Amateur Radio Satellite Communications at Bigyn School, Llanelli, Carmarthenshire, South Wales, U.K.

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Featured here are Daniel, Dale, and Matthew who are students of Bigyn School, Llanelli, Carmarthenshire, South Wales, U.K. The Bigyn School Radio Club (BSRC) was founded in 1989 by Mr. Rowland Rees (GW0RTR) with support from the school staff, Head teacher Mr. James, his successor Miss Rees, and local expert help from the Amateur Radio community.

The Bigyn School's excellent reputation in radio communications led to an invitation by the British Government to participate in Project Juno - a space mission for education. Bigyn School was the only Primary school in Britain to be in contact with Mrs. Helen Sharman while she was aboard the Russian Space Station MIR in May 1991. Subsequently, Mrs. Sharman visited Bigyn School on November 12, 1991 to meet the children. Her personal visit to Bigyn School was the highlight of this historic project.

Bigyn School has approximately 261 pupils aged between 3 and 11 years old. The school is located on an elevated position approximately 100M ASL overlooking the town of Llanelli, Carmarthenshire, South Wales.

Four of the Radio Club members performed well on their exams in 1996, passing their Amateur Radio Novice Examination. It seems that they are four of the youngest licensed Radio Amateurs in Wales to date. Hopefully this will be the beginning effort to pave the way for many more young people to become licensed in Amateur Radio, thus enhancing technical skills and career opportunities at a young age.

With great encouragement from Amateur Radio Satellite operators and the world, these children have become a notable credit to Bigyn school. The Bigyn School Radio Club members have to date, had well over 70 contacts each year with new callsigns from over 17 different countries.