ARRETON AMBLE

Sunday 9th August 2009

REPORT

The Quiz Walk is an event we hold with the Isle of Wight Ramblers and it has been running in its present form for 5 years. This year the event did not appear in the Ramblers calendar, so no competition! August can also be a poor month for attendance, due to holidays and hot weather (well sometimes).

Our chosen area was centred on Arreton using the Downs above the village. We did most of the planning during the hot weather in early summer. In places the paths were overgrown, one was blocked by a fallen tree and some of the fields had crops to be harvested

Despite some earlier wet weather the day of the quiz was sunny and hot, with little wind. The paths and tree were cleared and the harvest gathered in. People found the two stiff climbs quite taxing and we had to include a length of the main road, which gets surprisingly busy.

We had a very good entry of 14 teams despite the absence of the Ramblers. Thanks to all of you for turning out. The Community Hall at Arreton was an excellent venue and there was even a pub nearby for those who needed more than tea and biscuits at the end.

Our clues were a mix of cryptic and straight forward and as usual they caused some debate at the finish. A quick analysis showed that most teams got most clues and no clue proofed too difficult. So about right! We also included 3 General Knowledge questions for teams to ponder as they covered the route. All the teams were knowledgeable on matters in Afghanistan, but not so hot on American Politics!

We continued the idea of having two maps and allowing teams to choose. One map had the approximate position of the clues marked on it. The other was blank and the team had to work out clue positions by using grid references. Out of a possible total of 58 points 2 were added for using the ≥hard≤ map and 2 deducted for choosing the ≥easy≤.

Congratulations to the Lee Team as winners. This despite a significant and time-consuming detour. Some dispute about map reading we gather. Special mention for our youngest competitor, he - or she - was minus 5 months. Didn't get much of a view but Mum says baby enjoyed the ride.

All in all a good day out enjoyed by everyone, despite the heat and the hills. So we are encouraged to arrange another quiz walk, same time next year. If you would like to suggest a venue please contact us. We look forward to seeing more of you then. Finally, special thanks to Yvonne Curran who served up drinks and biscuits to everyone

Lesley Curran and Frank Winter, Planners