Extracted from Kent Today February 1997

Radio Ham G4INO tunes into his happy memories

This year is the 75th anniversary of the founding Medway Amateur Radio Transmitting Society, so reporter STUART SOMERS tuned into Chairman George Morris's memories of the group's many happy years. GEORGE Morris, now 70, lives in Masefield Drive, Cliffe Woods, and he keeps his radio rig in his spare room. From there, he can talk on air to fellow enthusiasts across the globe. "We're known as ham radio operators and the name ham is Americanese for amateurs.  "I've been interested in radio since I was 14 and have made ay own radio and TV sets in the past. I use my radio rig most lays and I especially like talking to people across Kent and in Essex as well," he said. George, whose radio call sign is G4INO, is privileged to have known the late founder member Bill Nutton, from Gillingham, who helped start the society in 1922 and was affectionately known as "Naughty Uncle" because of his G6NU call sign. MARTS can actually claim to be older than the BBC. "Bill talked on air to enthusiasts in Australia in 1929 on home made equipment. Most contacts in those days were in Morse code although A.M. (amplitude modulation) was being used more," said George. "At the start of hostilities in 1939, all amateur equipment was confiscated by the Government for security reasons but it was stored and handed back to the owners after the war.”Bill was a member of the- Secret Listeners during the war and it was their job to listen to enemy Morse code and to pass on information to the Ministry. One of the secret listening stations was in a spare room in one of the local cinemas." Since the war, the hobby has taken great strides as radio communication technology has advanced apace. Digital systems and packet radio using computer controlled equipment is the norm and satellite technology has also taken the hobby into orbit, with many amateurs now having their own TV stations from which they can send pictures all over the world. MARTS, which celebrated its 75th anniversary with a dinner at the Cedar Hotel in Strood, currently have 35 members of all ages and from all walks of life. They meet every Friday from 7.30pm at Catkin Hall, Catkin Close, Walderslade Chatham. Just turn up if you are interested in joining.

Pictures shows from left to right Ken G1JYT, John G6IVP, George G4INO, George G7CEL, Gloria G3VUN, Kevin G8VJU and Geoff G3YVF.