BORTHWOOD -- 10^th DECEMBER 2006 -- REPORT

Luck was certainly with us for our Christmas event at Borthwood Copse. During the week the weather forecast had been quite terrifying. But when we arrived at Queen Bower Farm the sun was shining and the wind had dropped! We are grateful to Mr Young for, once again, letting us use his camping field for parking and registration. There is plenty of room to spread and although it's always more chilly on the field than down in the sheltered copse, the views are lovely.

People soon arrived - many wearing their tinsel finery and Santa hats - and settled down to copy 27 controls onto their maps.

Lesley Curran and Frank Winter had arrived much earlier and put out the road signs before carrying the goods- balloons, mince pies, tables etc., down to the copse. Perhaps we should employ a removals firm next time!

Bryan and Trevor Ould had been out since first light setting out the controls for the score courses, whilst Alistair Drover and his daughter, not quite so early, had laid out the string and Christmas markers.

We were pleased to see so many people coming to try the courses. 27 entries on the long course must represent at least 60 people, as quite a lot like to go round in family parties. From the results you can see that there is an enormous variation in the number of points that competitors gained. It is really worth trying to get back in the time allowed as points penalties for lateness can knock you a long way down the list. Plan your route rather than wandering round the copse in a haphazard way. Three people managed to find all the markers in 50 minutes. But Glyn had not met Mother Christmas, while Sue burst her balloon. Leaving the Dodnor Dodos, who just made the time with 10 seconds to spare, as the winners.

Many people managed to get plenty of bonus points. Cathy Ody's marathon roll of paper hats was raided, balloons were safely carried and face painting produced some startling results. Chris had a friend staying with her just before the event. She blew up 50 balloons. What else are friends for?!

Many thanks to all those who brought food. By all accounts plenty of nibbles were nibbled

On the short score course Joe's Army marched along well to score 100 points on the course and 145 altogether. Leah Williams also scored 100 from the controls, but missed out on a hat, scoring 140 in total.

Ten runners tried the String course with Bryony Carter, W7, magnificently dressed as a Christmas shepherd, getting round in 13.33 minutes. Just ahead of Lucy Drover, W4, who took 15.30 minutes.

Our next event won't be exciting in the same way but it is a long time since we had a map of a new area. Ventnor Downs will offer a good run to everyone and Registration looks to enjoying the views from the highest point on the Island. See you all there!

Chris Lipscombe