Controllers report

The Gullane Dunes map, denuded of the Archerfield lump, looked a bit

limited at first glance but Ann made good use of all the nice bits plus

the SportIdent capabilities to produce what I think were technically

challenging and interesting courses. In general the winners times are

about right and the best results came from people who were able to

combine the correct mixture of running and navigating, and neither the

“runners” nor “navigators” had the advantage as is sometimes the case.

I observed some juniors on White and noticed their preference to go to

any control they see, rather than read their map. From experience they

also tend to have no sense of distance so I’d definitely recommend using

“smiley faces” at all SOL’s.

Route Gadget is certainly an eye-opener and I would urge people to input

their route. If you haven’t tried before, it’s easy. It gives the

planner and controller feedback on where you all went and, particularly

for the junior courses, a clue as to how people coped with the

challenges set. Some of you even found challenges we hadn’t thought of !

Last but not least a word of thanks to Pat for organising everything

without any fuss, including a fair bit of time speaking to Muirfield and

Scottish Natural Heritage. Being in such a public place it wasn’t

possible to do any setting up of the Assembly Area in advance but it all

came together on the day supported by his experienced team.

I enjoyed my days out on the dunes in the sunshine with the skylarks for

company, many thanks to Interlopers for giving me the opportunity.

Lindsey Knox RR

Planner’s report

My first visit to Gullane as a Planner soon revealed that the golf course at Archerfield had been extended somewhat reducing the size of the area considerably. This changed the task in hand, and although the remaining area was interesting and technical, to plan courses using a strip that was between 150 and 500m wide was to prove interesting.

The courses took shape with the longer courses being particularly challenging; to get a reasonable distance without going back over the same ground too many times. In the end the top two courses were perhaps a fraction short, but given the times I obviously presented sufficient challenge to keep people busy out there. As far as I know the maps printed at an angle or the turn–over map exchange did not cause anyone a problem.

During visits the weather was generally dry although the winds were on occasions very strong. Fortunately we had a fantastic day to get most of the controls out and on the day it was dry if a bit chilly. The event was an excellent advert for ‘Sport For All’ as it attracted many families, with three Interlopers families having three generations present. I would however like to welcome two newcomers to the sport: Martin Cunnane who was taken around the white course at only 10 days old, and John Tuck who completed the yellow course at the age of 82 with his grandchildren, and has asked to give this sport another go.

I would like to thank Lindsey Knox for all her advice throughout the past few months and for her guidance with using Condes. Thanks also must go to Pat Squire for organising and to all the helpers who made this event happen. Thank you for all your positive comments. It makes it all worth while!

Ann Haley (INT)

Organisers report

The last time that I organised an event on this area there were something like 7 or 8 different persons / agencies to contact for permission. Now effectively there are just two. This is principally due to the loss of Archerfield estate for orienteering purposes.

Whilst this has made my task easier is has increased the challenges for the Planner with only a small coastal strip map to work with. I trust that you all appreciated the courses that Ann provided for you. Certainly the comments that I heard in the Car Park area were very favourable towards the courses and the demands that the terrain placed before you.

Fortunately none of the nightmare scenarios materialised. No one was savaged by dogs in the car park areas; no trees blew down on anyone in Jamie’s Neuk; the lichen beds survived intact and the First Aid team was barely called into action.

The one problem which did occur arose because we had forgotten to make people aware that maps are now waterproof. Unfortunately the bags containing the orange and red course maps were taken away.. The problem was identified fairly quickly and resolved as soon as could be but I believe some young competitors were kept waiting for maps for some time. I do apologise to them and anyone else who was affected by this mistake. I hope that your subsequent enjoyment of the course was not marred too much.

Thanks are due to:

Muirfield golf course for permission to use the West Dunes and Jamies Neuk, East Lothian Council for the use of the Car Park area, Gullane Dunes and the toilet block

St Andrew’s Ambulance (especially Aberfeldy branch) for providing first aid cover

Members of Interlopers for assistance before and during the event

Ann Haley for Planning

Lindsey Knox for Controlling

All competitors for turning up and undertaking the various courses

Lost property: One buff coloured bath towel

(Contact me at pat.squire@ed.ac.uk to arrange return)

Pat Squire (INT)