Winter Series 2003-2004
Round 1 - 12th October 2003

Report by TX operator, Dave Chippendale:

Realizing that the first DF of the year was on a weekend that I would be ‘on the 109 map’ for the weekend, I rang Chris P asking to exchange events with me, because it would be more convenient for me to organise.

Astley Green Colliery started life with the sinking of a shaft in 1908, the coal being removed by barge on the Bridgewater canal, and finally closed in 1970. It now houses one of the largest twin tandem steam winding engines in the country. For a more detailed history look here.

The DF site, behind the Astley Green Colliery Museum just of the A580, was one I discovered the year before while visiting the museum, so the area was known. Chris H was also nearby last year, so the same pub The Old Boathouse, which served us very well last time round, would be OK. Easily organized!!

On Saturday time was very tight, so I thought I’d use the fence for aerial the next morning. Unfortunately I could not be heard from the start, so with a quick uncoil of wire in my pocket a 20 meter run was slung low in the trees, ready for the second transmission. This time, hunters could hear a weak signal.

Chris P was, as usual, first on the scene but he found it heavy going through the undergrowth has he approached, he then detoured round but completely missed me and did not return for another 15 mins. Meanwhile Chris H just appeared from nowhere, in and out of the hide in seconds, breaking his DNF’s while looking for me. Is Hayley Becoming the new Giles? Once again bring up the rear with her uncle Dave P.

All photos courtesy of Dave and Donna: