Author: Graeme Francis

As many of you will know, over the past few years I have been running a Schools Orienteering Competition in Gosford Forest for students undertaking Orienteering as part of their GCSE PE.This event, and now Ric’s one in Coleraine are the only events put on specifically for Schools in NI where the correct standards for Assessment are guaranteed because its us as NI Orienteering, and at the same time we try to provide that link between Schools and Clubs that often appears to be missing.This year’s event in Gosford takes place on Thursday 5th November, but to make it happen Read More …

As some of you will know, over the past few years I have been running a Schools Orienteering Competition in conjunction with Portadown College for students undertaking Orienteering as part of their GCSE PE. This year the College have taken a step back to organise other events, so we have taken the step forward to take on the running of the whole event. This is currently the only GCSE PE Schools Competition in NI that meets the standards required for Assessment with proper Orange and Yellow Courses and thus we are keen to keep it going. However, in doing so, Read More …

Bored? Depressed? Missing your fix of Wednesday night Orienteering? Then I have the perfect remedy for you: Come and join us in Markethill for an evening of Orienteering around the footpaths and green spaces as part of the Markethill Festival. And in return for my lifting your mood and getting you out; you can feel good in yourself, as its all in aid of a good cause: All proceeds will go to this year’s Festival Charities, which include the Air Ambulance and Parkinson’s UK. Brand new map; same old fun. So come and enjoy an evening exploring virgin terrain under Read More …

It’s been quite a while, but it’s time… It’s time for some Mental Stimulation.I’m going to reach in, grab hold of the contents ( if present ), give it a shake and then pop the lid back on. Yes; It’s time for some Urban Orienteering! OCO Cordially invite you all to an afternoon of mental massage around the paths and green spaces of Craigavon South. This Event will be the second leg of this year’s NI Urban League and consequently I wouldn’t want to disappoint any of you Urban fans. For your delight we will be using a newly extended Read More …

After a string of great technical, but physically demanding events you may be looking for something a little easier on the body. Well, you’re in luck! The Urban League returns again next Sunday with a wee dander around the paths of Craigavon South. No big hills to climb, or rocks to cross, no peat cuttings or marshes, but you’ll still need to concentrate on your map reading to figure out the optimum routes. Entries are now open. For event details see the LVO website.

After a thoroughly enjoyable dander round Donaghadee, thanks to Stephen & Richard, the NI Urban Series caravan returns swiftly to Portadown and to the spiritual home of Orchard County Orienteers – Edenvilla Park, for a double headed Bank Holiday afternoon of fun. As this years’ WEE Series comes to a close, some of you may have noticed that there wasn’t a ‘Craigavon’ WEE this year. So for those of you who feel like you’ve missed out, or just want to explore, we’re giving you a bonus of two WEE style events on the same afternoon, with a bonus sticker for Read More …

Following hot on the heels of Donaghadee, like Ciara Mageean behind Laura Muir we have the next installment of our NI Urban League. Forget about Pan’s Labyrinth, and even Jim Henson’s Labyrinth. You know us: In Orchard County we like to go above and beyond, so why not come and join us for a Bank Holiday afternoon of Fun and Frivolity, and probably a few choice words. What’s in store? 2 runs for the price of one over the shorter distance. You can choose your first start time. Your second will depend on how well you do on the first Read More …

The trees of Gosford have been donning their greenery for St Patrick’s weekend and to welcome you all this coming Saturday. Thanks to all those who have got your entries in so far. Early forecasts suggest the sun will be dappling Armagh’s leaves as you steady your compass along the drumlin ridges, glens and paths in search of that next control. In order to ensure the day goes smoothly, could anyone willing to spend a wee while helping with starts or registration please contact us at entries@lvo.co.uk or volunteer@lvo.org.uk. There hasn’t been too many offers so far and everyone should Read More …