the science and practice of amateur radio. We endeavour to increase awareness and understanding of amateur radio and to make the hobby accessible to everyone.
RSGB membership is not a requirement of being a member of SKARS but is open to all who have an interest in radio communications. Membership gives you a voice in how amateur radio is governed in the UK and the opportunity to influence the direction and policy of the RSGB. The RSGB is a membership-focused organisation.
The RSGB is organised on a Regional basis and there is a small team of volunteers in each Region called Regional and Deputy Regional Managers. SKARS is a member of Region 13 which overs the East Midlands area of central England, from Derbyshire in the north, to the southern portion of Lincolnshire, down to Northamptonshire.
SKARS 2022 Committee Members
The current committee members are:
(Acting) Chair: Steve Marsh M0NMA
Club Treasurer: Steve Marsh, M0NMA
Club Secretary: Russ Ganderson, M7RSG
SKARS Meetings and Club Nets
The club meets the first and third Saturday each month at Richard Shireby G0OJF’s QTH in Rookery Lane, asundbrook, NG32 3RU (find us) Please check the club calendar or Facebook page for the times of future meetings and event information.
You’re welcome to come along to our friendly meetings and take part in our activities, including special event stations, talks, demonstrations, competitions and quiz nights.
All meetings start 10am..
You can always contact us by email at enquiry@skars.co.uk, on facebook or by joining the weekly net on the Grantham 70cm repeater GB3GR from 20:00 each Wednesday. Please feel free to join in, all are welcome.
Everyone is welcome to check-in and participate or even just to monitor. You don’t need to be a member of SKARS to join in!
The GB3GR repeater is on 70CM (RU68)
Repeater Output frequency: 430.8500 MHz
Repeater Input Frequency: 438.4500 MHz (Please note the 7.6MHz split)
CTCSS Tone: 71.9 Hz
Our thanks go to G0OJF, the repeater keeper, who has kindly given permission for the repeater to be used for the SKARS nets.
Please check the SKARS club calendar for details of any future meetings and event times and information.