1.8 Mhz `Club Calls ` AFS contest 2025

There was again a decrease in the number of entrants compared to 2024, with 94 station entries for adjudication this year, down on 106 last year. A total of 44 club teams were represented, a small decrease on 2024. There were 21 teams in the General section and 23 in the Local club section. A total of 50 stations entered the SSB section and 44 entered the Mixed section. At least 4 other clubs were active, but for some reason did not submit a log, which is a pity. Non entrants, including clubs,only contribute 3 points with no bonus.

Band conditions were poor at the start with high QRN and deep QSB reported by many. Also local noise was an issue for many. Stations with high dipoles did best as ever, and many used jury rigged bent dipole and inverted L antennas, and some braved the cold with portable entries.

Comments were received from some southern stations that using the 1870-90 Khz section for CW in this contest caused problems with continental SSB operators, who were very strong in the south of UK.

Congratulations to Camb-Hams `A' for winning the David Hill G4IQM Memorial Trophy for the leading Club team, also the leading Local team, just ahead of last year's winners Spalding and District ARS 'A' , then Norfolk ARC `A'.De Montfort University ARS had the leading General club team score, followed by Addiscombe ARC `A', then Harwell ARS.

Congratulations to M7W (G3TBK) for winning the Ariel Trophy for 1st UK & CD station in the individual station competition, with zero errors. Second place , close behind, goes to M7Z (G4BWP) , both in the mixed section. M0VFC again headed the SSB only section, followed by GX3PYE.

Logs were to a good standard, with just a few requiring rework. A couple of stations sent the wrong club ID and received a penalty. I have reminded those not using the G(X) etc HQ prefix to do so in future.

Thanks to Nick G4FAL for handing out bonuses from GX6XX

73

Mike G3VYI