KNC 13 Scotney Castle Estate

Event Report

Given the dire weather forecast I thought it was actually quite warm in the forest, out of the northerly wind, but as usual Scotney in winter is wet and very muddy underfoot. A smaller turnout but nonetheless a hard fought battle between Ian Ditchfield, Sean Cronin and Mark Collins. What a masterclass of night-O we were treated to as Ian’s form continues. Ian managed to clear the course in 55:59. The straight line distance of his route choice was 6.1km and the course had 200+ metres of climb! Congratulations also to Sean for clearing the course but being just over the 60 mins. The start was a short walk through the castle grounds to the north east side of complex, this area of the map was very new to a lot of folk and I have to admit I felt slightly bad seeing all the confused faces as the race started. I hope everyone enjoyed the use of this area of the map. A special mention to Warwick and Jodie Hadley, first time night-O competitors. The complexity of night-O on this map did not dampen their spirits, returning to download with big smiles. They finished 15th with 70 points in 53:32. This just leaves the pub report, thanks to Sam for finding a pub, The Chequers, which was willing to hold our food under a hot lamp until 9pm. I can tell you this was no mean feat for January in Lamberhurst! Nine of us enjoyed some very good food and a welcome warm, most of the time was spent reflecting on Ian’s route choice!

Our thanks to the control collectors Sean, Graham D & Mark, and to the National Trust for granting permission to hold the event.

Andrew & Sam

Pre Event Info

Location

Nearest town: Lamberhurst

• Grid Ref:
• Postcode: TN3 8JN
• Latitude: 51.09380
• Longitude: 0.40691
• Google Map
• Streetmap (OS 50k)
• Bing Map (OS 50k)
• OpenStreetMap

Directions / Parking

Parking is at Scotney Castle National Trust car park which is signposted off the A21 on the B2169, approximately 10 miles southeast of Tunbridge Wells and 14 miles northwest of Hastings.      Nearest postcode TN3 8JN.   w3w///reverted.wounds.pizza

Railway station: Wadhurst 9km.

Observing British Orienteering and Government guidelines:-

Please be respectful of other people’s wishes to observe social distancing from the time you arrive at the event until you leave.

To minimise the time for interaction with others please arrive in your O gear and depart still wearing it.

Registration & Start Times

Registration: Pre-entry only via http://www.racesignup.co.uk by midnight Wed 25 Jan 2023.

This will require details for safety purposes and a declaration about Covid-19.

No Registration on the night.

The Start is a short walk from the car park, we will leave the car park at 7.20pm.

Mass Start at 7.30pm (consider social distancing).

Please read the Start briefing displayed (event safety & event details)

Course Information

60 minute score suitable for all abilities. 22 controls numbered 90 – 109, plus 110 and 111; visit as many as you can. 10 points per control, 10 points penalty per minute/part minute beyond 60 minutes. Controls will be collected 70 minutes after the last start (course closing time).

1:10,000 scale map with 5m contours. Maps will be printed on A4 waterproof paper.

Controls will be SIAC enabled. Separate/loose control descriptions will not be provided.

After your run please Download as normal, considering social distancing. Timing printouts will be provided and the results will be available on the website.

If you are able to help collect controls in afterwards, please do volunteer.

Explanation of Score courses

You don't have to visit all the controls! There is usually a time limit, instead of a set course. Points are scored for visiting controls, and deducted for finishing over the time limit. You decide which controls to visit, and in which sequence. Sometimes controls have different points values. You will need to carry a watch or phone, so you know how long you have been out.

Entry Details

Pre-entry only via http://www.racesignup.co.uk

Seniors (British Orienteering members) £5, Non-members of BO £7.         

Juniors & students £3 (BO or non-BO).

Group: £10 (1 dibber; map for each participant) (BO or non-BO).   

Dibber loan (non SIAC): Free.

Some sort of torch essential plus a small backup/reserve. Carrying a whistle is mandatory (as a casualty, blow six short blasts, wait 1 min, repeat). A cagoule may be required in inclement weather. You will need to look after your car keys yourself (eg carry in zipped pocket or waist strap).

An Emergency contact number will be printed on the map. Carrying a mobile phone is mandatory for newcomers, and strongly recommended for all. You can let us know if you are lost or late, and we can contact you if you have not returned.

Terrain Description

Mixed forest and open fields.

Facilities

The nearest toilets are in the local pubs of Lamberhurst.

Apres-O & prizegiving: TBC.

Contacts / Officials

Planner & Organiser: Andrew Derrick 07791288986 knc"at"saxons-oc.org

Important Information

Health, safety and other important information related to events.

If you have pre-existing helath issues that you feel the organiser should know about please fill in this medical form.

Covid-19:

Before travelling to any orienteering event please make sure you are aware of and following British Orienteering guidelines. 

To ensure that we comply with these guidelines and make our events Covid secure and safe for participants and volunteers, all events will be pre-entry and pre-payment only.

During the on-line entry process, you will select your preferred start window from those available for your course. You must then make payment to reserve your start window. Please do not turn up at the event unless you have pre-entered. If you need help with the registration process please contact the event organiser.

On event day turn up for your allocated start slot

Please move away from the map box after collecting your map.

At control sites do not touch the control, and move through quickly.

Do not congregate at the Finish.

At Download please get your breath back and recover before downloading.

Saxons volunteers are very happy to help beginners understand the courses, maps and timing equipment used at our events. To get advice please contact coaching@saxons-oc.org at least 3 days before the event, or go to our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/saxons.oc and ask questions there. It may be possible to arrange for somoene to meet you before your start.

For full BO Covid guidance click here

Ticks and Lyme Disease: Ticks are common in areas where we go orienteering, more information about ticks.

Training and help is available from qualified coaches. Please contact the organiser.

Privacy: when entering our events your name may appear in the results section of this website or in newspaper reports. Read our privacy policy to see how we look after your personal data.

Data Protection: Your personal information provided for this event or obtained from registration databases will be used to process your entry, publish results, check for missing runners and trace missing SI cards.