A SCHOOL is hoping to reach radio listeners from all over the world to celebrate a special anniversary.
Eureka Primary School, in Dunsmore Way, Midway, has been working with the Swadlincote and District branch of the Royal British Legion on a unique idea to celebrate the legion’s 91st birthday.
Jacqui Johnson, who teaches information and computer technology (ICT) at the school, set up an amateur radio station with her husband, and with the help of six enthusiast pupils, will be hoping to make contact with other keen amateurs from as far away as South America.
She said: “On Sunday, July 1, from around 10am to 5pm, we are holding a special event station for the Royal British Legion to commemorate the anniversary of the Swadlincote branch.
“I have been liaising with the branch’s secretary Glyn Jackson to set up the event and we have a special call sign for the event that day — GB2SBL (Swadlincote British Legion).
“Our school has its own amateur radio station with the call sign, M0GND.
“It was started by my husband Bob, who is the callsign holder, and I.
“We have a group of six children who are really keen and enjoy communicating with other radio amateurs.
“The children and I, plus some of the local club — South Derbyshire and Ashby Woulds Amateur Radio Group — will be calling around the world over the day.
“I already have amateurs from Portugal, Northern Ireland and the Falklands interested in taking part if we can make contact it will be fabulous.
“We hope to make contact with as many as possible. The children have designed special QSL cards for the event too, to confirm the QSO (radio contact).
QSL is one of the ‘Q codes’ used in radiocommunication and radio broadcasting. A Q code message can stand for a statement or a question (when the code is followed by a question mark).
Mrs Johnson added: “This is a very interesting hobby — not many primary schools have their own amateur radio station.”
