14 May 2007- "Spring Notes":

Subscriptions are now due for June 2007 to May 2008. The modest fee of £7.50 offsets our site fees so long as you the network user takes the trouble to renew. We have an open network but ask that if you use it to please support it. Thank you.

The work we have done in 2005/6 has enabled the network to run satisfactorily without the large expenditure we had to make to bring it back into a reliable condition. In fact we have moved forward from the 'fire-fighting' type endeavours to being able to furnish significant infrastructure improvements, working from what is now a solid base.

Outside of our area, the loss of the Forest Of Dean node (GB7FD) has impacted greatly on the north-south traffic. The only link north from the NW Swindon nodes currently is south to us on RF then north via internet. The Ridgeway Repeater Group are trying desperately to address this with a new link and we wish them the best of luck and hope they soon find a solution.

Meanwhile, we have benefited from a new link at GB7HP - to GB7LIT-11 at Littlehampton (LITTLE). This is run by Barry G8HQT, who many will remember used to run the well known GATWIK node for many years. His user access frequencies are 144.950 and 432.650 mhz. He also runs GB7ULT APRS Server on 144.800 mhz at the same location.

I am always interested to hear from members whether for help with their system or any need they have that they are not currently getting from the network.

73's and good DX

Richard G0WKL QTHR
g0wkl@gb7pfd