John Newton was born in Minehead in 1931, he lived and worked in West Somerset until his passing in July 1999. He was an electrician by trade and went on to be an Electrical Engineer. He served in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (R.E.M.E) in the early 50’s. He was always interested in Radio and in 1970/1 became a licensed Radio Amateur. He was very proud of his G8 call and always resisted many attempts to get him to take the Morse test! He encouraged his two sons, Richard (writing this) and William into the hobby. Richard is licensed as G0RSN and William holds G7GMZ.

John was a man who dedicated his life to others, he worked as a volunteer with the St John Ambulance, being made a Serving Brother of the Most Venerable Order of St John of Jerusalem. He was also an active member of The Royal National Lifeboat Institution obtaining a long service award for his years spent on the Minehead Inshore Lifeboat Crew. Following his untimely death at 67 years his family and close friends asked the British licensing authority, The DTIRA if they would reissue John’s call sign as a club call. This they did and hence the.. John Newton memorial Radio Club

You can see some more information and pictures on the club Facebook Page