It was good to see so many people at last weekend’s event – there had been concern that with many people away on holiday numbers would be reduced. In the days leading up to the event it looked as though the sauna like conditions of last month’s Eycott Hill were going to be repeated, but thankfully a breeze meant that running conditions were much more pleasant.
Planner Phil Nichols produced excellent courses, making good use of the area. Generally Blue is the longest course at BL Local events, but Phil chose to plan a Brown course as well. It was clearly a good decision as it had almost as many participants as Blue. Aughertree isn’t a huge area so Brown and Blue courses required a map-turnover, but good planning meant that it never felt that you were covering the same ground twice.
Paul Watson and Anita Laird shared the event organisation and did a very good job. Thanks are also due to Julie for securing such a good car parking field.
BL had winners on two courses; Jeff Powell Davis on Blue and Christine Goulding on Green (just ahead of Raymond Wren also a Border Liner).
One disappointment was the fact that there were only 5 competitors on the Yellow course, and it was similarly low at Eycott Hill. Perhaps BL need to follow the example of other clubs and consider taking on a professional development and/or publicity officer. If anyone has any views on the matter, please do talk to any committee member or email the Fixtures Secretary (BLDanAndKaren@gmail.com).
Border Liners Orienteering Club 