Weather warming for the New Year Cracker

A nostalgic view of the last mass start event held at Arnside Knott in January 2004 gives a taster of what is to come on Saturday, now that the icy conditions have left us. Current forecasts suggest temperatures around six degrees - ideal for a New Year's run around this attractive wooded area. If you get time don't miss the splendid views over the Kent estuary and across Morecambe Bay.

SROC England team selections

Congratulations to SROC members Julian Lailey (M65) and Helen Ockenden (W14) who have been selected to run for England in the Interland international match in Germany in March 2011.

Orienteers' academic success

Do you recognise these orienteers? SROC members Mary Ockenden and Maria Angeles Solera Garcia were each awarded their PhD degree at a graduation ceremony last week at Lancaster University. Sarah Watkins and Gavin Smith (already PhDs) who work at the university joined the academic procession for the occasion.

Street League latest results

The results for Clitheroe and current League Tables are now available.

10th New Year Cracker at Arnside Knott

The 10th New Year Cracker will take place (weather permitting - check back here if in any doubt) at Arnside Knott on 1st January. There is hard standing car parking but space is limited - please share wherever possible. We may have to temporarily block some cars in but since this is a mass start score event everyone should be leaving at around the same time. Arrive in plenty of time to leave the car park for the mass start at 12.15. Our seasonal photo is from the competition area in early December.

Clitheroe Night Street League event

The last SROC event of the year benefited from warmer conditions than of late as regular street leaguers enjoyed the challenge of Clitheroe this evening. RouteGadget for the event can be accessed here.

10th New Year Cracker

New Year's Day 2011 will see the 10th SROC New Year Cracker, this time in the beautiful woodland of Arnside Knott. The event will be a mass start score, with an extra twist. Details may be viewed here. Many prizes!

New Masters Cup competition

Some members may have missed the announcement of a Masters Cup to be run next year, in a similar fashion to the well established UK Cup. Around 20 events have been nominated for the Cup, being spread across all formats and most regions. More details may be found on the BOF website.

Anneka challenges Chris & Jonny to go orienteering

Radio 2's Chris Evans and Jonny Saunders experienced orienteering in a very cold Battersea Park this week. Watch the video here.

Compass Sport Cup - discounted entry for SROC members

Any SROC member running for the club at the Compass Sport Cup match at Watergrove, 16th January, will have a substantial discount on the full entry fee. All entries need to be via the Club Captain, and all members are invited to email Mark Edwards so that he can enter them as part of the club entry, and apply the discount.

Kirkham event postponed!

Despite assurances given yesterday, a further inspection today has revealed too many icy patches for safe running. A very hard frost is expected for this evening so with regret the Kikham and Wesham street event rescheduled for this evening (Wednesday 8th December) has been postponed once again. A date in January is most likely, and will be announced later.

MDOC John o' Goats Charity Event

Manchester and District OC are holding their annual charity event in Lyme Park on Saturday 8th January 2011. This year's event was cancelled at the last minute due to snow, meaning little cash raised for charity. MDOC are hoping for better next year. It's a great fun event so check out the details on this flyer.

New NWOA website

The North West Orienteering Association has launched a new website, guaranteed to carry all the up to date news on matters North West such as regional leagues, championships and fixtures. SELOC's Mark Sammon is due many thanks for doing all the hard work.

Friends of Beacon Fell

Anyone who has been a SROC member for a year or two is sure to have run at Beacon Fell, which could possibly be regarded as our virtual clubhouse. Many others have also enjoyed the permanent course on the Fell, which is maintained by SROC members. The Friends of Beacon Fell raise funds which are spent on improving the Fell and its facilities. You may be interested in their 2011 calendar, or the photographic competition. Calendars are £5, with a discount 0f 10% on ten or more. All proceeds towards a new sensory trail. Winning entries in the photo comp will form the 2012 calendar.

Next two Street League events

A reminder that the Kirkham event has been rescheduled to Wednesday 8th December. Currently the conditions are improving, but check back here to make sure this event goes ahead. Meanwhile the final details for the Clitheroe event on Wednesday 15th December have been added to the Fixtures page. If wanting food this should be ordered via John Ashton by 11th December.

Knots Wood event 4th December - cancelled

The woods are in great condition, but the parking access is impassable except by 4WD. With no suitable alternative parking, and likely further falls of snow, we regret that this Saturday's event in Knots Wood has been cancelled. It will be re-scheduled early in the New Year.