Organiser's comments

I had an opportunity and a time window to put something back into Orienteering, so I thought organising a small event would be ideal.  I was thinking a quiet local event with maybe three or four courses.  In practice, some unexpected challenges came my way:-

• Change the event location (was Graystone Moor).  Okay, still not too far ....... but quite different risks to deal with.
• Add Yvette Baker Trophy heat – a National level competition with its own special rules to be observed!  Oh, and that means a total of 8 courses needed ...... but do we have enough lead time and the weather deteriorates, making site access difficult.
• "Small" problem – the map's too small.  Need to extend the mapped area ...... but we don't have the weeks needed for surveys, etc.  Saved by Paul Taylor – master mapmaker who is on the team.  He sorts it in a matter of days.
• Late addition of the Couch 2 Green "graduation exercise".  Novices – so do we need search parties when they disappear in the woods?  A brief chat with Mary Fleming – CLOK's Development Officer and C2G leader – removed any concerns.  The ambition and speed of progress into orienteering that this scheme provides is impressive.  Great work, Mary, and well done to all the enthusiastic and gutsy C2G orienteers.  Could be a model for other O-clubs to consider?

In all, it was a privilege working with the dream team of Paul Taylor, Alan Cranke and Caroline Mackenzie.

Congratulations to all the orienteers who bathed and sweated in that glorious spring sunshine, courtesy of the cosmos.  They battled the many hours of the Planner's creativity, the Mapper's art and design and the Controller's precision to achieve only precious minutes of orienteering experience.  Massive thanks to all the tireless volunteers (especially the Taylor and Tiffin couples, who arrived first and were the last to leave) and the event Officials.  Their expertise and many hours of dedication are needed to make this and every orienteering event possible.  And special thanks to Aislaby Quarry and Eskdale Stone Ltd for permission to use their unique terrain.

Simon Schmuck
Organiser