5 teams assembled at Maidenhead Thicket for the start. David Ryan was the operator. All teams heard the signal at the 1930 start but it was quite difficult to get an accurate bearing as there was a lot of sky-wave. I settled on a bearing of 160 degrees and most teams had something similar so it was decided not to give out an approximate bearing. I set off towards Bracknell via the M4 and A329(M) and then south through Bracknell Forest towards Bagshot. I missed the 2000 transmission as there was nowhere convenient to stop on what was a dual carriageway. I had intended to go to the Lightwater Country Park for the 2015 signal but as it was only 2005 when I crossed the M3, I carried on down the Lightwater by-pass and then turned off on the A319 towards Chobham. As it was now 2010, I turned off almost immediately on to a small country lane and stopped near Hookstone Farm for the 2015 signal. The signal was really strong at this point and I turned on the attenuator and it was still strong. It was what I would term 'get out and walk' strength. By a pure fluke I had stumbled on the right area. All there was on the map was a footpath and I reckoned that he was nearer the other end of the footpath so I drove round there, found somewhere to park and walked in to a woody area on the footpath. When the 2030 transmission came on, it confirmed that I was in the right area. After that things didn't go quite so well. I searched a likely looking area to no avail and then I saw Justin and Graham had also made it to the site, closely followed by Peter Lisle. It proved to be quite difficult to get a sense and nearby pylons didn't seem to help. I decided to make my way back to the path and when he came on again at 2050, I used the signal strength to try and locate him. The signal got stronger until I felt I was under the aerial, even though I couldn't see it. After a bit of searching, I spotted David lying under a tree and managed to get my card in. Justin who was nearby called Graham in and Peter followed. Bill and Alan had now arrived on site and were also misled by the aerial into searching the wrong area. Eventually they both clocked in and we adjourned to the Hare and Hounds in West End for a well earned pint or two.

Thanks to David Ryan for putting on an interesting and challenging event.

John Mullins