Promoting Amateur Radio World-wide from the "Fourth Plinth"
Music Publisher and Amateur radio enthusiast, Martin Maynard has been selected for the 'Fourth Plinth.' His intention whilst on the plinth is to promote the hobby of Amateur radio and raise awareness that that it is an interesting and fulfilling hobby.
The 'Fourth Plinth', that Martin will occupy for one hour, is part of a major living monument created by sculptor Antony Gormley. The project has been choosing people from all over the UK to occupy the empty Fourth Plinth in Trafalgar Square in London, a space normally reserved for statues of Kings and Generals.
Martin has been allocated a slot on the plinth between 4-5pm on Friday 25th September during which he will operate a special Amateur radio station featuring Icom radio equipment. For this special occasion, Ofcom have issued the callsign GB1AO (Gulf Bravo One And Other). Martin said, ' As a radio amateur I will be setting up a small modern transmitting station featuring Icom radios and during my hour will attempt to make contact with other amateurs around the country and maybe further afield.'
Every hour, 24 hours a day, for 100 days without a break, different people from all walks of life are making the Plinth their very own. The project is being streamed live on the event website http://www.oneandother.co.uk/ and on the Sky website, courtesy of SkyArts as well featuring a weekly programme on SkyArts. This coverage has received a huge amount of press interest from all round the world.
Martin lives in Pangbourne, Berkshire and was originally licensed in 1969 with an operating callsign G8CIX. He said,' Since childhood I have been fascinated by wireless. By using a handful of components and a length of wire, an electromagnetic field can be created that allows you to communicate across the world. It is something magical and should be made more prominent in the school curriculum these days.'
Martin is a successful businessman. He has worked in the fast pace end of the music business. His company Sounds Good Ltd (http://www.soundsgood.co.uk/) makes CDs and DVD's and are involved in event management and radio hire. Martin's Amateur radio interests include Narrow Band Television, supporting RAYNET and chatting to friends on 80 metres.
Asked why he applied to take part,' Martin said ' I thought the ' One and Other' project was a brilliant idea as informative art. I wanted to do something to promote Amateur radio.
For more details of Martin's participation and to annouce your support go to: http://www.GB1AO.co.uk
Martin's slot is 1600-1700 on Fri 25 September 2009 and the special event station callsign is GB1AO.
Icom UK Marketing -
marketing@icomuk.co.uk
11/09/2009
