After outgrowing the Gatwick Worth hotel, this year the RSGB HF Convention moved to Wyboston Lakes, just off the A1 near St Neots. This purpose-designed conference centre proved well suited to hosting the HFC.

The Convention, sponsored by Martin Lynch & Sons and Icom, opened on the Friday evening with a Welcome Buffet in the well-appointed restaurant.

Many delegates chose to follow the meal a few drinks in the adjoining, very reasonably priced bar.

Saturday morning saw the Convention begin in earnest. After a welcome by RSGB President Angus Annan, MM1CCR, the three lecture streams got under way.

The HFC has traditionally attracted the very best lecturers, and this year was no exception.

Two of the most popular lectures this year were on the BS7H and 3B7C DXpeditions. Both were hugely over-subscribed and had to be repeated for the benefit of people who simply couldn't fit into the first sessions.

One of the major events within HFC is the awarding of trophies.

As usual, a full list of winners will be printed in the Yearbook.

Trophies were presented to winners by Angus Annan for HF, VHF and IOTA. This year the presentations included a number of non-RSGB awards.

While the HF Convention is by no means a rally, there were stands from the RSGB, Icom and Martin Lynch & Sons.

The RSGB Book Stand gave delegates the opportunity to browse and buy a wide range of RSGB books.

Icom's stand included a chance to gain hands-on experience with the new IC-7700.

Icom also provided an IC-7800 for the GB2HFC special event station, which was open for use by any visiting amateur.

Martin Lynch offered a wide range of amateur radio equipment on his stall, and exhibited the first Yaesu FT-950 to arrive in Europe.

Saturday evening beheld the traditional DX Dinner, hosted by the irrepressible Bob Beebe, GU4YOX.

As usual, there was a table quiz, culminating in a sudden-death round for volunteers form the highest-scoring tables. Keith, G3VKW, was eventually triumphant, and won a bottle of ice-cold champagne for his table.

Everyone agreed that the standard of catering was exceptionally high, and the meal was enjoyed by all.

At the end of the meal, president Angus Annan presented two additional awards. First, the G5RP Trophy was awarded to G7VJR for most improved DX performance.

Then The famous Calcutta Key was presented to the Five Star DXers Association, represented by Neville Cheadle, G3NUG, for their outstanding work on organising the world's most successful DXpeditions, including the recent 3B7C.