Idless 2010
Planner's Comments (Mike Beadel)
My orienteering had been intermittent through the autumn and winter owing to other commitments. What better way to re-engage but to offer to plan an event? I have planned a number of events but prior to the adoption of OCAD. I anticipated a steep learning curve. The first step however was to reacquaint myself with Idless Woods, to see what had changed and identify control sites that remained accessible despite the spreading bramble. Roger Hargreaves, as controller, and Elsie as organiser proved to be the "dream team" for a returning novice. Roger walked the woods with me and picked up on all my concerns regarding the changes in vegetation and paths, incorporating those relevant on to a revised map. What more assistance could a young man need? Phil Newall. Living conveniently close, Phil converted my courses to OCAD and gave me fatherly advice. Both he and Roger explained in careful detail how to operate the OCAD system but were understanding when my learning curve plateaued and I went on an unexpected holiday at a critical time. Suffice it to say that the organisation between Roger and Phil was seamless. The courses were settled, with very wise amendment, and the maps printed. The laying out of the controls was best left to the day owing to the public accessibility of the woods. An early start and perseverance got the courses laid in three hours and the Hargreaves/Olds machine clicked in to operation and a good time was had by all. Although undeserved, I also had help collecting in the controls. One proved particularly elusive but was found eventually. I could not have done this on my own.....
Controller's Comments (Roger Hargreaves)
One of the advantages of living close to the woods at Idless is that it's easy to pop in to do some gardening on the permanent course or update the map or liaise with Andyloos to place the toilet etc, etc. Michaels courses were well received understanding of course that the best part of the forest were used and most of the worst avoided. This does mean that some courses looks a bit convoluted on the map but I trust you enjoyed your course. Uphill finishes are of course a safety measure! One control did cause some time loss but most recognised that they might have been on the wrong side of the vegetation boundary. The lack of a descriptor for the earthbank control on the central fort was an omission. Thanks to everyone for their understanding of the extra minor inconvenience of the foot wash. P Ramorum seems to be spreading - there will be fewer trees in Idless by March next year. I hope we have forest to run in next year. Thanks to to Graham, Ivor and Phil for extra work on the permanent course posts.
Organiser's Comments (Elsie Hargreaves)
A big thank-you to everyone who answered my call for help on the day - newcomers and old hands - the event cannot fo ahead without this help and it isn't very onerous. Special thanks go to Peter, Rod and Pauline for donning the long black gloves, and to all competitors for allowing them to spary their shoes. This may become a regular feature at events in the Cornish woods if the fungus infection is not contained.