HAMNET audio report

HAMNET is a voluntary group of South African amateur radio operators who make their unique communication skills available to assist and help others in distress during and after disasters.
HAMNET is represented on the sub-committee of the South African Search & Rescue Organisation.

Louis Botha, ZS1JLB from Cape Town, sent me the December issue of the Association of All Wheel Drive Clubs (AAWDC), newsletter reflecting on this year’s activities and related news items.

We do not often get the opportunity to mention our 4X4 friends who also play a pivotal role in many off road rescue efforts and experiences and all the activities they get involved in.  Also not forgetting that there are many amateur radio operators among them as well! 

On Saturday the 9^th of October the AAWDC Interclub Trophy event was held at the Ou Trek Pad 4X4 Trail. This is a yearly event that allows for interaction between various Clubs in the Western Cape.  Eight Clubs participated in the event. 
It was an absolutely perfect day and after the opening announcements the various drivers got down to the business of the day.  Along with technical driving skills, each obstacle had an added feature like blindfold driving, ‘catty’ shooting on the move, a shallow tray with balls on the bonnet, accurate placement, a leaking bucket, a quiz and much more to keep the drivers focussed! 

In order to ensure real time scoring the services of Hamnet Western Cape (HWC) and radio amateurs were called upon to make sure all the scores were relayed back to the events caravan. Also in attendance – just in case – was a 4X4 ambulance of the Western Cape Metro Emergency Services and spectators were kept well out of the way of the participants.

The events ended on time and while the scores were being moderated and ratified spectators were entertained with lucky draws and prizes! Prizes were also awarded for the teams with the best spirit, best marshalled gate, best dressed team, the team with the most support, the most fun gate, the fair play award and best laid out gate! 

Off Road Rescue around South Africa forms part of the South African Search & Rescue Organisation and with the Mountain Club of South Africa, the K9 Dog Unit and Hamnet, these volunteers deliver a professional service to the authorities when the need arises. 

Well done to the Western Cape 4X4 teams and Hamnet for ensuring good communications.

Reporting for Hamnet this is Francois Botha – ZS6BUU.

Hamnet website
The South African Radio League

Tweet