Yep, it's the pits   as a QSL service!
Had another 4 days ago (02/10/2026) with a QSO date of 20/02/2025 when I was a foundation holder so even further back in time than my previous posted in this thread.

Great write-up Ray, nice to see Europe popping in
Count me in for the next one too looking forward to testing out the conditions.

18 months for that? Talk about postal time travel... At least it finally turned up, even if it looks like it was printed in 1978 

When's the next one due ray

Thanks for posting the heads-up
Marked in the calendar.

thanks for sharing

56 miles on a handheld from Blackdown is cracking work!
That height really makes all the difference. The summer jaunt idea sounds spot on late sunset, better weather, and way easier than dragging gear up that 80m climb in the dark. Better odds than putting a punt on rivocasino, that's for sure. A 5-element beam up there will definitely punch well above its weight toward Devil's Dyke and Ditchling.

thanks

Yep that's what I was thinking. Not sure i'd get Reigate either as its partially screened by Leith Hill, but with my 5 element portable beam set up and 270m height, i'd hope for some good contacts.

Its a portable location only, with the nearest car parks either 15 mins walk or an 80m steep climb!!! Its a 1 1/2 hours drive from me so for a normal net i'd need to wild camp somewhere after (and the woods at the top aren't ideal). Alternatively, I could go on one of the longer mondays next summer and transmit 8.00 - 10.00 and drive home? Maybe i could swap next years net birthday expedition to a summer jaunt

     

Great contact, and a great location find (maybe you would want to keep it a secret 😉😉)

Checking an elevation tool, it was almost a line of sight.




Looking at the above, I would think Devils Dyke, Radio Corner & Ditchling Beacon could be worked as well. . . .