The festive season got off to a cracking start with HADARS’ annual Christmas “Pie & Peas” night (attended by 26 members & guests), a long-standing tradition that never fails to bring the club together for food, fun, and laughter. As the festive season draws near, this year’s event brought together the perfect mix of good food, great company, and plenty of festive cheer to close out another successful year for the club.
Food & Festivities
Debs and Dean were at the helm of the kitchen, ensuring everyone was well-fed with generous servings of pie and peas. Of course, no festive evening would be complete without something sweet, and HADARS delivered on that front as well. Mince pies, Christmas cake, and cheese were laid out for all to enjoy, proving that HADARS members know how to indulge during the holiday season.
To wash it all down, tea and coffee were served throughout the evening, providing a warm and welcome accompaniment to the food. It was a scene of shared tables, lively chatter—a reminder of the community spirit that makes HADARS so special.
The “Megamind” Radio Quiz
Once plates were cleared, attention turned to the quiz. Master of Ceremonies Max took the reins, delivering a well-prepared and entertaining series of questions that tested the members’ knowledge across a variety of topics, the quiz had something for everyone.
As the competition heated up, it quickly became clear that one table—affectionately dubbed the Golden Table—was dominating the scoreboard. Whether it was their collective knowledge, sheer luck, or some kind of pre-arranged strategy, their performance was unmatched. Congratulations to the winners (Brian, Paul, Steve, Andrew and Malcolm with an impressive score of 22 out of 25), who claimed the ultimate bragging rights for the evening!
Raffle Revelry
No Christmas Pie & Peas night would be complete without a raffle (supported by Richard Constantine G3UGF, who supplied a number of special prizes), and Hardy did a superb job running this year’s draw. As the tickets were pulled, one table seemed to be basking in some particularly festive luck, winning prize after prize to the amusement (and mock suspicion) of the other tables. Good-natured accusations of a fix were thrown around, but all in good humour, of course. The laughter and cheers that accompanied every ticket draw reflected the true essence of the evening: fun, friendship, and a touch of friendly competition. The raffle raised over £60 for the club funds.
HADARS Awards Ceremony
The highlight of the evening came with the annual HADARS Awards presentation, a moment to recognise the hard work, dedication, and contributions of club members throughout the year. Max once again stepped up to the role, presenting the awards with his usual charm and humour. The awards are a testament to the talent and commitment within the HADARS community, celebrating everything from technical achievements to volunteer efforts that keep the club running smoothly.
| Winner | Award |
|---|---|
| Richerd Constantine G3UGF | Top scoring member in the RSGB 80m Club Championship (for the second year). |
| Gregg Norris M0WRE | Top scoring DX contest Operator in the CQWW SSB International DX Contest |
| Thomas Roe 2E0JOQ | HADARS Technical Achievement Award, for gaining both Foundation and Intermediate Licenses in the same year |
| Ann Eastwood 2E0VOA | Student of the Year Award, for making incredible progress in the Intermediate License course and gaining a pass in the exam |
| John Northfield G7ELX | the HADARS ‘Kangaroo Jack’ Award for his support and generosity in welcoming and assisting new members and licensees throughout the year |
| Mike Roebuck 2E0BJQ | HADARS Club Operator of the Year using the Club Callsign G2UG |
| Deborah Sykes 2E0UZE | In recognition of her outstanding services to members, managing the catering and social activities on club night throughout the year |
Whether receiving an award or simply cheering on fellow members, everyone took pride in celebrating the successes of the past year. It was a fitting reminder of the spirit of camaraderie that makes HADARS such a vibrant and supportive club.
The Club Photo—A True Rogues’ Gallery
As the evening drew to a close, the annual HADARS club photo was taken. This captured the smiling faces of the club’s members, creating a snapshot in time of an evening filled with joy and togetherness. Described by some as a rogues’ gallery, the photo is a reminder of the friendships forged through amateur radio.
A Year to Remember
The Christmas Pie & Peas night was the perfect way to round off what has been another exceptional year for HADARS. From events, achievements, and milestones to the ever-growing sense of community, 2024 has been a year to celebrate. The club has continued to thrive, welcoming new members, hosting engaging events, and fostering a shared passion for amateur radio.
As we look ahead to 2025, the HADARS committee would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has contributed to the club’s success. Whether you’ve attended events, volunteered your time, or simply supported the club with your presence, you’ve helped make HADARS the wonderful community it is today.
A Merry Christmas to all our members, friends, and families. Wishing you a happy and healthy New Year filled with great radio contacts, new challenges, and even better memories.
73 and see you all in 2025!
HADARS Committee