Old news items

11.4.22 - Jubil-O weekend

To celebrate the Queens Platinum Anniversary in June, the three open clubs in the North East are to collaborate on a weekend of orienteering events. This is to start with an Urban Sprint event on Friday, 3rd June hosted by NN at Fellgate Estate, followed by another Urban Sprint event on Saturday, 4th June hosted by CLOK at Stockton Riverside and culminating with a full Urban and UKUL event on Sunday, 5th June hosted by NATO at Newcastle.

 

4.4.22 - Northumberland Spring weekend - update

By all accounts and despite some major set backs with permissions for the Northern Championships, it appears that the Northumberland Spring weekend was a resounding success. The NN Middle Distance event at Shaftoe Crags on the Saturday was blessed with some fine weather and competitors appeared to enjoy both the area and the courses with many good comments passed at the download point. A big thanks must go to all the club members, plus a few from other clubs, who rallied round to help things run smoothly on the day. A particularly good performace was put in by our own Yolanda Hampshire-Wright (W16) winning her age class at Shaftoe and also becoming Northern Champion on Sunday - well done!

 

14.3.22 - Northumberland Spring weekend - update

Land access problems for the Northern Championships at Simonside have forced NATO to seek an alternative area. Thanks to frantic work by Frank Shillitoe and his team, Dukeshouse Wood, near Hexham, is being prepared to host this premier event. Other days reamin the same - Urban Sprint at Cramlington (NATO) on Friday 1st April, followed by a Middle Distance event at Shaftoe Crags (NN) on Saturday 2nd April and the Northern Champs at Dukeshouse Wood (NATO) on Sunday 3rd April.

 

13.3.22 - CompassSport Cup & Trophy 13.3.22

The club put out quite a strong team for the CompassSport Trophy competition at Duncombe Park & Windy Pits today. The club finished 5th out of 8 behind some strong teams from what used to be classed as 'large' clubs - CLOK, EBOR. There were some good performances from Yokub Hampshire-Wright and Elizabeth Bedwell scoring maximum points. Provisional live results can be found here. Full results will be available shortly here.

 

3.2.22 - NN Newsletter

Matthew Foskett has taken on the role of creating a newsletter to keep club members abreast of items of interest generally to do with the club. If you feel you can contribute to any topics of interest then I'm sure that Matthew will be delighted to hear from you.

 

3.2.22 - NN Committee meeting minutes (27.1.22)

Minutes of the latest NN committee meeting held by Zoom on 27th January can be found here.

 

3.2.22 - Northumberland Spring weekend

Provisional details have been announced regarding a major event at the beginning of April. It has been given the name of 'Northumberland Spring' and involves an Urban Sprint at Cramlington (NATO) on Friday 1st April, followed by a Middle Distance event at Shaftoe Crags (NN) on Saturday 2nd April and culminating in the Northern Championships at Simonside (NATO) on Sunday 3rd April.

 

22.1.22 - CompassSport Cup 2022 - update

A revised date and venue for the CompassSport Cup preliminary heats has been set, which are now to be held on Sunday, 13th March at the HALO event at Duncombe Park & Windy Pits, near Helmsley. The club team captain will be in touch shortly to ascertain your availability to compete - entry fees will be covered by the club. As a small club we really need almost the whole club to help to be competitve.

 

9.1.22 - CompassSport Cup 2022

The CompassSport Cup preliminary heats are to be held on Sunday, 6th March and the club will probably be entered in the HALO event at Cawthorne and Keldy, near Pickering. Full details are not available as yet but it would be good if club members could keep this date free in their calendar.

 

16.9.21 - Cleveland Orienteering clubs Couch 2 Green course

Cleveland Orienteering Klub is offering a unique opportunity in the Darlington area to improve health and wellbeing by learning to orienteer in the 8 week adults beginners course, which runs throughout October and November 2021. Through this course participants will improve their fitness, exercise their mind, experience nature in the beautiful parkland of Darlington and surrounds, as well as meet like minded folk. The course is suitable for any adult of any age and fitness level and the club is very welcoming.

Full details of the course are available at clok.org.uk/couch2green.htm and the contact is this email address [email protected].

 

5.5.21 - NN club night and fixtures

Following an on line committee meeting the other evening, it has been decided to try and resurrect the regular club night sessions which were centred around Durham City. Kate Hampshire and Julian Warren are investigating possible venues with dates and times - details will be published shortly. As the country eases COVID-19 restrictions it was also felt that we could stage a few events starting around July if guidelines allow. Suitable venues have been put forward and land owners will be approached to see if using their areas is viable. Once permissions have been secured, details will be posted on the fixtures page.

 

5.5.21 - Martin Green, RIP 5.5.21

It is with great sadness to report that Martin Green (NATO) died in Cramlington E.H. this morning after admission yesterday. Martin had been suffering from the effects of Parkinsons disease for many years, but despite this he was determined to live as full a life as possible and indeed did. He was a prominent member of TYNE (Tyneside Orienteers) in the early days, then joined NATO and contributed to all aspects of club life, most notably being involved with permissions and mapping. He will be a great loss to the sport, our condolences go out to his family.

 

16.1.21 - CLOK CDO and SDO opportunities

CLOK have announced that they are looking for a Club Development Officer and a Schools Development Officer. Further details can be found here.

 

16.1.21 - NN Committee meeting, 27.1.21

The next NN Executive Committee meeting is to be held on Wednesday 27th January 2021, starting at 1900 hrs. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 restrictions, it has been decided to host the meeting using the 'Zoom' communications application. This can be downloaded free to your smart phone, tablet or computer. The passcode for the meeting will be sent out to members closer to the date of the meeting. The free application is limited to 40 minutes use, therefore the start will be promptly at 1900 hrs and finish at 1940 hrs, although you can join the meeting at any point. Details on the use of the application can be found here.

 

14.12.20 - NN Boxing Day Charity event

Due to ongoing Corona Virus problems the club has had to cancel all future events until further notice, which unfortunately includes our annual Boxing Day Charity event. However we are planning to stage a 'virtual' event, probably based at Low Burnhall. This will utilise a downloadable map and will require the use of a mobile phone or tablet to register that you have visited a control site by detecting your GPS position. The planner is using the 'MapRunF' app which can be freely downloaded to IOS and android devices. Further details will be available shortly.

 

28.11.20 - NN AGM minutes (25.11.20)

The club's Annual General Meeting was held on 25.11.20 and the Minutes are available here. The Treasurers report will be sent separately to club members.

 

2.11.20 - NN club AGM, 25.11.20

The clubs Annual General Meeting is to be held on Wednesday 25th November 2020, starting at 1900 hrs. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 restrictions, it has been decided to host the meeting using the 'Zoom' communications application. This can be downloaded free to your smart phone, tablet or computer. The passcode for the meeting will be sent out to members closer to the date of the meeting. The free application is limited to 40 minutes use, therefore the start will be promptly at 1900 hrs and finish at 1940 hrs, although you can join the meeting at any point. Details on the use of the application can be found here.

 

26.9.20 - Adrian Barnes (NATO) RIP

It is with extreme sadness to report that Adrian Barnes from NATO passed away yesterday. Adrian was a key member of NATO and North East Orienteering along with his local running club Morpeth Harriers for many years. He was very enthusiastic, fostering Orienteering in the area, planning and controlling many events from local to National standard, mapping new areas as well as competing to the highest standards.

He will be missed by all who had the good fortune to make his aquaintance.

 

22.9.20 - Next NN event

The next NN event to be held at Hamsterley Doctors Gate on 4.10.20 is to have a new on-line entries system which has been kindly set up by Alastair Mackenzie (CLOK). This is generally based on an entries system that is used for CLOK events. Details are available on the NN fixtures page for the event.

 

24.8.20 - Next NN event

Following a long lay off due to Corona Virus problems, the club is hoping to stage a local event at Hamsterley Doctors Gate on Sunday, 4th October. The event is subject to Bollihope estates approving that they are still happy with our using the area. This was to be day 2 of the October Odyssey, but we have had to re-think our plans in light of on going problems, downsizing the event and cancelling day 1. Full precautions will be taken to adhere to both Government and BO guidelines, but will include pre-entry only and no entry on the day.

Further details to follow once permission is granted.

 

7.7.20 - Return to Orienteering in England

British Orienteering has announced that orienteering will return to England on 1st August 2020 (subject to any further restrictions that may be imposed by the government). 'Return to Orienteering Guidelines [England]' will be released by the 13th July 2020 to support clubs and the orienteering community across England in bringing a safe return to grassroots orienteering.

Further updates to follow.

 

18.3.20 - COVID-19, Statement from British Orienteering

It is with great sadness that we are now in a position where all orienteering activities in the UK have to be suspended with immediate effect.

We are aware that the Coronavirus outbreak is a very fluid and rapidly changing situation. We will, therefore, continue to follow advice from Public Health England, World Health Organisation and both local and national governments on this matter and will keep the orienteering family updated as appropriate.

We know how great the sport is at supporting each other and we ask that you continue to pull together (albeit virtually) during this difficult time. We will do our best to get you back in the forests as soon as it is safe to do so.

Finally, we ask that you continue to follow the government’s guidance on how to prevent the spread of Coronavirus. Please stay safe and support each other during this hard time.

 

18.3.20 - CompassSport Cup & Trophy results

The CSC & Trophy were hosted by EPOC at Fixby & Bradley on 15th March on a sunny but coldish, damp day. The club fielded a rather depleted team in the Trophy with a few key members noticeable by their absence. It was a strongly contested competition with SYO finishing clear leaders in the Cup competition and EPOC leading the Trophy, but unfortunately NN came a disappointing last in the Trophy. Full results can be found here.

 

1.3.20 - DUOC training, 4.3.20

DUOC are organising a training event at Low Burnhall on Wednesday evening (4.3.20) and have invited members of NN to come along. This is to be in the form of a 45 minute score event. Meet at Low Burnhall car park for 7:30, grid ref NZ265398, nearest post code DH1 3TX.

 

4.1.20 - CompassSport Cup & Trophy, 15.3.20

This is a team competition and the club will be entered in the Trophy. There are two possible venues - Fixby & Bradley, Huddersfield (EPOC) or Breasty Haw and Bowkerstead, Satterthwaite (LOC) - both roughly the same distance from Newcastle. Debby Warren is the club team captain and will be in touch shortly to ascertain your availability to take part. Being a small club it is important that we have a good representation from our membership to be competitive. Please keep this date free in your diary.

 

11.11.19 - NN club AGM, 27.11.19

The Annual General Meeting of the club will be held on Wednesday, 27th November at the TA Centre, Chester-le-Street, starting at 7pm

Minutes from the meeting will be available shortly

 

10.4.19 - North Country Triple, 15-16.6.19

The North Country Triple is a series of Urban / Sprint events held over the weekend of the 15th June. It is a collaboration of competitions hosted by BorderLiners, NN and NATO starting with an Urban event at Brampton (BL) Saturday morning, then a Sprint event at Saltwell Park (NN) Saturday afternoon and finishing with an Urban event at Newcastle / Gateshead (NATO). It promises to be an exciting weekend of fast and furious orienteering - further information can be found by following the links.

 

18.3.19 - CompassSport Cup & Trophy results, 17.3.19

On a sunny but cold, windy day the club did quite well against some bigger teams, ending up 4th out of 8, just 3 points short of qualifying for the final and pipping neighbouring club NATO. Provisional results can be found here. Well done to all those that took part on the day.

 

1.2.19 - CompassSport Cup & Trophy, 17.3.19

The CSC and Trophy competition is the premier club team competition. The preliminary rounds are to be held on 17th March 2019 and the nearest venue for NE clubs will be the BorderLiner event at Bampton Common, near Penrith. Team captain, Debby Warren, will be in touch shortly to find out club members availability, so please keep this date clear in your diary.

 

22.11.18 - NN AGM minutes, 20.11.18

The club's Annual General Meeting was held on 20.11.18 and the Minutes are available here. The Treasurers report will be sent separately to club members.

 

12.11.18 - Frank Major RIP

A brief recollection of Frank Major's life can be found in the reports section

 

21.10.18 - Frank Major RIP

I've just heard the sad news today that Frank Major passed away peacefully aged 74 years on 9th October 2018. Frank was one of the leading members in the early days of the club serving as club chairman for quite a few years and most notable for his role as co-ordinator of the inaugural British Orienteering Championsips 25th Anniversary event at Hamsterley in 1992. He had been awarded an MBE, was a JP and also well known in other non-orienteering circles. A beloved husband to Pat, inspiring father to Esmé and Andrew and grandfather to Max, Laurie, Henry, James and Freya. The Funeral Service was held at St George's Church, Fatfield, Washington on Wednesday, 17th October. He will be dearly missed by all that had the pleasure to meet him. Our sympathies go out to his wife Pat and all the family.

 

3.9.18 - Pat Malley RIP

Members of NEOA will be very sorry to learn that Pat Malley passed away last week. Pat was a senior member of an orienteering family widely known in the North East and beyond, with membership of Northern Navigators formerly and latterly Newcastle & Tyneside Orienteers. Pat's funeral will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, 7th September, at Mountsett Crematorium near Burnopfield, DH9 9LL. We send sympathy to the family at this sad time.

 

27.6.18 - David Brook RIP

A brief recollection of David Brooks life can be found in the reports section

 

10.6.18 - David Brook RIP

I am sorry to tell you that David Brook died on Friday, 8th June aged 77 years. The cancer that prevented him from orienteering recently had spread and he spent the last couple of weeks in St Oswalds Hospice where he was extremely well cared for. Much loved husband of Sheila, loving dad of Martin, Katy and Stephen, he was also a proud grandad. The funeral is to be at the Newcastle Crematorium, West Road on Wednesday the 20th June at 10.30. Family flowers only, donations if desired to St Oswald's Hospice. Our thoughts go out to Sheila and his family.

 

26.10.18 - NN AGM

All club members are invited to attend the club's Annual General Meeting which is to be held on Tuesday, 20th November 2018 at the Cadet Centre, Chester-le-Street, starting at 7pm.

 

8.7.18 - Richmond Urban Event

The next NN event at Richmond on 8.7.18 has had to be postponed due to key personnel now being unavailable that weekend. NN appologise for any inconvenience this may cause but are hoping to re-schedule the event a little later in the the year.

 

27.2.18 - Durham City 24.2.18 results

The results for the event at Durham City have been updated to indicate the NE Night Champions - certificates will be available from DUOC shortly.

 

22.1.18 - Cong Burn 21.1.18 results

We have had problems with the results for Cong Burn - firstly several E-tags were not working correctly and wouldn't download and secondly a control (156) was mis-positioned which adversly affected some runners on the Brown course. Upon further investigation, no information could be retrieved from the failed tags even though they would still flash. EMIT have suggested returning the tags for replacement, but any data on them would be lost. We must apologise for this and offer those affected a reduced fee run at the next NN event they attend. We have to retain at least the BO levy and cost of map printing so the next run will be at the Junior rate for seniors and will be free for those juniors affected. In the unlikely event of this situation happening in the future, a similar refund will be given on the day.

Unfortunately control 156 wasn't in the right place which affected 3 of the courses, but mostly the Brown. This and the problem with the E-tag failures has meant that the Brown course will have to be voided.

To be fair we have asked that the event be withdrawn from the NEOL as these problems will have an effect on possible NEOL points awarded.

 

7.1.18 - Temple Memorial Park Proposed Development

There has been a planning application by a private company to build on part of Temple Memorial Park which will affect use of the area for future activities. If these plans go ahead a number of sports such as Orienteering, Cross Country, Cycle Cross, etc. will lose their use of the area for events, not to mention the use of the land for informal activities by families. In 1961 the Ecclesiastical Commissioners gifted the Park to the people of the Borough, in recognition of the part they played in winning the 1939 - 1945 war at sea. There are a number of links below that may interest you if you want to find out more and maybe object to the plans. I hope they are helpful and maybe you could let others know.

    Link to Friends of Temple Memorial Park Facebook Group - set up just days after the plans were published.

    Link to planning application on the South Tyneside Council Website.

    Link to comments page to object to the plans.

    Link to Online petition set up by local residents.

 

7.1.18 - World Orienteering Day

The next World Orienteering Day is to be Wednesday May 23rd 2018. People all over the world will take part in locally organised orienteering events, and celebrate the biggest worldwide orienteering event ever. The club will be hoping to arrange something for the day - further details to follow.

 

1.1.18 - Club Annual Dinner

A new date for the club's annual dinner has been set for Saturday, 27th January. As yet there is no venue booked but if anyone would like to make a suggestion then please let Debby Warren know. She will be in touch in the new year with more details.

 

17.10.17 - CompassSport Cup & Trophy 2018

The first round of the CSCup & Trophy is to be held on Sunday, 11th March 2018. The nearest venue for our club will be hosted by SYO at Canklow near Rotherham. Details of the CSC competition can be found here. This is one of the premier club team competitions and being a small club we will be entered in the Trophy. The winner of this round of the Trophy will make it through to the final so it is important that club members keep this date free in there diary. Entry fees will be paid by the club - Debbie Warren is the current club team captain and will probably be in touch nearer the date.

 

17.10.17 - NN AGM minutes (16.11.17)

The club's Annual General Meeting was held on 16.11.17 and the Minutes are available here. The Treasurers report will be sent separately to club members.

 

26.11.17 - Club Mapping session

The club is to hold an introduction to mapping session for club members on 2nd December at the home of Club Chairman, Nigel Wright. The session is to cover British Orienteering mapping requirements, standards, symbol sets, map drawing tools (OCAD, OOM, other graphic programs), OCAD in more detail and how to get started (mapping resources). Further details from Rob McKenna.

 

11.11.17 - Forest Challenge board game

After a break of several years NGOC is again offering the orienteering board game 'Forest Challenge' for sale - deal for Christmas, birthday present or club prizes. Details of the game can be found here. Contact Alan Brizen for further information.

 

18.10.17 - Club AGM 16.11.17

The club's Annual General Meeting will be held on Thursday, 16th November 2017, starting 7pm at the Cadet Centre, Chester-le-Street. All members are invited to attend. Last years minutes can be found here.

 

16.10.17 - October Odyssey 2017 update

Final results are now available - could class winners of the October Odyssey and NE Champions please conact the organiser with your address details so that certificates can be posted out.

 

12.9.17 - October Odyssey 2017 update

Following much frantic deliberation the venues for the OO have been confirmed as Washington Central (urban) for the Saturday and Hamsterley Windy Bank & Low Redford for the Sunday. The event status will be downgraded to regional due to the technicality and previous use of the areas. Full details will appear on the NN website shortly.

 

9.8.17 - October Odyssey 2017

This years October Odyssey is to be hosted by NN and plans to hold the event at Bewick Moor have hit an access problem. The area is an SSSI looked after by Natural England and they feel that the event would cause disturbance to some breeding birds at this time of the year and have unfortunately put an unworkable exclusion zone on the area. Plans are being made to try and move the event to Hamsterley, using the forest on the Saturday and one of the moorland areas on the Sunday. Hopefully the situation can be resolved.

 

10.7.17 - Scott Watson completes Bob Graham Round

Elusive NN member Scott Watson has successfully completed the Bob Graham Round, one of the toughest challenges anywhere in fell running - a fantastic achievement. It involves a 66 mile circuit of 42 of the highest peaks in the English Lake District within 24 hours, climbing 27000 ft, starting and finishing in Keswick. Most attempts end in failure with only one in three attempts successful - Scott now joins an exclusive club of victors.

Details of the Round can be found here.

 

17.6.17 - Durham City Night event

Due to access problems this event has had to be cancelled. NN apologise for any inconvenience.

 

26.4.17 - JK 2017 results

The JK was held in the South East this year over the Easter weekend. A number of club members travelled down, but well done to Yolanda Hamshire-Wright who was 3rd overall in the W10A class. Full results can be found here.

 

31.3.17 - British Orienteering 50 years old – almost!

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the formation of the British Orienteering Federation. The inaugural meeting was held at 7.30 p.m. on 17 June 1967 in Barnard Castle, and the first British Orienteering Championships were held in Hamsterley Forest, Co. Durham the following day. For a fuller report click here.

 

21.3.17 - World Orienteering Day

The date for the next World Orienteering Day has been set for May 24th 2017. Details of pre-registered events can be found here.

 

12.3.17 - CompassSport Trophy results

A tremendous effort by the NN team saw us narrowly beaten into third place by much bigger teams from NATO and CLARO. Well done to all members who helped contribute and well done to CLARO who carry our best wishes in their trip to the final. Full results can be found on the CLOK website.

 

24.2.17 - CompassSport Cup & Trophy 2017

The first round of the CSCup & Trophy is to be held on Sunday, 12th March this year, hosted by CLOK at Cringle and Cold Moors on the NW edge of the North York Moors near Carlton in Cleveland. Debbie Warren is the current club team captain and is co-ordinating team entries. Details of the event can be found on the CLOK website.

 

5.2.17 - NE Night Championships - 4.2.17

The NE Night Championships were held at Stocksfield on Saturday, 4th February. Although night events appeal to only a limited number of people the following club members managed to win their classes and become NE Night Champions for 2017 - Saskia Warren (Womens Open), Nigel Wright (Mens Vets), Debby Warren (Womens Vets) and Jeneba Hampshire-Wright (Womens U16) - well done. Full results can be found on the NATO website.

For those interested in night events, the Northern Night Champs are to be held at Knapton, nr Malton on Saturday, 18th February and the British Night Champs are to be held at Great Tower, nr Newby Bridge on Saturday, 25th February.

The Northern Championships (day) are to be held at Bigland, nr Newby Bridge on Sunday, 26th February.

 

29.1.17 - Shaftoe Crags 29.1.17

This was the first event in the NEOL for 2017 held on a brisk winters day, although it did brighten up once the event got underway. Apart from the queues at registration and a few problems with 'dead' E-tags things seemed to be going well. The number of competitors who turned up caught us out a bit and a strain was put on the number of maps printed. This is nornmally based on previous events on the area and other NEOL events so should generally have been sufficient. Fortunately a few competitors agreed to us re-cycling their map which helped us out of an embarrassing situation and we are grateful to them for that. Electronic copies of those maps have been sent out, but if anybody has been missed them let me, Rob Mckenna know and I will forward one to you.

 

11.1.17 - CompassSport Cup & Trophy 2017

The first round of the CSCup & Trophy is to be held on Sunday, 12th March this year. The nearest venue for our club will be hosted by CLOK at Cringle and Cold Moors on the NW edge of the North York Moors near Carlton in Cleveland. This is one of the premier club team competitions and being a small club we will be entered in the Trophy. The winner of this round of the Trophy will make it through to the final so it is important that club members keep this date free in there diary. Entry fees will be paid by the club - Debbie Warren is the current club team captain and will probably be in touch nearer the date.

 

5.2.17 - Controllers Grade B course (18.2.17)

There is to be a Controllers Grade B course held on Saturday, 18th February at Hardwick Hall, Sedgefield. The course is for Grade C controllers wishing to upgrade and will be ran by Paul Talor and Ray Barnes on behalf of NEOA. If you have not already expressed an interest then please contact either Paul Taylor or Duncan Archer for further details.

 

26.12.16 - Houghall Woods (26.12.16)

The club held its annual charity event at Houghall Woods today on a brisk winters day. Things seemed to be going well until the first competitor came to download. EMIT was being used and a system of allowing us to have a mass start was being tested for the first time. This involved competitors entering an inductance loop which should have acted like a start box in that it cleared the tag and once a competitor left the loop the timing would start. This was the theory and it had worked well for standard events, but unfortunately, for some reason failed this time. We are currently seeking help to resolve the situation, but at the moment no results are available. We must apologise for the lack of results and hope this did not spoil your run on the day.

Well done to Duncan Archer of CLOK who managed to visit all 33 controls in about 48 minutes. If you made a note of your finish time and list of controls you visited could you please email them to Rob Mckenna and we will try to formulate a simple set of results.

David Aspin has kindly shared some photos from the event - follow this link.

Proceeds from the event (£276.50) are to go to St.Cuthberts Hospice, Durham.

 

7.12.16 - NN AGM minutes (15.11.16)

The club's Annual General Meeting was held on 15.11.16. Minutes are available here. Treasurers report will be sent separately to club members.

 

1.12.16 - NEOA Delegate Conference (20.11.16)

The NEOA Delegate Conference was held at West Moor Community Association following the NATO Urban event at Killingworth on 20th November. There was a very limited attendance but minutes of the meeting can be found here. Chairmanship of the Association is currently circulated round the three member clubs, with Alasdair Wilson-Craw (NATO) taking over from Peter Archer (CLOK) for the coming year.

 

20.11.16 - NEOL & NEUL final positions 2016

The NE Orienteering League and Urban League have now finished and final standings for 2016 can be found here. There were some creditable performances from club members with the following topping their respective classes - Debby Warren (NEOL Womens Vet), Jeneba Hampshire-Wright (NEOL Womens Junior), Maya Hampshire-Wright (NEOL Womens Young Junior), Yolanda Hampshire-Wright (NEUL Womens Young Junior). Well done to all who took part over the season.

 

16.11.16 - NN Annual Dinner (10.12.16)

The club's Annual Dinner will take place at Namaste (Indian Restaurant), Meadowfield, Durham on 10th December. Debby Warren is making the arrangements and will be in touch with members shortly, so if you wish to come along then keep this date free in your diary.

 

16.11.16 - NN AGM (15.11.16)

The club's Annual General Meeting was held last night with a limited attendance. Minutes will be available here shortly, but briefly there was no change in the structure of the committee other than Kate Hampshire taking over fixtures from Gary Russell.

 

4.11.16 - NE Score Championships

The NE Score Championships were held at Bishop Auckland Park last weekend and a number of NN members did quite well. Congratulations to the following members who have become NE Score Champions for 2016:

   Kate Hampshire (Open and Vet 40+), Saskia Warren (Junior 16-) and Maya Hamshire-Wright (Young Junior 12-)

 

1.11.16 - NN AGM (15.11.16)

The club's Annual General Meeting will be held this year on Tuesday 15th November at the Cadet Centre, Picktree Lane, Chester-le-Street, starting at 7pm. All club members are invited to attend.

 

17.10.16 - Former NN member Russ Snowdon dies

Former NN member Russell Snowdon has died of pancreatic cancer. Many older members may well recall the Snowdon's who were active at a time when we had a few family groups from the Royal Grammar School's and in this case Dame Allan's school in Newcastle. The funeral takes place on Thursday, 20th October at Newcastle Crematorium, West Road at 1245hrs and afterwards at the Westerhope Golf Club. Our sympathies go out to his wife and family.

 

10.10.16 - October Odyssey results

The October Odyssey, the North East's premier orienteering competition was hosted this year by NATO at Simonside and Slaley Hall last weekend. The Simonside event incorporated the NE Championships and looking at the provisional results several members of NN did well becoming NE champions for 2016 (pending verification). Congratulations to Yolanda Hampshire-Wright (W10), Maya Hampshire-Wright (W12), Jeneba Hampshire-Wright (W14), Saskia Warren (W16), Debby Warren (W50). Full results can be found following this link.

 

27.9.16 - Event Safety and Welfare Workshop

If members can't make the NATO workshop (26.11.16) and there is enough demand from within the club then Phill Batts may be able to put on another course. Please email the club secretary so he can ascertain numbers. It is very important that any member who would like to organise, plan or control any event needs to attend a workshop before the end of the year.

 

19.9.16 - Event Safety and Welfare Workshop

British Orienteering have indicated that it is their intention to insist that all Event Officials – Organiser, Planner, and Controller - have attended an Event Safety & Welfare Workshop by 1st January 2017. NATO are planning to host a workshop on Saturday 26th November 2016 and are offering places to members of NATO and other clubs in the area. The course will take place in Whitley Bay from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m., following a low-key Saturday LOPS at nearby Seaton Sluice. If you would like to attend this workshop then please book your place asap (numbers will be limited by the size of the room!) by emailing Tricia Davies.

 

5.9.16 - Barney Warren injury

Barney Warren, one of the clubs up and comming juniors sustained a bad leg injury at the recent White Rose event. Whilst competing at the night event he tripped and broke his left femur (upper leg). Fortunately a few following competitors came to his aid and the mountain rescue was alerted who got him to a track so that an ambulance could rush him to hosiptal. The leg has been stabilised using a meal rod and pins which will stay in place for at least 6 weeks. Its a sad end to the summer break for Barney and we wish him all the best and hope he makes a speedy recovery.

 

31.8.16 - The Cragg Estate (11.9.16)

Due to a change of ownership and loss of permission to part of the area, NN apologise that the next event scheduled to use The Cragg Estate on 11th September will now be a Middle distance type event. Generally shorter courses, more controls and frequent changes of direction.

 

12.8.16 - Frank Major, update

It's been almost three months since his operation which in surgical terms was successful and he is recovering well, but is undergoing radio therapy treatment at the Freeman hospital which is a six week programme of daily 'zaps' each of about four minutes duration. There are expected bouts of tiredness following this treatment but he is trying to get back to a 'normal' routine with some light running.

 

4.6.16 - CompassSport Trophy

It was a valiant effort for all the members that managed to make it to the CompassSport Trophy event at Timble Ings, with some fine performances by some competitors. Unfortunately due to a depleted team (only 9 competitors) we finished last, but well done to SROC who triumphed on the day and will represent the north in the Trophy final. SYO proved too strong for the other 'big' teams in the Cup competition. Full results are available on the website.

 

31.5.16 - Frank Major

Good and bad news - Our former chairman and long standing club member, Frank Major was admitted to hospital last Friday to undergo serious neuro surgery at the RVI for the removal of a suspected brain tumour. He is expecting to be discharged from hospital this week if all goes to plan, but may be out of competitve orienteering till a full recovery is made. We wish him all the best and hope to see him at an event in the near future.

 

5.5.16 - Yvette Baker Trophy, 15 May

Here is another chance to represent your club and earn your O-top. This is for juniors only, but is open to all juniors of any standard. It is the North East round of the Yvette Baker Trophy, on 15 May, at Silton Forest. It is an inter-club competition for juniors and the main way of doing well is to have a lot of people in the team. Please let Nigel Wright know if you are able to come along. Entry fees will be paid by the club and I'm sure spaces will be available in vehicles to the event if that helps. The event will also have courses for adults to run at the same time and place, but separate from the Yvette Baker competition.

 

25.4.16 - CompassSport Cup - new date

A new date of SATURDAY, 4th June has been set for the re-arranged first round of the CSC and Trophy. The venue is to be the same at Timble Ings - click here for full details.

 

17.4.16 - Northern Championships - club results

The Northern Championships were contested this weekend at Mulgrave Woods, preceded by an urban event around the streets of Whitby. There were a number of members from the club that made the trip down with varying success. Full results can be found on the CLOK website, but one outstanding performance from Maya Hampshire Wright saw her become the W12 Northern Champion for 2016 - well done to Maya. A fuller report with pictures is to follow - see the reports section.

 

30.3.16 - JK2016 club results

The JK was held over the Easter weekend this year at various locations over the YHOA region. There were a number of members from the club that made the journey down and full results can be found here.

Here are a few positions from the overall results - Barnaby Warren 7/11 (M20L); Nigel Wright 10/86 (M45L); Julian Warren 47/119 (M50L); Scott Watson 53/92 (M55L); Barry Young 57/92 (M55L); Boris Spence 68/86 (M60L); Yolanda Hampshire Wright 6/10 (W10A); Maya Hampshire Wright 8/25 (W12A); Jeneba Hampshire Wright 21/54 (W14A); Saskia Warren 22/54 (W16A); Kate Hampshire 14/56 (W45L); Debby Warren 32/73 (W50L). Bob Cooper mispunched on day 3 and was not placed. Frank Major, David Brook and Mike Bowden also travelled down but only competed on one of the days so did not feature in the overall results.

We had 4 teams in the relays - Mens short (Nigel Wright, Julian Warren, Barney Warren) 15/46; Womens short (Kate Hampshire, Debby Warren, Saskia Warren) 7/35; Juniors (Jeneba, Yolanda and Maya Hampshire Wright) 22/34; the Vet men (Boris Spence, Scott Watson, Dougie Nisbet) were not placed due to a mis-punch.

 

7.3.16 - CompassSportCup & Trophy 2016 update from Tim Moon

Bad news I am afraid, after yet more heavy rain the parking field is unuseable so the event has had to be postponed. The plan is to hold the event on the same area sometime in May or June, we already have permission to do so. Various fixtures secretaries are negotiating a date although one is unlikely to pop out until after the JK.

 

15.2.16 - Xplorer challenge at Shildon

An introduction to orienteering is to be included as part of ParkLife - Durham County Council has provisional plans for 6 sessions of multi-activities at Hackworth Park, Shildon, Co.Durham during the year. The orienteering will be based on the Xplorer package and is primarily aimed at novices and families. It is a family friendly navigation challenge that is educational and fun and gives children a sense of adventure as they explore the park to find the markers. It involves a healthy mix of physical activity and decision making that the whole family can enjoy together. At each marker children need to identify what is pictured and enjoy learning a fun fact to tell their friends. More details to follow when available.

 

14.2.16 - CompassSportCup & Trophy 2016 update

Initial event details including classes can be found here and an old (2011) map of Timble can be found here. Boris is co-ordinating entries at the moment and is looking into the viability of a mini-bus, so should be in touch soon - or better still, drop him a line and let him know your availability.

 

13.1.16 - NEJS coaching vacancy

Following Mick Garratt stepping down as head coach in charge of the North East Junior Squad, the region is now looking for a suitable replacement. Further details are available in the reports section.

 

13.1.16 - David Hale obituary

For those that may be interested, following the death of David Hale last year, his son Steven has written a short obituary for the Guardian. It can be viewed following this link.

 

30.12.15 - CompassSportCup & Trophy 2016

The club has been entered in the Trophy section of the CSC next year, which is to be held at Timble Ings, Harrogate, on Sunday, 13th March 2016. Being a really small club we rely on the support of all our members to be reasonably competitve, so I hope that you can keep this date free in your diary. Entry fees are normally paid by the club and if enough interest is shown then transport may be provided. Debby Warren is the club team captain and should be in touch nearer the date.

 

26.12.15 - Norman Harris (RIP)

It's more sad news - I've just heard of the death of Norman Harris on 20th November in Richmond. Although he joined our club, Northern Navigators around 2002/3 from, I believe Southern Navigators and remained a member until a few years ago, I know very little about this widely travelled and much experienced personality. My recollections are that he was a former chairman of the SEOA and an avid sports journalist, who frequently visted New Zeland. He was enlisted onto the committee in his early days with the club and played an active part in club affairs. He lived in Allendale - a remote but beautifull valley about 10km SW of Hexham in Northumberland. See the reports section for more details.

 

18.12.15 - David Hale (RIP)

It's sad to report that David Hale, father of Gill and Stephen, grandfather of Sam, passed away peacefully last night, after several years in a residential care home. Both David and Elizabeth were members of NN from the beginnings of the club and devoted some hours to promoting the sport. Elizabeth died a few years ago now, but they will both be dearly missed. David’s funeral will be at Kirkleatham Crematorium on Tuesday, January 05 at 1100, and afterwards at Fletchers Farm coffee shop, Great Ayton.

 

13.12.15 - The Orienteering Foundation

The Orienteering Foundation is a registered charity, independent of British Orienteering. It was set up with money from a bequest of Bertie & Elsie Ward and is now raising further funds and awarding grants. Their objectives are to promote the sport of orienteering through enhancement, innovation, and alleviation of hardship. It has substantially revised its website which now includes details of how to donate, how to apply for funding, and reports from funded projects.

 

26.11.15 - Club AGM update

The minutes from the club AGM can be viewed here, the accounts can be obtained on request to the secretary.

 

24.11.15 - Club annual dinner

The annual club dinner is to be held at Namaste - an Indian restaurant in Meadowfield, Durham - for Saturday, 12th December, 7.30pm. Follow this link to find out more. Debby Warren is co-ordinating things and you should have already informed her of your intention to attend - she can be contacted by email.

 

6.11.15 - Club AGM update

The Executive Committee remains mainly unchanged following the Club AGM last night although Debby Warren was voted in as an additional member. A fuller roport of proceedings together with abbreviated minutes will be available in the reports section shortly.

 

3.11.15 - Club AGM

A reminder that the Club is to hold its AGM on Thursday evening, 5th November at Chester le Street starting at 7pm. Follow this link for further details.

 

27.10.15 - NE Night Championships

The NE Night Championships was held on a mild, pleasant night in Durham City on Saturday, 24th October and attracted about 50 competitors. There were a few problems with the EMIT kit on the night, but everybody appeared to enjoy the courses set by Kate Hampshire and there was a good atmosphere in front of the Catherdral and around Palace Green. Jonny Malley (EBOR) put in a tremendous effort to win the main course, but Durham University student's, Michael Hallett and Katherine Bett claimed the Mens and Womens Open titles with some fine performances. See results page for further details. Certificates will be available at this weekends night event at Slaley Hall.

 

26.10.21 - NN Fixtures 2022

A few dates for your diary - firstly, Saturday 2nd April 2022, when we are hoping to use The Cragg Estate for a middle distance event, pending securing permissions from the land owners. This is to be the weekend of the Northern Championships which are to be held by NATO at Simonside on 3rd April - NATO are also to host an urban sprint event at Cramlington on Friday 1st April.

Secondly - Friday 3rd June, when we are hoping to stage a short Sprint event around one of the Durham Hill Colleges. This is to be part of another weekend of events to support NATO's Newcastle City Race on Sunday 5th June with CLOK staging a sprint event at Stockton on Saturday 4th June.

 

5.10.15 - NN top club

In a recent poll conducted by the CompassSport magazine, Northern Navigators were reported as best NE club based on results of their members at events across the country in 2015. This rankings list is adjusted for age and gender and shows the club lying in 12th position overall - a leap of 44 places over the year.

 

11.9.15 - NE Night Championships

The NE Night Championships are to be decided at Durham City on Saturday, 24th October. This was the area used earlier in the year for the popular Durham Light Race (see reports), but with a full set of courses to NE guidelines. Kate Hampshire has agreed to plan using her local knowledge of the City and organisation will be in the capable hands of Boris Spence. Fuller details will be available shortly.

 

14.8.15 - NEOA committee changes

At the NEOA Annual Delegate Conference in July, Patrick Smyth (Chairman / Secretary) and Mick Garratt (Coaching Representative), stepped down from those positions and thanks were given for their long service to the region. As no successors could be found it was agreed that the Chairman / Secretaries post will rotate round the regions open club's chairmen, with Peter Archer (CLOK) filling the position until the AGM next year. The Coaching position remains vacant and NEOA is seeking someone to take this vital role. The other officers were confirmed in post - Peter Firth (Treasurer), Duncan Archer (Fixtures), Paul Taylor (Technical) with additional club representatives to be appointed.

 

18.7.15 - Guidelines for NE Championships

Duncan Archer (NEOA fixtures) has drawn up some proposed guidelines for future NE Championship events, affecting NE Champs, NE Night Champs and NE Score Champs. His proposals can be viewed here and comments should be forwarded to him.

 

18.7.15 - Proposed NEOL & NEUL for 2016

Following suggestions at a recent NEOA fixtures meeting regarding the setting up of a NE Orienteering League and NE Urban League, Adrian Barnes has made some proposals for possible fixtures and rules. For a fuller report please follow this link.

 

2.7.15 - Boris retires as MLN secretary

Boris Spence retires as the MLN league secretary at the end of the 2015 season. For a fuller report please follow this link.

 

20.6.15 - Stick men create a warm glow at DLR

The Durham Light Race was the UK version of a series of events held in conjunction with UNESCO to celebrate our use of light. Held on a warm mid summer evening, 60 plus competitors enjoyed the fast, challenging courses set by Duncan Archer. For a fuller report please follow this link and also this link for a report in the Northern Echo.

 

1.5.15 - Saskia Warren selected for training camps

Congratulations to Saskia Warren, who has been selected for the Junior Regional Orienteering Squads Deeside Training Camp in August. She is one of a select band of only 18 athletes. The ‘Deeside’ training camp is based at Templars’ Park, Maryculter on the banks of the River Dee near Aberdeen and is aimed at M/W15-16’s. Saskia has also been invited to the Summer Talent Camp for M/W16-18's, which is to be held in Badaguish, Cairngorm 26th – 31st July.