Westlakes Amateur Radio Club held its Major Field Day Sunday November 9th 2008
An what a day it turned out to be. The club had a field day in every aspect of the phrase.
The day dawned with overcast skies and intermittent morning showers predicted. A prediction that proved correct for no sooner had the early bird volunteers started to assemble the trestles and break out the canopy Huey obliged with a reasonably heavy downpour. It lasted until Club President Dave shouted to the heaven to turn off the tap. Amazingly the rain stopped and the sun broke through heralding a great day in anyway you cared to observe it.
Unaffected by the downpour professional tomato and onion slicer’s, bread roll cutters, and meat handlers were inside busily preparing the food ably supervised by Gloria and VK2ZM’s XYL. Natalie. Who’s assistance during the day was appreciated.
Outside the boot sales were setting up, among them VK2AL who was selling off radios and equipment belonging the late George Pile VK2GP. The proceeds were to go to Georges Widow. Al managed to hand over a pleasing $820 Dollars to Mrs Pile.
The Auction items were loaded onto the tables as were the stores sales while Head Chef Alex VK2ZM was preparing the BBQ hotplate in anticipation of some ravenous appetites.
Gates opened promptly at 9am and scores of anxious Amateurs and friends stampeded through eager to get the early bird bargains. They were brought up short by Michael VK2MJC who had been co-opted to look after the recording of badges and selling raffle tickets.
Once past this hurdle the search began for that much sought after goodie.
Andrews Communications arrived and both Lee and Mandy were kept busy with dozens of amateurs clustered around ogling at the various radios and accessories on offer. It’s fair to say that Lee’s vehicle went home a lot lighter.
A special vote of appreciation goes to Lee for donating a Hand Held Radio for Westlakes to raffle on the day. The enthusiasm shown to secure this prize was very gratifying.
The eventual winner was Paul VK2HV.Who has since been brushing up on his Chinese.
While all this was taking place Alex had the BBQ going full blast assisted By Natalie and Gloria feeding the crowd before the auction got underway at midday.
There was no shortage of spirited bidding and auctioneer Col VK2YP assisted by Dave VK2RD extracted the last available cent on those items knocked down.
Greg VK2CW was kept busy recording the sales while Les VK2ZPA was eagerly accepting the cash.
Like all good things the day went quickly and soon it was time, with dwindling crowds staggering home loaded to the hilt with bargains for the dedicated few to start dismantling and cleaning up. Our appreciation to those who assisted in this chore.
To those who attended and made this day an outstanding success Westlakes Amatuer Radio Club says thank you.
We hope to see you all back for the next Field Day presented by this progressive club.
Frank VK2FJL
