(always) under construction.
MWRS History...
(These comments of the old Manly Radio Club are written in 2005 by Gerald
Sabin VK2AGS who joined the club around 1936).
The Manly Radio Club (callsign VK2MR) initially commenced at the home of Harry
Knight, who worked at the Fresh Food and Ice Co. in La Perouse St, Fairlight in
approx 1934-1935. They then moved to a large garage situated at the home of a Mr
Huddlestone at 120 Condamine St Balgowlah. In the latter part of 1935 a double-storied
house became available in Fairy Bower Rd Manly and the club occupied this
building until a wall collapsed during a heavy storm which naturally terminated
their tenancy.
Some of the names mentioned to me as original members were Ron Kirton (who very
kindly supplied the information of the formation of the club), George Thornton, Doug
Hardy, Norm Buchanan, Bill Kelly, Alan Furze, Bill Smith, Charles Wilkins & Jim
Haining. Following their move from Fairy Bower Rd, the club obtained permission from
the Navy in 1936 for use of their clubrooms on the East Esplanade, near the Manly
Baths (where the Manly Skiff Club is today). The Navy trained Cadets, part time in
sailing techniques from this building.
The Radio Club had the use of a small room wherein was located their transmitter
& receiver, with the antenna strung from the roof of the building. to one of the
convenient trees nearby. This Building was used until 1939, when with the increase
of training, the Navy required the building full time with the approach of WWII.
VK2MR was finally wound up & disbanded with the assets of the radio club being
disbursed amongst the current members at the time.
There were many radio clubs formed at that time, some being Waverley, Zero Beat,
Lakemba, Hurstville, St George, Nth Western, Gladesville, Illawarra & Manly. Each
had their own individual colours, Manly being white on Black and they all hosted
field days from time to time.
Plenty of space for field days with North Head & Dobroyd Head being just virgin
bush, ideal areas to hide the "fox". Bob le Moine of Harbord always won these events
& eventually I learned his secret. He wound up a 40mx coil as his antenna & once he
obtained the sense, he could walk straight to it!I built up a receiver using a #19
triode, all enclosed in an Arnotts biscuits tin (for shielding) a small battery,
inside for the filaments with teh HT battery underneath, which in those days cost a
packet.This was all assembled in a carrying case for portable use.The antenna
consisted of two crossed pieces of timber with a few coils of wire wound around it.
(very antiquated by todays standard). There was great rivalry between clubs at these
field days in attmpting to find the fox first.
The highlight of that era was the annual radio display held in the Assembly Hall.
Sydney, where each club was designated a space for their stall. Prizes were
allocated for things like the best decorated stall, best display of home brew
equipment etc. I am quite sure a few members of the public would have become
interested in Amateur Radio following those shows.
(Horst VK2HL supplied the following...) I think the club reformed at
Hinkler Park around 1976. Before moving to Beacon Hill from Hinkler Park we were in
limbo for some time and had meetings at the Harbord Diggers Club which was often
attended by local identity Bob "Tex" Morton. We also had club rooms at Warringah
Mall (in the building on the site of what is now Sizzler Restaurant.).
Moving to Beacon Hill at the site of the old Radar Station the club stayed there
until redevelopment (new "Apple" building) forced us to move to our present spot at
Terrey Hills. It was at that time our title was changed from "Club" to "Society".