 The competitive side of amateur radio has always been the spur to improve knowledge of receivers, transmitters, antennas, and propagation, as well as the quality and efficiency of communication skills. The Radio Society of Great Britain created the British Empire Radio Union (BERU) in the late 1920s to support radio amateurs in the Empire. In 1930 a New Zealand radio amateur suggested that a week should be set aside as “Empire Radio Week” and this should be held in February 1931. The was the first BERU contest. The contest proved to be very popular and has been held annually since then. However, in 1973, it became known as the Commonwealth Contest. Promoting contacts between stations in the UK and CD, Commonwealth and Mandated Territories, the Commonwealth COntest is one of the longest running contests in the HF contesting world. A more relaxed contesting environment gives the opportunity to work some choice DX. Held on the second full weekend in March each year, the 2018 dates at March 10th and 11th. “Hang on” I hear you say - “Isn’t that the weekend of John Moyle???”. No, you’re mistaken - that’s the following weekend. So maybe work some serious Commonwealth DX from your home station on the 10th and 11th, and go portable on the 17th and 18th. There are a few subtle rule changes for 2018, so be sure to head to the RSGB website, or check out the link at VK6.net |