Author: Philip Baxter

It is with great sadness that we report the untimely passing of Gordie Mahood on 5th February. Gordie was an enthusiastic orienteer, a loyal member of Lagan Valley Orienteers and a dedicated organiser. Many will have last seen him at Tyrella in November, quietly ensuring that everything was properly organised in a way that would bring the most satisfaction to his fellow orienteers. Gordie has been living with cancer for a number of years, but still managed to contribute greatly to the orienteering community. He was a regular attender last summer of the WEE series in Belfast, introducing his son Harry Read More …

The final WENT of 2018 will be held at Lady Dixon Park next Wednesday, 12th December. As in past years we will follow the session with some festive cheer in the form of hot chocolate, warm little eats and other appropriate (un)healthy offerings. We meet as usual at 7.00pm for a 7.30pm mass start in the top car park. Lady Dixon Park is always fun to run in after dark, so don’t miss out! In order to get the right number of maps and enough food, please let Philip know that you are coming, either by commenting here, directly via Read More …

A big thank you to Eibhlin and Connor for setting out WENT 5 in poor weather last week and congratulations to those runners brave enough to turn out! This week we are in Belvoir Forest, meeting in the main car park at 7.00pm on Wednesday for the 7.30pm mass start. The controls have been sited to avoid too much hill climb and to allow the fastest to get onto finding long words. There is something for everyone, novice or well practised alike. You’ll need a headtorch, watch, compass and suitable footwear. As usual the cost is £2 for members and Read More …

The WENT schedule has changed: WENT 4 on 21 Nov will now use the Botanic Gardens and Queen’s campus map and WENT 5 on 28 Nov will be in Barnett Demesne BUT ONLY IF …. Someone volunteers to set out the controls and run the evening. The O’Boggle will be planned, control sites taped and maps printed in time to be picked up with the controls immediately after next week’s WENT at Queen’s. The Baxters won’t be available for WENT 5 so, if there is to be a WENT, we need a volunteer! Let me know (philip@niorienteering.org.uk) if you can take Read More …

After last week’s training in Ormeau Park WENT 3 this week will be in Musgrave Park. Meet in the main car park (entrance off the road to the hospital) at 7.00pm for a 7.30 mass start. We will have another go at playing O”Boggle so there will be something for everyone. As usual there is a 45 min time limit once we start so we should be finished by 9.00pm having collected in all the controls. The words are different this week so brains will be exercised! Note that there is a meeting at the bowling pavilion starting at about 7.00pm Read More …

After last week’s epic tricks, WENT 2 moves to Ormeau Park this week for a new variation. Meet at the main Ormeau Park car park at 7.00 pm for a 7.30 pm mass start. As usual, the planner has come up with a new game to play called O’Boggle and there will be something for all standards. All are welcome although novice juniors will have to be accompanied by an adult. The format remains: mass start, 45 minute time limit, controls collected. Although the weather forecast is not great, don’t be put off coming. Orienteering is an outdoor sport and skin Read More …

After the exciting urban challenge of Sporteering last night, are you ready to switch to the Wednesday Evening Night Training series – the WENT? Running for the next 7 Wednesdays in and around Belfast these evenings give you the opportunity to practise your running, your navigation and your route planning as you play whatever orienteering games the devious planner has to offer. The format is the same each week: meet at 7.00pm for a 7.30pm mass start. There will be 15 controls to visit in whatever order you choose with a 45 min time limit. We will be using electronic Read More …

Good news for all those eagerly awaiting their new orienteering finery. The latest order has arrived and tops will be available for collection at the August WEE series, starting tomorrow at Victoria Park. Please see Philip, Helen or Olivia armed with either cash or cheques made out to Philip Baxter. The cost worked out after euro conversion and postage to £28 per top (child size £23 and top with pocket £30) so no increase since the last order.

Photos of the Tollymore Weekend festivities, courtesy of Philip and Harry, can be found here. As usual, if you would like your photo removed, please let Philip know via publicity@niorienteering.org.uk

                                               I am almost ready to put in an order for new club orienteering tops. So far I think the following have ordered (initials only – please query if in doubt). If you would like to be added then please get in touch quickly Original pattern (top left): Female: AB, HP, C?  Male::GB, RC, GS New pattern (top right): Female: CR, SG  Male: CH, BR,PR, DM (x4), If you think you have ordered in the past and not received your order please let me know very soon as I would like to get this order away this week. I have Read More …