Given recent weather, summer may feel a long way off but, as per Terry's post, the fixtures calendar has now been populated through to the November Classic so make a note of the dates! To ensure that you continue to get a regular fix of orienteering through the summer months, there will be an event on the third Sunday of every month from April through to September. Each event will cater for experienced club members and, for beginners, the aim is to offer a suitable progression that will set them up for running the Classic in the autumn.

With a limited set of courses and a short start block, the aim is to make the events as sociable as possible whilst also minimizing volunteer effort. As Terry says, we still need a planner and organiser for each. The first three events will be at Southampton Common then Itchen Valley and Royal Victoria Country Parks. If you're interested in helping or would just like to know more about what's involved then please do get in touch with either Terry or myself.

Regards
David (soc [at] david.currie.name (soc[at]david[dot]currie[dot]name))

The fixtures list has now been updated and now is the time to get your name down to organise or plan one of the many events in the calendar.

If  you haven't experience of organising an event it isn't as daunting as you may think and the club has excellent resources and willing, experienced Organisers to guide you through the process.

Please respond to terry[dot]sankey[at]ntlworld[dot]com, Fixtures Secretary

KYC continues to work its way through the SOC committee and this week features founding member and former Chairman Nick Bosbury.

Name: Nick Bosbury

Age Class: M65

What other orienteering clubs do you belong to or have you previously belonged to?
Merry Oak Meanderers school club which became part of SOC, and SOKI.

When did you start orienteering and how?
I went to my first event in 1967 when at school, but it was cancelled due to foot and mouth so my first event was not until early 1968.

How often do you go orienteering?
Not very often these days, but seem to do more planning, organising etc...

What do you enjoy about orienteering?
The challenge of well planned courses in different venues.

What is your favourite SOC area and why?
That's easy! Acres Down/Highland Water. Such a contrast in terrain and was an area I cut my teeth on competing, planning and
mapping.

What is your favourite orienteering discipline/distance and why
Classic cross country events. These type of events are the reason I took up orienteering as I never liked pounding the streets.

Car parking or controlling? What's your favourite orienteering volunteering?
Being part of a forest team, or the planner.

What is the high point of your orienteering career so far?
5th place in a field of 123 at the British Championships as a Junior. Podium place at a JK relay after running the second leg bringing the
team from 7th to 1st  

What other countries have you orienteered in?
Sweden, Norway, and Switzerland.

What training do you do?
Apart from a long walk with my daughter's dog a couple of times a week, nothing.

What one piece of advice would you give other orienteers?
Have confidence in your decisions and ignore others around you!

What keeps you busy when you're not orienteering?
Grandchildren, part time work.

What book are you currently reading?
The Prince by Nicola Machiavelli.

Anything else you'd like to share with your clubmates?
The strength of the Club lies with its members input.