The formation of Raynet is documented elsewhere, in Southeastern Lancashire, as it was there were a few Radio Amateurs interested in using their hobby for the public good, amongst these were Mr J Scarborough [G3NVQ] and Mr ECM Walton [G4FSN] the latter newly licensed.
The first notable, some would say the only notable, event, which Raynet was involved with in this area, was the Air Crash on Stockport town centre in June of 1967, where an aircraft, an Argonaut I believe, failed to make the runway at Manchester Ringway. Raynet provided additional radio links for both Manchester and Stockport police forces.
In 1974 the reorganisation of local authorities took place and South East Lancashire and North Cheshire were reorganised into the Metropolitan County of Greater Manchester. The county at first had a unifying authority, whose Emergency Planning section was housed in Magnum House off Piccadilly in the centre of Manchester.
While at the moment it is unclear of the exact structure of Raynet in the new county, it appears that there were two fledgling groups at the time one based loosely on Salford & Trafford in the south and one based on Bolton in the north. Mr ECM Walton [G4FSN] was the controller of the Bolton & Wigan Group, appointed 01/10/1979, he also became the controller of the new county at about this time; the exact date is unclear, as is the controller of the Salford & Trafford group at that time.
Note:
1967 June 3rd. U.K., Stockport, near Manchester Ringway Airport: a British Midlands Argonaut plane (British version of a DC-4) on a charter flight from Palma, Majorca crashed on landing approach into the center of Stockport, a suburb of Manchester. The plane broke up on impact; police and others from nearby offices started rescuing survivors within minutes. After about 10 minutes a major fuel explosion took place and engulfed the fuselage in flames. Local fire service were unable to control the blaze and numerous passengers trapped with broken legs and other injuries perished in the fire. 72 of the 84 people aboard died
The Bolton RAYNET Group's monthly meetings provide a forum for all RAYNET members throughout Greater Manchester and beyond. Please note that there is a £2 per head meeting fee.
Posted by M0GMX on Sunday, February 24, 2008 @ 10:00:18 MST(2691 reads)
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The following news was prepared by the RADIO AMATEURS' EMERGENCY NETWORK, for the information of all RAYNET volunteers, Radio Amateurs and Listeners.
Urgent appeal for assistance
Gareth Abel G6EJG of Derbyshire Dales RAYNET has received a last minute request for RAYNET assistance next Sunday (1st March) for a vintage motor vehicle hill trial at four locations around Chatsworth House near Baslow in Derbyshire.
Needless to say, he is urgently appealing for operators; the terrain is challenging, and he would be very grateful of offers of assistance.
Please contact Gareth direct via e-mail to gareth@gareth-abel.com if you are able to help.
