Last Thursday (26th March), the normally peaceful ground of Acorn Bank were taken over by 130 lively 10 and 11 year olds. It was the annual Eden Valley Sports Partnership orienteering day, put on by BL volunteers. In previous years it has been held at Hackthorpe Woods, but Ash Dieback Disease and the consequent forestry work meant that a new venue was required. Acorn Bank proved an excellent alternative, with its mixture of woodland, grazing land and hall grounds, not to mention the very supportive National Trust staff.
The children started with an brief introductory talk to explain dibbers and controls, followed by a map walk to get the idea of a map. They were then let loose on an orienteering maze and a “Star” exercise (where you go to one control at a time then return to the start). Inevitably some of the youngsters got the idea much quicker than others, but they all appeared to have fun, especially when they got the chance to try the maze again and tried to beat their first time.
The session ended with a “proper” course. There were three parallel White/Yellow standard courses of about 900m starting with the controls they had already seen in Star exercise before going into a lovely, wooded river valley and then finishing in front of the beautiful sandstone Hall. Strategically position adults meant that no one got too lost, or too interested in exploring the river itself.
Acorn Bank only had indoor space for 60 children at a time, so half came in the morning and half in the afternoon. It made a long day for the BL helpers, but everyone remained cheerful and encouraging.
After the success of this event, Border Liners are hoping to use the area for Saturday event, open to everyone, next year. As well as the riverside used by the children there is a unexpectedly challenging area of woodland with complex contours. Definitely an event to look forward to, with the added benefit of a lovely courtyard cafe for post-run refreshment and chat.
Thanks to the National Trust for allowing Acorn Bank to be used. Thanks also to the team of BL volunteers, especially Christine who organised everything and made the complex arrangements look deceptively easy. so well
Border Liners Orienteering Club 