RAYNET recently celebrated 50 years of public service, and was established following the disastrous East Coast flooding in 1953. Radio Amateurs risked their licences to answer ships in distress which were unable to contact the GPO Coast Station, Humber Radio, which had succumbed to the floods. In the following 50 years plus since then, RAYNET has been involved with many emergencies, both national and international. These have included a number of major disasters such as the Lockerbie Terrorist attack, Kegworth (East Midlands Airport air crash on the M1) and more local incidents including oil spills, flooding and fire excavations. RAYNET have also actively been involved in developing reliable communication systems in such places as Railway Tunnels, setting up communications networks in awkward terrains such as Dartmoor and Exmoor, as well as setting up communication links between local Emergency Planning Officers in Local, District and County Councils.

Following recent incidents (such as the Terrorist Bombings in London) it has been highlighted that RAYNET does have something to offer to emergency services in the form of an alternative independent communications network when the normal networks are not available (such as mobile telephone networks).

Becoming Involved.

If you feel you’d like to be involved with the Amateur Radio Emergency Communications on a regular basis, or even in just an emergency, then you do need to join a Raynet Group.  They can provide a link to those who may require help that you can offer.  They can also provide insurance cover for attendance in the case of emergencies, rather than risking your own insurance.
The main area of operation is the use of VHF and UHF frequencies, but the operation on HF is not unheard of. You do not need a 4 wheel drive vehicle or any fancy masts.

Members attending an event in Haldon Forest

There are about half a dozen Raynet groups in Devon and all details about RAYNET groups can be found at www.rsgb.org/emergency or alternatively you can contact your local group directly.
One local group, which operates in the area of the Torbay Amateur Radio Society, is South Devon Raynet.  They have been involved in many local activities that require emergency communications.  Their recent activities have included assisting with the Mare and Foal Charity Rides in Haldon Forest, and local events such as Local Carnivals (Ipplepen and Ashburton) and the Totnes Raft Race (before it was stopped due to insurance problems).  We have supported Torbay council in a simulated nuclear emergency providing an alternative communication network between Rest Centres and the Council Headquarters.
South Devon RAYNET area covers principally the Teignbridge District Council, Torbay Unitarian Authority and the eastern area of South Hams District Council covering Totnes, but not as far as Kingsbridge.  We also support Devon County Council so we could be asked to attend anywhere in Devon.  We also offer assistance other RAYNET Groups inside and outside the local areas.  In recent times we have received requests to assist Gloucester RAYNET with Fairford Air show, Dorset RAYNET in support of the Iron Man contest, West Berkshire in the support of The Three Towers 50KM hike.

Neighbouring Groups include West Devon (which covers Plymouth and the western part of South Hams), Exeter (covering the Exeter Area), the Dartmoor Rescue Group (who have primary responsibility for Dartmoor), North Devon (who cover from the northern edge of Dartmoor), and East Devon (who cover the Exmouth and East Devon Area).
We are all volunteers; from all walks of life with a wish to extend the hobby to help and assist people in need within the local community.  We meet very informally at the Torbay Amateurs Radio Society’s radio club meeting at the Teignbridge Scout HQ, Newton Abbot, and at the moment there is no charge for membership.  We are also affiliated to the RSGB.

For more information please contact the controller
South Devon Raynet Contact Details
Controller    Pam Helliwell G7SME
                   1 Beechfield Avenue, Barton, Torquay,TQ2 8HU, Tel: 01803 326033
Email : pam@g6fsp.com