Success at 2024 Telford Hamfest

It began Saturday before the Hamfest – GQRP were on location with their convention, Harper Adams was having a weekend of amateur radio and a dog training event! We have made a move after listeining to visitors comments that the shape and size available in the Student Bar venue for the Hamfest was limiting and created some pinch points. There were inconvenient walls which stopped optimal use. So we discussed with the university and they offered us a fully open sports hall. Technically the same building size but all of it was usable. So we laid out tables all around the outside and made two islands in the middle – this gave a good walkway. Outside was to have been as usual but we were offered the use of a marquee which the university had onsite for a recent degree ceremony. This was to be a fall-back if needed to keep the outdoor traders dry.

We had bookings really early upto about 90% sold in the last couple of weeks – then just before the Hamfest Lamco asked if they could have space – we were full but some moving around of traders we fitted them in.

Th eday before, we put out all the table, electricity was provided to traders tables who needed it. Signposts were put out – road works were all over the place so that took a bit of thought. Some traders were staying locally and wanted to set up on the saturday. All catered for.

What a day – a lovely sunny morning we were ready along with all the traders who had thier morning free hot drink and biscuits. 10:15 came and visitors were finding their new way into the Hamfest, past the new location for the bring and buy stand and then into the big hall. Traders were busy and talks took place during the morning and the excellent catering was very popular. The RSGB stand got new members and sold most of the books they had. THe walkways were always clear but the visitor totals were slightly up on last year and people stayed longer.

Club members helped traders pack away and good reports were given to TDARS. A certain large organisations has already asked to come again next year!

Contact John M0JZH to book early on secretary@tdars.org.uk

Some photos from the day