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Welcome

Welcome to Milton Keynes Amateur Radio Society [MKARS]. We are a local club that aims to support and encourage local amateurs, and the general public, to enjoy experimenting and operating on the air!

What We Do

  • Club Nights: Join us for a variety of engaging activities including talks, demonstrations, and  Bring & Buy sales. Our regular meetings are a great way to learn, share, and connect with local amateurs.
  • Shack Nights: Get hands-on experience with equipment and get on-air under the guidance of our experienced members. Perfect for newcomers who need a little extra help
  • Training: We provide support to help you prepare for your amateur radio licence exams at Foundation, Intermediate, and Full levels. From time to time we also offer Morse code training, which, while not required for exams, is a valuable skill.
  • Programming Assistance: Get help with programming your radio memory and creating “codeplugs” to ensure your equipment operates smoothly.
  • Contesting: Contribute to our club’s success in radio contests and help us rack up points!
  • Experienced Guidance: Our seasoned members are always ready to share their knowledge and experience with beginners.

Our History

The Milton Keynes Amateur Radio Society (MKARS) was founded in 1958 as the Wolverton & District Radio Society. Early on, the club thrived with active participation in HF field day contests, thanks to the dedication of its founding members.

In 1966, the club reformed and moved to Stony Stratford, becoming the North Bucks Amateur Radio Society in 1969. By 1973, the name changed to Milton Keynes and District Radio Society to reflect the growing local area. In 1977, the club found a new home at Lovat Hall, Newport Pagnell, and later moved to the Globe Inn in Hanslope in 1982.

Significant growth came with the move to the Drill Hall in Wolverton in 1990, where the club hosted successful radio rallies. In 1994, the club relocated to Bletchley Park, securing a prominent position in the amateur radio community. This move allowed for notable activities such as international connections and special event stations.

Today, MKARS continues to support local events, including Thinking Day on the Air and Jamboree on the Air for the guides and scouts, and in 2024 moved to Herons Lodge to secure a more central location.

Join Us

If you are interested in finding out more about MKARS, we would be happy to welcome you for free for your first 3 meetings. See the club Diary section for upcoming events or learn more about joining MKARS and become a member today!

For more information, feel free to contact us!