MB7IFR - About the town of Leicester

The towns within the central part England form a region called "The Midlands". This region is broken down into two parts, the east and west. The West Midlands contains well known towns such as Birmingham, Walsall, Solihull etc. Whilst the East Midlands is home to towns like Nottingham, Derby and also Leicester.

With a population of around 280,000, Leicester is the largest city in the East Midlands and the tenth largest in the country. Location wise it is approximately 100 miles (160km) north of the capital city London. Leicester has been around for many years, in fact its importance was first recognised by the Romans and later by the Danes, who used it as a strategic stronghold to control the Midlands. Since then it has developed into a major commercial and manufacturing center, known better for the diversity of its trade than for its dependence on a single industry

Leicester is also home to the "National Space Centre". Which was the brain child of the University of Leicester which has Space science expertise of world renown. The University, Leicester City Council and Chamber of Commerce submitted a bid to the Millennium Commission for funds. The Millennium Commission agreed to support the project as its Landmark Millennium Project for the East Midlands. You can visit the national Space Centre web site by clicking here

Amateur Radio wise it's also home to several repeaters and beacons? These are GB3CF, GB3LE, GB3GV, GB3LES, GB3LEF, GB3LEX and GB3UM. They are all run and maintained by Leicestershire Repeater Group, more info can be found at their web site.

Leicester is also home to the long established "Leicester Radio Society and Computer Club". Meeting on Monday evenings the club site is a well equipped self contained site with shack, training room, lecture room etc. They run training courses for both new comers and those wishing to upgrade existing amateur licenses. For more info please visit the LARS website.

More recently a new group "Leicester DX" has also been formed. They are more a "social group" than a club, but are very keen on regular "Field Day" activities and welcome anyone along. For more info you can visit the Leicester DX Website