The Halifax & District Amateur Radio Society has a history that stretches back over a century.

The discovery of electromagnetic radiation by scientists like Heinrich Helmholtz in the 1880s, and its mathematical foundation by James Clark Maxwell in 1888, laid the groundwork for what would become a revolution in communication. It remained mostly a scientific curiosity until Guglielmo Marconi, an Italian amateur, demonstrated its potential for communication. By 1910, Marconi had developed a practical radio system in Britain, sparking interest among those eager to experiment with this new technology.

Around the country, groups of mostly men began gathering to explore and experiment with radio. Governments, wary of this unrestricted access, imposed a licensing system managed by the Post Office. Anyone wishing to transmit needed a licence and a call sign, subject to an annual fee.

In 1909, Mr Percy Denison rented a hut near Wainhouse Tower in King Cross, Halifax, and set up a wireless station using the Tower to support his aerial. This station, which had a range of 800 miles, operated for four years. Denison later used the call sign 2KD and began building and selling radio receivers locally, inspiring others in Halifax to explore radio’s possibilities.

Local enthusiasts formed a society to educate members about radio. Frank Clay, his son James, Louis Wood, and others had already formed the Halifax and District Amateur Wireless Association before 1915, as noted in *Wireless World* in October 1914. By 1920, the Society was well-established, as evidenced by reports of meetings and activities in publications. Intriguingly, in 1920, adverts appeared inviting those interested in forming a Wireless Club to contact J.R. Clay. Whether James Clay wanted to create a new group or expand the existing one remains unclear.

James Clay was licensed as 2YR, and the Halifax & District Amateur Wireless Association received the call sign 2GU, one of the first issued after World War I. The call sign 2GU appeared multiple times in publications, cementing its connection with the Society. By 1923, the group had adopted the name “Halifax Wireless Club and Radio Scientific Society,” suggesting a possible merger of two local groups, though the names were used interchangeably.

By 1933, Louis Wood was signing letters as the Honourable Secretary of the Halifax Wireless Club, indicating continuity. The group eventually became the Halifax and District Amateur Radio Society (HADARS) around 1943, though the exact timing is uncertain. Notably, Mr Denison, despite his early involvement, was never an officer of the Society but remained active in giving talks and demonstrations.

These early members were hardy individuals. Photographs show members with portable radios on the moors near Blackstone Edge, dressed in suits, ties, and hats, with their wives in the background—possibly wondering about their husbands’ fascination with radio! Though the aerial isn’t visible, the guy wires hint at a substantial setup.

Throughout its history, HADARS moved between different meeting places. Initially based at the YMCA at Clare Hall, Halifax, the Society even had a dedicated transmitter room. In 1920, during Princess Helena Victoria’s visit, the Society presented her with a radio message received from the RSGB in London.

Originally, the club’s call sign was 2GU, which later changed to G2UG, possibly due to an error when national prefixes were issued or a lapse in licensing. Despite the uncertainty, records show HADARS was active during World War II, participating in a contest in 1943 using the call sign G2UG.

Interest in radio flourished locally, with other groups like the Halifax Experimental Radio Society, Heckmondwike & District Wireless, and Todmorden District Amateur Radio Society also active during this period. However, in the early 1960s, HADARS experienced a split, leading to the formation of the Northern Heights Amateur Radio Society. This new club thrived for two decades, led by Arthur Robinson (G3MDW), an active figure despite mobility challenges. Interestingly, Robinson served as Secretary for both Halifax clubs at various times, leading to some confusion in records.

After the split, HADARS entered a period of decline and was thought defunct by 1968, with no transmitting members left on the committee. However, in 1981, the Society was re-formed, once again using the call sign G2UG. When Northern Heights ARS ceased in 1998, it’s believed that its remaining members joined HADARS, helping to sustain the club.

Since its reactivation, HADARS has seen fluctuating fortunes but has consistently kept the spirit of amateur radio alive in Halifax, maintaining the use of G2UG. As we continue to unearth more of HADARS’ history, we will update this page to reflect our discoveries.