BIWOTA 2025

Saturday 23rd & Sunday 24th August 2025

Saturday morning began around 8:30am, with Stefan M0OSL and Connor 2E0EIY arriving promptly at our operating site for the weekend – the Clock Warehouse in Shardlow, Derbyshire.

The weather was overcast but pleasantly warm, a welcome change from last year’s bank holiday.
The gazebo was quickly erected, and soon the equipment began to be unloaded. Shortly afterwards, Peter G6KUI, Ian G8VXG, and Paul G1SGZ joined us to help with the power cable run through the trees, ensuring trip hazards were avoided.
The trapped dipole went up smoothly this year thanks to some careful planning. By 10am we were on the air using the call GB0SL, starting on HF with the FT-991A and operating FT8 (Connor and Ian at the controls).

Meanwhile, Paul made several 2m contacts using the IC-7100.

Our chairman, Mick G8EHX arrived, while Stefan left to collect XYL Lyndsay M6YMB and Gunnar (providing welcome moral support ahead of International Dog Day).

We also welcomed guest visitor Harry 2E0OCN from Loughborough & District ARS, who spent a good while chatting with the group.

Connor and Stefan stayed overnight on site, logging some notable FT8 DX contacts into Japan, China, and Hong Kong.

On Sunday morning we were back on the air early. With a quieter start, Connor managed to slip away for breakfast before more operators arrived. Later in the afternoon, we were pleased to see David G0BIE, Paul again, and then Rosina G8XAC and Phil G8HIP, who not only gave their support but also helped with the pack-down.

Over the two days, we logged 286 contacts, the majority on FT8 across 40m and 20m, and successfully worked 12 other BiWOTA stations.

A fantastic weekend of radio, teamwork, and camaraderie — many thanks to all who supported the event!

Our thanks once again go out to The Clock Warehouse - Shardlow for being our wonderful hosts.