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After a convivial evening at the Mole Annual
dinner in March I discovered that I had agreed to organize the Norbury
event. Since my experience was limited it was fortunate that Mark Rowe
was able to provide guidance as to how I should proceed. It soon became
apparent that the Young Street Car Park would not be large enough if we
had a big turnout. We therefore approached the Countryside Ranger for
Norbury who agreed to open up the field beyond the Public Car Park for
us. Accordingly we concentrated our activities in this field and
separated the orienteers from the public.
Thanks to the efficiency of the mole helpers the
general state of bemusement of the organizer was concealed from the
event participants and the event seemed to take place with no important
glitches. We had 201 entrants, which was above our most optimistic
forecasts. Thanks to Hugh Walker’s pre event publicity in the local
paper a number of novice orienteers attended, these were efficiently
looked after by Jackie Olive at the enquiry desk. Hopefully some will
become active orienteers.
Many thanks to Jon Coles for the efficient way he
handled the important part of the occasion, to Gordon Parker for his
helpful suggestions and to all the moles who gave up part of their Bank
Holiday and without whose support this event could not have taken place.
Michael White
Controller's report
I hope you all enjoyed
Jon’s courses and his revised map. Jon’s decision to avoid the scarp
slope definitely led to more pleasant courses, although it was
surprising at how fast the forest vegetation changed over the past three
weeks. I was pleased as usual with the efficient Mole “machine”
where the event as always ran very smoothly under the guidance of
Michael as organiser and Mike as computer guru.
We made little changes to any
of the courses as I was very happy with Jon’s range of courses – the
positive comments we received at the finish would suggest you enjoyed
them also.
Apologies to anyone who was
confused by our “fated” control on the green course – number 247.
This control was originally numbered 225, but I was unhappy about this
numbering, as it was beside another control 226 – both controls were
on knolls about 80-90 metres apart. Not only this, but when Jon was
putting out the control it lost one of the numbers off the stake.
Fortunately on the day the Sport Ident box worked OK, as Jon and I were
becoming concerned this control was out to conspire against us!
I am aware of one person who
became confused with these controls, but I took the view that they were
sufficiently far apart to be fair given the surrounding terrain.
I enjoyed controlling this
event and look forward to the next Mole Valley event.
Gordon
Parker (SLOW)
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Mole Valley Orienteering Club