A hardy group of club members braved the cold and dark to take part in tonight's MapRun activity around Valley Park. This innovative format utilizes a mobile phone app and GPS as the punching mechanism, radically simplifying the organization. Originally hailing from Australia, MapRun is in use by many other clubs in the UK. As tonight's participants retired to the pub, there was talk of "next time" so watch this space...

Just over a week until the event and with entries likely to top 700 we are still looking for helpers. If you are yet to enter, the final day for entry is Sunday 27th October and there is a 50% discount on your entry (with a code) if you offer to help.         

If you have already entered and can help, not a problem!    Please let me know and we will refund half of your entry fee on the day.                                                                           

As in previous years helpers will also receive a food voucher. 

If you would like to help please email me: dbosbury@btinternet.com  and benefit from your half price entry fee!

The coming orienteering winter season SOC members will see some additional fixtures in the New Forest.

This is the consequence of two main developments.

Firstly, SARUM have been welcomed into the local New Forest Orienteering Agreement and will host some Local events, making use of map areas kindly loaned by the other 3 club users of the New Forest ie WIM, WSX, and SOC.

Secondly, for the first time in its history the Caddihoe Chase comes to the New Forest in September 2020. So Rob Finch will be able to compete to retain the open title on home soil.
Note the western end of Hampton Ridge and Godshill and Turf Hill are now embargoed as a result.

As a consequence of both of the above the fixtures are:
SOC regional and UKOL November Classic Bramshaw 3.11.19
SOC have a local day/WNL night event on Kings Garn and Castle Malwood on 7.12.19
SARUM will host a local event on Dur Hill on 14.12.19
SARUM will hold a day/WNL event on Busketts Lawn 8.2.20
WIM will have their regional and SCOA League event on Ocknell, in lieu of being able to use Godshill on 16.2.20
SOC will have their first limited course middle distance event on Mark Ash Wood on 29.2.20
SOC also plan to hold a regional SCOA League event location TBA on 29.3.20

As a result of these innovations the New Forest will see more competitive orienteering this winter, than in previous years: 10 day and 2 night events, 3 events having taken place already 2 SOC and 1 WSX
If you wish to volunteer for any of the SOC fixtures do not hesitate to contact Terry Sankey terry.sankey(at)ntlworld.com, or the organiser of the event. Especially needed an Organiser for 29.2.20. One of the easier level D events to organise as the car park is at Bolderwood, so no hiring of toilets required!