Results for NOC Colour Coded Event, Walesby, 12/01/2003

Organiser

The forecast for the event for the few days beforehand seemed to vary between wet and foggy. So when the day dawned clear and frosty, it was certainly a nice surprise. I always like Walesby on a good winter's day and hope that you also enjoyed your runs.

I would like to thank all who helped on the day and also the 'team leaders' who pulled together helper teams. In particular, the results team (Michael Napier, Angela and Mick Lucking and Mike O'Neill) put in long hours at the event (and I believe some after the event) to coax the final results from the computer system. A rogue SI box on the yellow was reporting splits of 360 minutes and more (note to planner - a bit longer than BOF guidelines?) and a file also went temporarily awol during the event. A special thank-you to Angela Lucking who puts in much time in making sure that the equipment is where it is expected when needed; unfortunately, the Finish banner that she ordered didn't arrive in time but will make an appearance at the next NOC events (Short races and Badge event).

See you there.

Paul Beverley

Planner

My official role at club events over the last few years has been as (thin) controller, so planning this event has been something of a reminder of the work and time organisers and planners put in. We shared the planning; Margaret, White to Light Green, you can blame me for the rest (brambles and bracken included).

As a first time planner, I was aware of some of the pitfalls but by no means all of them and it was a steep learning curve. All wrapped up by Christmas we said, and so it appeared to be, until the lake flooded and orange became a swimming course. After it subsided, the flooded areas froze and it snowed. Panic ensued but a very calm and confident controller kept me on track-thanks Jad.

Then there was the saga of the control site tags which kept disappearing (or moving!). We thought the same thing might happen to some of the flags and stakes we put out on Saturday, and therefore 'disguised' them, so well that our willing helper could not find them the next morning-sorry Keith. At least none disappeared during the event.

It was an enjoyable though time-consuming experience and one I would consider repeating now I have had a hot bath and a good night's sleep (but not for a while!).

We are indebted to Keith for help putting out S.I. units and Helen, Sarah, David and Matthew for collecting in controls. Our ancient legs certainly appreciated this. Thanks also to Paul for printing description sheets etc. and Mike O'Neil for programming S.I. boxes and especially Jad for his diligent controlling.

We hope you enjoyed your run on this cold, bracing day and will make a date in your diary for NOC's next event on Feb 1st/2nd.

Thanks for coming and Happy orienteering

Tony and Margaret Buckland

Controller

Two weeks ago the west path was flooded, which meant a revision to some of the courses, and earlier in the week the forecast was for rain. On the day we were lucky, and stayed dry. The use of the activity barn gave us some welcome respite from the cold.

Tony and Margaret made controlling easy, making the most of the limitations of the area, and the times reflected Walesby probably being NOC�s fastest area, who said all East Midlands area are Forestry Commission block woodlands.

To use a clich� Paul Beverley is a safe pair of hands, and the organisation was exemplary.

I hope you all enjoyed your day, and it was nice to see such a good turnout.

Jad Dziadosz