Last Monday I was pleased to be invited to a meeting of the Sheffield Amateur Radio Club, which is based at the SYPTE Social Club at Meadowhead within my ward of Beauchief & Greenhill. The club boasts more than 40 members and meets each Monday evening.

Club member Steve Webster operates the radio set while councillor Richard Shaw speaks with other enthusiasts in France and Germany.

While I was there I learnt about the 100 year history of the club in Sheffield and the educational work the club does with groups such as the Scouts and also its charity fundraising for causes such as the Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

I also learnt about the role that amateur radio around the world played in getting aid to, and communicating with, regions of the world stricken by disaster, including following the recent earthquake in Nepal.

At the end of the evening I was invited to have a go at using their radio sets and had the opportunity to speak with other amateur radio enthusiasts in France and Germany.

I would like to thank the club for their hospitality and would encourage anyone who is interested in finding out more about this fascinating hobby to contact the club for more details.