Quote:
Originally Posted by Sinewave
Most of the Rallies which I usually attend are not even listed as being on, or are and listed as cancelled. This includes Harwell which hasn't been on for three years now. Andover have also cancelled, I don't know why.
I can't even see Sonning as being listed, but it will be taking place, so maybe the listings are unusually behind?
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There have been a few more recently added to:
https://rsgb.org/main/news/rallies/
But there are some here, that aren't listed by RSGB yet:
http://www.g4rga.org.uk/All.html
I also found this website, that whilst only links to above, it does have photos of many past-ones, to see what they were like if considering going for first time:
https://www.hamhub.uk/content/rallies/
It often seems the case that many rally organisers don't inform the RSGB etc. particularly soon - even when the date is on their own website.
- So you have to find each of these / keep checking the main lists.
I believe the Harwell one is only temporary cancelled again for this year, due to personal circumstances of some of the organisers. But it may resume in 2024.
I did go to Andover in Sep'22, for first time since it had last been held, and there was only one trader left when I eventually got there (with unexpected A34 closure due to burst pipes, hold-ups). Although he told me only 12 traders had turned-up this time (But it did clash with Telford - which Sep one also had this year! before cancellation)
It seems Wythall has ceased rather-more permanently:
https://www.wythallradioclub.co.uk/booking/
- Like Drayton Manor, Solihull/Kings Heath/Stockland Green, Kidderminster / Stourport & Elvaston ones had some time ago around the Midlands area
There is a new Black Country one on 30/7/23 near Walsall, but looks to be another fairly small one-hall indoor one, like ones of these near Tipton / one in Aldridge years ago. And on same date as Chippenham (that's not on list yet).
The date of the 'Sonning' (McMichael) one is usually announced by the organisers at the previous year's one (So about the earliest of all the organisers). And I'd already found this is planned for 16/7/23, even though it's yet to appear on the rally lists.
Some others that are also yet to make these lists:
- Foxton, S.Cambs on their website as 16/4/23
- The BVWS RetroTech (Previously the NVCF) on their website as 21/5/23. And now moved slightly to Ryton-on-Dunsmore, but still £10! (or £25!! for a bit earlier entrance) entrance for buyers, which I had thought this was mostly due to high venue charges (Although the BVWS Biggleswade event - not listed on RSGB list, but is on the G4RGA website which says admission is nearly as much at £8)
- Dunstable is always late to announce exact date in May (sometimes too late for Radcom print date), even know they must have to book the site with the Council a while in advance.
- Flight Refuelling in Dorset on 13th Aug
- The Newark National Hamfest, 6/7th Oct:
https://www.nationalhamfest.org.uk/
- Princethorpe (Rugby) yet to announce, but usually the week before MK
- St Neots yet to announce, but usually the August Bank Holiday Monday
I've found the Dunstable, Newbury & McMichael and Princethorpe ones tend to be amongst the largest that are still around, being outdoor ones.
Although many rallies have rather shrunk in the number of traders over recent years / most now packed-up not long after mid-day (Compared to the days of Drayton Manor, still open until after 4pm)