Kingswood 24/10/10 : Organiser's Comments
First and foremost, a big thank you to all who turned out on a glorious Sunday morning to explore the nooks and crannies of Kingswood. I know it has a lot because it's the only wood I've ever got totally lost in during an event and I live 15 minutes from it! I hope that you enjoyed its challenges. Congratulations to the winners of the Happy Herts Club Champs and commiserations to those who just missed out. You are a great club to have at an event.
We had a few challenges on the organisational front for which I apologise. Our very first “Emit control failure” occurred during the event with resulting delays at download as we reassured people that they were not going to be disqualified. My thanks to the download team for coping with this. A special mention must go to Alun Jones for his creative abilities in not only reinstating you all but making up your splits as well based on the results of those who successfully punched.
Our other major challenge was the weather. It was so glorious that you all turned out and we ran out of Blue course maps and Emit cards. This meant that some of you who had not pre-entered, and who arrived late, had to wait for either a refreshing of maps at the Start or for a card. Thank you for your patience.
Thanks must go to all the team leaders and their teams for ensuring that the day went smoothly. The String course was greatly enjoyed with a few participants diverting to try the assault course, so thank you, Lyn and Jim, for this. Roger Baker (controller), Ian Buxton (planner) and Alun Jones (registration/download team leader) kept this rookie organiser on the straight and narrow, so thanks for that guys.
Kingswood is owned by Chepping Wycombe Parish Council and my thanks to them for keeping the land use fee at a sensible rate compared to the size of the event and the number of competitors. Also, a big “thank you” to King's Wood School for the use of their classroom and facilities. Finally, I was running out of hope of getting a First Aid team when a club member suggested Abingdon Venture Rescue which is an offshoot of the Abingdon Venture Scouts. They were good fun to have around and knew their stuff when it mattered although, fortunately, there were no serious injuries.
Now for the Post Event Trophies: I have managed to get rid of an Emit brick and a jumper but I am left with a thumb compass. Please ring me (01494 816438) or email hforbes [at] dmr.co.uk with a description of the compass so I can return it to you.
We look forward to seeing you all at Wendover on Sunday 19th December for the next Club Event.
Hilary Forbes