After a number of changes to the scoring system for the UK activity contests over the last few years the current system of 500 points per large locator worked (B4), introduced in 2018, was unchanged this year. It gives a good incentive to look for QSOs all around the UK as well as rewarding stations who manage to work some DX, when the opportunity arises. One change in the scoring system was made this year, on the microwave bands, where the bonus system is not used, which is to calculate the normalised scores using the square route of the points total.

Once again around 10,000 logs, containing over 300,000 QSOs were adjudicated over the year. Although this process is highly automated, I would like to pass on my thanks to the adjudication team on behalf of all the over 700 entrants who took part in these contests this year.

There were some particular notable QSOs this year in including some via sporadic E propagation.

The 6m band saw openings in June July and August. The best DX on 6m was between G7LRQ/P and VO1FOG at 3740km in June. The July 2m session was also blessed with Es propagation, the best here was between GI4SNA and IZ8DSX at 2139Km. The final session on 2m also saw good propagation into Scandinavia with many entrants making QSOs into OZ and SM, the best was between G1YBB/P and SK7CY at 1144Km. The best conditions in the 70cms sessions occurred in May, again favouring the path to OZ and SM, the best was between G4ZTR and SM6VTZ at 993Km. There were no big opening on 23cms this year, nevertheless a number of QSOs over 900Km were made, the best was between G4ODA and SM6VTZ at 970Km in the June and July sessions. The best conditions in the microwave sessions were in the August session with many QSOs being made on the higher bands via rain-scatter, including QSOs between G4CLA and OZ1FF over a 700Km path on 6cms and 3cms via tropo-enhanced RS.

The leading club in the Local Club Section is Hereford ARS, with an outstanding result. They scored maximum points on all VHF bands and in the overall SHF table giving them an unbeatable grand total of 6000 points. They are therefore awarded the Bolton Wireless Club Trophy for the second year running. In second place this year are the Worksop ARS up from third last year with improved scores on all bands, well done to all those involved. Up to third place, this year is the Bolton Wireless Club, who helped make these activity events so popular in the early years of their conception. It's good to see them climbing the tables again. In all 36 clubs entered the Local Section, one up on 2018.

It was another stellar year for the 807 ARO club who once again dominated the General Club Section this year, scoring a maximum of 6000 points by improving their SHF score of 2018. They are to be congratulated not only on their fine performance but also in generating such a high level of activity from their members. The UKACs are all about getting club members on the air and encouraging activity, which makes the contests such fun. Once again in second place, this year is the Drowned Rats RG, who improved their score from last year with a much-improved score in the SHF events. Third place this year is an extremely close contest between the Northern Fells, sixth in 2018 and Wirral & DARC, who were fifth last year. Only 12 points separate the two clubs with Northern Fells just winning out.

The top of the table in the Individual Scores is a repeat of last year with the G4DEZ award again going to Pete G4CLA, just ahead of Keith G4ODA. Both of these stations making big scores in the microwave events to help boost their final totals. No less than five entrants made more than 5000 points this year. Steve, G1YBB is in third place. Steve's achievement is significantly notable as he operated portable in all the events during the year and used a maximum of only 10W output.

There were 61 entries from Intermediate Licensees this year, the top-scoring of which is John, 2E0DXK from Matt, 2E0MDJ in second and James, 2E0OUT in third. Congratulations to all three and especially to John who receives this year's highest placed certificate. The Foundation Licensee highest placed certificate this year goes to Andrew M6VUK, Mary M6KMB and Donna M7DON were second and third respectfully in this category in which there were 42 entries. The highest placed non-UK station this year is Jacques F1BHL, who is always a big signal from his portable location on the north cost of France.

Another year passes and it is time to look forward to 2020, a new decade and hopefully plenty of good fortunes to come for all the UKAC participants. On behalf of all the adjudicators I hope you enjoyed this year's events and we look forward to seeing you all on the VHF and up bands again next year.

Pete G4CLA.