# Blackborough 2023

**URL:** https://chat.quantockorienteers.co.uk/t/blackborough-2023/414
**Category:** Our Events
**Created:** [9 October 2023 07:51 UTC](https://chat.quantockorienteers.co.uk/t/blackborough-2023/414 "2023-10-09T07:51:40Z")
**Posts on this page:** 3
**Page:** 1

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### Author: ![RichardS](https://chat.quantockorienteers.co.uk/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/r/7ba0ec/32.png) [@RichardS](https://chat.quantockorienteers.co.uk/u/RichardS)
#### Post date: [9 October 2023 07:51 UTC](https://chat.quantockorienteers.co.uk/t/blackborough-2023/414/1 "2023-10-09T07:51:40Z")

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When I saw the blank map in the start lane, with large areas of dark green, I thought we’d be in for a tough day. I was glad to have gaiters on, which I don’t normally use. But I found it much more runnable than I expected - credit to the planner for finding the best areas.  
To begin with there was a lot of path running, but after finding 8 to 9 was fairly easy going I was much more willing to go off-path.  
My 10-11 was the worst bit, I tried to avoid the bog and go up through the rough open which really didn’t work and I had to bail. Lost well over 5 minutes and was caught by 2 others.  
My favourite bits were 11 to 14. On the map it looked grotty but it was good orienteering and I was in the middle of a 3 man chase which added incentive.  
I lost more time 15 to 16. 16 was hard to find and I went past it three times before spotting the feature. Just as I found it my chaser arrived so I gave the position away.  
Quite a long run, but nice to have a brown option at a QOFL.  
Thanks to the team. Lovely sunny weather was a bonus. It was an ideal venue with that parking field and even a pasty and ice-cream shop! Great day out.

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### Author: ![craddocktaunton](https://chat.quantockorienteers.co.uk/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/c/cab0a1/32.png) [@craddocktaunton](https://chat.quantockorienteers.co.uk/u/craddocktaunton)
#### Post date: [10 October 2023 11:02 UTC](https://chat.quantockorienteers.co.uk/t/blackborough-2023/414/2 "2023-10-10T11:02:30Z")

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Views from Organisers  
We were very grateful for:

- the co-operation of Andrea and her staff at Forest Glade Caravan Park. Excellent pasties!
- the generosity of users of the parking field (almost £200 collected). A special mention of Robin Fieldhouse who had run (and won) the 23 ml Man v Horse from Nether Stowey and over the Quantocks the day before. He helped with parking, donations and control collection as well as coming 2nd on the Brown course!
- the weather!
- the Planner, Ray Toomer. Controller, Andy Reynolds (DEVON), and mapper Andy Rimes for taking on a major event at short notice.
- Team 1 of helpers for being there and sharing the load.  
Roger & Judy Craddock (organisers)

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### Author: ![craddocktaunton](https://chat.quantockorienteers.co.uk/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/c/cab0a1/32.png) [@craddocktaunton](https://chat.quantockorienteers.co.uk/u/craddocktaunton)
#### Post date: [7 November 2023 11:39 UTC](https://chat.quantockorienteers.co.uk/t/blackborough-2023/414/3 "2023-11-07T11:39:46Z")

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![Scan_20231107](https://chat.quantockorienteers.co.uk/uploads/default/original/1X/3cf0f4fed59caecef52d6bf4d07feeebd17876ad.jpeg)  
As a result of our collection of voluntary donations from the cars coming to the Blackborough QOFL we raised £200 and added a QO contribution. The thanks from the Devon Air Ambulance included this Certificate.
