My radio interest started as SWL in 1949 when living on my fathers dairy farm in East of England.This interest developed due to my grandfathers deep sea fishing fleet the radio communications of these were monitored for the family interest. The 80/160m amateur bands were at the adjacent ends of the marine band these bands therefore created the start of my amateur interest.Obtained my full licence in 1954 (G3OEQ)Started on 160/80m CW/AM using HB QRP gear (5763PA EL95Mod).Graduated to a 10-80m HB exciter (5B254M PA EL84 Mod)20W output and a 265ft vertical yes vertical from a mast on the top of my cliff top house down to beach level, this being fed from the top, my best antenna ever!!. My first and most exciting DX was W1BB on 160m operating the above 5763PA transmitter. My years progressed using modified gov surplus Collins RCA HRO etc until the advent of commercial gear Heathkit Eddystone Labgear KW Electronics on all the HF bands using an array of all types of antennas to many to mention. The interest now was SSB using HB phase and xtal exciters and building dedicated receivers including the G2DAF design, the transmitters used the 6146 PA those early days of SSB were great frustration but fun.As I was employed within the radio communications industry at that time which had moved into the VHF/UHF systems so parallel to this my interest moved into the amateur VHF/UHF bands using HB gear and antennas with good results.Today I am using modern technology like I think most stations are Icom Kenwood Yaesu and a vast amount of commercial antennas still this gives me enjoyment of all types of QSO be it a long chat or chasing that elusive DX station on all bands 160m to 70cm involving all modes including digital and SSTV/DRM. Thank you for reading this I hope you have the same pleasure as I do with this hobby amateur radio,as I can now being retired on the island of Cyprus 73 David.