Planning a Special Event Station? The RSGB’s New SES Cookbook is Your Essential Guide
Ever thought about getting a station on the air from a local festival, a historic site, or a major national celebration? Running a Special Event Station (SES) is one of the most exciting and rewarding activities in amateur radio. It’s a chance to share our fantastic hobby with the public, create unforgettable experiences, and have a great time on the air. But where do you start?
Whether you’re planning a small JOTA station or a major international activation, the key to success is in the preparation. Now, there’s an indispensable resource to guide you every step of the way.
Introducing the SES Cookbook, a comprehensive new e-book written for the Radio Society of Great Britain (RSGB). This guide is a must-read for any individual or club involved in special event stations, large or small.
A Recipe for Success, Written by the Experts
The SES Cookbook has been authored by a team with decades of hands-on experience in running some of the UK’s most memorable events. The club’s president Bob Treacher M0MCV, and vice president Dave Lawley G4BUO, along with Alan Messenger G0TLK, and Derek Hughes G7LFC, have pooled their vast knowledge into this practical guide.
A well organised and well-run SES will mean everyone wins – the event organisers with a unique attraction, the hobby by promotion to a wider audience, and the participants by having fun
The e-book is structured to be your perfect companion, covering three main types of stations:
- Small Events: Perfect for a first-time setup or a local community day.
- Group Events: Ideal for club activities or multi-operator activations.
- Major Events: The complete guide for planning large-scale, high-profile stations.
With a fully clickable index and a modern “accordion” format, it’s easy to dip in and out to find exactly the information you need, from initial planning and publicity to what to do on the big day and post-event follow-ups.
Learning from a Rich History
The Cookbook isn’t just a set of instructions; it’s filled with inspiration from the long and storied history of Special Event Stations in the UK. Some of the authors have been involved in the largest UK special event stations in recent history. Major UK activations including M2000A for the Millennium, 2O12L for the London Olympics, and the recent Royal Jubilee and Coronation events (GB70E and GB23C), were organised by the team behind this very book. You are truly learning from the masters of the craft.
How to Access the SES Cookbook
This invaluable resource is an exclusive benefit for members of the Radio Society of Great Britain (RSGB).
If you are a member of the RSGB, you should be able to access the e-book at this link (you will need to log into the RSGB web site with your membership account)
Whether you’re a seasoned SES veteran or planning your very first activation, the SES Cookbook provides the recipe for a successful, fun, and impactful event. It’s the perfect tool to help you showcase our hobby and perhaps sow the seed for the next generation of radio amateurs.