Whether you be 3 months or 93, Jack Spratt or his wife, able bodied, on one leg, being pushed, resident or non resident, or one special young man who ran round with his dad and loved the ‘bleep bleep’ sound, all were able to take their place on Hyde Common in balmy, sunny conditions (not a good place to be when it’s not!) on Sat 12 Nov. It was great to see so many people having a go - many for the first time. The smiles of satisfaction on the faces of the young ones along with the exhausted parents and dogs trying to keep up with shadowed offspring told their story. A true test of the day will be in a few weeks time in Hurn Forest – let’s hope that a few of them enjoyed themselves so much that we see them again. Orienteering really did prove to be a day out for all the family!

A very big thank you goes to all who helped out on the day – coaches, marshalls, bike patrols and registration (not forgetting David Bailey!). A special mention must go to Hilary and Kirsty, who worked for weeks beforehand on courses and control points, also in helping me with check lists and such delights as a visit to the graveyard!

Debs May