Email Andrew Nicoll with any enquiries or queries
Lost Property
1. Compass - found out on the courses.
2. Compass - found with a map at door of registration van at end of Day 2 - looks like someone put it down when viewing the results and forgot to pick it up.
3. Flask and packet of sweets - displayed on the table we used to hand out hire dibbers on Day 1 but not claimed
Please email if you think one of these is yours
What can one say? The weekend is now over and we are all drying out! And what a weekend - one day of beautiful sunny weather with a pleasant cooling breeze. And then there came Sunday with its rain and hill fog. Some of you were prudent and went home, some of you started out despite the horrendous conditions and then thought better of it but many of you got all the way round - fantastic, there should have been medals just for going out. Sitting behind a computer, I was envious on Saturday but dry on Sunday! And everyone came in with a smile at download even though soaked to the skin. Well done to all! Please come back next year and we'll see what the weather man can do.
12/10/06
Organiser's comments and photos are now on the web site
Age Restrictions
There have been more changes in the FRA rules regarding the participation of younger competitors. These mean that we can no longer accept entries from those under 18 on 1st January 2006. However, we have compensated by adding a long blue colour coded course to the accompanying orienteering event (see below for link).
Note too that the age to be entered on the entry form is your age as at 1st January, 2006 (and not your age on the day of the competition).
Limited Orienteering Event
The club is running a limited district (colour coded) orienteering event alongside the Phoenix. Information will be on the NATO web site (and choose 'enter main site').
Electronic Punching
This year, we shall again be using SPORTident electronic punching. Amongst other advantages, this will produce split times for each control and help you to discover where you gained or lost time compared to your competitors. It requires each competitor (or pair) to have an SI card (dibber) - many entrants will already have their own but those who do not will be able to hire one (indicate HIRE on the entry form and add the appropriate amount to your entry fee).
Entry Form
Those of you who have entered one of the last 6 events should have received an entry form - they were mailed on 12th April. There is a version which can be printed out from these pages and posted - click on 'Entry Form' from the menu on the left hands side of this page. Forms will also be put out at any orienteering events we attend.
Place and Accommodation
This year, the event centre will be at Highburn House Country Holiday Park, Wooler, Northumberland. Camping is available there and pre booking is only necessary if you want an electric hookup. Note that you are responsible for arranging and paying for your own accommodation, whether camping or enjoying the more luxurious surroundings of a B and B, boarding house etc!! Of course, if you live locally, you can choose the ultimate luxury of sleeping in your own bed!
Map
This year we shall again be supplying weatherproof premarked maps. They will be based on the Harvey's Cheviots map. If you want extra protection, then bring a poly bag. Note that the cost of the map for your course has been included in the entry fee.
General Information
For those unfamiliar with the event, it is a long orienteering event over 2 days, with a different course on each day. Participants return to 'base' in between. You only need to carry what is necessary for a day in the hills (rather than having to carry everything for 2 days as in a typical mountain marathon).
This is a competitive event and there are prizes for the different classes awarded on the combined results for both days. However, as in many sporting activities, entrants range from the highly competitive to those who come along just to enjoy the activity, in this case a couple of days out in the hills with a navigational challenge. It is possible just to enter for one day if it is inconvenient to come for both.
The event does require navigational and map reading skills. It attracts a range of people - orienteers, fellrunners and people who just like a day or two on the hills with a difference. Do not expect to find a path from one control to the next - this may sometimes be the case, but your route is your own personal choice and is likely to take you directly across rough terrain in your search for the fastest option.
A certain level of physical fitness is necessary and for the longer courses a high level is essential. If in doubt, please ask.
Note that you are not permitted to use GPS systems or similar navigational aids, though altimeters are allowed. Your navigational aids are basically map and compass plus your own experience in the hills.
The veterans' prizes (aged 40 and over) are based on a handicap system in order to widen the range of potential winners - see Competitions page for details.
All the information on the entry form is repeated on the various pages of this web site.
Safety
You take part in this event at your own risk. No responsibility is attached to the event officials or NATO for any loss, damage or injury resulting from entering or participating in the event.
Competitors must be prepared to carry all of the FRA obligatory equipment. This will be listed in the final instructions and is likely to include a long sleeved windproof/waterproof cagoule with head cover, windproof trousers and a whistle, plus sufficient food and extra clothing to survive a day in the hills. Equipment checks may be carried out.
Any competitor who does not complete the course MUST REPORT TO THE DOWNLOAD POINT. Whilst you are responsible for your own safety (as you would be when out for a day on the hills), we do check that everyone who went out does return.
Event Cancellation
If it is necessary for any reason to cancel the event, we reserve the right to retain part of the entry fees to cover costs already incurred or committed.