Article

I have attached the final details for our Level D event at Ocknell on Saturday 26th Feb to the event page. http://www.southampton-orienteers.org.uk/event/2012/02/25/level-d-new-forest-event

As you will see the start block for this event is 11:00 to 14:00 in order to attract people travelling to the British Night Champs later that day. Given this extended start block I will need a few more helpers than normal at a Saturday event.

We aim to provide First Aid support at club events. This is currently provided either by our Club coaches or by hiring in help from outside. The committee would like to increase the pool of volunteers we can call on. If you have a current First Aid certificate following a minimum of 4 hours training, and are willing to be available for a shift at club events please let Jillian Devine know.

kieran.devine [at] ntlworld.com (kieran[dot]devine[at]ntlworld[dot]com) or 01243 432521

SOC have won the Guest Team in the BAOC MLS Wednesday league for the 4th year running. Many congratulations to all SOC runners who take part in the league, those who attend will tell you how good it is for competition and fitness training, not to mention the social aspects...the only problem being that it clashes with most peoples work time!

I attended the prize giving ceremony and were presented with 4 trophies for the top Guest Team. The top 4 SOC counting runners are: 

Sam Massey

Philip Eeles

Jack Hutchinson

Robin Smith

Its with great sadness that I have to announce my retirement from competitive Orienteering. Ive been advised on medical grounds to defer from running/impact/high flexion activities. I have arthritis in both of my hips and will likely need both hips replaced at some point. In order to defer the operations as much as possible (as is advisable given the expansiveness of some hip operations), I am heeding the advice and switching to more sedate activities. Although the decision is the most logical one, its impact upon me and my lifestyle are huge.

Southampton Orienteering Clubs Summer Series kicks off a series of eight local events with the first event heralding a long awaited return to Stoke Park. See the Summer Series page for more information. Heres the Stoke Park event details - Simon would appreciate any offers of help!

Please download, print and display the flyers attached to the Summer Series page in your workplace/gym/dentist waiting room.

Congratulations to the following members who won the SCOA Championships at the recent Star Posts event:

Dave Currie M21 Tamsin Moran  W16

Sam Massey M35 Jane Morgan W40

Peter Smith M45 Gill Tomlinson W60

Philip Eeles M55 Jean Velecky W80

Ray Massey M70

Congratulations to Jane Morgan W40 who won the Southern Championships at Lydney last weekend.

If theres anyone that still wishes to enter the relays for either the JK or British Championships. Please check the following

article and get in touch with Jane asap:

http://www.southampton-orienteers.org.uk/content/jk-and-british-relays

Its time to start looking ahead to the multi-day Orienteering Season. You'll find many opportunities for Orienteering in many different countries over the year ahead. Theres a full list in the current CompassSport magazine, but heres a few to think about whilst you consider your holiday planning.

Feb 20th: Southern Championships, Forest of Dean - 3 hours drive, Long and Middle distance races 

April 2nd: JK,  Devon - 3 Hours drive, great location, with Braunton/Croyde making an obvious accommodation option, surfing and beaches on your doorstep.

Due to lack of available parking in the vicinity of the courses, the prices of the Mole Valley Regional event on Sunday January 17th are a little more than normal due to Bus costs. Sizeable discounts are available for early entry, so get your entry in early if you intend to run.

BOF and MV members: Up to 10 January: Seniors £12.50; Juniors/Students £7.50.

From 11 January: Seniors £15.00; Juniors/Students £10.00

Non BOF Members: Up to 10 January: Seniors £14.50; Juniors/Students £7.50

From 11 January: Seniors £17.00; Juniors/Students £10:00

Its that time of the year when British Orienteering National and Regional memberships (incorporating membership of SOC) are becoming due. This is most easily accomplished (if no changes are required) by renewing online at the British Orienteering website (link at top of page).