BOXING DAY CANTER 2001

How lucky we were with the weather for this year's Boxing Day Canter. A

bright sunny morning tempted a record number of competitors to Moors Valley

which is the ideal venue for this event with car parking available adjacent

to the forest.

Helen had arm chair planned the control sites from Gothenburg and I managed

to tag these with very few changes needed. Following my operation on 20

December I was unable to put out and collect the controls and may I thank

those club members and others who helped. It was great to have all the

equipment packed in the car and to be home at 1.30pm.

On behalf of all competitors may I thank Tom Lawrence  (Father Christmas)

and Ruth Staunton and her cousin (Fairies). I believe that at times they

were somewhat overwhelmed with 110 of you finding the fairies and a massive

151 of you finding Father Christmas. May I also thank those other club

members who willing helped with signs, registration, map issue and the

finish.

I shall retain the control cards for 2 weeks should anyone have any queries

on their score.

Trevor Bridle

Informal Orienteering Training

On the 2nd Saturday of each month from January to April 2002 from 1.30pm to

3.00pm at Moors Valley informal orienteering training will take place. The

sessions are aimed at complete beginners through to improvers and are

suitable for all age groups, children, parents and grandparents. All persons

under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. The sessions will

cover basic skills such as orientating the map and using a compass. This

will be followed by time to practise new skills on the permanent course,

under supervision. The sessions will start and finish at the Visitor Centre.

If you would like to come along simply call the Wardens Office (01425

470721) to reserve your place. Parking passes will be issued for the

duration of the event if places are reserved in advance. Cost £2 adults and

£1 under 16s.

Forthcoming Events

Sun Jan 20 Wessex Orienteering Club Dorset Schools League and limited colour

coded. Poole Park. Signed    from A35/A350 junction. Courses White - Light

Green + Score. Registration 10.00. Starts 10.15 -   12.00. Entry Fees

£2.50/£1.50.

Sun Jan 27 Wim Badge Event. Avon Water New Forest. Parking at Set Thorns

Campsite (GR SU 263004). Pre-  entries on BOF standard entry form to John

Shucksmith, 12 Ridgeway, Corfe Mullen, Wimborne.   BH21 3HS. (01202 605108).

Entry fees  £7.00/£3.50. Closing Date 10/1/2002. Late entry on the day

£8.00/£4.00 whilst  overprinted map stocks last. Colour Coded courses EOD

(£3.50/£1.50) Starts   10.30 -12.30. SI electronic punching. Supply your SI

card number on entry or SI Card hire 50p.

Sat Feb 23 Night Owl - Night Event. Inside Park Blandford Forum. (GR ST

863048) Starts 6.00-7.00. SI    punching. £3/£1.50.

Sun Feb 24 Dorset Schools League and Limited colour coded. Inside Park

Blandford Forum.(GR ST 863048) SI   punching. £3/£1.50 Starts 10.30 -12.30.

Punch hire 50p per person -schools free. Enquiries both    events Dick

Keighley (01258 860935).