There were 42 entries in HF (CW) NFD this year, 5 up on 2015. It is pleasing to note that three of these were new entrants or groups who have not entered for several years, all but one of which entered the Restricted-Simple category. Apart from these the balance of entrants between sections has not changed significantly.

Although the total number of NFD contacts made by UK entrants this year was up by 16% (from 27756 to 32138), the continued decline in HF conditions was apparent again, particularly on 10m. The percentage of total NFD contacts made on 10m, which had declined from 11.4% in 2014 to 3.8% in 2015, further declined to 1.1% this year, with only 364 contacts made by UK entrants. The only 10m contacts outside Europe were with PY & UA9. As usual 20m carried the bulk of the traffic - 36.8% of the total, in 68 DXCC entities (only four down on 2015).  This was followed by 40m with 30% of the QSOs in 45 countries, one down on 2015.

Once again, in equipment terms the Elecraft K2 / K3 / KX3 series was dominant, with 29 in use. The only other rigs with more than one appearing were FT5000 (four), FT1000 series (three) and IC756 (three). And antennas followed the usual pattern, with beams for the HF bands and dipoles for the LF bands generally in use in the Open Section. The Restricted and QRP Sections generally used single doublets (flat or inverted V) except for the Restricted-Complex Category where a degree of innovation was apparent (as intended!).

So, on to the leaders! The overall winner was the Restricted-Complex Section entry from Brimham CG (G6MC/P) for the second year running who again take the National Field Day Trophy. The Open Section leader was Stockport RS (G3LX/P), again for the second year running who again take the Bristol Trophy, with De Montfort University ARS (G3SDC/P) second (up from 5th last year) taking the G6ZR/P Memorial Trophy. In the Restricted Section, as stated above the leading station was G6MC/P, followed by North of Scotland RS (GM2MP/P), up from third place last year, who take the Gravesend and Scottish Trophies. And, last but not least, in the QRP Section for the second consecutive year and taking the Reading Trophy, the leader was Horsham ARC, operating this year as G3LET/P - a single operator entry by Peter G3LET. The remaining piece of ironwork, the Frank Hoosen G3YF Trophy, awarded for the leading 20m entry, was fought over this year by three contenders - G3KLH/P, GU4YOX/P and GW0AAA/P. In the end, Three As CG (GW0AAA/P) pipped Castel CG (GU4YOX/P) to the post for the third year running - this time by a margin of a mere 23 points - now that's close! Special congratulations to all the winners - but congratulations too to all those groups who were able to get a station on the air.

Finally, many stations stated that it had been an excellent and enjoyable weekend - no doubt connected to the fact that there were many comments that the weather had been unusually good for NFD. Your adjudicator will be in contact with the Met. Office shortly regarding the 2017 weekend.

g3wrr@rsgbcc.org