Two Callsigns Two Countries
Lifetime Licence for Lifelong Learning
A Lifelong Interest in Radio
My amateur radio journey began in the UK, where I was first licensed as G4NMD. Like many, I was drawn in by the mix of technical challenge and human connection. Over the years, radio has accompanied me through different roles, locations, and seasons of life — always offering something new to learn.
Callsigns Across Two Countries
Alongside my UK callsign, I also hold the US callsign N4GJS, reflecting time spent in Minnesota and my connection with the SEMARC community. Operating in two regulatory environments has broadened my appreciation for the hobby and the different cultures that shape it.
Raynet and Community Resilience
A significant part of my early radio experience was shaped by Raynet in the West Midlands. Those years included involvement in major incidents and infrastructure failures, and they left a lasting impression on the importance of reliable communication in times of need. While the details belong to history, the lessons remain: preparedness, calm teamwork, and the quiet professionalism of volunteers.
That experience continues to inform my interest in community resilience, both in the UK and the US. Amateur radio is not the whole answer, but it is a meaningful part of the wider picture.
Serving as an RSGB Director
I currently serve as a Director of the Radio Society of Great Britain, working on areas such as membership insight, modernisation, governance, and the long‑term health of the hobby. It is a privilege to contribute to the Society’s work and to support the volunteers and members who keep amateur radio vibrant and relevant.
My focus is practical and evidence‑based: understanding what members need, strengthening the Society’s resilience, and helping ensure that amateur radio remains accessible, welcoming, and forward‑looking.
What Radio Means to Me Now
These days, my operating is a blend of:
- HF and VHF/UHF activity
- Digital modes such as FT8
- Portable and low‑impact field operating
- Occasional experiments with antennas and small projects
I enjoy the reflective, unhurried side of the hobby — the sense that radio connects people who might never otherwise meet, and that it still has a role in supporting communities.
Looking Ahead
My hope is to keep learning, keep experimenting, and keep contributing where I can. Whether through RSGB work, SEMARC connections, local UK networks, or quiet evenings on HF, radio remains a space of curiosity, service, and connection.
If you’ve reached this page, thank you for taking an interest. I hope our paths cross — on the air, in the field, or through shared conversations about the craft we enjoy.
