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H.A.D.A.R.S. members at an event

They say that amateur radio is a great way to introduce people of any age to the world of science. Radio 'hams' have been at the heart of developing communications technology for years and certainly have moved with the times.

These days joining a club is not just about speaking into the ether hoping to speak to people abroad. It's about using some of the latest technologies including microwave links and computers to find numerous ways of communicating information to people all over the globe and even into space. More recently, 'packet radio' and AM TV are also areas they're involved with.

Each year a special exhibition tours the country which is organised by the Radio Society of Great Britain. On visiting schools, children are given the opportunity to talk to people aboard the International Space Station. Some amateurs have even spoken to the crew aboard the space shuttle and also Russian space stations.

Keith's son Paul started at an early age

The Hull and District Amateur Radio Society has a small but loyal group of members who are involved in numerous activities connected with amateur radio. They help people study for examinations and also on a more practical level help people build and test their own equipment. Based at the West Hull Community Centre, on GoathlandΜύ Close off Walton Street the group welcomes potential members of all ages. Keith Shaw says if anyone is interested in joining then they can call him on (01482) 217776

Locally the group is involved in many events, from Hull's Sea Shanty festival to taking part in Science Week. The group is also on standby in case the mainstream communications system falls down in the case of emergency. Keith says the group was put on standby during the flooding in Hull in 2007. He says that in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, radio amateurs in the United States providedΜύ a vital link helping the authorities assess the situation and provide assistance where needed.

Amateur radio has some high profile supporters, including Lord Rix, Priscilla Presley, astronaut Helen Sharman and even U.S. politician Hilary Clinton has been heard on air.