My introduction to Amateur Radio came when I purchased a Radio Shack Scanner to see what I could listen to on those Radio Frequencies outside of the regular Broadcast Bands. Whilst tuning around the frequencies I came across the GB3SN 2 Metre Amateur Radio Repeater and spent a lot of time listening to the various QSOs that took place. I then made contact with Chris who introduced me to the Farnborough and District Amateur Radio Club. I then decided to study for the required exam, at that time my interests were in VHF and UHF activity and therefore I decided not to study Morse. After passing the RAE and receiving my license I focussed on the Two Metre Band. My first station consisted of a Yaesu FT280 2 metre Multi mode and a crossed eight element Jaybeam Yagi as a base station and a Standard C8800 2 metre FM rig to a 7/8 Mobile antenna in my car. I constructed my own power supply and experimented with the G2BCX 'Slim Jim' Vertical Antenna for 2 Metres. I also built various other items of equipment for the shack. The station was set up at my home QTH which was now Swindon, as I had moved their with my work, I joined the Swindon and District Amateur Radio Club. I made many good friends there and still keep in contact today. I then moved to Newbury due to my work and my activity gradually decreased until I dismantled my Station and let my License lapse.

My youngest son, Alex M3BNB, reawakened my interest in Amateur Radio when we went to the Newbury and District Amateur Radio Society's Annual Car Boot sale in June 2002. We had gone to the Car Boot Sale looking for computer parts and he started asking lots of questions about Amateur Radio. As a result we ended up buying a 2 Metre Fm Rig and I had signed him up for the Foundation Course to be held by the Newbury and District Amateur Radio Society in September of that year. I made enquiries with the Radiocommunications Agency and was able to reactivate my licence. I then started to rebuild an Amateur Radio Station for both of us. My Wife, Avril, took the Foundation Course in September 2003 and now holds the Call Sign M3KIE. Avril is intending to take the Intermediate license later this year 2004.