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North West Hampshire Raynet |
 The Radio Amateurs' Emergency Network (RAYNET) is a national body of Radio Amateurs who are pledged to provide communications in times of emergency and disaster. RAYNET is organised with a national body and numerous local groups, including four in Hampshire.  Operating at the Alton Bike Ride The North West Hampshire group is centred around Basingstoke, and operates radio facilities within the Basingstoke & Deane Civic Offices in the town, and a similar facility in Andover. As well as working closely with the local authority, the North West Hampshire Raynet Group assists at many charity events during the year (typically working alongside the St John Ambulance Brigade or the Red Cross) which both provides members with training opportunities and a chance to contribute to community activities. Events covered in the past include: |
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RAYNET was formed following the East Coast Floods Disaster in 1953, when Radio Amateurs provided emergency communication. Under the terms of the amateur radio licence, amateurs are not usually permitted to pass messages for third parties, but an agreement was reached which authorised this procedure whilst working for a "User Service".
The list of "User Services" has been increased and now includes the British Red Cross Society, The St. John Ambulance Brigade, the St. Andrew Ambulance Association, County Emergency Planning Officers, or any UK police force, fire or ambulance service, coastguard, health authority, government department or public utility.
RAYNET has provided communications at disasters such as Zeebrugge and Lockerbie, as well as at many local emergencies when storms, flooding, telephone equipment failures, search and rescue missions and oil spills have all necessitated additional emergency communications. Visit the National UK Raynet Website |
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