Bumper lighthouse weekend likely

The 200th lighthouse to register International Lighthouse and Lightship Weekend is GB4KAY, the Kay Kendall Memorial Lighthouse, Withernsea, Yorkshire.

Built in 1892-94 due to a large number of shipwrecks nearby, it was later named in memory of the glamorous 1950s actress Kay Kendall who was born in the town.

The International Lighthouse and Lightship Weekend is conducted annually by the Ayr Radio Club of Scotland.

The webmaster of its official website ILLW.NET, Kevin Mulchay VK2CE has sent a congratulatory email to GB4KAY for becoming the 200th registration in 2008. Up to 400 registrations are tipped this year.

The first Indian lighthouse has registered too. Bangalore Amateur Radio Club Secretary, Lion Ajoy VU2JHM says permission has been received to activate the Mahabalipuram Lighthouse in southern India.

It will be on air for India Independence Day the 15th of August through to the 18th which includes the International Lighthouse Weekend.

ZL operators are keen this year and there could be up to nine lighthouses activated. Australia appears to be headed for around 30 lighthouses including the Time-ball Tower at Williamstown.

The very first Chinese lighthouse has now been registered for the weekend by very active DXer Jungian Cong BG4KYA who will be at the Jinxianding (Qigan Zui)lighthouse.
- Amateur Radio Victoria.
1/7/08