Mid-Northants Raynet Group
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What is Raynet?
Raynet is a UK-wide network of licensed radio amateurs who provide communications support in the event of emergencies and for public meetings. Raynet, originally known as Radio Amateur Emergency Network (RAEN), came about following the disastrous floods in East Anglia in 1953. A combination of high winds and high tides caused the modest sea defences along the East Anglian coast to be breached. Towns and villages were cut off. People had no power or water for days, and in some cases were forced to wait on the roofs of their houses until rescued.

Although one of the regulations of the Amateur radio licence expressly forbids the passing of third-party messages, the East Anglian hams took matters into their own hands and set up an effective network that helped to co-ordinate the rescue and recovery operations.

Northampon Floods
The Mid-Northants Raynet group has provided communications support for several emergencies in recent times. In April 1998, over 1,000 homes in the St James area of Northampton become flooded.

Within 40 minutes of the call going out, seven core members of the Mid-Northants Raynet Group reported for duty. They were posted at assembly points and helped to reunite families that had become separated in the evacuation, and to pass messages between various services.

If you are interested in taking part in Raynet activities, contact the Mid-Northants Raynet Co-ordinator.

Note
Mid-Northants Raynet is an emergency communications unit. Although some of our members are trained in First Aid we are not a First Aid Unit. Communications are our only concern.