Welcome to Bedford and District Amateur Radio Club

Joining Us

Whether you're a licensed radio amateur, working towards your first licence, or simply curious about the hobby, Bedford and District Amateur Radio Club offers a warm welcome. Membership is open to everyone interested in amateur radio — you don't need a licence to join, just enthusiasm.

Membership Rates for 2026/27

We keep our rates simple and affordable:

• £30 per quarter (£120 per year), or

• £90 for the full year if paid in advance — saving you £30

Whichever way you choose to pay, your membership covers everything the club has to offer.

What Your Membership Includes

Full use of the club house. Members are welcome during opening sessions, and we encourage you to bring projects, questions, and enthusiasm.

Hands-on practical use of the radios. If you don't yet hold a licence, you're still welcome on the air — you'll be supervised by one of our fully licensed members operating under the club callsign, or by another licensed operator transmitting under their own licence privileges and callsign. It's one of the best ways to experience operating firsthand before taking your own exam.

Training opportunities. Throughout the year, we run training at various points in the calendar. There's currently a Morse Code class running online on Thursday evenings, and this is included as part of what membership offers.

Opening Times — In Person and Online

The club house is open on Tuesday evenings and Saturday afternoons. Please note that times vary depending on the weather, the time of year, and club events, so it's worth checking with us for the latest opening details before visiting.

Whenever the club house is open, we also run an online Zoom session so members can join remotely — accommodating everyone, everywhere. Our membership stretches right across the UK and includes members overseas, so nobody misses out on club activities, wherever they happen to be.

Visiting Us

Visitors are always welcome to come along and see what we do — either in person or by joining one of our online sessions. Please note that members and/or visitors aged 16 or under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times, and cannot be left unattended on club premises at any time.

Whether you're interested in contesting, DXing, construction projects, or simply want a friendly place to learn about radio, we'd love to see you. Get in touch or drop by during an open session — in person or online — and you'll be made very welcome.