70MHz CW CONTEST - 9/5/2021

The number of entries in the 2021 70MHz CW Contest was a disappointing 20 (twelve in section AO, four in section AR, four in section AL and one check log). This was only 41% of last year's number of entrants, and five down on 2019. A total of 59 valid callsigns appear in the logs, from six DXCC entities, 19 big squares and 41 post codes. The best DX was between GM4ZUK/P (IO86) and  G3TCT (IO81) at 649km.

Congratulations go to the section leaders:

• Open - Allan Duncan GM4ZUK/P (who also wins the Bill Capstick G3JYP Memorial Award)
• Restricted - Robin Thompson G3TKF
• Low Power - Richard Staples G4HGI.

Comments on conditions were centred around 'flat' and 'poor' although they ranged between 'above average' and 'dire'. However there was more agreement on activity which was agreed to be low or very low. Two entrants commented on aircraft scatter - one finding that it helped and the other that there were not enough aircraft about! There were a small number of complaints about noise and QSB, and comments on the weather varied between 'windy' and 'sunny and warm'. Finally three entrants 'damned [the contest] with faint praise' to quote Alexander Pope by noting that 'it was good CW practice'

Quin Collier G3WRR

g3wrr@rsgbcc.org