Jeff Morris, 9H1EL alias 9H0A

He's one of those Englishmen still occupying Malta. This strategically important island was a British base for 150 years but became an independent republic in the 60's. Jeff moved here from England some 25 years ago. The climate was surely the main attraction but being more flexible was another factor. Jeff has spent the last quarter of a century working on offshore oil rigs and vessels and living in North Africa was an advantage. Yes, Malta is actually in North Africa, south of Tunis in Tunesia. But it counts as Europe in the amateur radio realm. Hence, making a good contest score from here is almost impossible. Jeff persistently tries to do it, in spite of this handicap. And in spite of having very limited space for low band antennas. The roof of his house is filled with mostly home made stuff covering the HF bands. Due to limited land surface, the 10 meter band is his favourite. And propagation is usually much better here than in the rest of Europe so his single band 10m entries are quite successful. Several years ago he managed to get a shorter call sign of 9H0A for contest purposes.

Jeff is a social creature so now and then he joins a group. It can be, as in the most recent CQ WW SSB 2001, a 10m stint on the Multi Multi team from Lampedusa IG9. Or the DX holiday from Comoros signing D68C. He was also on Spratly, as a member of the 9M0C team and in Ghana with the Voodoo Group. I suspect that his being partly retired will let us hear Jeff from more spots in the future. Malta is a tiny place, occasional trips are a must for someone used to being confronted with new challenges, new environments, new tasks.

Jeff 9H1EL at his neat and versatile station

The station and the operator are well prepared for CW, SSB and digital modes

The roof of his house is filled with aerials. And that's all antenna space he has

All antennas are home made and of own design

LF receiving antenna

At the Malta Amateur Radio League, Jeff in the center wearing yellow shirt, surrounded by other 9H hams

In spite of having a QSL manager in Norway, namely LA2TO, many cards arrive through the bureau. Jeff has no interest in and no time for QSLing so every visit to the local club gives him some headache. Before sending your card, check www.qrz.com, please.

Henryk Kotowski SM0JHF / 9H3HF