How and when did you get into orienteering?
I started Orienteering when I moved to Shropshire in 1987. I found that there was an event on at Madeley Court which I attended and afterwards wrote a letter to Wrekin Orienteers asking to join ( No e-mail in those days ! ). I had a friendly letter back from Pete Jones dated 17th July 1987 telling me all about the club, and I duly returned the membership form and joining fee. I still have that first tiny map and Pete’s letter , and amazingly I still remember my very first control , mainly because I failed to find it – obviously that was an omen for the future !
What is it you like about orienteering?
It combines cross country running in lovely places with a treasure hunt – it’s a real challenge . I’ve always loved puzzles , quizzes and especially treasure hunts. Give me a map of a desert island with palm trees and a big cross on it and I couldn’t be happier. Given the lack of desert islands in this part of the world , Oaks , Beech , Birch and some Red Circles will do fine J .
What is your favourite discipline? (Forest, urban, night, score etc..)
Forest is my favourite by far . Urban is better for not getting lost and Night events ( of which I’ve only done a few ) are quite amazing but sometimes a bit scary . Woods and Forests are where we are meant to be and I love running on a soft forest floor.
What is your favourite area you've competed at?
It would be easier to tell you the ones I don’t like competing at ! I think my all time favourite place has been ( surprisingly) Eyemore Woods . I always seemed to do quite well there . Perhaps it’s the proximity of the Steam Railway which gives inspiration despite its ability to distract. .
Who do you admire in the sport?
I am continually amazed at the speed that elite Orienteers can run for long distances given the navigation they have to do at the same time. I particularly admire the number of more elderly Orienteers still fit and running , and putting my efforts to shame .
What would you change in orienteering?
I’m not sure . I think the problems are that Orienteering is now competing with a massive upsurge of assorted running disciplines and events , and also suffering from excessive land use charges and over administration - the main problems and challenges come from outside , not within the sport .
Do you have any orienteering ambitions or Targets?
Just to continually try to improve gradually my positions given I am mainly now walking and therefore relying on pure Orienteering rather than my speed to do better than other competitors. To be able to take part as long as possible.
Other interests - what do you do when you're not orienteering?
My time is mainly taken up with DIY and with my Model Railways. I have to say I do love Railways generally though I have never been a “spotter” - I just missed out on those heady days of the 1950’s where boys in shorts and caps stood on bridges with notebooks and pencils waiting for the next “namer” , when spotting was at its height ! Until the last couple of years Lynda and I were members of the Sealed Knot and took part in historical re-enactments . We love travelling and finding interesting places to go ; even after a lifetime there are many parts of Britain I have never seen.
I started Orienteering when I moved to Shropshire in 1987. I found that there was an event on at Madeley Court which I attended and afterwards wrote a letter to Wrekin Orienteers asking to join ( No e-mail in those days ! ). I had a friendly letter back from Pete Jones dated 17th July 1987 telling me all about the club, and I duly returned the membership form and joining fee. I still have that first tiny map and Pete’s letter , and amazingly I still remember my very first control , mainly because I failed to find it – obviously that was an omen for the future !
What is it you like about orienteering?
It combines cross country running in lovely places with a treasure hunt – it’s a real challenge . I’ve always loved puzzles , quizzes and especially treasure hunts. Give me a map of a desert island with palm trees and a big cross on it and I couldn’t be happier. Given the lack of desert islands in this part of the world , Oaks , Beech , Birch and some Red Circles will do fine J .
What is your favourite discipline? (Forest, urban, night, score etc..)
Forest is my favourite by far . Urban is better for not getting lost and Night events ( of which I’ve only done a few ) are quite amazing but sometimes a bit scary . Woods and Forests are where we are meant to be and I love running on a soft forest floor.
What is your favourite area you've competed at?
It would be easier to tell you the ones I don’t like competing at ! I think my all time favourite place has been ( surprisingly) Eyemore Woods . I always seemed to do quite well there . Perhaps it’s the proximity of the Steam Railway which gives inspiration despite its ability to distract. .
Who do you admire in the sport?
I am continually amazed at the speed that elite Orienteers can run for long distances given the navigation they have to do at the same time. I particularly admire the number of more elderly Orienteers still fit and running , and putting my efforts to shame .
What would you change in orienteering?
I’m not sure . I think the problems are that Orienteering is now competing with a massive upsurge of assorted running disciplines and events , and also suffering from excessive land use charges and over administration - the main problems and challenges come from outside , not within the sport .
Do you have any orienteering ambitions or Targets?
Just to continually try to improve gradually my positions given I am mainly now walking and therefore relying on pure Orienteering rather than my speed to do better than other competitors. To be able to take part as long as possible.
Other interests - what do you do when you're not orienteering?
My time is mainly taken up with DIY and with my Model Railways. I have to say I do love Railways generally though I have never been a “spotter” - I just missed out on those heady days of the 1950’s where boys in shorts and caps stood on bridges with notebooks and pencils waiting for the next “namer” , when spotting was at its height ! Until the last couple of years Lynda and I were members of the Sealed Knot and took part in historical re-enactments . We love travelling and finding interesting places to go ; even after a lifetime there are many parts of Britain I have never seen.
