About us

We are a virtual RSGB affiliated amateur radio club, callsign GI5TKA. Membership is open to any licensed radio amateur, or to anyone with an interest in amateur radio. As a virtual club we do not plan to introduce membership fees, but prefer to operate on a volunteer basis. Our activities will include three or four lecture talks per annum, which can be accessed live via Zoom. Occasionally on air activities will be arranged on the amateur radio frequencies and announced via this web site. We also organise an annual field day event to mark the role of the Radio Security Service. George Busby, author of ‘Spies at Gilnahirk’ is Patron of the Society.

Our callsign, GI5TKA, was chosen in memory of Arthur Irwin – GI5TK. Arthur was a telegraphy instructor before the Second World War. At the outbreak of war he became a voluntary interceptor and with a year was recruited full time to Gilnahirk Y Station. He continued to work in Gilnahirk up until it closed in 1978.

Our specific remit is to commemorate and celebrate the role played by radio amateurs in serving their King and Country during time of war.