THE MANCHESTER WIRELESS SOCIETY
Formed in February 1911 as "5MS", It is one of the oldest surviving radio societies in the world and recognized nationally as the oldest in the UK. The club has also held the call signs  2FZ and 2ZZ 
After the birth of amateur radio in this country and as time progressed, 5MS was looked upon as a leading voice in amateur radio around the U.K. When amateurs decided that it was time amateurs had some representation in government, 5MS (which was taking on amateur cause's nationally) was regarded by most UK amateurs as the obvious choice,
In mid1922 5MS formed the British Wireless Relay League  2ZZ  (BWRL)
This was the UK's first national society and was set up to assist  amateurs nationaly and promote amateur wireless telegraphy. 
The following  item was later published in "Wireless world and radio review" August 1922 page 697, Stating that
"Y.W.P. Evans (5MT) of the Manchester wireless society had obtained permission from the post master general to set up the British wireless relay league". The  purpose of the B.W.R.L. was to encourage interest in amateur transmissions  to provide a UK national organisation and for a further series of transatlantic test.
The B.W.R.L. proved so popular with leading amateur cause's
  it held it first meeting in January 1923. 

Despite all this " Manchester wireless society" was over looked as the national society in favour of the very much newer "London Wireless club" Because of its (then) closer proximity and influential ties within the capital. "London Wireless club" later known as the "London wireless society".
Worried that G5MS  had again took the initiative and started the countries first national society (BWRL) on behalf of the countries amateurs. The L.W.S. again  proposed another name change in  October1922 to"  The Radio society of Great Britain" and confirmed the change in 1923 at the  A.G.M. Which incidentally was held at the Waldorf hotel. The newly named RSGB noted it's desire to be associated with the  very popular B.W.R.L.
Yet again, another name change on the 22nd July 1926 to become
"The Incorporated Radio Society of Great Britain"
which is now  known as "The R.S.G.B. Ltd."
The British Wireless Relay League  2ZZ
was finally incorporated into the T and R section of the RSGB

In 1919 W.R.BURNE a member of 5MS  came first in a transatlantic listening contest,
In 1921 5MS  came first in a transatlantic contest, using a home built 1kw radio costing £120.o.od (£120.oop) and paid for by the society members, After permission was given by the land owners, members of 5MS operated it from the grounds of Heaton hall,  We don't know what happened to the callsign 2FZ, or 2ZZ  but we understand the callsign
G2FZ  is currently still being used.
We would welcome any information on 2FZ - 2ZZ  or G2FZ  - G5MT callsigns.

Government legislation in 1924 meant that all UK amateur radio stations would have to use the prefix "G". From now on 5MS would now be known as G5MS. For a time the callsign was held by Mr H Swann. Until lately G5MS   boasted a membership in excess of  200  but sadly this has thinned out with the opening of many more clubs across the country. Through out the early years and up to the end of WWII and not having a club house, One of its regular meeting places has been the famous Llyons cafe's . A favorite meeting place for the older members was the Brunswick arms in Piccadilly Manchester. In 1950 The society moved to
the King George VI Club, North road, Moston, (K.G.VI club was run by the WVS)
On  Tuesday 23rd  February 1951  with 13 members a second club
 The NORTH MANCHESTER RADIO SOCIETY (G3HOX) was formed at
"THE DOMMET STREET SCHOOL", BLACKLEY, MANCHESTER.
This was an idea by G3GB HENRY SHIELDS. Three other founder members
being G2ALN ERIC TAYLOR (silent key Jan 2003) G2HW HARRY and G2AKR DON (silent key 1998).The first licence for G3HOX was issued June 1951
It was not seen as a rival but as a more convenient club house for those
living around the north of the city.
In 1996 G5MS & G3HOX amalgamated and became G5MS MANCHESTER WIRELESS.
There are still a few  dedicated members like G2ALN and G3DUI who seem to have been
around for ever and with other members like Eric Sledge G0ICY
wish to keep alive & kicking, G5MS.
G0SNZ Arthur Flood  joined G5MS as a youngster and recons
he's been a member for over 40 years (1955),
even though it took him 35 years to get licensed. 

    In 2002 Manchester wireless society was asked to establish a special event amateur radio station in Manchester town hall to help celebrate Manchester's largest ever event taking place in the city. The Commonwealth games. The worlds second largest sporting event. 72 Nations which represent 1/4 of the worlds nations and 1/3 of the worlds population. During this event The Manchester wireless society sent out over 38,000 qsl cards. The event cost over £1500 and was paid for solely by G0TOG.
Some photographs of the event are available from here

The oldest member of  G5MS is 85 years young and our youngest is 13 years old
G5MS is still the only amateur radio club in Manchester.
    

Members of G5MS meet at the Heathfield resource centre,
Mitchell Street, Newton-Heath, Manchester, England. SD80 .. IO83VM
Every Monday evening at 19.00 hours (local time). All Radio Amateur and
Short Wave Listeners are assured of an enjoyable evening and a warm welcome.
(WE ARE HERE),

All Radio Amateur Examination 
 Advanced, Intermediate, Foundation and Morse classes are free to members.

G5MS Membership is compulsory for insurance, no exceptions.
Foundation - Intermediate course are available upon request
The Society is registered as a City & Guilds examination centre
as well  An RSGB satellite centre for all course's



Hear the voices of the
MANCHESTER WIRELESS SOCIETY G5MS
  145.7125 MHz. on The GB3MI Echolink repeater
Most evening from 21.00hrs till late (UK local time)

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