Wrekin Orienteers
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How and when did you get into orienteering?
Touched on it at school with a walk around the Phoenix map but as my main pursuit was music I didn’t do anything else about it until leaving Jackfield band. Saw the TSB trophy New Year’s Day Score Event (1988 ?) advertised in the local paper and as I enjoyed cross country at school and have used maps for exploring from being old enough to read I decided to have a go. I remember being on top of spout mound 5 minutes from the finish with only 2 minutes to go but thinking this is brilliant ! Hooked from the start so wrote to the secretary (Peter Jones) who said welcome and sent me a few maps including the Wrekin (still got it)


What is it you like about orienteering?
The thrill of finding the flag (that never changes) Having the sort of run when you hit every control spot on although you can always be quicker – there is no such thing as a perfect run ! Being able to help others to improve and passing on my experience. Having the “oh yes I’ve done that conversation” with those less (and more) experienced. I love being part of such a friendly sport and  being able to put something back into it.


Best advice – Don’t take it too seriously.


What is your favourite discipline? (Forest, urban, night, score etc.)
Always willing to try anything new. Night O takes it to the next level and it’s something everyone should try – teaches you to read the map and not loose contact. Also enjoy Maze O ( in maize) you can’t run fast and good map memory will win the event and basically it’s silly !


Where is your favourite completion area?
Possibly Newborough Warren in Anglesey – sand dunes in a forest right on the coast! Here..
Anywhere in the Lakes and most of Wales.


Who do you admire in the sport?
Anyone who goes out and gives it a go – Doesn’t matter how good you are but how much you enjoy the sport.


What would you change in orienteering?
Get rid of Emit – disqualified in first 5 events I entered despite punching correctly.  Poor quality maps! The skill should be in navigating the fastest route not trying to work out if your holding the map upside down!


Do you have any orienteering ambitions or Targets?
To beat everyone else! – especially M50 s



Other interests - what do you do when you're not orienteering?
Cyclo cross, mountain biking, swimming, work, running, landscape archaeology, local history, map reading, exploring, drinking beer.

​Thanks Clive..


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