Telford Hamfest success
September 6 was a good day for TDARS with the Hamfest which brought in about the same as last years event. 350 visitors made their way to Harper Adams University .
Having secured a university as a host location, solving many of the problems that come with keeping hundreds of visitors happy and safe. The Hamfest grew out of the old Telford Rally, when it was one of many which attracted up to 3,000 visitors. Fond memories of using the malls of a local shopping centre which ended due to change in Sunday trading laws.
The name Telford Hamfest came out of a member’s suggestion to differentiate from the old name, it having failed due to location problems.
Now the Hamfest has now found a natural home at the rural Harper Adams University campus. The venue offers the wider range of services required by a modern event, with accessibility and extensive free parking among its principal advantages.
The large sports hall served as the main trading area, with 90 tables sold. Two additional traders arrived on the day and were also provided with tables.
While modern radio rallies do not always attract the larger traders, LAMCO and Canny Components have become regular attendees.
The range of exhibitors included BATC, the Shropshire Linux Users Group, SOTA and G-QRP, as well as radio clubs including Staffordshire ARS and Wolverhampton ARS.
There were many other traders, both large and small, including familiar names from rallies past: John Dosher, Ernie G4LUE, Kanga, Mickey’s Electronics, Q26 Microphones, QRP Labs, with Hans Summers on hand for a chat, UMPP Paddles, and many others. Organisers also provided the regular rally staples: the Bring and Buy, and club stands. The entrance area included the ever-popular outdoor stalls. Thankfully, the weather was kind despite the long, hot summer having finally broken.
Organisers Telford and District Amateur Radio Society (TDARS) were very pleased to have a visit from RSGB Chairman, Graham Smith, RSGB Secretary Stephen Purser who joined District Representative 53, John M0XJA and District Representative 55 (Staffordshire) Leigh Preece on the RSGB stand.
The post-event meeting heard that more than 360 visitors attended—only four fewer than last year. Organisers had been concerned that the new parking registration process with parking remaining free, might affect attendance., reports showed otherwise. Additional volunteers were therefore stationed at the entrance, supporting if necessary. Hamfest promotional posts on social media also included parking information. The club identified that organising volunteers and each knowing their job and being there makes the event happen without problems and should problems happen, be more able to sort them out.
Reports indicated that the process had no noticeable impact on those attending the Hamfest, and that visitors received plenty of assistance. Registration remained available from Friday until the Monday following the event, and the university supplied a webpage sending registrations to the company that now manages on-site parking.
It must be noted that the G-QRP Convention was also run on-site on the Saturday before, with G-QRP also providing 3 lectures at the Hamfest on sunday. TDARS received a positive report from G-QRP.
Overall, comments were that the Hamfest was smoothly run and that any problems were resolved promptly. There were some comments regarding signage for the toilets, which the club will endeavour to improve ahead of the next Hamfest in 2027.
