Hartlepool girl guides take to the airwaves for worldwide event

Craig Shaw of Hartlepool Amateur Radio Club with Effie and Mya using Morse Code.

Around 30 youngsters aged from seven to 14 took part in Girlguiding Hartlepool’s Thinking Day on the Air on Saturday, with help from Hartlepool Amateur Radio Club.

Held at the Tees Valley North Scout Centre, in Brierton Lane, they used HAM radios to speak to fellow guides in Australia, America and Ireland.

Girl Guiding Hartlepool, held at Thinking Day on the Air, where with the help of Hartlepool Amateur Radio Club, they tried to contact other Girl Guides around the World. Guide Leader Sarah Boagey helping Matilda, Tiffany andf Jessica with sign language.

They also learned Morse code, how to cracked secret code and learned how to communicate using flags.

Karen Lee, division commissioner for Girlguiding Hartlepool, said: “Thinking Day on the Air is a worldwide event and means we communicate with other units and groups around the world and pass on our Thinking Day message.

“They have absolutely loved it. It is something we hope to repeat.”

The amateur radios were the same kind used to speak to astronaut Tim Peake in space.

Brown Owl Linda Peacock with Charlotte, Amelia and Ellie signalling with flags

Charlotte, nine, said: “It was really fun, I memorised how to spell my name in sign language.”

Savanna, aged eight, said: “The thing I most enjoyed was working in groups to help each other.”

The day was supported by members of the Radio Society of Great Britain. Regional manager Ian Douglas said: “They have been fantastic.”