CUMBRIA RAYNET GROUP
A bit of background
The idea of RAYNET came into being in the aftermath of the North Sea flood of 1953, a natural disaster that damaged the communication cables along the east coast of England on the night of 31 January 1953. With communication lines crippled, the police authorities, in desperation, sought help from the few amateur radio operators then licensed, and, although illegal at that time, the Home Office permitted the use of amateur radios to direct and co-ordinate the rescue teams. The following year, an infant network first known as RA-EN was was formed. The Home Office conceded the desirability of an organisation which, in times of emergency, could effect the passing of messages facilitating the rescue operations of the professional services, who themselves lacked the 'instant communications' of radio at the time. While the RA-EN began on a minor scale with only a few operators involved, the network has grown into a nationwide movement now known as "RAYNET".
What the Cumbria Raynet Group does
Primarily we exist to provide communications assistance to the emergency services in event of a crisis. Our members are committed to make every effort to provide support whenever it is needed. Our area of operation is the county of Cumbria.
In order to prepare ourselves for emergency operations we undertake a number of exercises each year. These usually take the form of communications assistance to events in Cumbria where there is a risk of accident or personal injury and where, for example, the mobile telephone network is inadequate. Such events include, amongst others, triathlons, cross country horse trials and long distance walks. Click here see our capabilites, how we might help your organisation and what we can (and can't!) do.
If you wish to contact us e-mail John Sceal (G4ZBW) -
Map of Cumbria in which the
Cumbria Raynet Group operates
to provide radio communications.
The Cumbria Raynet Group is still small and we need more members to satisfactorily meet existing requests for assistance and, more particularly, if there is a real crisis the emergency services may need all the help they can get.
You do not have to be a licensed radio amateur to be a member of the group. If you are interested in joining contact John (G4ZBW) e-mail address as above.
