Today I attended the 50th Wanganui “Junk Sale” held at Wanganui Intermediate School.
The day started for me with the arrival of Ted ZL2TED and Don ZL2DON at my QTH, and we set off from Newlands at around 06:45. We made good time travelling north, with a breakfast stop at Bulls, arriving at the venue at about 09:30.
This sale marked the retirement of stalwart auctioneer Ian Stephens, with speeches and presentation of a suitably inscribed and framed certificate. The occasion provided the opportunity to meet many old friends, some not seen since the last sale. I was especially pleased to catch up briefly with Ted ZL2IP, a founder and long-time VHF Group member now residing near Inglewood, Taranaki, and also Leith ZL2AL, NZART Councillor elect, from Hastings. There was a strong contingent from Wellington, from the VHF Group, and other Wellington branches. Others came from as far afield as Inglewood, Reporoa, (thanks for the report on Maroanui John ZL1DT), Napier, Hastings etc.
There were a few gems amongst the range of “junk” on auction, and very little remained unsold at the end of the day. Warren ZL2AJ scored the largest prize, two 10 element 2m yagi, which made his RV look a bit like a fire tender!
Attending auctions must stimulate the desire for sustenance, the café did a brisk trade most of the time, but alas there were none of the celebrated pies on offer this year, with an emphasis on healthy rolls and sandwiches. All things considered this was a great Amateur social event, enjoyed by lots of Amateurs from around the lower North Island.
We gave the local repeaters and the national system a work out on the return journey.