The minutes of the first AGM dated 8th September 1986 show members present as John GM6LYJ, Alan GM4XTI, Keith GM4JKB, Sam GM4HTI, Jack GM3OXK, Alex GM4VIR, Drew GM6AWA, Jim GM4RJF, John GM8RSC, Hazel GM4VIS and Lorna GM6WJI. The minutes go on to relate election of office bearers, Alex was elected controller and so Dumfries and Galloway Raynet began.

Over the years the group has been very active in all parts of the region and were among the first Raynet groups on the scene at the Lockerbie air disaster along with operators from Strathclyde, Ayrshire and many other areas. Alex was awarded the MBE for his work during the disaster, which he accepted on behalf of all the Raynet operators involved.

Since then the group has been providing radio safety communications for all manner of events, among them Sled Dog racing, Car rallies, Marathon hill walks, Sealed Knot events, Endurance Horse riding, Scout night exercises to name but a few. Our biggest event is the Galloway Hills Rally which is held in early December this event usually requires 30/35 operators and we use four talk through units to cover the area of operation. We have 22 members most of which are very active and we still enjoy a close relationship with the Strathclyde Raynet group by way of assisting each other at events when extra operators are required.

We enjoy a very close working relationship with the Dumfries and Galloway Council who provide equipment for use by the group as well as giving us meeting facilities in the EPO “Bunker”. We meet every second Monday of the Month. If you would like to know more about Dumfries and Galloway Raynet please contact us.