Article from Tchimes

SWALEDALE ORIENTEERING CLUB NEWS

26 people and a baby in a back carrier turned out for the opening event of the new permanent Orienteering course in Richmond on Sunday 12th September 2004. It was rather a windy day with some light showers, so we struggled against that, but everyone was very understanding and we all coped with Liz's errors and late arrival. Because of the wind it had proved difficult putting out the flags and number cards, so it wasn't the start she wanted or intended. Sorry to those that were present and a huge THANK YOU must go to CLOK member Martyn Dean for saving an extra delay by putting out the last markers and especially for collecting them all back in again as he followed the last starters round the courses.

Everyone started by running around the new Permanent course at Round Howe picnic area, which took about 12 minutes. Simon Walton was the first child running in 7.27 minutes; Paul Brooks, the first man, and first overall, ran round in 7.15 mins and the first female, Eileen Bedwell from CLOK ran in at 12 mins. Everyone got 100% for their answers and it was lovely to see so many of the children trying hard and enjoying themselves. WELL DONE.

Next we went up to Westfield and ran 3 different colour courses. Yellow was the easier course and the children and beginner, Liz Corner, followed that. Not surprisingly Liz was the fastest taking 28.58 mins.

Only 2 ran the longer Red course. John Hallett took 33.52 mins and Matthew Carson (10) ran it in 38.45, both doing very well. The third group ran the harder Light Green course and Gareth Carson finished in the shortest time of 2l.50 mins. Simon Walton (10) coped very well with the Light Green and managed to finish in 25.02 mins. I appreciated the support of Martyn with the flags, then Geoff Kensett, Simon Blanchard and Mrs. Walton who helped time people in and out. I am sorry that there was some confusion with the flags, but we can assure any newcomers that a CLOK event is run by lots of people and not just by one as today had been. Everyone enjoyed themselves, although it would have been better with less rain and wind. Full results can be found on the SOC website at www.swaledaleoutdoorclub.org.uk.

We hope to see some of the day's runners out again soon:

Sunday 10th October Preston Park, Eaglesctiffe, 10.30. It is a permanent course of 15 markers taking about 40 minutes to complete. &nsbp;It is fine for older children to run alone as in a fairly open park. We will run this as a Score event.

Saturday 13th November, 10.30am at Hamsterley Forest. This is a longer, harder course. We will run 4 different colour courses on their permanent course. Children are best to run in pairs or with an adult.

Sat 16th December is programmed as Richmond, but that may change as it will be very exposed. I may run an event in Guisborough or Darlington instead. Do ring to find out.

Liz Blanchard

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