Eight teams started this last Friday's evening DF, eagerly awaiting the first transmission at 7.30 which, to my surprise, was not audible so an approx bearing and distance were given out. All teams appeared to get either near to Peppard or Sonning Common for the 8pm transmission and, great(!), there was a signal heard, also going towards the centre of Reading. After arriving at the north side of Sonning to establish if Min was the other side of the river Thames, the 8.15 signal pointed directly to the lakes between Charvil and Twyford. On arriving at the nearest foot path spotted Mark Coventry who then ran off down the path. I was not convinced and whilst waiting for the next signal was amazed to find at least five other teams driving past! On receiving the next signal it was confirmed that Min was on the lake complex but further down. When turning the corner, I found all those other teams staring at the large ford (river) and deciding not to cross in their cars. However, my 4x4 can and, on arriving on the other side, spotted Min's car. John and I ran up the path and were eventually caught up by Alan Simmons.

The next signal was very strong taking us to a small coppice surrounding a field (Min had wired the whole barbed wire fence up and the searching seemed to take ages with myself and others walking past Min several times). It was during this frustrating search a person who portrayed himself to be the Water Bailiff appeared and ordered us out of the coppice etc. True DFers find other ways around and we found Min hiding near to where we searched 30 minutes before. On returning onto the actual footpath we were once again accosted by the supposed bailiff who had upset another team member. The discussion got fairly heated (Min had heard all the shouting and decided to lay low just in case). Five very brave teams finished this event which when looking at my totally scratched body thought was it worth it. (Min was bitten so badly he had to take treatment for bites).

It was confirmed by Min that there was a official way in to the site but being a DF, the signal did not take you that way. A vote was taken at the pub to let the contest be valid (thank you).

Our thanks to Min for running a tough event and hope the itching soon clears up!

Brian Bristow