ORIENTEERS GET WET FEET
Waterlogged marshes, streams in flood, surface water and thick heather all presented tough physical challenges at the Wessex Orienteers’ Galoppen event at Bisterne Close, near Burley in the New Forest. The area was well past saturation and it’s undoubtedly true that no one got round a course without having wet feet; indeed the wet probably went up to the knees at least. There was plenty of mud around but a (possible) plus was that after running through deep mud one was almost certain to run through deep surface water to wash it all off. Although it was very cold at least the bright sunshine made for a cheerful day and most orienteers looked happy enough. Thanks to WSX and all the officials for putting on an uplifting event.
There was a good Sarum turnout and some good Sarum results with Ben Chesters and Paul Lane taking first places in the top Brown and Blue courses respectively. Jeff Butt took 9th place on the Blue course with Jackie Butt in 15th place, just behind Martin Goddard (14th). Also on the Blue were Leon Thompson (23rd), Nigel Benham (33rd), Dave Battison (38th), Dave Mullins (43rd), Kerrie Benham (46th) and Carolyn Dent (54th). Brian Hart came 12th on the Green course ahead of Jan Belza (22nd), Del Warren (33rd), Denise Mullins (39th), Gwyn Davies (41st) and Pat Hart (54th). On Short Green Peter Hambleton was 2nd and Dave Oxenham 4th, Charlote Thornton 13th, Joan Hambleton 20th; Richard Thornton, Freda Peirce and Adrian Dawson took 33rd to 35th places. On Light Green Marieke Seitz was 3rd and Dorinda Davies 6th.