We are a local radio society of over 40 members that held its inaugural meeting on the 7th April 1948 and now holds meetings on some aspect of amateur radio, general electronics or computing at Bidborough on the second Monday of each month. We also take part as a club in Special Event Stations, Field Days as well as Contests from home.

Our membership comes mainly from licenced radio amateurs and those who are working towards being amateurs.  Our current Members tend to live in and around Tonbridge, Crowborough, Paddock Wood, Hildenborough and Tunbridge Wells but prospective members from further afield are always very welcome to join us.

The WKARS 2025 Year Planner

Our Monthly Meetings take place at Bidborough Village Hall.

The full list of our events can be found on the Meetings and Contests page, but the next ones are…

Meeting / Events this month:

Future Meetings & Activities:
December 8th Christmas Bash! Dave G4OTV’s Quiz night. Plus G4OTV Famous Sausage rolls made by his own fair hand, and Mince pies, and any other food provided by club members. Maybe even some hot mulled wine.

Please visit the Meetings page for additional details and our other activities.

In addition to our monthly meetings which frequently have a speaker, some members also meet twice a month for practical sessions which involve an activity such as: building equipment; learning Morse; or software programming.

We organise evening and weekend activities which often includes contest working, generally from fixed stations in the winter months but including some portable operating in the summer months using the Society’s own equipment, tents, aerials and generator.

We hold periodic social events and set up demonstration/special event stations to introduce others to the world of amateur radio.

Joining the Society
Membership is open to all with an interest in the hobby, whether licensed or not.  Further details regarding joining West Kent ARS and a membership application form can be found here. 

You are welcome to come to a few of the society’s formal meetings before you decide whether to join. We offer family membership and a discounted rate is available for those still in full time education.