This is a great hobby. As with all hobbies or movements, there are a bunch of odd balls and even a few “really weird ones” but the vast majority are really good people. Coming from a Scouting background, I was sure it would be hard to find as many good people in Ham radio, but I might have been mistaken.
Firstly, there are a lot of Scouting people in ham radio! Not kidding – have a look at JOTA time!
But I would like to share a little something about two friends of mine – people who, although they have met, hardly know each other.
On the one hand, my friend Lunga Ngini. A Scouter from Bisho and a friend I have had and counted on for a good number of years. Lunga sent me a photo this morning of my youngest in Cub uniform – he is now 18 and much bigger! But that tells you Lunga and I have some history! I got Lunga involved with the Hammies in Bisho and he assists there and is making a name for himself as a (new) ham. ZS2LN.
Someone I met on the radio before I met him in person, is Andrew Gray ZS2G. Andrew was also into the SOTA scene and was one of the people I was introduced to as a SOTA advocate. Andrew (his girlfriend Mandy ZS2AV) and I did a lot of SOTA together in 2015, 2016, and early 2017. Andrew became and still is a mentor for me. I have learned more from Andrew than any other ham! Infact I have probably learned more from Andrew Gray than from all other hams put together!
Andrew has helped me – with equipment, repairs, advice, and encouragement when I needed it. Andrew has backed me with a number of projects I have decided to do – like the Hamnet Blackout, SOTA, and Hammies.
but Andrew Gray in particular!
I mentioned to Andrew that Lunga and the kids in Bisho needed a HF rig. Andrew made a plan. It’s not a new rig, but it was put together, serviced, and donated to Lunga and the kids. They now have a real Ham radio – thanks to Andrew.