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EARLY DAYS OF THE KTG

On 26th July 1990, eight Kent ATVers met to discuss the idea of forming a group and setting up an ATV repeater. Those founder members were G4AYT, G4BBH, G4GJA, G6GHP,  G8GHH, G8NAV, G8NVH and G8SUY. It was generally agreed that this would be a good idea despite some reservations, primarily about cost and finding a suitable site. Andy, G8SUY, was to be the ‘contact man’. Various sites were to be tested over the next few weeks.

A month later at the second meeting it was decided to start constructing the repeater and projects were shared out among those present. Dunkirk, near Canterbury, had been the best site tested so far, but others were suggested such as the Isle of Sheppey. The name ‘Kent Television Group’ was unanimously agreed, as was an initial subscription of £10.

By the next meeting in September progress was good and enthusiasm was high. G4GJA was to run a weekly net on 144.750MHz. Others involved in constructing and administration were G4AYT, G4BBH, G4CZJ, G6GHP,G6PKS, G8GHH and G8SUY.

Meetings continued every month into 1991. By February, many of the individual parts had been constructed. A second aerial had to be ordered from JVL as the original had not been manufactured as required. By March the system was being tested ‘on air’ from Whitstable. Affiliation with the BATC was agreed. The first draft KTG Constitution had been produced on 17th January and was finally agreed on 22nd May. It was felt the aim of the KTG should be to encourage ATV activity in the area, not just to set up a repeater.

The meeting on 22nd May 1991 also saw the first formal elections of the KTG Executive Committee. Those elected were Chairman: G6GHP, Secretary: G4CZJ, Treasurer: G4AYT, Technical co-ordinator: G8GHH and Ordinary Member: G4BBH. G4AYT also agreed to produce a newsletter. By the middle of 1991 the Group had 21 members. The first AGM was to be held along with a boot fair and rally on 8th September 1991 at Hoo St. Werburgh Middle School.

The next few years were frustrating as the licensing procedure dragged on. The RSGB seemed to be trying to get ATV repeaters to comply with some of the technical requirements of telephony repeaters. During this period other sites were tested and the repeater itself relocated to High Halstow and then Herne Bay on a temporary test basis.

Tests had shown the water tower on The Mount between Minster and Eastchurch on the Isle of Sheppey would be a most excellent site, however, a maximum offer of £500 per annum rent was declined. There would also have been problems of access at this site. Then Andy, G8SUY, found a nearby barn with a very tolerant owner who was willing to accommodate our repeater. Eventually the licence for GB3KT came through. After six days of installation work, GB3KT came into full operational service on 16th May 1997.

It is ironic that the water tower and the ridge on which it sits partially obstructs GB3KT’s coverage to the east. This, along with tidal variations on some paths, often causes an irritating pattern of thick wavy lines on the picture as well as seasonal variations due, no doubt, to the trees.

G4AYT