The legendary South Asian DXer, shortwave listener, amateur radio operator (4S7VK) and all-round-good-guy, Victor Goonetilleke has been here in Melbourne over the past two months visiting his daughter and her lovely young family. I have known Victor since the early 70s when we were both strapping young lads, and we corresponded occasionally either directly or through the pages of the Australian DX News. Many years later, I had several contacts with him on the 20m amateur band, which I was most excited about! And then about three years ago, I got to meet Victor face-to-face on his first visit to Melbourne. On that occasion, we spent the morning visiting the Reach Beyond Australia (formerly HCJB Aust.) studios, lunch and later back to my radio shack.
Well, Victor has been back in town and we caught up again at his daughter's home this week. We yacked away, like two old women....except we are now two old men!! 😉 Three hours later, the conversation had ranged across many topics including the past, present and future of the shortwave listening hobby, DXpeditions, coping with the RF interference menace, raising the standard of reception report writing, QSLs, amateur radio, and many other things. We also reflected on what has been happening in our respective families.
While he was here, I had hoped to take Victor on a mini DXpedition for a day out listening in the bush. But it could not be arranged on his visit this time around. But perhaps next year? Anyway, it was a wonderful morning spent with this delightful and genial famous DXer. I very much look forward to his next visit to Melbourne.
73, Rob VK3BVW
Topic: A Visit with Victor Goonetilleke (Read 1807 times)
