Sunday 9th May 2010
When
I planned this event I didn't realise what I had let myself in for. I knew that
there had been some clearance work, but it was not until I visited Parkhurst on
Easter Sunday that I could see the amount of work that had been done - and it
was a lot !
Fortunately
Daniel was happy to do some surveying prior to Glyn and myself visiting, so
between us we got the area right to plan on. I was able to use the cleared
areas, which defined clear vegetation boundaries as new control sites and was
able to take competitors off paths without them getting torn to sheds by
brambles.
In
hindsight I should have informed club members, via the web site, of the new
" runnable" forest, which may have enticed more members to turn up.
But I can't complain, as the turnout on the day was good, over 100.
Putting
some controls out late on Saturday was a mistake as two kites had been removed,
one from Blue and one from Light Green. Unfortunately this does happen
sometimes. But it does mean that the results for these courses is somewhat unfair,
as you don't know how long competitors spent looking for a kite they were never
going to find. It also spoils the enjoyment of the run, as you start to doubt
your map reading skills when you can't find a kite.
All
courses visited the very impressive squirrel hide near the signal house. I was
a bit concerned that it was too difficult for the Yellow course, but pleased
when all found it safely. Even the String course brushed past it and it was visited
by many after their runs.
Several
new groups took part as part of the Walking Festival and enjoyed the
experience. One couple, who did the event last year, enjoyed it so much that
they had their picnic en route. They spent four hours on the "difficult
for beginners" Light Green course until they completed it. Well done
!
It
was nice to be able present Chris Lipscombe with her award from British
Orienteering, which has acknowledged her dedication to the sport and the Club
for the past 30 years. Sue presented the award and Iris presented a bouquet
from the Club. Chris was clearly pleased as it put a big smile on her face. She
probably won't thank me for this but she put a big smile on mine later in the
morning. I disappeared into the forest, telling her I was making a call of
nature. She replied" I'm going to go as well". - I hope I can still
squat in the forest at 92 !
Thanks
to Chris and Beryl for Registration and Iris and her friend Sue for their
efforts with the String, Special thanks to the Williams' for their help on the
day and prior to the event.
Peter
Bartlett, Planner