Release Date: 30 May 2008 British Wireless for the Blind Fund, a national charity that provides radios for blind and partially sighted people, celebrated its 80th birthday today with the opening of new headquarters in Maidstone and the launch of a highly advanced new radio. TV and radio stars “Whispering” Bob Harris and Ed “Stewpot” Stewart officially launched the unique new sound system that has been named ‘Concerto’. The new set combines a CD Bookmark function, especially designed for BWBF by Roberts Radio, with DAB and FM radio and SD (Secure Digital) Card capabilities. The CD Bookmark function allows the listener to pause a CD and automatically remembers the last played position. This means that anyone listening to an audio book can stop it and return later to exactly the same point in the story. Bob Harris said; The opening ceremony at BWBF’s new HQ was performed by the Mayor of Maidstone, Councillor Denise Joy. She was supported by the High Sheriff of Kent, Richard Oldfield and Deputy Lieutenant of Kent, Bill Cockcroft. The celebrities, dignitaries and friends were shown the new offices which will allow the charity to expand its existing work Peter McDonagh, Chairman of BWBF trustees welcomed everyone to the new premises and said; Notes to Editors
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READING THROUGH AUDIO GROUP Please note that the advertised web address for the Reading Through Audio Group is incorrect. The correct address is www.readingthroughaudio.org.uk
The Group apologies for any inconvenience caused. |
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New Category for Transmission 2008 The BWBF used the prize giving event at Sandford Mill as an opportunity to launch a new category for the next Transmission: a young person's prize for special achievement, aimed at the under 18s. The award will go to a young person who has made an outstanding contribution to the Transmission event, for example, in fundraising, helping others or making a high number of contacts. In 2008 Transmission will take place over the weekend of 20th & 21st September 2008; make a note in your diary now so you don’t forget to join in – everyone’s welcome! |
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TOP PRIZE FOR RADIO HAM SIMON Eltham radio ham Simon Treacher has scooped first prize in a national charity event to provide specially adapted radio equipment for blind and partially sighted people in need. Simon, aged 20, made the most radio contacts during the annual Transmission competition organised by the Kent-based British Wireless for the Blind Fund (BWBF). The event involves radio amateurs from across the UK making as many sponsored contacts with fellow amateurs as possible over 48-hours to raise money for the charity. Simon, an electrical technician at Crayford-based electronics firm Texcel Technology, made 323 contacts, mainly using Morse code, to contact fellow radio amateurs as far afield as Argentina and Japan. “It is the first time I’ve taken part in the event as an individual and I’m absolutely delighted to have won the prize. The BWBF is a very worthy cause that provides a vital service to people who are visually impaired,” he said. Simon has had an amateur radio licence since he was 16. Both Simon, and his father Bob, are members of the Cray Valley Radio Society, founded in 1946. Bob is the society’s president. The BWBF loans a range of radios to registered blind and partially sighted people in need; The sets, which include a digital radio and one which incorporates a CD and cassette recorder have been specially adapted for ease of use by blind and partially sighted people. Simon received his award from BWBF Chairman, Peter McDonagh and Radio Society of Great Britain president Angus Annan at a presentation at Sandford Mill Science and Industry Museum, Chelmsford. Said Mr McDonagh: "I was really impressed by Simon’s kindness, enthusiasm and interest in raising money for BWBF. We are so very grateful for all his hard work on our behalf.” To find out more, or support the work of the British Wireless for the Blind Fund, visit: www.blind.org.uk or call 01634 832501.
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TOP PRIZE FOR RADIO HAM North Staffs radio amateur Roger Bloor has scooped first prize in a national charity event to provide specially adapted radio equipment for blind and partially sighted people in need. Dr Bloor, from Newcastle-under-Lyme, raised the most money in the individual category of the annual Transmission competition, organised by the British Wireless for the Blind Fund (BWBF). The event involves radio amateurs from across the UK making as many sponsored contacts with fellow amateurs as possible over 48 hours to raise money for the charity. Dr Bloor, operating from the newly-established "Radio Shack" at Kibblestone International Scout Camp at Oulton, near Stone, raised £250. “I decided to raise funds for BWFB because my wife suffered a stroke 18 months ago and has lost much of her vision and is registered blind,” said Dr Bloor, Senior Lecturer in Addiction Psychiatry at Keele University and Medical Director at North Staffordshire Combined Healthcare NHS Trust. “Thankfully she has retained enough vision to operate an ordinary radio, but her loss of vision made me realise how much we take for granted, and how valuable the services provided by BWFB are.” The BWBF loans a range of radios to registered blind and partially sighted people in need; The sets, which include a digital radio and one which incorporates a CD and cassette recorder have been specially adapted for ease of use by blind and partially sighted people. BWBF chairman Peter McDonagh: "I was really impressed by Dr Bloor’s kindness, enthusiasm and interest in raising money for BWBF. We are so very grateful for all his hard work on our behalf.” To find out more, or support the work of the British Wireless for the Blind Fund, visit: www.blind.org.uk or call 01634 832501. |
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NORTH NORFOLK RADIO HAMS SWEEP THE BOARD
Radio amateurs from North Norfolk have been presented with their award for sweeping the board at a national competition to raise money to help blind and partially sighted people in need. The Bittern DX group won both club prizes in the annual Transmission competition organised by the British Wireless for the Blind Fund (BWBF) who provide specially adapted radio, and CD, radio cassette recorders. The event involves radio amateurs from across the UK making as many sponsored contacts with fellow amateurs across the world as possible over a period of 48-hours. For the second year running, the club won the award for the most money raised, bringing in a total of: £1750. The Bittern group also won the category for the most contacts made during the event: 1165 contacts. Steve Balding, Bittern DX Group chairman, received both trophies on behalf of the club from Radio Society of Great Britain president Angus Annan and BWBF Chairman, Peter McDonagh at a presentation at Sandford Mill Science and Industry Museum, Chelmsford. Steve said the “Bittern DXers” were delighted to have scooped both prizes. “This is the second year we’ve won the most money raised category. We’re determined to win it again next year to make it three in a row!” Said Angus: “It was great to see radio amateurs helping others through their commitment and efforts in the hobby. It was a pleasure to be able to congratulate the winners and celebrate their efforts at a marvellous venue that reflected so much of the history of radio in the UK.” BWBF chairman Peter McDonagh said: "I was really impressed by the kindness, enthusiasm and interest of all our radio amateurs in raising money for BWBF. We are so very grateful to them all." The Bittern DX group operated from Emcy Garden & Leisure near Holt during the Transmission weekend. It is the third year owners Mike and Caroline Crane have helped BWBF by playing host to the club. Sandford Mill is the home of the Marconi Writtle Hut from which the first regular sound broadcasts in the UK were made in February 1922 under the call-sign Two Emma Toc (2MT). The BWBF loans digital radios and CD radio cassette recorders to blind and partially sighted people in need. The sets have been specially adapted for ease of use by blind and partially sighted people. To find out more, or support the work of the British Wireless for the Blind Fund, visit: www.blind.org.uk or call 01634 832501. |
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Transmission 2007 Awards at Sandford Mill
The annual Transmission event, organised by the British Wireless for the Blind Fund (BWBF), involves radio amateurs from across the UK making as many contacts with fellow amateurs as possible. On Sunday, 9th December, the prize-giving for the 2007 event took place at the Sandford Mill Science and Industry Museum, Chelmsford and people came from far and wide. Dr Geoff Bowles, curator of the museum, welcomed everyone and gave a short introduction that explained the relevance of the venue for the day’s event. He pointed out that the Marconi Writtle Hut was provided by Marconi's for early broadcasting to radio amateurs - before there was any professional broadcasting – under the call-sign Two Emma Toc (2MT). President of the Radio Society of Great Britain (RSGB), Angus Annan, MM1CCR, had been invited to present the Transmission trophies and he was introduced by Peter McDonagh (BWBF’s Chair). Angus’s first job was to present the plates for the individual winners. Simon Treacher, from Orpington, Kent, made the most number of contacts (323) and he was present to receive his silver plate. Dr Roger Bloor, from Newcastle under Lyme, who raised the most money (£250.44) was unable to be there. The award for the most money raised for the second year running went to the Bittern DX Group, who brought in £1750. The group also won the category for the most contacts made (1165) during the 48-hour event. Steve Balding (Bittern DX Group chairman), received both trophies on behalf of the club; he was joined by a group of 9 club members who had participated in the event. He said that the “Bittern DXers” were delighted to have scooped both prizes: “This is the second year we’ve won the most money raised category. We’re determined to win it again next year to make it three in a row!” Commenting on the event, Angus Annan said: “It was great to see radio amateurs helping others through their commitment and efforts in the hobby. It was a pleasure to be able to congratulate the winners and celebrate their efforts at a marvellous venue that reflected so much of the history of radio in the UK.” BWBF chairman Peter McDonagh said: "I was really impressed by the historic venue and our generous hosts at Sandford Mill, but above all, the kindness, enthusiasm and interest of all our radio amateurs in raising money for BWBF stood out like a beacon. We are so very grateful to them all." Chelmsford Amateur Radio Society generously supported the event, showing visiting amateurs around the venue. Although they hadn’t taken part in the event they presented a cheque to Peter McDonagh to support the work of the Fund. Friends of the museum provided a much welcomed hot drinks and eats and we are grateful to everyone who made this is such a special day for us all. The final sum raised by the competition was: £4518.55. PRIZEWINNERS INDIVIDUALS Most Contacts Made Simon Treacher 2E0CVN – 323 Most Funds Raised Dr Roger Bloor G7RSM - £250.44 CLUBS Most Contacts Made Bittern DX Group GB2TX – 1165 Most Funds Raised Bittern DX Group GB2TX - £1750.00 |
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British 10K London Run – 1st July 2007 This year 5 runners took part in the event on behalf of the Fund. We raised a grand total of £1,086.49 and very much hope we can exceed this total next year. Amongst the runners were RSGB President Angus Annan and Finance Director Marilyn Slade. We’re hoping other fit radio amateurs will follow their example and join in next year when the run will take place on Sunday, 6th July 2008. If you’d like to join in – or know someone else who might, contact Lesley West at the Fund (Lesley@blind.org.uk) |
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London Marathon 22 April 2008 Barry Strutt, an Aberdare man in his 70’s made us proud by partaking in this race and finishing in a grand time of 4:54:55. Barry raised a fantastic sum for us and we are hugely grateful to him. We don’t have any bond places for the Marathon but if anyone has a place and would like to run for us, do get in touch and we’ll help all we can with publicity and promotion. |
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DJ DARREN GETS HIS JUST DESERTS It was the endurance race that defeated TV’s ‘Adrenaline Junkie’ Jack Osbourne, but not for BFBS Presenter Darren Carrington who broke through the pain barrier to complete the toughest foot race on earth In searing temperatures hitting 1200F, Darren Carrington, who was raising money for Chatham charity, the British Wireless for the Blind Fund (BWBF), had plenty of time to reflect on his “moment of stupidity” as he pushed himself to the very limits of human endurance. Physically exhausted and in a lot of pain, Darren still had another 35km of stage four to struggle through to reach the next two checkpoints and, finally, base camp in the gruelling ‘Marathon of the Sands’. Billed as the toughest foot race on earth, the Marathon des Sables is a race against the clock across the Sahara Desert that equates to nearly six full marathons in seven days. Anyone who does not make the time limit for each stage is automatically disqualified. On the night section of day four, the dance DJ said: “I was all alone in the middle of the Sahara running the longest section of the race – 82km in 34 hours. “It was the middle of the night, pitch black, with only the light of the moon to guide me as my head torch was disorientating me. “Three of my Sahara Seven team-mates were ahead of me, and three were behind. I was exhausted and my feet were agonising. “Although I’d questioned why I had entered the race many times while I was labouring across the harsh terrain, this was the first time I actually felt like quitting. “The winds had started gusting and my muscles had seized up. I had no one to will me on and I felt utterly on my own. I was at the point of giving in. “Then sheer bloody-mindedness kicked in. I knew that if I could only reach base camp that night I wouldn’t have to race the next day. “With no one else around, I did what comes naturally to all DJs – I started talking to myself. It kept me going and I certainly put the world to rights!” Darren recalled. It was that sheer determination that got him through to the end of the marathon – a race that had taken him 243 km (151 miles) across the desert in temperatures reaching up to 500C. “I’ve never been particularly sporty,” admitted Darren, who has worked alongside the likes of dance supremo Pete Tong and now works for the British Forces Broadcasting Service (BFBS) in Cyprus. “BFBS had aired a television programme on Castaway star and TV presenter Ben Fogle competing in the Marathon des Sables. “Then the station was approached by Corporal Mark Moscrop – an RAF dog handler based at Akrotiri - who was planning to take part in the 2006 race, the idea of work colleague Cpl Damo Heartford. “Mark was enquiring about radio and TV coverage for their venture and, as he was leaving the office, he asked if anyone from BFBS would be interested in taking part. “I was aware of the race as I had seen the same programme. My dad passed away in December 2002 and I had thought about raising funds for charity, but never got around to doing so and, without really giving it much thought, I said I might be. It was a moment of weakness and stupidity,” Darren recalled. “In May 2005, I was part of the Sahara Seven team training alongside Corporals Mark Moscrop, Chris Taylor, Mark Robson, Daryl Adams and Damo Heartford, and Sergeant Max Tate. “The guys decided to fundraise for SSAFA Forces Help, while I chose to raise money for the hospice where my father died and for the British Wireless for the Blind Fund (BWBF) – one of the charities supported by BFBS. “BWBF provides specially adapted audio equipment to blind and partially-sighted people throughout the UK, and many serving and ex-service personnel have benefited since the charity was founded in 1928,” Darren explained. “We had hoped to enter the 2006 race, but that was already full so we were automatically entered for 2007. In July 2005, we started training. “The only team member who’d ever competed before was Max Tate, who’d taken part in the Great North Run, which is a half-marathon. For the rest of us, it was simply a case of building up mileage, stamina and the right mental state of mind. “The Marathon des Sables is a self-sufficiency event, and we were expected to carry enough food for seven days – providing us with a minimum of 2,000 calories per day. “We also had to carry cooking equipment, a change of clothing, emergency flares and a first aid kit. It came to around 16 kilos. Only water and basic tentage was supplied by the organisers.” Darren added: “Being based in Cyprus meant that we were able to train in the heat, and in hilly, stony terrain. I also did a secondment with BFBS to Iraq in 2006, so took advantage of the conditions to acclimatise myself.” But it wasn’t just the heat the runners had to contend with. The route varied from salt flats and stones to mountains and towering, undulating sand dunes. “Your feet get accustomed to running over a certain type of surface, but this changed every few kilometres. We wore gaiters attached with Velcro to the edge of our running shoes and sealed with zinc oxide tape. If you got sand in them it would be like running on sandpaper,” Darren explained. “But my biggest mistake was not buying running shoes that were at least one full size bigger because your feet swell in the heat. “As a result, I suffered dreadfully with my feet and had terrible blisters and nail trauma which, with continued abuse day after day, affected the quick on the big toes, which subsequently ended up getting infected.” After running the equivalent of almost six full marathons and enduring blistering dry heat during the day and freezing cold temperatures at night – often accompanied by sandstorms – the Sahara Seven successfully completed the race. Darren said: “It was a bit of an anticlimax. It had been so emotionally challenging just to get through the race but, when I reached the end, a medal was put over my head; I was shown to the finishing area and told what bus I would be leaving on. “With more than 700 people to transport from the desert, the organisation had to be that slick,” Darren said. Now back behind the mixing desk at the BFBS studios on Cyprus, the 41-year-old is still proud of his huge achievement. “Some of the competitors came with the attitude of dropping out after a couple of stages, but giving up was not an option for the Sahara Seven. We started as a group and finished as a group. “It was something we had decided right from the outset of training and it was this mental approach that drove us on.” And, thanks to the wonders of modern technology, there was something else to spur the team on at the end of the day. “Once we reached camp, the organisers would bring emails around the tents. When you’re dehydrated, exhausted and hungry, I can’t tell you how emotionally charging it was to get emails of support from my wife Cath and work colleagues. “I also received a lot of ‘Good luck’ cards from listeners before I left Cyprus, which I carried in my rucksack for the entire race. “They may have taken up precious space and added to the weight, but just knowing that so many people were rooting for me lightened my spirits and spurred me on.” British Wireless for the Blind’s Chief Executive Margaret Grainger said: “To have completed the Marathon des Sables is an amazing feat of endurance, and I take my hat off to Darren for his courage and staying power. “The money he has raised through his incredible journey will help provide a significant number of specially adapted sets for blind and partially sighted people in need. We are indebted to Darren for his continued support.” Margaret added: “Every day, 100 people will become registered blind or partially sighted in the UK. Listening to the radio is a real link with the outside world. This is why the work of the British Wireless for the Blind Fund is so important." Darren raised nearly £600 for us. |
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UK Amateur Mailing Please note that the recent mailing conducted by the British Wireless for the Blind Fund using UK Amateur Mailing data referred to the RSGB (Radio Society of Great Britain). The RSGB had no connection with this mailing and none of the data used was provided by the RSGB or any of its associates. The BWBF are sorry for the error and apologise for any confusion caused. |
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British Wireless for the Blind Fund appoints its first Regional Development Manager Margaret Grainger, Chief Executive of BWBF, said: |
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TUNING IN TO HELP FUND FOR BLINDAmateur radio enthusiasts from Cambridgeshire are set to tune in for a marathon stint on the airwaves. Members of Peterborough & District amateur radio club and Huntingdon Amateur Radio Society are taking part in the Transmission 2006 event. It is being held from 23 to 24 September in aid of the British Wireless for the Blind Fund (BWBF). |
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RADIO HAM DAWN TUNES IN FOR KENT CHARITY FOR BLIND Radio hams from Kent have revealed a new secret weapon in their bid to stay rulers of the airwaves. Dawn Scott, 45, from Slade Green is the latest new recruit at Cray Valley Radio Society and is knocking the spots off the guys. |
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TAMMIE HITS THE AIRWAVES FOR BLIND CHARITY An Eastbourne radio ham is set to tune in for a marathon stint on the airwaves in memory of her blind grandmother. Tammie Evans, 23, is taking part in a two-day sponsored competition on behalf of the British Wireless for the Blind Fund (BWBF) from 23 to 24 September 2006. |
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TUNING INTO THE AIRWAVES FOR CHARITY Sandwell ARC radio operator David Stocker, 46, from Oldbury, says the charity is close to his heart. "My late mother was partially sighted and her radio meant the world to her. It provided her with a vital link to the outside world. This is why the work of the British Wireless for the Blind Fund is so important. "The specially-adapted sets are a godsend for people who are unable to see and open up a whole new world to them." |
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DARE DEVIL MERVYN TO TAKE TO THE AIRWAVES Mervyn, 58, from Hellesdon, near Norwich, hit the headlines after abseiling down Norwich City Hall and helping push a car from Great Yarmouth to Norwich for charity. A keen radio amateur for the past 20 years Mervyn says he is looking forward to getting on the microphone and making some contacts. |
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MAKING CONTACT FOR THE BLINDAmateur radio enthusiast Kevin Martin from Thatcham, Berkshire, is set to tune in for a marathon stint on the airwaves in aid of a charity for blind people. Kevin, 51, is taking part in a two-day sponsored competition on behalf of the British Wireless for the Blind Fund (BWBF) from 23 to 24 September. |
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SCHOOLBOY RADIO HAMS TUNE IN FOR BLIND CHARITYTeenage radio amateurs from Wakefield are taking to the airwaves to raise funds to help blind and partially sighted people. The youngsters, aged between 12 and 16, from Silcoates School, Wakefield, will be tuning in for a marathon stretch to raise funds for the British Wireless for the Blind Fund (BWBF). |
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TUNING IN TO HELP CHARITY FOR BLIND Amateur radio enthusiasts from Cornwall are set to tune in for a marathon 48 hour stretch on the airwaves. Members of Poldhu Amateur Radio Club will be taking part in the Transmission 2006 event in aid of the British Wireless for the Blind Fund. |
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Blind archer, Terry Ottewell, a trustee of the British Wireless for the Blind Fund, took the gold medal in the European Paralympic Games held in Nymburk in the Czech Republic from 11th to 20th August 2006. |
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FIRST FOR MARILYN - 15th September 2005 A blind Stockton-on-Tees woman is one of the first people in the country to listen to her favourite radio station on a new specially adapted DAB digital radio set for the blind and partially sighted. |
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TUNING IN TO HELP FUND FOR BLIND - 13th September 2005Amateur radio enthusiasts from Peterborough are set to tune in for a marathon stint on the airwaves. |
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GARDEN CENTRE COMES UP TRUMPS FOR RADIO HAMS - 8 September 2005A Norfolk garden centre has helped save the day for a local amateur radio club who need a venue to stage a marathon stint on the airwaves to raise funds for charity. |
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TUNE IN TO DIGITAL DUET - 21st May 2005 Blind and partially sighted people can now listen to their favourite radio station using the latest digital technology with a specially adapted set. |
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THE TED AND BILLY SHOW - 15th May 2005The world’s fastest blind biker “The Whizz” Baxter swapped his motorcycle helmet for a riding hat when he took to the ring on rare breed Clydesdale horse Ted. |
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