This contest must be one of the most challenging of the year to enter because of the combined effects of the weather (snow, rain, ice and high winds were all reported), the need to go to work for those who have to and (perhaps more problematically) the requirements of 'family' who may not understand the need to break out the radios during the Christmas period.  But for those who did get qrv most reported a low activity but otherwise enjoyable contest.

A brief reminder to read the rules before the contest.  Several stations lost qsos because operators are required to be RSGB Members in this contest, by having part of the station outside 1km and by working the same station twice (only one qso is allowed even if the station uses more than one callsign).  Some entrants had not read the definition of 'SF' and were moved to the open section (note the definitions are different for 2018).  The standard of log keeping was good - with some days/bands having no bad QSO's.

Overall

Open section - In first place was G3PIA with G0LGS in second.

SF - First place to G3MEH and second place to GW8ASD. Leading overseas station is PE1EWR.  Certificates also to G8LZE (winner, 25w single antenna), 2W0JYN (leading intermediate) and to M6JIJ (leading foundation).

50MHz

The conditions gods decided to throw in some Es for this contest with several stations working 9A and I on 27 Dec.  There were more entries than in 2016 (2017 average 31, 2016 average 20).

In Open the band leader was G3PIA and the runner up G0LGS.  In SF it was G8LZE (despite only running 25w) and G8ZRE - certificates to all.

70MHz

No Es on 70MHz this year and conditions were generally reported to be poor.  There were marginally more entries than in 2016.

In the open section the band leader was G3PIA and the runner up G0LGS.  In SF it was G4BWP with GW8ASD in second place - certificates to all four.

144MHz

Conditions were also poor on this band, with none of the tropo of the 2016 event.  There were fewer entries on this band than in 2016 (average of 44 in 2017, 60 in 2016).

In the open section the band leader was G3PIA and runner up G0MJW/P.  In SF it was G0BBB and G3MEH respectively.  Certificates for all.

432MHz

Conditions on 432MHz were also reported to be poor. There were more entries on this band than in 2016 (average of 30 v 24).

The open section was won by G3PIA and runner-up G0MJW/P.    SF was won by G3MEH with G3SQQ in second place. The usual certificates have been awarded.

Congratulations to all certificate winners.

Stephen Purser GW4SHF