Planner's Comments

When my original choice for planner had to pull out due to other commitments, I took on the role a bit later in the day than I should have liked. But as we had recently had to cancel an event in January, I didn’t want to do so a second time. I chose the start point to allow a different approach to the area compared to other recent events. I also wanted to give the junior courses more varied terrain with the steep climb from the start.

I was lucky to get Allan Farrington to agree to be controller as he spent a lot of time and effort to iron out any errors in my courses. It was Allan that sorted out the problems created by the farmer moving the location of his grazing cattle. I enjoyed the experience and planning an event is certainly a good way to get to know an area. Thanks also to Tony Ludford for organising, especially arranging the help needed to collect in the controls at the end.

Mike Broderick, BADO

Controller's Comments

Rather like Mike I came late to this event; they could not find anyone else and he emailed while I was on holiday and in a good frame of mind. As I was planning Army events on 3 & 10 May and organising the MTBO for 4 June & JIRC on 24/25 June I was not able to give it all the attention I would have liked. That's my excuse for not noticing that Mike had used the old version of Condes IOF symbols and that we should not have had the start on a track junction for TD1/2 courses.

Fortunately I know the area fairly well and was able to advise Mike on course layout without a visit. Once he had chosen the general shape it was nice to see he used some of the more open woods above the ridge which have only recently been cleaned out from slow run. Vegetation was lower than I had expected, must be the drought, with nettles and brambles still low. When the farmer moved the electric fence on Wednesday I quickly redesigned all the courses for Mike as they were due for printing that day, so thanks to Nigel Benham of BML printers for his very flexible response to the crisis. It did mean a couple of less than perfect legs, although in hindsight it also improved some courses.

Perham is an area where route choice comes strongly into play for the longer courses and I hope those on courses 1 & 2 were not too tired to miss the 115 to 108 route choice. For the 3 people who mixed up 110 & 78 I can only say that whilst they were both vegetation boundaries, they were 100m apart and the codes were totally different. We lost one control overnight, number 63, but fortunately I had a prototype of the new Emit stake to hand with a joker control on it that can be set to any number in secs. I think the vandals were still in bed as no more disappeared.

Allan Farrington, BAOC

Organiser's Comments

My first attempt at organising. Those of you who know how long I have been orienteering may think this disgraceful, and I wouldn’t disagree.

What a good day it turned out to be. Good weather – I was the one wandering around with no shirt on. The first people to arrive offered to help run the car park. The BADO helpers were unstinting in their support for the day, which was great when it came to control collecting. Good downland grass in car park enjoyed by Avon Schools for their prize giving and families picnicking well into the afternoon. Perham Down provided for fast downland orienteering, I hope you enjoyed running there.

Congratulations to the lad who was out on the white course for nearly two hours. determination to finish seemingly his only concern.

My thanks to the Emit team of Allan and Jerry who handle so much of the organisation, the entries, controls, and results.

Must just mention my stupid wife. Full of cold, dosed up with various remedies. Sent her home at 1.45. Then her car reappears ten minutes later. “I’ve just seen the orienteering sign at the junction, do you want me to collect all the signs that I see on my way home?”

I might even do it again, providing I can get the same group of helpers.

Tony Ludford, BADO