Bredhurst Receiving and Transmitting Society

First page of site | Links of interest | Acknowledgement

BRATS training had the ethos of "learning by practical application"

History

The Society was formed in February 1982, under the name of the Bredhurst Breakers Club (BBC). The club was best described as an up market CB Radio Club, due mainly to its interest in the technical side of radio (CB) and the lectures.

Within a short time the limitations of CB were realised by many of the members, and a steady progression into amateur radio and short wave listening took place.

To reflect this wider interest the club changed its name to the Bredhurst Receiving and Transmitting Society (the BRATS) The society is in the unique position of being able to offer the hardened Radio Ham, the CBer and the SWL a common meeting ground where the club can cater for all facets of the hobby of radio communication.

Since the concept of the Foundation Licence was first released in a press notice from the Radiocommunication Agency (now OFCOM) on 21st September 2001 the Brats instigated a training course.

Sadly in February 2009 training stopped, except for students currently on a course, due to pressure of work on the course tutor

Training

The BRATS published its first online training material at the end of 2001 and ran its first Foundation Course in February 2002 and this was followed by many successful Foundation short courses (3 hours revision prior to an Exam) but with this learning resources most students are able to study on their own without attending a formal course which allowed the student to proceed in their preparation for the exam at their own pace.

The BRATS Club now has "Online" material that covers in detail all three levels of examination until June 2009 when syllabuses change.

The Web site was kept up to date whether due to changes in the syllabus or new ideas on better presentation of the training material but from February 2009 no further updates will occur.

Club Meetings

The BRATS CLUB meets at the Parkwood Community Centre, Rainham, Gillingham, Kent ME8 9PN on a Thursday night at 20:30 local time. Click below to show a map of the location.

http://www.streetmap.co.uk/streetmap.dll?G2M?X=580797&Y=164221&A=Y&Z=1

Note: The Parkwood community centre is a little to the south east of the arrow pointer !!!

Club Net

The Club holds a net 145.400 MHz +/- Tuesdays at 21:00 clock time coverage about 15 miles around the Medway Towns Kent.

You could join or enquire about joining?

Club membership is open to all adults over 18 years. Children free if related to an adult member and must at all times be escorted by that family member.

For more information write to :-

Membership, The BRATS C/O The Club Room, The Parkwood Community Centre, Long Catlis Road, Rainham, Gillingham, Kent, ME8 9PN

or you could come along to the club venue on a club night to meet us and arrange joining the club - membership application forms can be sent .pdf file to you by email.