The name Angel of the North for the radio club was decided during one of our first meetings in 2008.
It was suggested by our first Chairman Tom Watson.

Amateur radio is a global hobby which is regulated internationally by the International Amateur Radio Union. Closer to home the Radio Society of Great Britain (RSGB) regulates amateur radio in the UK on behalf of Ofcom (The Office of Communications). Ofcom is the UK Government regulator that grants radio amateurs transmitting licenses.

Anyone can listen to radio amateurs. There is no license required for this. Amateur Radio is a hobby enjoyed by hundreds of thousands of people worldwide. It allows anyone to learn about radio, wireless technology and electronics. A Radio Amateur is interested in the science of radio communication.

Amateur Radio doesn’t make general broadcasts. It is for amateurs to talk to other amateurs. Anyone can listen in but the intention is to work like a phone call rather than to create radio programmes. Amateur radio is not like “CB” (Citizens Band) radio because of its attention to using many modes of communication, many frequencies and use of international standards. You need to pass an examination to become a radio amateur. Please see our Gain Your Licence page for details