Narratives of activities carried out by Forest Health, Cambridge, Mid Norfolk, North Anglia, South Norfolk, St. Edmundsbury, and Mid Herts. Emergency Communications arm of  Amateur Radio  providing a service to the Community. Member of the Radio Society of Great Britain. Raynet - the Radio Amateurs' Emergency Network - came into being in the aftermath of a natural disaster; the tempest which swept the East Coast of England on the night of Jan 31st 1953. High spring tides, held upstream by the high winds of the previous day, were reinforced when the next flood tide came in, driven down the north sea by the fierce north easterly gales. Sea defences from the Humber estuary to Kent were swept away and the sea invaded the coastal towns and villages on a scale never before recorded. Over three hundred people were drowned, and many more had to be rescued by boats from the rooftops of what remained of their homes. Communications at this time consisted mainly of overhead telephone lines, and many of them were brought down by wind or falling trees. No-one knew what the full extent of the crisis was; the police authorities, in desperation, sought help from the few Radio Amateurs then licensed, and, although such assistance was at that time illegal, the Home Office permitted the use of amateur radios in order to direct and co-ordinate the land and waterborne rescue teams, and to ascertain the scale of the relief measures which would be required. The lives of many marooned victims, whose plight was made known to rescuers, were saved as a result. The following year, RA-EN, as the infant network was first known, was formed. Although only on a minor scale, with few operators involved, the Home Office grudgingly conceded the 'desirability' of an organisation which, in times of emergency, could effect the passing of messages facilitating the rescue operations of the professional services, who, themselves, lacked the 'instant comms' of radio at this time. No practice or rehearsal of possible scenarios was permitted, operation was confined to real emergency situations. But, at least, it was a start.

Music News and Reviews!  Fritz Kindler's New Music Radio  If you are an artist or band and are interested in submitting music for the review process and possible airplay or interviews with you or a representative from your band appropriate submission forms may be found on the blog. I am a self-appointed critic and voice for the independent musician and it is my mission to get more exposure for great musical artists who don’t have the benefit of the huge Media Machine behind them. I live in London and I am a musician. Music is my life. When I’m not gigging with my band mates, you can find me at 93 Feet East or Dirty South listening to music. For several years now, I have been searching the world over for great music from talented independent artists and adding it to my radio broadcast; Fritz’s New Music Radio, which is now over five hours in length. On this blog I post music reviews, interviews and concert reviews. If you are an artist or band and are interested in submitting music for the review process and possible airplay or interviews with you or a representative from your band appropriate submission forms may be found on the blog.