The Sandbox Net has
been in operation since September 1990, never missing a day, no matter
whether band conditions were good or bad. The dedication and the perseverance
of Paul Uttaro, VE2QR and a core group of loyal supporters of The
Sandbox Net have made it the number one International Round Table Net on
40 meters.
The beginning
of the Sandbox Net goes back to June 1990 when Paul's brother Dave VE1TY
was transferred to Turo, Nova Scotia from Pointe Claire, Quebec. They set
up on 40 meters to just talk and keep in contact every night, soon some
friends would join in as well. One of the first was Don VE3ESE, then
came John VE3JWS, Tommy VE3OIM, George VE3MMQ, Ed VE3FE,
Roy VE3ALK and many others to follow.
By September
1990 the numbers had grown substantially so the group decided to form a
net and started kicking around suitable names for it. This went on for
several weeks but most names that were suggested seemed to be too long
or inappropriate. Since the group were in round table discussions on varied
topics, people would break in and say they would be back shortly due to
the call of nature. Tommy, for one would announce that he had to go to
the "sandbox" and this became the regular phrase when someone had to leave
the net for a short period. John VE3JWS, jokingly commented that since
everyone on the net were always going to the sandbox, why not call it "
The Sandbox Net ". Every one agreed and that is how The Sandbox Net got
its' name !
