The UK weather continues to keep us guessing as to whether we need to pack waterproofs or sun screen for this event!  2025 proved to be another year where waterproof clothing was a prudent accessory for those operating portable in the UK&CD.  Both fixed and portable stations were most likely affected by the thundery conditions crossing the country, rain static for me peaked in the mid-afternoon with audible thunder.

Entrant numbers were slightly down on last year but there were 86 other stations in the logs running 10W or less, some made quite a few contacts but didn't submit a log.  80m proved to be only useful for inter-G contacts but 40m propagation was generally good within the UK&CD and Europe throughout the day.  20m provided a few DX contacts to east coast USA and UN7, both before and after the lunch break, unusually this year the skip shortened considerably on this band allowing UK&CD stations to work each other and some nearer Eu stations.

The frequency recommendations noted in the rules were again useful to assist finding the weaker low power stations.  However entrants are again reminded that the overall frequency limits must be adhered to, in particular the upper limit of 14060kHz which ensures compliance with the IARU Region 1 band plan, one contact was disallowed where the logged frequency was above 14060kHz.  Entrants are also reminded that remote receivers are not permitted in this contest, see rule 4(k).  For this year voluntary registration by entrants was introduced and a few took advantage of this.  As in NFD this can be useful to know who to look out for, particularly the portable stations.

Thanks to all the non-UK stations that participated, propagation into Europe and Ireland can be very variable in the summer so making a decent score is not guaranteed.  With a few more entrants, both UK and non-UK, this contest can be a really enjoyable day for portable and fixed stations alike so can we encourage other low power enthusiasts we know to take part next year?

Congratulations to all the Trophy and Certificate winners, note that although entrants can be Assisted or Unassisted, the trophies are only awarded to Unassisted entries.

John G4CZB