Katy and Mark Dyer wrote:
Shortly after returning from 3 weeks in Scotland climbing Munros, we had to
come down to earth and prepare for the informal orienteering event we were
to organise on the Downs. Having planned there many times, the task was not
too difficult. However I did run round the control sites again just to
make sure all the benches were still standing and the holes in the ground
had not been filled in by the Risk Assessment brigade. All seemed well and
even the weather was going to be kind, if a little windy. Fortunately I
have experienced ‘a little windy ‘ before and packed my warm outdoor
clothes I had worn in Scotland. The plans to get the controls out and do my
teaching went smoothly and we were ready before 6pm.
Lots of people came! Many families and groups were trying the sport for the
first time. Sue Curtis brought her Guides and they had a good time too. The
sun shone and the wind blew very hard but failed to dislodge my garden
stones which were holding down all the papers. I knew I had collected the
stones from the beach for a reason. We had 4 courses: yellow, orange, green
and blue. I think there was something for everyone. Adam Potter impressed
us with his speedy zoom round the blue course and we were pleased to see a
good range of age groups. Nearly all the choc bars were used up we had so
many beginners. Anne Donnell braved the chilly wind and gave us sterling
help with the novice runners. We enjoyed putting on this event so much we
will be on the Downs again on September 6, organising a Come and Try It
orienteering event for new and fairly new comers to orienteering. Watch
the BOK web site. and bring your friends.
