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About The Club

Clearly, we are a group of individuals that are passionate about amateur radio, and there is a vast wealth of experience amongst the members.

We also have a number of members that have either recently passed their Foundation exam, or are looking to undertake it, and we are happy to support those from beginners to the experience amateur looking for new projects.

Whilst we have traditionally been seen as an HF CW group, those days are gone and you'll now find members trying out the latest digital modes, such as RADE and FT8, as well as SSB and CW. We have members that are operating from top band (1.8MHz) all the way through to the microwaves bands such as 10GHz and beyond.

Importantly, we also recognise that it's not all about radio and we really do understand the need for everyone just to get out, have a chat, and meet up with likeminded individuals. It's as much a social club as it is a radio club!

Once you join, you will be asked if you would like access to the Club's Google Chat group, This is an informal means of everyday contact for Club members to discuss topics, view Club announcements, join in on special groups. The chat group is roughly divided into radio stuff, and social stuff, and you can choose what to be included in.

The Club callsign is G5JJ.

Where You Can Find Us

You can find us at:

Tangier Scout Hut,
Castle Street
Taunton
TA1 4AS

As you might expect, you can also find us on air, as we operate a weekly net on Wednesday evenings. This starts at 19:30 local time, using the 70cm FM repeater GB3VS and SWANHub.

When You Can Find Us

We hold a regular Club meeting on the first Tuesday of each month, except August. Meetings typically start around 19:30 local time and last for a couple of hours.

How Much Does It Cost To Join

It currently (2025/26) costs £25 per annum to join. There are no further fees (unless something specific is arranged, for example a group outing). This is reviewed each year in October at the Annual General Meeting, and being completely upfront, is likely to rise for 2026/27 subs.

We do pro-rata the amount should you join halfway through the year (for example) and we are happy for potential new members to attend up to three meetings for free before committing to join.

What The Club Is Doing And When

Find out what we're up to and when to come along to join us:

 

 

Our History

Taunton and District Amateur Radio Club held its first AGM on 4 October 1968 in the Technical College, Taunton. At this meeting Chairman D Rowe G3NNE, welcomed 31 people, 21 of whom were licensed.H P Jones was club Secretary. In November 1968, a constitution was agreed and the callsign G3XZW was obtained. The club then [and remains] affiliated to the Radio Society of Great Britian (RSGB).

in later years the callsign G5JJ was assigned to the club. This was held originally by Doug Hall OBE who sadly became SK (Silent Key) in 2007 having served in various capacities and latterly as both Chairman and President of the club. Doug was a great character and had a distinguished war record having been involved in the early development of radar. He received the Queen’s Award to Industry in 1981 for the supply of robots to British Leyland and Ford.

We have a couple of long standing members, who have stayed with the Club for 30+ years! On the flip side, we also have a number of new members who have recently passed their Foundation exam. Whatever your experience is within amateur radio, you're most welcome to join us.