Lawrence “Flo” Howell, now KL7L (Original licensee VP8ADE, aka VP8SB, VP0SB, VP0GB, GM4DMA), wrote some interesting notes that represent “a time gone by”, when Radio, especially in Antarctica represented much more than a simple pastime; not just a hobby, but a necessity, the only way to be in touch with the rest of the world. 
The pride of having among the good memories of Ham Radio contacts, a 42 years old QSO with VP8SB followed by a QSL signed by Lawrence is not only a reason for pride, but something much more important, a world without barriers, a world of peace.
Lawrence shared this kind of touching memory with us at WAP, along with a significant photo… the end of a myth …! We publish it in full:
«Sad news that after 46 years of operation VP8ADE fell silent key at 1230Z 21st Feb 2025»
In 1978, and just prior to my first deployment as Radio Operator to Antarctica, I was contacted by the RSGBs beacon coordinator – I was asked whether it would be possible to set up a 10m beacon in Antarctica, as at that time there was no other 28MHz beacon on the Continent and would add valuable data on 28MHz F2 propagation.
Subsequently with support of the British Antarctic Survey and the Falklands radio licensing section and radio hams in Surrey – the beacon was built and sent to the base by ice breaker – and installed it in a small wood hut shared by the old RCA NDB and I coded the diode matrix keyer as “VP8ADE ANTARC” on 28,2845MHz or so.
The antenna started off as a dipole at around 8m or so firing up the Atlantic and global coverage proved to be excellent. The original aim was for the beacon to return with me at the end of my deployment in 1981, but with the support of the technical and operational staff it managed to stay on for a whole lot longer! It was moved to “Bransfield House” loft and the antenna there was a ¼ wave vertical on the control tower walkway. With help from Tris Thorne MM0TJR, who replaced the keyer, and countless others over the next 40 plus years – the beacon was kept viable and provided great Fof2 data.
The future is a little unclear at the moment – the building that was new in 1979, is now being removed, but perhaps alternate technology and location may become available. In any case the end of new VP8 licenses for the British Antarctic Territory (BAT) is in sight, and its likely, but not yet certain, will be moved to a VP0 (Zero) format, similar to South Georgia/South Sandwich, with VP8 only being issued for the Falkland Islands.
Again, thanks to all those many “Rothera-ites” over the years who have helped to keep the beacon on air and on frequency.
73 Laurence “Flo Howell, (VP8SB, VP0SB, VP0GB), KL7L, GM4DMA, Original licensee VP8ADE
British Antarctic Survey 1978-1983, Transglobe Expedition 1979-82. Picture on the right, shows Lawrence Flo Howell_Radio Officer at Rothera 1978-81
TNX Laurence “Flo Howell