200 entries have just clicked over for the 25th anniversary of this popular fun event held every year on the 3rd weekend in August.

Despite Covid 365 entrants registered last year down around 100 from the usual number. Germany, Australia, the USA and the UK have the most entries but it’s good to see entries from smaller countries such as Barbados, Cyprus, Isle of Man, Malta, Trinidad & Tobago.

Entrants are reminded that the objective of the weekend is to have fun and at the same time highlight the plight of lighthouses that suffer from lack of care and maintenance. Showing the public all about Ham radio is also a side benefit. Amassing heaps of contacts as in a contest is certainly discouraged.

The first year the event was held was 1998 and there is a list of participants on the web site. Some of those stations have been in the event every year or close to it. Congratulations go to the two founders Mike GM4SUC and John GM400U for creating this event. Both were members of the Ayr Amateur Radio Group at that time and I am sure they had no idea what would become of there creation. The history of the event is also on the web site.

Come and join the fun and introduce yourself to lighthouses - https://illw.net