Compass Sport Cup 2012

Details of the Compass Sport Cup, the national inter-club competition, are available here. SROC is drawn against LOC, WCOC, MDOC and NATO on 19th February at Askham Fell. Look out for more details nearer the time from our Club Captain, Mark Edwards.

And a Happy and Injury-Free New Year!

There's orienteering action a-plenty in the New Year. Start as you mean to go on with a blast around Low Park Wood at the 11th New Year Cracker on New Year's Day, then follow that with a run on a brand new area for the Club Handicap at Sizergh on the 7th. Swiftly followed by the second half of the Night Street League - first event on the 11th January at Chorley. The Spring Series starts in early February through to April, then it's the Summer Sprints Series. Not forgetting our Level B event at Whitbarrow on March 4th, and the British Champs are in the North West in early May. Look out for helper requests for the Relay day which is on Helsington Barrows.

Season's Greetings

2012 Club Handicap Saturday 7th January

Hot on the heels of the New Year Cracker and only a stone's throw away at the new area of Sizergh, recently mapped by Julian Lailey, comes the Club Handicap. There will be a mass start event with everyone handicapped according to their ability and "all known form", not forgetting that traditionally it is impossible to win the Handicap Trophy a second time. Following the race all will gather at nearby Heversham Village Hall for a social gathering, including the presentation of club awards and trophies, and a Jacob's Join feast. More details will be posted later on the Fixtures page.

Photo of Sizergh Castle © Copyright Philip Halling and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.

11th New Year Cracker

Could this be the perfect way to start the New Year? Many orienteers seem to think so as this event has gained popularity almost every year since its inception. The NYC returns to Low Park Wood in 2012 after three years away, with a 50 minute mass start odds and evens score to blow away those New Year cobwebs! Beginners can enjoy a conventional score course instead. Either way you are sure to enjoy the challenge of this mixed wood. The illustrated industrial remains may or may not be a control site; most of the area is lovely runnable woodland. For times etc see the Fixtures list.

Photo of New Sedgwick Gunpowder Works © Copyright Alan Longbottom and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.

Worden Park events - results

Results for today's afternoon event are on-line here, and for the North West Night League event here. RouteGadget, Splitsbrowser and Winsplits On Line for both events are available via the Results page.

Worden Park NWNL event - final details

Final details for this evening's event are now available.

Street League tables at half-time

After the first five events the competition is hotting up. After Steve Lang's second maximum in the gross scores he is now not far behind Quentin Harding and Karen Nash's second 100 in the age-adjusted table puts her even closer to Quentin in that table. With many runners now having scored five times they will start to drop their worst scores as we move into the new year, making the competition even closer at all levels.

Ashton results

Results from last night's league event are on-line here. League co-ordinator Bob Nash has this news of Karen Quickfall: "Some of you will be aware that Karen Quickfall had an accident at the event last night. Very unfortunately she fell and dislocated her right shoulder (she had only been running for 10 minutes). The good news is that after several hours at Royal Preston she was able to return home. Having spoken to her this evening (Thursday 15th) she is very very sore and recovering from the effects of the pain killers but otherwise her cheerful self." All will no doubt join us in wishing Karen a rapid recovery.

Worden Park double-header 17th December

There is an excellent opportunity to enjoy both day and night orienteering on the same area and on the same day at Worden Park, Leyland, on Saturday. Both events make use of the newly updated map, which includes an enlargement of the ancient maze. Rumour has it that there may even be a control or two tucked away in the maze! Courses and control locations differ between the day and night events so it will be OK to run in both. Perhaps a good time to try your first night event? Santa hats are not obligatory but will be encouraged.

Ashton Street League, Wednesday 14th December

Another good venue and good weather for an enjoyable run around an old favourite area. Runners - please add your routes to RouteGadget.

Worden Park 17th December

Final details for the Saturday afternoon level D event to be held in Worden Park, Chorley, are now available.

Night Street League tables updated

With four out of ten league events having taken place there are several interesting battles emerging at different levels in the tables. League tables are always accessible either from the results link above or via the street league link on the left. Or you can go straight to the gross scores and age-adjusted scores.

Have you lost your keys in Staveley?

A set of door keys were found outside Wheelbase (bike shop in Staveley nr. Kendal) on the 6th of December. Ian is the name on the key fob. Contact James on 01539 821 443.

Heysham street event results

Results for last night's event are now on-line here.

SROC NW Night League event in Worden Park 17th December

This flyer gives details for the SROC NWNL event, the second in this season's league. Worden Park will offer a suitable challenge to experienced night orienteers while also being suitable as somewhere to try out this fascinating branch of the sport. More on the NWNL (sponsored by BrightBikeLights) here.

Street League 4 - Heysham

This was an opportunity to run on a brand new street map drawn by the event planner Glenys Ferguson. The threatened rain didn't arrive and runners enjoyed a warm night if a little windy. Competitors are invited to add their routes to RouteGadget.

Heysham Street League event 30th November

The Duke of Rothesay is going to be more busy than expected because of a Darts & Pool Match involving between 25 and 50 people. So:

• please do not bring bags into the pub
• change in cars rather than the toilets
• last food order is 8.45pm. Later runners should consider pre-ordering. If there are any problems getting food, I can advise on local takeaways.
• should the car park be full, try the residential streets around McDonald Road. Turn sharp left at the traffic lights just to the west of the Pub. (There are lots of double yellow lines elsewhere.)

Glenys Ferguson

TWT Planner's Report

When planning or organising one often has to fly by the seat of your pants. This is usually meant in the metaphorical sense but when putting controls out on Saturday it was quite literal. Conditions in the pick and mix area in the afternoon were quite phenomenal. Several spectaculars spring to mind -

TWT Controllers' Report

When we agreed to control the Tim Watkins Trophy, we did not know that Miriam would be back at work and that did limit the time that we could spend in the terrain. We did have a couple of days visiting the control sites in very pleasant weather, but it would have been better if we could have managed a few more visits.

Tim Watkins Trophy Sunday 27th November

The mass start Tim Watkins Trophy, formerly British Blodslitet, was a suitable challenge on the fells above Elterwater today. The weather was fairly kind, at least compared to the previous day, and all courses had fast winning times. Congratulations to the class winners Hollie Orr (Women's Open), Murray Strain (Men's Open), Margaret Mackenzie (W45+), Mark Seddon (M45+), Rosie Watson (W18-) and Alex McCann (M18-). Results are on-line here and RouteGadget is available for route uploading. Pictured right are the top three on Men's Open. More photos in the gallery. Results have been uploaded to the BOF results page where ranking points have been awarded. Please note that this is an error which will be corrected as soon as possible, since mass start events do not qualify for ranking. Lost property - one grey peaked hat found in the car park area. Please contact webmaster@sroc.org if it's yours.

Still time to enter the Tim Watkins Trophy

The mass start long distance Tim Watkins Trophy aka the British Blodslitet will be held on Silver How on Sunday 27th November. There has been a surge of late on-line entries but extra maps have been ordered and there are still places available. Enter on-line here, we will leave entries open for as long as possible and any remaining maps will be offered as entries on the day.

Street League tables

The latest Street League tables, updated to include event three, may be viewed by following this link.

British Schools Orienteering Championships 2011

Congratulations to SROC members and other students of schools in the SROC area for a fine set of performances at today's BSOC, held at Beecraigs Country Park in Scotland. Top ten placings include Annie Ockenden (4th Y8), Hannah Cleary-Hughes (LOC) (1st Y9), Helen Ockenden (6th Y10), Hazel Browne (8th Y10), Zoe Harding (2nd Y12), Kira Browne (5th Y12), Jacob Roberts (7th Y8), Jamie Sykes-MacLeod (10th Y8), Laurence Johnson (2nd Y9), and John Ockenden (2nd Y13). In the teams competitions Lancaster Girls' Grammar took 1st place in girls Y10 and 2nd place in years 8 & 9. Lancaster Royal Grammar took 2nd place in boys Y8. More results here.

Dalton Crags results

The amazingly warm November weather continues, and was enjoyed at Dalton Crags, as were the courses which made good use of this technically challenging wood. Results may be viewed by clicking here, and RouteGadget is also available.

Street League 3 - Aughton (Ormskirk)

An excellent, newly extended map and a good venue greeted the competitors at Wednesday's night street league event. Results may be viewed here and RouteGadget is ready to roll here.

New SROC urban star?

SROC stalwart Dave Hargreaves, renowned for his love of the British canal system, spent a few days exploring instead the canals of Venice when he competed in the famous Venice City Race last weekend. Against a strong international field Dave successfully picked his way through the throngs of tourists and locals in the narrow passageways to finish in 8th place in M60, also the fastest Brit. Results may be viewed on the event website and you can view a map from the event here, although this is a slightly different course to Dave's.

Dalton Crags 19th November - final details

Final details for the next weekend event have now been published.

Saturday 19th November - Dalton Crags, near Burton in Kendal orienteering event - all welcome!

You are invited to the above! Start times 12.30-2 Fees £3/£1 entry on the day only. Yellow and short and long technical courses, so suitable for for everyone – the yellow is great for beginners, the two technical courses will provide a demanding navigational challenge. This makes use of the new map only used once for the longer courses of the Hutton Roof Level B event earlier this year. Final details will the on the SROC website later in the week. Please note there will be no toilets – the nearest are at Carnforth Truckstop. Martyn and Sue Roome (Organisers)01995 603885.

Car Pool is there to help!

The SROC Message Board is always ready to help share thoughts or ask questions, promote debate etc. One of the potentially most useful parts is the Car Pool, where anyone can ask or offer to share transport to events. See this latest post.

JK 2012 first entry deadline is near!

Anyone already sure they will compete at next year's JK festival, April 6th-9th, will no doubt wish to enter before 30th November, after which the fees increase. More details and entry link on the JK 2012 website.

North West Night League gains a new sponsor!

UK importers of the popular high power (900 lumen) LED head torch Bright Bike Lights have announced their sponsorship of the North West Night League, starting again soon with the PFO event at Brun Valley Forest Park (new area) on 10th December. To encourage participation there will be head torch prizes awarded on a raffle style basis to competitors. More details on the sponsorship scheme and all the events in the league here.

Street League tables after two events

The age adjusted and gross tables have been updated.

Flashing Arm Bands

Do you need to be more visible when Street Leaguing or training at night? We have purchased some arm bands which can be set at either fixed or flashing LED’s. If you are interested in buying one then contact Bob Nash. The cost is £2.50 with the profits going to the Street League Prizes.

Penwortham results

Results and comments from the Penwortham Street League are now available here.

Street League event two, Penwortham

The light rain failed to dampen enthusiasm at the second event in the 2011-2012 season. Results will be published as soon as possible, but RouteGadget is ready for your route right now!

Spook O Found Property

The following were found in the field after the event, obviously dropped in a nervous moment: Small Maglite torch, Small Petzl headtorch and a blue glove. Any claimants please contact Quentin Harding

Spook O 2011 Report and Results

Unfortunately the weather forecast for this event was exactly right, and the rain started as we started to set things up, peaked at the time were meant to be starting, and had gone by the time we were clearing up. It didn't seem to dampen people's enthusiasm too much. Congratulations to all prize winners, and apologies to the Binlay Babes who didn't receive their prize due to a mix up with their team name. They and the Horney Devils were far and away the best costumes. I would love to know how the Horney Devils also managed to accrue so many points, to also be joint second in the main competition I suspect some skilllfull vamping may have been involved.

Street League scores

Scores after the first event are now available. Click for Gross Scores or Age-adjusted Scores.

Street League event one results

Results for the first event in the Night Street League are now available here.

Spook-O bulletin

See the Spook-O bulletin for details of this exciting event, happening at a haunted woodland near you on Saturday 29th October.

Street League off to a great start!

Almost fifty orienteers enjoyed the pleasant early season weather conditions at the first event of the new Night Street League. The newly mapped additional areas seemed to provide a suitable route choice challenge. RouteGadget is now ready for you to draw your route. This note on the message board offers help on using RG .

2012 Performance Squads Announced

Congratulations to Zoe Harding of SROC who has been selected as a member of the 2012 Talent Development Squad, for athletes who have confirmed their potential to progress up the talent pathway and are ready to progress to in-depth specialisation and master the sport-specific skills necessary to become top 10 performers at WorldChampionships. See this BOF news item.

Almost time for the new Night Street League!

The increasingly popular SROC Night Street League returns with the first event of the new season on Wednesday 19th October. Parts of the Carnforth and Bolton le Sands maps have been joined with newly surveyed areas so old hands are guaranteed some new bits to run on. These events are a great way to get some fun competitive running in on the dark evenings. Come along and enjoy the social side as well. All events are based in a pub or similar, with meals available. Event one uses the Royal Hotel, serving food up to 9pm but please order before your run. More details on the fixture list or via the NSL page.

VHI individual victory for England

The Veteran Home Internationals were held over this weekend (8-9 October), hosted by MAROC and GRAMP in Scotland. Unfortunately an error in labelling some of the relay maps resulted in that part of the competition being voided, so no overall results could be declared. However SROC's Quentin Harding scored well to help the England team to 1st place on the individual day. Results are on the GRAMP website.

AGM minutes

Minutes for the recent SROC AGM may be viewed here.

SROC girls help England win the Junior Home Internationals

Helen Ockenden (W14) and Zoe Harding (W18) were part of the victorious England team at the Junior Home International competition held in Northern Ireland over last weekend 1st & 2nd October. Congratulations to them, and to all the team members! Results may be viewed here.

Follow Heather at the World Cup

Results, photos etc for the Liberec World Cup event where Heather Gardner (SROC) is currently competing may be viewed on the official website.

Hyning Scout Wood RouteGadget

RouteGadget for the recent event in Hyning Scout Wood is now ready to receive your routes.

Hyning Scout Wood results

A small wood but with plenty of technicality! Results for the event are available here. Please note that the few runners who started on Long Technical but then changed over to Short Technical have been credited with the final control which wasn't on their part 1 map. They all had to pass it on the way to the finish anyway.

Chair of Events and Competitions Committee vacancy

British Orienteering are seeking a volunteer for the above named post. Applications need to be in by 30th September and full details may be read on the BOF website.

Night Street League starts soon!

The eagerly awaited 2011-2012 Night Street League kicks off on Wednesday 19th October at a new venue in Bolton-le Sands, using a newly combined Bolton-le-Sands and Carnforth map. The usual league format will be followed for this and the other nine events in the league. This season there will be an extra 11th event, separate from the league, after which the prizegiving will be held. Proving that they can run by day as well as by night, Street League regulars John Britton (MDOC) and Glenys Ferguson (SROC) are pictured collecting their prizes for winning the Men's and Women's Ultravet classes at last Saturday's London City Race. More street event information via the fixture list or by following the picture link on the left of this page.

AGM Lost Property

Following our AGM last Wednesday, a pale coloured Mac was found in the room we used. If anyone wishes to claim this item of clothing they should get in touch with Quentin Harding.

Hyning Scout Wood Saturday 24th September

Our next club event is in Hyning Scout Wood, parking at Leighton Hall. Parking fee £1. Registration will be open from 12.00 . There is a 15 minute walk to the start involving a short road crossing; all juniors need to be accompanied on the walk to the start. There are three courses to test all abilities in a small but technical wood. Full leg cover required. Helpers are needed for Hyning Scout Wood. Please contact Mark Edwards if you can spare some time. Our photo shows Mark Saunders at the Club Handicap earlier this year, the only other occasion when this wood has been used for orienteering.

World Cup selection

Congratulations to SROC member Heather Gardner who has been selected to represent Great Britain in the final rounds of the World Cup. These will be held in the Czech Republic on 24th-25th September and Switzerland on 1st-2nd October.

SROC AGM is on Wednesday 14th September

A reminder, that this is at the Tea Room, Victoria Institute, Caton starting at 7.00pm (but come at whatever time you can make it!) Afterwards, we will have a Jacobs Join of light savoury and sweet food, so please bring something along. Please also bring along maps from your holiday travels, so we can all remind/find out about where it all went wrong! A great chance to make new friends, find out whats happening at the club and have your say!

Military Orienteering League event Wednesday 14th September

All orienteering club members are invited to attend the Army event at Stonyhurst College on Wednesday. Starts from 10.30 to 15.00. More details are on this flyer.

Lake District Mountain Trial

The 2011 LDMT took place on Sunday 11th September at Mungrisdale , with several SROC members competing. Successful mountain marathon pair Rowena Browne and Karen Nash were running in competition with each other at this individual event and finished in 3rd and 4th place overall on the medium course, respectively 1st FV40 and 1st FV50. Quentin Harding was 3rd placed MV40 on the classic course. Results may be viewed here.

Traitor's Gill results

A fine if blustery day greeted competitors at Traitor's Gill today, with the rain holding off until almost everyone had finished. Results have been uploaded and may be viewed here or via the Results index. Also available are RouteGadget, Splitsbrowser and Winsplits On-line. Colour standards are here. Lost property: one pair of underpants left in the car park. Contact Roy McGregor to claim.

Traitor's Gill district event 11th September

Final preparations are in hand for the next SROC event, using Traitor's Gill (part of Caton Moor) for the first time for a daylight open event. The event is at level C so will carry ranking points, and Planner Roy McGregor (who took these photos of the area) is providing courses from Yellow to Brown, including Short Green. More details in the flyer. There is still room for a few more helpers, anyone able to offer a couple of hours on the day should contact Chris Roberts asap.

O'Festival and WOC

Several club members have recently returned from competing in the French 6 days, held in conjunction with WOC 2011. Notable results were recorded by Zoe Harding (3rd D18), Katrin Harding (6th D18) and Quentin Harding (6th H45). Zoe also won one of the day's races. Results may be accessed here. Thanks to Martyn Roome for a selection of photos from the week. Pictured are "Brian Jackson and Sue Roome with Mont Blanc in the background – on the rest day (they were not lost!)." Martyn commented: "The 6 days and WOC were fantastic, the weather red hot for the last 5 days, the terrain the most technically and physically tough that we have ever been in."

2011 Tim Watkins Trophy

Entries are now open on Fabian4 for the next Tim Watkins Trophy, SROC's version of the famous Blodslitet, a mass start long distance race originating Norway. This year's event will be on Silver How in the Langdales, on Sunday 27th November. More details on the flyer.

Scottish 6 Days success

Congratulations to Martyn Roome who finished in first place (M55S), Lisa Quickfall who was second (W16B) and Helen Ockenden 6th (W14A) after the best 4 from 6 scores at the 2011 Scottish 6 Days had been counted. Another fourteen SROC members finished in the top twenty of their respective classes at this popular holiday event. For more details visit the Oban 2011 website.

Junior Home International selections

SROC juniors Helen Ockenden (W14) and Zoe Harding (W18) have been selected to represent England in the 2011 Ward Junior Home International competition scheduled for October. Congratulations to them both! Full selections are on the Orienteering England website.

2011 Club Picnic at Barrowfield 16th July

If you didn't come to the Club Picnic this year you missed a good one! The earlier rain cleared up and both the one hour score set by Rowena Browne and the later picnic took place in the dry with some sunny spells. Barrowfield offered some lovely sections and one or two tough patches, but they didn't prevent Quentin (1st) and Katrin Harding (2nd) successfully completing the odds and evens in less than the allotted time, with Ben Selby missing only one control. Corrected results, removing points for controls taken out of the odds/evens sequence, are here. Add your route to Routegadget. Our photo shows Julian Lailey leading away from the mass start.

Final University training session

Following the highly successful sprint series on Tuesday evenings, we will have a final university training session next Tuesday led by Quentin. It will include some games and will be followed by a BBQ on the university campus so come along and bring some food and drink for a social get together after the session.

Summer Sprint Series final scores

Final score tables for the sprint series have now been published here. There is also a table showing everyone in the same list, regardless of age. Thanks to Chris Reade we have a few photos of the final event in the gallery. Any feedback on the series including the format, venues etc should be sent to summersprints@sroc.org with the aim of making the next series event better.

Final Summer Sprint at the University of Cumbria

Experienced urban racer Glenys Ferguson provided a fitting challenge with two magnificent sprint courses in the compact but tricky University of Cumbria (old St Martins) campus this evening, Tuesday 12th July, to bring the Summer Sprint Series 2011 to a close. All enjoyed the new map by Mark Edwards (pictured leaving the Prologue start). Results for the Prologue, Final and Overall are now available. RouteGadget is set up for the Prologue and Final. Final series scores to follow.

Club Picnic

Come and enjoy the annual Club picnic next Saturday July 16. Mass start 1hr score event at 2pm. The event is free and followed by a jacobs join and prize giving. For more details and directions see the fixture list. Our photos show Barrowfield Wood, the event venue.

Rosens on the World stage

SROC members Miriam and David Rosen have just completed a week of competition in Hungary at the World Masters Orienteering Championships. Highlight of the week was Miriam's qualification for the W60 Long A final, in which she finished a creditable 17th. Results on the WMOC website.

Summer Sprint Series update

RouteGadget for the Prologue and Final at Lancaster University are now ready for your routes. The league tables after the penultimate event are here.

Summer Sprint 5 - Lancaster University

Mark Saunders planned two testing courses on the new Lancaster University sprint spec. map for this evening's sprint event. Lack of familiarity with the ISSOM standard caught out a few runners who later self-disqualified. All should look closely at the legend on the map and note that features shown as impassable must not be crossed. This includes taking short cuts through buildings! Even if you can see an obvious gap in e.g. a hedge, if it is shown as continuous on the map you cannot cut through. This is often to ensure that permissions continue to be granted, or for safety reasons, but in any case it ensures fairness. The mapper and planner jointly apologise to anyone affected by the unmarked new construction zones/fences. The map was most recently updated a week ago, but those pesky builders will keep doing more work. Results may be viewed for the Prologue, Final and Overall.

Junior World Orienteering Championships

This year's JWOC is currently taking place in Poland. Included in the British team is SROC's Zoe Harding. Follow the event via www.jwoc2011.pl

Saunders Lakeland Mountain Marathon

Several SROC members were involved in the SLMM held over 2/3 July weekend. Seasoned mountain marathon pair Rowena Browne and Karen Nash were effective once more, finishing top female pair (as well as female vets) in the Bowfell class. Full results at slmm.org.uk

JIRCs relays results

Results for today's relay competition are available here.

North West win the Junior Inter Regional Championships

In an exciting weekend of competition on top class areas (Haverigg individuals, Simpson Ground relays) the North West Junior Squad convincingly beat Scotland with Yorkshire and Humberside in third place. South Ribble were resposible for the relay event and full results will be posted shortly. Meanwhile the team points may be viewed.

The Happening@Halton 9th July

SROC is staging an orienteering taster event as part of the celebrations at the Centre@Halton near Lancaster, which has some fantastic new facilities. There will be all kinds of activities aimed at entertaining the whole family, including local radio station The Bay broadcasting from the event. SROC will have a stall and a course or two laid out in the grounds, which have been mapped for the purpose. Also a fun map orientation exercise close to the stall. We have a skeleton staff signed up so any additional volunteers to help introduce our sport to the public would be welcomed. Anyone with a little spare time to help should contact Chris Roberts.

Two more events to go in the Sprint Series

After a week's lay off the Sprint Series comes back on Tuesday 5th July at Lancaster University. With a brand new map to ISSOM standards (1:4000) this is a chance to pick your way through the intricate urban terrain of this magnificent campus as you never have before! Meet on South Drive, close to Infolab21. Use the main Uni entrance, and parking is free after 6pm. Then the series finale is on another new ISSOM map on 12th July at the University of Cumbria, formerly St Martin's College, in Lancaster. More details on the fixture list.

UKCC Level 2 Orienteering Coaching course

Friday 23rd, Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th September. The course will take place at South Lakeland Scout Base (Cartmel Scout Group) less than 20 minutes from Junction 36 of the M6. The course will run from 9am to 5pm on Friday and Saturday with a slightly earlier finish of 4pm on Sunday. Cost: £140 (subsidised by British Orienteering Development). Please contact Derek Allison - dereka57@gmail.com for course bookings and more information.

Summer Street League final tables

The final scores after five events are now available in tabular form. Both Gross scores and Age Adjusted.

Preston Summer Street League finale

An hospitable venue and a great new map marked the final event in the inaugural Preston Summer Street League yesterday evening, 30th June. The evening concluded with a vote of thanks to Bob Nash (pictured looking suitably happy) who has planned and organised all five events, as well as mapping two new areas. Thanks also went to Karen Nash who controlled, took entries and scored at all the events. Prizes and certificates were awarded to class winners and runners up; full results tables will be published shortly. Meanwhile the results for event 5 may be viewed here, you can add your route to RouteGadget, and there are some snaps of prizewinners in the gallery. This year was a precursor to the Preston Guild Series in 2012. Don't miss it!

SROC bike ride

Over 20 riders of all ages turned out for the annual SROC cycle ride today from Denny Beck, near Lancaster. Martyn Roome lead the ride via the Lune cycle path and minor roads to Carnforth, where everyone joined the Lancaster Canal towpath through to Hest Bank for a cafe stop. The ride continued along Morecambe promenade with a lunch stop on Sandylands promenade, via Heysham and Middleton to Overton. A short diversion to the picturesque hamlet of Sunderland also allowed a visit to Sambo's grave. The ride was completed by a return to Halton via minor roads and cycle paths. More photos in the gallery.

Ashton Summer Street event 23rd June

Last night saw a record (for this series) turnout and another very enjoyable event at the Ashton street O in Preston. Results can be viewed here and you are invited to add your route to RouteGadget. There is but one event remaining in the series, but with the best 4 out of 5 scores to count for overall places there are at least three people in with a chance of clinching the title for gross scores. However only the minor placings are in doubt in the age adjusted table, which Jane Anthony has convincingly sewn up.

Summer Sprint Scores after 4 events

Some of the class leaders have changed after the fourth event in the series. Two events remain, and the best four scores count towards the final overall results. View the league tables here.

Yarrow Valley sprint event 21st June

Results for the 4th event in the Summer Sprint Series are now available. Go to Prologue, Final or Overall. RouteGadget is also available for Prologue and Final.

New photos in the Gallery

Thanks to the roving camera of Mark Edwards we have some pictures of SROC members relaxing after the final event in the Battleaxe series in May and a flavour of the LAMM 2011 earlier this month.

SROC cycle ride 2011

You are invited to the SROC cycle ride on Sunday 26th June. It will start at or close to Lancaster at 10.00am, unless the weather is not good enough – ie rain! The pace will be leisurely and distance 25-30 miles on road and cycle track, with the option of a short cut. Of course there will be a morning stop at a cafe but bring lunch for after that. More details of the meeting point will be provided by ride leader Martyn Roome. Contact him if coming. 01995 603885. (Photo: 2010 ride just before starting out)

Fulwood Summer Street results

Results for event 3 in the league have been published here, and the latest league tables are here.

Preston Summer Street League 3, Fulwood

The fine June weather blessed us again at the third event in the summer street series at Fulwood on 16th June. There are just two more events left in the series, on the next two Thursdays. RouteGadget is now available for this event, and the results and league scores will follow.

Salt Ayre update

RouteGadget for the Prologue and Final are now ready to receive your routes. Please share what you did and see where you could have saved a second or two! League scores after three events are here.

Summer Sprint 3 Salt Ayre

Another great sprint event was enjoyed this evening at Salt Ayre and Scale Hall in Lancaster. Gavin Smith had set testing courses for both prologue and final, and caught one or two people out in the heat of battle. Results for the Prologue, Final and Overall are available now. RouteGadget and league points will follow soon.

SROC ladies secure 1st place in the LAMM

The SROC pairing of Rowena Browne and Karen Nash once again won the Female Veteran class on the B course at the Lowe Alpine Mountain Marathon held in Scotland over the weekend 11/12 June. Several other SROC members feature in the results.

Avenham results and updated league tables

Results and comments for the second Preston Summer Street O event are here. Revised league tables incorporating these results are here. Note that there are two tables: one shows gross scores and the other has scores recalculated with an adjustment for age and gender.

Great first event on a new area!

Today's Preston Summer Street event took place on another perfect summer's eve, using Bob Nash's new map of Avenham and Broadgate. Was it a good idea to run "South Ribble" and take in the loop on the far side of the river? Add your routes to RouteGadget and see who went where.

More Williamson Park photos

As well as planning, organising and manning both starts Mark Edwards found time to take some photos of the sprint action. From left to right: Quentin Harding, Mark Seddon and Deb Murrell. More of Mark's photos have been added to the gallery.

More SROC evening events

SROC currently has two Summer series of events running on weekday evenings. Next up is the second Preston Street O event on Thursday 9th June. Meet at the Continental PR1 8JP for starts between 6.30 and 7.30. Next Monday, 13th June, sees number three in the Sprint series at Salt Ayre Sports Centre in Lancaster. Please note that for this event the Final (second race) is only open to those who are 16 or over unless accompanied by an adult. Prologue starts are between 6.30 and 7. More details on these and all future events/activities via the Fixtures link above.

Williamson Park Sprint update

There are more photos from the Williamson Park event in the gallery. You may add your route to RouteGadget for the Prologue and Final. The event scores have been calculated and added to the League Scores.

Summer Sprint 2 Williamson Park

There was a terrific turnout for the second event in the sprint series this evening, Tuesday 7th June, in Williamson Park. There were only just enough maps to go round! Pictured right Ian Selby leaves his shadow behind. There was a close fight in the final with the pressure getting to a couple of people. For results follow these links: Prologue, Final, Overall.

Preston Street League scores

Scores and results for the first event have now been added, either via the links in this item or from the League page.

Preston Summer Street League event 1 - Cottam 2nd June

The first event in the new street orienteering series in the Preston area enjoyed perfect summer weather this evening. A RouteGadget for the event is now available; add your route and compare where you went with others' routes. Help on how to use RG may be seen here. There are four more events in the series, all based at a pub or similar venue. Suitable for all ages and abilities. Come and get some summer fun and exercise at the same time!

The nation’s juniors need you

Lots of orienteering volunteers regularly help with training and coaching the regional junior orienteering squads across the country. On Sunday 3 July 2011 all the regional squads are converging on Simpson Ground for the annual Junior Inter-regional Relay Championships (JIRCs). SROC is planning (Quentin Harding) and organising (Gavin Smith). We need a range of helpers on the day to keep the competition running smoothly. Some people have already volunteered (many thanks). If you are available on the day and would like to help, please contact Gavin (jircs@oxica.com or Lancaster 389611).

Julian wins the Scottish

Julian Lailey finished in first place at the Scottish Championships held today, almost 9 minutes clear of the next M65. Added to earlier wins in the Midland, Southern and Northern Champs, not to mention the Bigland Middle race last weekend, this puts Julian firmly in the top M65 spot in the Masters Cup 2011 but with 5 more events still to come.

Last call for the Harvester relay

Our Club Captain has received sufficient interest to enter a team in the Harvesters on 16th/17th July, but there is still a chance for anyone else to sign up, giving a possibility of two teams. More details are in this earlier post. Please contact Mark as soon as possible to be included. There is ample time to take in the Club Picnic before travelling to Sheffield for the relay.

Sprint Series league table

Scores for the first event in the series have now been tabulated here. Points are awarded on overall placings as follows: 1st 60, 2nd 55, 3rd 51, 4th 48, 5th 46, 6th 45 then 44, 43, 42 etc. There are six age classes for the series: Men and Women Open, M&W Junior (14-) and M&W Vet (55+).

Summer Sprint Series off to a great start!

Mike Ormerod provided some testing courses at this evening's sprint event around the fascinating Clitheroe Castle and adjoining town centre. Competitors all ran the 1.3 km Prologue, the results from which determining the start order in the gaffled Final (2.3 km), held very soon after the last person had finished the Prologue. This event is the first in a series of six over the next few weeks. Points are scored in each event and the best four count for the overall series prizes. Results may be viewed for the Prologue, Final and Overall. Series points, RouteGadget and other splits analysis will follow soon.

Hill walking and navigation challenge

The Bowland Challenge is a team competition based on hill walking and navigation held entirely within the Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Whether training for a Mountain marathon or just out for a good days walk, the Bowland Challenge is ideal for you. This event is to help support the Bowland Pennine Mountain Rescue Team, and is in essence a 10 hour score for teams of 2-6 people, taking place 15th -17th July 2011. Full details at www.bowlandchallenge.co.uk

Race for Life sponsorship

Sarah Watkins is raising money for Cancer Research UK by running the Race for Life (5km) in Blackburn on 8 June and she'd really appreciate your support. You can make a donation via her page: http://www.raceforlifesponsorme.org/sarahwatkins0202. It's easy, fast and totally secure.

First event in the Summer Sprints Series just one week away!

Don't miss the chance to run on Mike Ormerod's new map of Clitheroe Castle Fields and town centre next Tuesday evening. Full details are on the fixture list where you will find a Google map link, or follow these directions. There will be suitable courses for younger juniors and beginners as well as top quality racing for the more experienced. Discounts for entering the whole series!

Shoes and lost property items

Peter Knott reports: Roy Woodcock has passed to me a pair of blue Walsh PB's size 9? or maybe a small 10. Hardly used. Muddy but no wear & tear. He would like them to go to a good home amongst SROC members, preferably someone without a lot of money. (Does not want anything for them).
Also I have two items of long lost property at events which someone could make good use of. 1. A Craft long sleeved light weight base layer top, black, pull-over with short zip neck. Size S. 2. A Light blue, Ron Hill, wind/shower resistant top. good condition. Size? probably medium or a small 'large'. (Cherith thinks they are a lady's) These two are both garments left at past SROC events. It is possible that they might belong to SROC members. Please contact Peter Knott to claim.

SROC success at British Relays

The SROC team of Chris Nash, Matt Nash and John Ockenden came home a full seven minutes clear of second place in the M18 class at the British Relays at Tankersley today. Also Heather Gardner, Katrin Harding and Zoe Harding finished in a well deserved 3rd place in the Women's Premier class. Hearty congratulations to them, and to all the members running for the club today. Full results service at the BOC 2011 website. Photo courtesy Robert Lines.

British Championships medallists

Congratulations to the SROC medallists at today's British Orienteering Championships near Sheffield: Zoe Harding 2nd W18E, Quentin Harding 3rd M45L and Helen Ockenden 3rd W14A. Other top ten finishers: W21E 4th Heather Gardner, M50S 5th Jon Carberry, M65S 5th Philip Gager, W50L 6th Karen Nash, M18E 7th, John Ockenden and W35S 7th Sarah Watkins. See the BOC 2011 website for all results.

Excellent training sessions on Tuesday evenings

A mixed group of adults and juniors has been enjoying the new summer training activities organised by Quentin Harding at Lancaster University, every Tuesday evening from 6.30, except when there is a Summer Sprint event scheduled. The sessions consist of a variety of running drills and games, all quality work aimed at increasing running speed. The evening is completed with the very popular ultimate frisbee match. If you haven't come along to one of these evenings you are missing a fun time. Anyone wondering about ultimate frisbee may wish to read these abridged rules of the game.

Your Chance to Influence the Future Direction of England’s Forests

British Orienteering has joined forces with nine other organisations representing recreational users of England’s forests and woodlands to lobby the Government’s Independent Panel on Forestry Policy. The group wishes to see recreation at the heart of future forestry policy in England and you can demonstrate your support through joining the online campaign by using this link and completing the few questions on the form. From the BO website.

More Beacon Fell photos

Many thanks to Martyn Roome for a further selection of pictures of last Sunday's event a Beacon Fell. Click on the gallery link to view them all.

Not going to the British Relays on Sunday?

PFO event Staghills Woods Sunday 15th May.

Relay Teams for BOC 2011

Club Captain Mark Edwards has announced the teams for next Sunday's British Relay Championships. (Revised Monday 9th May)

Beacon Fell level C event, Sunday 8th May

SROC hosted the Lancashire Scout & Guide Championships at Beacon Fell today, as part of the level C event which was open to all. Results are here. Follow these links for further splits analysis: RouteGadget Splitsbrowser Winsplits On line. There was an opportunity to run a 10km road race at Beacon Fell and follow it with an orienteering run. One who took advantage of this was Dawn Lock (pictured above). More photos in the gallery. Check out your ranking points from this event on the BOF results page. Colour standards are here.

Discount for entering all the Summer Sprints in advance!

With a brand new area and two other new maps, together with a great sprint event format, there is every reason not to miss any of the SROC Summer Sprint races. To help even more we are offering all 6 events for the price of 4, if entered in advance or at the first event on 24th May.

SELOC sprint race 19th June

SELOC are putting on a slightly unusual event in June, offering the possibility of a sprint orienteering race with the option of also participating in a nationally recognised 5K road race. This could be either individually or as part of a team.

British Sprints photos

Thanks to Martyn Roome for some photos of club members taken at the recent British Sprint Championships.

SROC level C ranking event at Beacon Fell 8th May

The latest flyer for next Sunday's event at Beacon Fell may be viewed here.

SROC team for the Harvester Relay?

Sheffield University Orienteering and Fell Running Club (ShUOC) invite you to an exciting weekend of racing on the 16th-17th July 2011. The Harvester Relay is an overnight orienteering relay competition for teams of seven (A relay) or five (B relay) runners. The A relay starts around midnight and the first legs are run at night with the race finishing in the light. B Relay runners start an hour and a half after the A race and also finish in the light. More details on each relay can be found on the website. This year’s event will take place in Ecclesall Woods and Limb Valley. SROC has missed attending the last couple of Harvesters, but we won the Handicap Trophy in the A class back in 2006. This year's event looks promising and is not too far away so we are gauging interest from club members. Anyone interested should contact Mark Edwards captain@sroc.org asap to allow us to take advantage of cheaper entries.

JK photos

Many thanks to Karen Nash for a selection of photos taken at the JK relays on Easter Monday. Pictured right is Dick Collins on the long run-in. We are always pleased to receive photos for sharing in the SROC Gallery. Please send your contributions to webmaster@sroc.org.

JWOC selection

Congratulations to Zoe Harding, who has been selected to represent Britain in the Junior World Orienteering Championships to be held in Poland in July. Report on the BOF website.

JK relays

The M165+ team of Martyn Roome, Brian Jackson and Quentin Harding achieved the highest placing for a SROC team, finishing third in the JK relays today. The Women's Trophy and W120+ teams also did well, both finishing in 6th place in their respective races. All JK results here.

2011 JK

Follow this link for results over the JK weekend. The sprint race held on Friday saw success for Quentin Harding, 1st in M45, and Zoe Harding, 3rd in W18E, as well as several other good runs by SROC members. On day 2 Julian Lailey placed 2nd in M65L, Lisa Quickfall was 1st in W16B and Karen Quickfall was 2nd in W45S. On day 3 top three places went to Philip Gager (2nd M65S), Zoe Harding (3rd W18E), Karen Quickfall (2nd W45S) and Karen Nash (3rd W50L). Overall (day 2 and 3 combined) top ten places: Karen Quickfall (2nd W45S), Helen Ockenden (3rd W14A), Zoe Harding (4th W18E), Katrin Harding (5th W18E), Sarah Watkins (5th W35S), Philip Gager (5th M65S), Karen Nash (6th W50L) and Quentin Harding (6th M45L). Congratulations to all.

Spring/Summer evening events

The LOC technical series is well under way, with one remaining event next Wednesday, at Claife Heights. Wednesdays then change over to the Warrior Battle Axe series, won last year by our own Mark Saunders. Lakeland OC return in June with a further series of Wednesday events, aimed at all abilities. Don't forget the SROC series of sprint events mainly on Tuesdays from late May through until July, and the Preston daylight street events on Thursdays in June. There's plenty to keep you fit in that lot! Please make use of the SROC car pool to share lifts, and read the extra note from WAROC about car sharing/parking at Battleaxe 2.

British Sprint and Middle Champs 2011

The weekend of 9th & 10th April saw the British Sprint and Middle Orienteering Championships take place in the South East. A relatively small number of keen SROC members made the trip, and came away with a good few medals. In the Sprint our best result was 3rd in M45 for Quentin Harding, although Zoe Harding did very well by making the W21E A final as a first year W18 and Mark Saunders was 9th in M21E. Other top ten finishers: Sue Harding 8th in W45 and Miriam Rosen 9th in W60. In the Middle Zoe was 2nd in W18, Quentin was 3rd in M45 and Julian Lailey was 3rd in M65. Sue and Miriam again did well, both finishing 4th in their respective classes. Full results are here.

Tuesday club night moves to Lancaster University

Today (5th April) is the last time that SROC club night will be at Ripley school until the new school year in September. Fear not, club training will continue every Tuesday (except when there is a sprint race instead) using the outdoor facilities at Lancaster University. Meet in the Alexandra Park car park, at the South of the campus, at 18.30. We will without doubt be making good use of the new trim trail. All welcome!

Preston Summer Street League

Details of the dates and venues for this Summer's Preston Street League are on this flyer. They are a great way to enjoy some friendly competition, or use them as training with a map - without the usual street league darkness to contend with.

NW Fixtures

Please note when you receive the new NW fixtures details that there is an error. The Clitheroe Castle sprint event is only on May 24 NOT May 10 as well as it might seem from the fixtures information. The fixtures list on the SROC website is correct

Northern Champions

The Northern Championships took place today in the North East. Julian Lailey continued his winning streak by finishing first in M65L. Other SROC top three placings: Quentin Harding 2nd M45L, Zoe Harding 2nd W18E and Peter Beighton 3rd M75L, but 1st member of a Northern club and therefore Northern Champion. Results are on the NATO website.

Last call for BOC relays

Anyone wanting to run in the relays at the British Orienteering Champs should contact Mark Edwards captain@sroc.org before the end of March, if they haven't done so already.

National Orienteering Coaching Day for Clubs

This year the BOF coaching day takes place in the beautiful woods of Blakeholme, near Newby Bridge, not used for orienteering for several years. Date and time: Saturday April 16th (9.30am to 3pm) 2011. A day of coaching for club groups and individuals in the Lake District at its best (great technical options, & very runnable). There will be exercises suitable for technical level 3 - Orange, level 4 – Light Green and level 5 - Green +. Anyone interested in joining in should contact Mark Edwards captain@sroc.org as soon as possible.

Knots Wood event enjoyed Spring sunshine

The Knots Wood event, which was postponed last December because of snow, took place today in perfect Spring conditions. The competitors were treated to some fine courses planned by Steve Wrigley, including a physically testing "Technical" course for the seasoned orienteers. Results may be viewed here, or try RouteGadget to share your route. Pictured right, Karen Nash punches the final control. There are some more photos in the Gallery.

Flying Pigs and the Southern Champs

Several SROC members were successful at major events over last weekend. Quentin Harding carried off the flying pig trophy in the M40+ category at the unique JOK Chasing Sprint near Oxford on Saturday. On Sunday attention moved to the Southern Championships and the fast woodland at Hambleden. Zoe Harding won W18E, Quentin made it a double by winning M45L and Julian Lailey repeated his victory at the Midlands Champs by winning M65L. The last two also pick up maximum points in the Masters Cup.

Club dinner reminder

Members who have booked their places for the annual club dinner are reminded that it is at Ye Horns Inn this Friday, 18th March, 7 for 7.30. Directions are on Ye Horns Inn website. Also check out the Car Pool for lift sharing.

A chance to run two events in one day!

The next SROC event is in Knots Wood on Saturday 19th March. Courses available are Yellow, Orange and Technical, and start times are between 12.30 and 2pm. Fees are £3 adult/£1junior. If that's not quite enough exercise for you there is also a PFO event in the morning at Towneley Park. It would be possible to run both.

Warriors of Steel, Penwortham 20th March

This is an event probably unlike any you've taken part in before. It's a test of strength, stamina & mental endurance, best described as a 3 mile cross-county obstacle course. You'll face obstacles such as the tentacles of death, the tunnel of doom, the ditch of fear, the black hole, the crawl of freedom and many others. What are they? You'll have to take part to find out.
We can give you certain guarantees: • We Guarantee —You'll get wet • We Guarantee —You'll get muddy • We Guarantee —You'll get Exhausted • We Guarantee —You'll have terrific fun • We Guarantee —You'll want to come back. This event is being organised to provide funding and assistance to one of Preston's Local Heroes — Dave Watson who lost both legs and an arm in Afghanistan. Entry Forms Available Online visit www.ourlocalheroes.org.uk to enter. One thing's for sure, you'll be back to take part in the next one after the fun and exhilaration of this one. Places are limited so enter now to be sure of a place. Click the image to view a larger version.

SROC stars help England win at Interland

England has won Interland 2011 in Germany this weekend, thanks in no small part to SROC members Helen Ockenden, 1st in D14, and Julian Lailey, 2nd in H60. SROC has a good record in this five-way annual international match, the only opportunity to run for England (as opposed to GBR) outside of the British Isles, usually sending at least one athlete as part of the team. Results can be seen here.

Street League final scores

Final league tables for the Night Street League 2010-2011 have now been published. A list of the series prize winners has also been added to the file.

SROC Car Pool launched!

Is it time to reduce our collective carbon footprint? A recent discussion between a couple of regular orienteers in the Lancaster area has prompted a new forum on the message board, accessible here. To make this work we need people to add a short note if they either have a spare seat or two, or are looking for someone to share transport with. Any event, anywhere in the country. The reward is the pleasure of another orienteer's company plus you'll save some cash! This should save having to ring or email around since it's accessible to all.

Message Board updated

The SROC Message Board has been updated to phpBB3, being the latest version of this forum software. All messages, users etc have been transferred but if you come across any issues please post on the board or contact admin@sroc.org.

Garstang results

Results for the final street league event may be viewed here.

Street League final event and prizegiving at Garstang

The tenth event in the season, at Garstang, rounded off possibly the best series so far, with consistently high quality maps, planning and venues. Prizes and trophies were presented to the various class winners by Maurice Dean after some frantic computing by Bob Nash and his team. Pictured are the top five in the age adjusted league. More pictures in the gallery. A full list of winners will follow later, along with the event results and final league tables. In the mean time RouteGadget is ready for your routes.

Chairman wins again!

Not content with scoring a hit by single-handedly putting on the highly successful Club Handicap last Saturday, our Chairman Julian Lailey ventured to Norfolk on Sunday to take 1st place in M65L in the Midlands Championships, and thereby score maximum points in the UK Masters Cup. Our picture shows Julian storming into the finish, over three minutes clear of his nearest rival.
Photo credit: John Ward.