How Bobby tuned from walkie-talkie to amateur radio

We are delighted to see young people come into the hobby, not just because it's sociable and fun – but because of its educational value.

Young Bobby, who will be seven in January, became interested in radio when he saw his grandad operating a transceiver on a busy 40 metres.

He asked his dad to buy him a rig, so he now enjoys talking to his best friend on a licence-free PMR walkie-talkie which puts out half a watt. He's also started tuning around the bands on grandad's radio and he has learned a few letters of Morse.

If you have a family member who is showing interest in amateur radio, please bring them along to one of our regular event stations in Farnley Tyas. Incidentally, the youngest person to pass the Foundation Exam was seven, back in 2009.